A Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Project Nigeria first has commended governors of the Northern states for seizing the initiative to meet their south-east counterpart in order to douse the tension created by activities of the separatist movement, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, National Coordinator of the group, Mr Uche Nwabukwu, said the move contributed in no small measure to mitigate tension in the country, as it noted that IPOB action could have precipitated crisis in the North.
The group commended what it called the timely deployment of troops of troops by the federal government to checkmate the activities of IPOB and its proscription.
“The proactive measures to prevent reprisals undertaken by governors in the north, as well as the visit in solidarity to the south-east and south-south states did so much to mitigate the situation.
“We condemn, in very strong terms those who directly or indirectly support IPOB by stirring controversy over the legality of deploying troops to the south-east and the proscription of IPOB.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the process for the proscription of IPOB and the process is on as we speak. On the other hand, we confidently say, if the President had waited to conclude legal procedures before taking action the country may have gone up in flames. You and I may not have been there today.
“Therefore, we commend President Buhari for being proactive and pragmatic. By his action, he has given truth to the maxim: Law is made for man, not man for law.”
The group further called on South-East Governors to work with traditional and religious leaders to pacify those sympathetic to the causer of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), especially youths.
He further urged parents and guardians to caution their wards from engaging in acts that were inimical to the peace and unity of the country.
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