The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has demanded the unconditional de-proscription of the group labelled “terrorist” organization, insisting it was part of the terms for peace with the federal government and southeast governors.
IPOB made the demand on Sunday during a meeting with the highest Igbo socio-cultural association, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and leadership of the Prof Ben Nwabueze-led Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT).
The secessionists also demanded an end to all criminal prosecutions of their members arrested in various parts of the country over their self-determination agitation as well as the recognition of rights of individuals as contained in the Nigerian constitution.
Furthermore, they demanded compensation for all IPOB members killed during the last Operation Python Dance in the southeast and the prosecution of security men that murdered them.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Constitutional lawyer and elder statesman, Prof. Nwabueze noted that the de-proscription of the organization as a “terrorist” one was key among other demands presented at the meeting.
Nwabueze, who stated that Ndigbo was desirous for the peace, unity and development of the country, said such was not achievable with the level of disenchantment in the land by various groups.
The legal luminary said this was part of the reasons why Ndigbo was pursuing for the restructuring of the country, as it would automatically checkmate such agitations.
“This is what we told the IPOB members who attended the meeting in their number and made several demands. We will surely continue our discussions with them. That is why we are involving the governors of the zone and calling for another meeting in Enugu on August 8 to enable continue. We had met some days ago in Enugu with the leadership of IPOB and that was where we agreed for a ceasefire on attacks on Ohanaeze leadership and the rest of the country. I am happy to report that they have abided by the terms of that agreement and are willing to discuss further,” said Nwabueze who was flanked during the briefing by Ohanaeze President General, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Bishop Emeritus, Rt Revd Maxwell Anikwenwa, leaders of Jewish worshippers among others.
He also touted the idea of rotation of the office of the president, which according to him, would give a sense of belonging to all the geo-political zones.
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