A South East professional group has condemned the unlawful activities of members of the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, especially as they relate to the profiling of Fulani herdsmen in the geo-political zone of the country.
Specifically, the coalition maintained that peaceful Fulani herders, like other citizens, have the inalienable right to live and reside in any part of Nigeria without molestation, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
The group, operating under the aegis of Coalition of South-East Professional Network in Nigeria and Diaspora (CSEPNND), reacted to Kanu and members of his group for portraying Igbo as a violent people, who do not have the sense of accommodation and hospitality.
Insisting that the people of South-East are peaceful, amiable and accommodating, the professional group reiterated the fact that the unity of Nigeria remained non-negotiable, even as it enjoined Ndigbo within and outside to denounce Kanu and IPOB.
In a statement, by its National President, Prof. Madumere Chika, CSEPNND reminded Ndigbo both at home and in the diaspora that a court of competent jurisdiction had proscribed IPOB, and accordingly labelled it a terrorist organisation.
To this end, the coalition said dealing or identifying with IPOB under whatever guise, is treasonable; a serious offence against the State.
Also, the group condemned in its entirety the illegal outfit called Eastern Security Network (ESN), operated by the Activist and Freedom Fighter Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying there could not be a government-within-a-government.
This was as it thanked Hausa/Fulani in the North and across the country for remaining calm and restraint, saying the action was commendable.
“We, therefore, call on the military and security agencies to move in, arrest and subject all elements operating under the ESN to deserved justice, while dismantling the illegal platform forthwith.“we commend the peaceful conduct of our Hausa/Fulani brothers in their domain and outside for not taking the law into their own hands, in the face of glaring provocation by Kanu and his followers, the group said in the statement.
“We are particularly pained that this disposition is painting the Igbos in a bad light, especially among undiscerning members of the public, who may not understand that Kanu’s disposition is self-serving and criminal in nature, and not altruistic, as he wants the world to believe.
“We are further using this platform to distance ourselves and the Igbos in general, from the threats issued to peaceful Fulani herders in parts of the South East, as we have always maintained that the freedom to reside and conduct legitimate business in any part of the country, is sacrosanct.
“To our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers all over the world, we challenge you all to rise in unison to condemn all that Mazi Kanu does, propagates and stands for.
“We are alarmed that this group would be allowed freedom of action, thereby constituting themselves into a parallel security organisation.
“The need to deploy all lawful force to dismantle this contraption has become urgent and compelling, considering their violent attacks on both civilians and security agencies, with attendant deaths and destruction of property. While it’s a known fact that the people of south-east have been marginalized and are still marginalized we appeal to our people to remain calm and continue to push for their rights through lawful channels".
During an interactive sections with some people from the eastern region, the people maintained that:
"The Fulani herders, like other citizens, have the right to live and reside in any part of Nigeria without molestation, as long as they do that by not living in their bushes."It is espected that the fulani's will go to the cities and co-habit with people of the state,by securing and paying for accomodation of their choice as the easterners and every well meaning Nigeria have done in every part of the country and not going to occupy their forest".
