Imeobi Ohanaeze Nndigbo condemns operation python dance in South East

The Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the decision of the Nigerian Army to commence Operation Python Dance in the South East, saying the action at this point in time is regrettable and called for immediate termination of the exercise.

The group raisinf from a meeting held at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu on Saturday, said military option is never a solution to problem of nation-building.

“We refer for instance to the goings on in Spain, Scotland and other parts of the world to reaffirm that only through dialogue can the national question be resolved. Consequently, we condemn all acts of violence in pursuance of freedom of expression.

In a communigue endorsed by its President – General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo and Uche Okwukwu esq, issued at the end of the meeting. Imeobi noted that the continued policy of marginalization of South East Nigeria as the basic cause of the renewed agitation by the separatist groups.

“The unfortunate loss of lives during the Armed Forces intervention is deplorable, and Imeobi sympathize with the bereaved families”.

The group said it is the sole responsibility of the Police in every democracy is to maintain law and order and protection of lives and property of its citizens.

They, however, commend the efforts of the Governors of the South East, South East National Assembly Caucus and Ohanaeze leadership to douse the tension in the South East zone, urging them to continue in their efforts until normalcy is restored.

“A united Nigeria under a restructured federal system of government that guarantees justice, equity and farness is the best system for this country. Accordingly, Ohanaeze is mandated to organize a Special Summit soonest of Igbo nation in support of the restructuring agenda.

“That Imeobi supports all the resolutions of the Southern Leaders’ Forum.

“That Imeobi resolved that IPoB is not a terrorist organization. There are processes under extant national and international laws, especially the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011, as Amended in 2015 to determine whether a group is or not a terrorist organization.

“That Imeobi approved the dissolution of the National Executives of Youth and Women Wings of Ohanaeze.