Bukola Saraki says the categorisation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
as a terrorist organisation by the defence headquarters and proscription of the
group by south-east governors did not follow due process.
The military and governors from the south-east moved against
IPOB on Friday.
In a statement released on Monday, Saraki said due
processes must be followed in accordance with the law before such declaration
can have effect.
The senate president expressed hope that President
Muhammadu Buhari would initiate the right process for declaring IPOB a terrorist
group, saying this would demonstrate to the world at large that “we are a
country that operates by laid down process”.
“I also wish to state that
the announcement of the proscription of the group known as IPOB by governors of
the south-east states and the categorisation of the group as a terrorist
organisation by the Nigerian military is unconstitutional and did not follow due
process,” the statement read.
“Our laws make clear provisions for taking
such actions and without the due process being followed, such declaration cannot
have effect.
to maintain peace and tranquillity and go about their lawful business. This
crisis will not benefit anybody but would only expose innocent people to
unwarranted danger.”
Saraki added that the national assembly will embark
on a “fact-finding mission” to the south-east.
