De-Proscription Of IPOB, Nzuko Umunna Requests Ohaneze Ndigbo To Intervene

Nzuko Umunna, a social-cultural organisation in Nigeria and the Diaspora has written to the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo to facilitate in the de-proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In their letter to chief John Nnia Nwodo dated 27th of August, 2020, it reads as follows:

1. We bring you fraternal greetings from your esteemed subjects at Nzuko Umunna.
2. We commend your stellar leadership which has given confidence to our people to continue in their quest for a just and egalitarian society where their right to live as free and noble citizens in dignity and peace is secured.
3. We note the recent gruesome killing at Emene, Enugu State of many Igbo youths allegedly suspected to be members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
4. It is noteworthy that this continued bloodletting by security agencies especially among the ranks of Igbo youths suspected to be members of IPOB has largely gone unchallenged.
5. What is more, these killings seem to have become more frenzied on the heels of the highly controversial proscription of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in January 2018. It has become apparent that the security agencies now use the controversial proscription as a veritable excuse and smokescreen not only to unleash mayhem on unarmed Igbo youths but to also escape justice in light of these grave extra-judicial killings.
6. It is highly instructive that IPOB has always professed a commitment to non-violence.
7. We note that similar organisations in Nigeria including the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Arewa Youths Forum (AYF) have neither witnessed the level of onslaught unleashed on IPOB members nor has the Federal Government made any move to proscribe them.
8. In an era when rampaging killer-herdsmen are roaming around with sophisticated weapons including AK-47 rifles unchallenged by security agencies, it is unacceptable that a group that has consistently professed non-violence should be shut out from exercising its rights as secured by Nigeria’s Constitution.
9. We are deeply concerned that this unrestrained bloodletting among Igbo youths by the security agencies may worsen in the build-up to the next general elections.
10. We note that the rights of indigenous peoples to self-determination are secured under International Law and by sundry United Nations instruments and convention.
11. In particular, we note the observation of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz that there is a “systematic violation” of the rights of indigenous people’s through arbitrary arrests and “labelling of indigenous organisations, leaders and activists as terrorists.”
12. Accordingly, we urge you to use your good offices to mobilize men and women of goodwill towards a de-proscription of IPOB. This will stem this continued bloodletting among Igbo youths and ensure accountability within the IPOB ranks, as the activities of its members will not be carried out in a covert manner.
13. We thank you for your anticipated fatherly intervention and usual indulgence.
14. Please accept the assurances of our highest regard and consideration.

SIGNED

Ngozi Odumuko
Co-ordinator, Nzuko Umunna

Paschal Mbanefo
Secretary, Nzuko Umunna

CC:

1. Archbishop AJV Obinna
2. Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma
3. HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe
4. Prof Ben Nwabueze
5. Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu
6. HRM Igwe Lawrence Agubuzo
7. Archbishop Christopher Edeh
8. South East CAN
9. South East Civil Society Organizations
10. Nigeria Bar Association (Onitsha Branch)

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