Lawyer, Onyebuchi Ememanka
A Legal practitioner, Onyebuchi Ememanka has condemned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members for hoisting Biafra flag in the South-East region of Nigeria, saying it is an affront to the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria as a nation.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television programme, State of the Nation, Ememanka said the best approach should have been dialogue, instead of hoisting the flag of a planned country inside a sovereign nation, Nigeria.
“From a strict legal perspective, that is unacceptable, to fly the flag of a planned country inside a sovereign nation. It is an affront to the sovereignty of the country.
“The approach would have been to find out the underlining factors that have brought us to where we are and possible engagement in dialogue instead of an outright military action.”
He said although mobilizing military personnel to the troubled region will accelerate peace, the soldiers are gradually leaving the streets of Aba and Umuahia just like the Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has said.
“The militarisation of our region is going to accelerate the peace process and we are happy that the soldiers are beginning to withdraw from the streets.
“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu did say that there was going to be a gradual withdrawal of troops from the streets of Aba and Umuahia to allow tension to come down. I am happy to inform you that, that is happening.
“The Inspector General of Police (on Friday) approved the deployment of 500 anti-riot policemen, who will take over manning the streets from the soldiers.
“We believe that this will accelerate the peace process. Our people are peaceful people and tension is coming down and life is returning to normal.”
