Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, Shuts Down The Entire Abia State With Immediate Effect, Calls The Nigeria Military To Immediate Order
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There is growing tension in the South-East zone of the country, following clash between the Nigeria Army and members of the indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, over the invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s residence.
To quell the pandemonium in Aba, Abia State, Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has imposed a three-day curfew on the commercial city.
The Governor, called on the Military to carry out their operation in line with the international standard of engagement within the civilian population, and in accordance with respect for human rights.
“Meanwhile, Aba residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6 pm to 6 am from today 12/09/2017 to 14/09/2017”, Ikpeazu said.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, the Governor acknowledged the tension in the State, noting that for the past few days, Abia had been the focus of security searchlight, “occasioned by the reported skirmish between some groups in the State, especially Indigenous People of Biafra and men of the Nigeria Army.
“Government notes and has observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara – Umuahia, the ancestral home of the Leader of IPOB for some months now.”
He explained that, while the operation as declared by the Army is intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities, and other forms of criminal activities within the region, the confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB last Sunday, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of Operation Python Dance II.
Urging the Military to operate within the ambit of the law, Ikpeazu said: “The Abia State Government unequivocally states that Abia is a component State of the federal republic of Nigeria, and subscribes to the supremacy of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws.”
“While the government of Abia State recognizes the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens, such duties must be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and International standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.
“The Abia State Government is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens and others residing and doing business within the geographical entity called Abia State.”
To the people of the State, the Governor said: “Persons residing within the State are strongly advised to remain law abiding, while going about their lawful business without fear of molestation, and not engage in any form of confrontation with Military personnel or other security agents.
“The Government recognizes the Constitutional Right to Freedom of Movement for all Nigerians, but objects to the influx of people into Abia State for purposes of unsettling the enduring peace in the State. Finally, Abia State will cooperate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law and order in the State.”
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