Barely 3 days after the Defence Headquarters labeled the IPOB as a terrorist group in Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, on Monday evening has come out to deny the statement.
Speaking during the official launch of Operation Python Dance II in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, the Army Chief argued that what the Defence Headquarters did was to make a pronouncement on IPOB and not a declaration. He added that the statement of the military gave room for the right steps to be taken on the matter.
According to Buratai: “You have to get it very clear. First of all, what the Defence Headquarters did was to make pronouncement. It wasn’t a declaration per se. But this has given room for the right step to be taken. I think the government is doing the right thing.
“It is not that we are overstepping our bounds. We are still within the limits. And I ensure you that what the military said was to set the ball rolling and to bring the awareness to the public that this is what this organization is all about. I’m happy that the government has done the right thing right now"
The Chief of Army staff, General Tukur Buratai went on to assure the people of the Southeast that the Army will abide by the rule of law and rules of engagement in carrying out Operation Egwu Eke II which kicked off on Saturday in the region.
Also in a courtesy to Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, the Chief of Army Staff noted that the exercise was targeted at improving the security situation of the zone which according to him, was very strategic to the security of the country.
According to him the exercise will help to bring about the much needed peace and security and also be used to train the Military in basic internal security.
“They army have taken into cognizance the security of the people in deployment of it’s personnel for the operation”.
He said the army in carrying out the operation will liaise and work with other security agencies in the region.
“The army is very sensitive to the cultural norms of the people and will abide by all the rules of engagement and code of conduct that have been laid down which is quite in tandem with the Constitution”.
He also stated that some of the activities of the exercise will include Patrols, indoor battle exercises, Civil-Military cooperation activities like medical outreach, sanitation, donation of books to schools etc.
With all this said, he made an appeal for understanding, as it is just an exercise to help improve security of lives and property within the zone.
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