… To meet with Traditional Rulers today
Following the clash between the Nigerian Army and the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Afaraukwu, Umuahia on Sunday, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has slammed a three day curfew in Aba, the commercial city of the state.
Governor Ikpeazu who announced the curfew while briefing newsmen at the end of the security meeting at Government House, Umuahia on Tuesday said that the curfew was to be observed between the hours of 6pm to 6am between September 12 to 14, 2017.
While noting the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afaraukwu, Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for some months now, the Governor maintained that the government was equally aware of the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the South – East geopolitical region of Nigeria.
He however informed that the operation as declared by the Army was intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of criminal activities.
Gov. Ikpeazu further claimed that the recent confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September, 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II.
According to him,”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.
Abians and others living within Abia, are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear, as efforts by Government will be made to reduce friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State.
“Meanwhile, Aba residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6am from today 12/09/2017 to 14/09/2017.
“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 Governor pointed out that the state government recognized 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.
He therefore stressed that Abia State would cooperate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law and order in the State.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has invited all the traditional rulers in the state to a crucial meeting at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia today .
According to a statement issued in Umuahia by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Enyinnaya Appolos said the meeting is to be held at 2.pm.
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