It's not surprising that the Nigerian army has changed its mind on last week’s announcement categorising the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) as a terrorist
organisation.
At the time, there were quick calls for restraint from across the political divide, considering the history of ethnic tension in the country, as well as the Nigerian army’s human rights record in suppressing unrest.
It was clear that senior politicians and government officials wanted to distance themselves from any violent action that would follow.
In last week’s statement, the army did not indicate what course of action it would take against Ipob but it warned the public against joining the group.
It has since stuck to this line, saying the announcement was only a message for public awareness – ‘a pronouncement’ and ‘not a declaration’.
Semantics is often the culprit in the Nigerian army’s PR gaffes, of which we’ve seen a number in recent years, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram.
Legal professionals within the country has generally condemned the proscription which they said is an usurpation of th powers of the national assembly and that of the president, This was given credence by Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki;s condemnation of the proscription by overzealous Army/
At the time, there were quick calls for restraint from across the political divide, considering the history of ethnic tension in the country, as well as the Nigerian army’s human rights record in suppressing unrest.
It was clear that senior politicians and government officials wanted to distance themselves from any violent action that would follow.
In last week’s statement, the army did not indicate what course of action it would take against Ipob but it warned the public against joining the group.
It has since stuck to this line, saying the announcement was only a message for public awareness – ‘a pronouncement’ and ‘not a declaration’.
Semantics is often the culprit in the Nigerian army’s PR gaffes, of which we’ve seen a number in recent years, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram.
Legal professionals within the country has generally condemned the proscription which they said is an usurpation of th powers of the national assembly and that of the president, This was given credence by Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki;s condemnation of the proscription by overzealous Army/
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