IPOB: Saraki saved Buhari from embarrassment – Northern Elders Forum

North Elders’ Forum (NEF) described as unnecessary, the alleged rift between‎ the presidency and the National Assembly over the declaration of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation.
President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, on Monday, faulted the action of the military, and said it is only a legislation from the National Assembly could make such declaration.
This was immediately countered by the presidency, in a statement by special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution, Okoi Obono-Obla, who said the declaration by the army was in order.
But Chairman of the Northern Elders’ Forum, Dr. Paul Unongo said at a press conference yesterday‎ said there is no issue in what Saraki said.
Instead, Unongo said Saraki should be commended for drawing President Buhari’s attention to the legal lacuna in his handling of the IPOB crisis.
According to him,‎ but for Saraki’s intervention, Buhari would have been taken to court and embarrassed over the proscribtion of the group.
The NEF also commended South East governors for denouncing the activities of IPOB.
The NEF however, believes that various agitations in the country could be resolved through dialogue.
“We wish to reiterate our consistent position that there are no issues of disagreement and demands by individuals and groups in the country or anywhere in the world that dialogue cannot resolve.
“The NEF acknowledges that we the citizens of Nigeria, are capable of resolving our issues internally.
“The North recognizes and acknowledges that there are demanding and legitimate questions on the current operations of the Nigerian State.
“The North has very clear ideas on all issues and positions that the nation sees as challenges and is willing to dialogue on all of them,” he said.
According to him, the north is not averse to negotiation, but said the region would not succumb to intimidation.
“What the North will not allow, however, is to be stampeded into adopting an agenda and grand designs from other parts of Nigeria which will hurt its basic interests.
“The North will demand a respectful and responsible approach to its participation in the search for answers to the many questions confronting our country.
“We will also insist that the Constitution and our national institutions, such as the National Assembly be accorded due and appropriate recognition in all initiatives and efforts towards addressing our challenges,” Unongo stated.
He called for investigation into reported cases of illegal arms importation into the country and to bring those found culpable to justice.
The NEF Chairman advised‎ state and federal governments to be firm and decisive in handling national security challenges.
“In the interest of peace, unity and stability of our great country and the wellbeing of her people, we hereby call upon the Attorney-General of the Federation and the relevant judicial authorities to continue to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour,” he added.