Osinbajo holds discussion with Governor Ikpeazu in Aso Rock.(Read More)

Unknown   September 19, 2017   Latest Gist   Comment  

- Vice President Yemi Osinbajo meets with inspector-general of police, Ibrahim Idris in Aso Rock

- Senate president Bukola Saraki faults army's decision to declare the IPOB a terrorist group

- President Buhari signs a proclamation proscribing the group

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state are currently in a closed door meeting in Aso Rock, Abuja.

Though details of the meeting has not been disclosed, Daily Trust reports that the parley between the two top government officials is likely connected with the unrest that has engulfed Abia state following the reported clash between soldiers and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The newspaper stated that earlier on Tuesday, September 19, the vice president had a similar meeting with the inspector-general of police, Ibrahim Idris.

Meanwhile, as controversies trail the Nigerian army's declaration of IPOB as a terrorist group and the proscription of the group by southeast governors, President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly signed a proclamation proscribing the group.

In a bid to take the heat off the Nigerian army, the president signed the presidential proclamation on Sunday before leaving for the US to attend the 72nd session of United Nations General Assembly.

Senate president Bukola Saraki, on Monday, September 19, said the army's decision to declare the IPOB a terrorist group and the southeast governor's proscription of same group did not follow due process.

The Senate president asked Buhari to 'do the needful' and initiate the right process, a step it seems the president has now taken by signing a proclamation forbidding activities of the IPOB.

A source in the attorney general’s office reportedly claimed that the president has effectively initiated the formal process of proscribing IPOB in accordance with the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN) is expected to head to court soon to give legal backing to the presidential proclamation.