Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has excluded the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from terrorist groups in Nigeria.
IPOB, a secession group in the south-east region seeking separation from Nigeria, was proscribed by the Federal Government and listed as a terrorist group in Nigeria in September 2017 as the terrorist groups, Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Recall that the United Kingdom government in May 2022 accepted Nigerias classification of IPOB as a terrorist organisation and directed that IPOB members be excluded from its asylum programme.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has come under fire from critics and members of opposition parties when he excluded IPOB from the list of terror groups in his speech to commemorate Nigerias annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Labour Party candidate stated that he is committed to a One United and Secured Progressive Nigeria, and expressed dissatisfaction at the rate of unemployment, injustice, poverty, lack of opportunities, and exclusion.
The exclusion of IPOB from the terror groups in Nigeria by Obi did not come as surprise to some critics and opposition who accused the former Anambra State governor of being a sympathiser to the secessionist group.
Obi had reportedly insisted that IPOB did not constitute a threat to Nigeria.
The only thing I disagree with is naming IPOB terrorists. They are not terrorists. Those who took the decision may have information that I dont have, Obi was quoted to have said in a report.
I live in Onitsha, and I can tell you they are not terrorists. They (IPOB members) are people I pass on the road every time, (and) every day, he further stated.
The killings and unrest in south-east Nigeria have been credited to IPOB by the Nigerian Police. The separatist group has, however, disassociated itself from the claim, as it is protesting the detention of its leader Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.
Obi had also reportedly disclosed that if elected president in the February election, he will bring out jailed agitators and insurgents for dialogue.
