The umbrella body of the Ijaw youths, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, has called on the Federal Government to adopt dialogue in the resolution of the issues giving rise to pro-Biafra protests in some parts of the country.
The IYC in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, on Sunday, said adopting a military approach to crush pro-Biafra protesters as being suggested by some military operatives was not the solution.
The youth body said such approach would only escalate the crisis and therefore warned against military brutalisation and human rights abuse by security agencies.
The IYC said, “The right to peaceful protest is an integral part of a democratic society.
“The massive pro-Biafra protests in recent times have once more brought to the fore the need to honestly and holistically renegotiate the terms of Nigeria’s existence as a nation.
“To claim that all is well with Nigeria is self-deceit. The structure of Nigeria must be such that would allow people from different regions to develop at their own pace towards realisation of the full potential which is being hindered by the wish of people from other parts of the country.”
The IYC once again called for the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the founder of Radio Biafra and Director of the Indigenous people of Biafra.
It said Kanu, having been granted bail, and bail conditions fulfilled, it amounted to illegality for the Directorate of State Security to continue to keep him in detention.
The IYC advised national security agencies to have regard for the rule of law in the exercise of their constitutional functions.
Culled From PUNCH
