By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has signed an executive order banning the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the State.
The federal government has on September 17 proscribed IPOB and labeled it a terrorist organisation.
But in a statement signed Kelvin Ebiri, Special Assistant (Media) to Governor Wike, said the divisive nature of IPOB propaganda makes the second ban imperative.
“The State government is opposed to the presence and activities of the legally-proscribed and anarchic IPOB and whatever it stands for in Rivers State.
“And so, let it be understood that we have nothing against all or any specific tribe and will continue to live in peace with people of all other tribal extractions residing or doing business in Rivers State.
“But we have everything against the presence and activities of the legally-proscribed IPOB and whatever that group stands for in Rivers State.
“This is clearly a terrorist group which existence, creed, mission and activities are strongly denounced even by the Government and peoples of South-Eastern States of the country.
“I have, therefore, signed the executive order to reinforce the total ban on IPOB and its activities in Rivers State or any part thereof and nothing will stop us from enforcing this ban in its entirety.
“ I have directed security agencies and the Chairmen of Local Government Areas to fish out and resolutely deal with any member of IPOB found in any community following the executive order and other legal instruments,” he said.