Security outfit not illegal, says IPOB

The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has faulted the position of South-East governors and other stakeholders who described the recently launched Eastern Security Network (ESN) by the leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu, as illegal.

IPOB in a statement issued on Saturday by its leader (Kanu) through the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, said contrary to the positions of the southeast governors, that the security network is legal.

IPOB had last week announced the inauguration of a security outfit; “Eastern Security Network” which it said was primarily targeted at checkmating the activities of criminal herdsmen in “Biafraland”.

But the southeast governors led by Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi had reportedly distanced the governments and people of the area from the IPOB security arrangement, an action that IPOB lambasted them for taking such decision.

IPOB in the statement titled “In Nigeria, SELF DEFENCE is LEGAL” quoting Sec. 59, Penal Code to justify their action states “Nothing is an offence of which is done in the lawful exercise of the right of private defence.

“Sec 32, Criminal Code states ‘It is not a crime to RESIST actual & unlawful violence’. #EasternSecurityNetwork is LEGAL!

“Any move we make is backed by the LAW. Take a look at some of these headlines emanating from Ebonyi State over the years, is it not justification and validation enough for the existence of #ESN?

“Anybody from Ebonyi State foolish enough, like Dave Umahi, to inform against #ESN will pay a heavy price for it. There will be no mercy,” warned IPOB. (The Nation)