By Michael Peter, The Sight News
Abuja- The National Unity and Peace Corps has commended the decision of the Federal High Court to proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB as a terrorist group, describing it as a welcome development.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Chinedu Nneji who made the call at the 2017 United Nations International Day of Peace celebration, with the theme, “Together For Peace”, urged IPOB to tow the path of peace as the Court’s proscription has not closed up the possibility of the dialogue option in resolving their grievances.
According to him, “The decision of the federal high court will be respected, it still does not mean that we will not open our arms for dialogue. We still call on the members of IPOB to tow the path of peace, lay down their arms, embrace the peace that the federal government has introduced. The proscription that has been done by the Court is welcomed by us”.
Dr Nneji, also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill into law, saying that the bill would save Nigeria from the menace of criminality as its core mandates remain to engage the youths, conflict resolution, mediation and mitigation.
Recall that the Peace Corps bill, passed by the National Assembly, is now awaiting Presidential assent.
Assenting to the legislation would lead to the establishment of the Nigerian Peace Corps as an agency under the ministry of Youths and Sports Development.
Nigerian Peace Corps bill among others seeks to empower, develop and provide employment for youths, to facilitate peace, volunteerism, community services, neighbourhood watch and nation building. It is not clear if the President will sign the bill as the Presidency has not made comments on it.
