By Kolawole Ojebisi
The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed disappointment with the Federal Government for reportedly not taking a punitive action against a popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, for urging the government to recruit and arm Igbo youths to fight their brothers in the secessionist organisation.
Gumi had claimed that this measure would help in tackling the activities of the proscribed organization in the South-East.
But in a press statement on Friday, the spokesman for the pro-Biafran group, Emma Powerful, described Gumi’s statement as “genocidal,” asserting that the Islamic cleric was not only speaking for himself but also for other entities.
He said: “IPOB is putting the world on notice about the genocidal intent contained in the inciting statements from Sheikh Gumi. Recently, Gumi advised the Federal Government to recruit and arm Igbo youths to fight IPOB and ESN members in Biafra land.
“It is obvious that Gumi is not just speaking for himself…”
The proscribed group further urged the south East states, the diplomatic community, Amnesty International, Intersociety Group, Human Rights Watch, United Nations, AU, and all reputable human rights organisations to take note of Gumi’s statement.