IPOB: MACBAN frowns at Saraki's statement, calls for probe

- Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, is still facing criticisms for his stance on the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation

- One of such organisations not happy with Saraki is the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN)

- The group is the umbrella body for all Fulani herdsmen operating in Nigeria

Fulani herdsmen under the aegis of MACBAN, has urged the federal government to commence probe into the activities of the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, to ascertain if he was among those sponsoring Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB.

The national coordinator of MACBAN, Garus Gololo, who made the call in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, while speaking with newsmen, noted that the activities of IPOB in recent times demonstrated that it was more of a danger to the unity of Nigeria than the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

According to him, the statement made by Saraki, faulting the proscription of the group by the federal government, was inciting and a clear signal that Saraki might be supporting the agitation by IPOB to divide Nigeria.

Saraki had last week faulted the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organization. Photo credit: Senate President's media team

He also said Saraki was no longer fit to lead the Senate by making such a statement.

He further argued that Saraki ’s presence in the National Assembly was a threat to the unity and oneness of Nigeria.

His words: “I think it is a high-time the federal government commenced full scale investigation into Senator Bukola Saraki’s activities in the Senate. I doubt if that man has the interest of this country, Nigeria, at heart.

“For the number three citizen to be saying different things from the government, which he is fully part and parcel of, shows that Saraki hates Nigeria, Buhari and Fulani herdsmen and as such, his leadership is in doubt and he should step aside.

“We can’t continue to have someone in power that would declare support for a group agitating to break up Nigeria. We are for one Nigeria and in unity we stand.

“The ability of the government to declare IPOB as a terrorist group has saved the country from a premeditated war that could have led to the collapse of the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.”

He described the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist group as a ‘’right step in a right direction.’’

Saraki had last week condemned the ban on the activities of IPOB by the southeast governors and its classification as a terrorist group by the Nigerian military.

He stated that the army's decision to declare IPOB a terrorist group did not follow due process.

He, however, commended the military effort in restoring peace to Abia state and all other southeast cities after the crises with the IPOB.