The attention of the Coalition of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Good Governance in Nigeria (COCMEGG) has been drawn to the various unpatriotic hues and cries by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, irredentist movements and few elements within the country calling for the breakup of Nigeria and withdrawal of the army from the South-East due to the patriotic and strategic initiative of operation “Python Dance 2” carried out by the Nigerian army in defence of the territorial integrity of the nation to also safeguard lives and properties. COCMEGG wishes to state that it is a normal army routine exercise to check mate internal strife, insurrection and rising security challenges anywhere else in the world and Nigeria is not an exception, as it is presently being done in the South East due to the rate of kidnappings, banditry, assassinations, secessionist activities and other forms of criminalities.
Since the proactive and patriotic present Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T.Y Buratai, took over the mantle of leadership; the army has greatly reduced the ferocity of Boko Haram insurgents, curtailed farmers/ herdsmen clashes across the country and also nipped in the bud, various unpatriotic elements who are fanning the embers of war within the country. Nigerians have never been so proud of the professional focus of the army as regards to the safeguarding of the territorial integrity of the nation and the high motivation “espirit de corps” of the men and officers including conforming with the best global practices as it relates to human rights and civility of the army in this democratic dispensation. The army leadership has shown leadership, commitment, selflessness and patriotism in the handling of the affairs and security of the nation and as such, should be commended by all and sundry for making Nigerians sleep with their eyes closed.
Arising from an executive emergency meeting convened in Lagos few days ago by the Coalition, we are constrained to issue the following statement.
1. We condemn in strong terms, the pronouncements, threats, deaths, blackmail and secessionist activities being carried out by Nnamdi Kanu and the IPOB members within the South-East geo-political region. That their agitations, wanton killings, maiming’s and insurrection are not in tandem with the fundamental rights of the freedom of expression which are critical to any successful democracy. The name calling of the nation and issue of threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty should be treated with all seriousness and Kanu should be called to order. That this nation is greater than any individual or group of persons.
2. The usage of the word “Zoo” to describe the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not only barbaric, unpatriotic but unbecoming of a Nigerian youth who is clamoring for the rights of a few individuals because position begets leadership. These despicable utterances and uncouth languages used against the Nigerian State are unwarranted and therefore should be stopped forthwith. Nigerians are aware that Kanu has broken all known bail conditions granted him by Justice Nyako and he is still a free man in spite of breaking the conditions given to him. Why fomenting and heating the polity unnecessarily and beating the drums of war while expecting the Nigerian nation to stand aloof and watch the shenanigans meted to the public by IPOB members. Enough is enough. The security of the country is sacrosanct and as such, the army as professionally led, has done what can be done to avert the breakdown of law and order in the South-East as a result of these criminalities and insurrectionist activities.
3. While we commend the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo for their fatherly role and the South-East Governors forum for showing leadership, we make hay to state, that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and that the country should not be taken for granted while Nnamdi Kanu makes life unbearable for a lot of Nigerians and still threatens to stop elections in Anambra state. The silence of the nation should not be taken for cowardice. This country is greater than any individual and as such, Kanu should stop heating and creating tension unnecessarily in the South-East and abide by all bail conditions granted him.
4. The indivisibility of Nigeria and the role of the military in contemporary times such as this should be uppermost in our hearts. “Citizenship should be our priority than indigeneship”. We condemn the divisive tendencies, hate speeches and any kind of war mongering by these irredentist movements and so called leaders whose legitimacy as leaders are questionable and who are using the present circumstances coupled with youth unemployment to fan the embers of disunity and hate and as such should be called to order. We urge Nigerians to shun every divisive act capable of further polarizing the country on ethnic lines and discountenance the discordant tunes of Nnamdi Kanu calling for self-agitation based on greed as championed by these so called IPOB members and warn of the dire consequences of another civil war.
5. We call on Nnamdi Kanu to stop championing his selfish agenda and sowing the seeds of discord, disharmony and disaffection in the South-East region in order to feather his nest. To stop forthwith and toe the line of dialogue in the interest of peace and unity. We must create by all means necessary, a country that we can collectively call our home irrespective of tongues, religion and tribe. That despite the diverse identities and our difference in culture, tradition and religion, Nigeria must thrive and we also call for the respect of our plurality and tolerance to ensure that social justice reigns supreme.
6. COCMEGG commends the Chief of army Staff (COAS) and other service chiefs for containing the insurgency and insurrection and therefore pass a vote of confidence on the Army leadership for patriotism and nationalism. The Nigerian Army has rekindled hope and pledged its support for the Nigerian constitution and supportive of democratic structures of the country in whatever aspects. It has always carried out its duties within the acclaimed standards of engagements with the civil populace with due respect to the human rights of Nigerians and sanctity of human lives. What happened at NUJ Aba is rather unfortunate and should not repeat itself.
Signed

Omoba Kenneth Agbegbele Com. Faruk Umar
President, COCMEGG Publicity Secretary

Them no go hear

Bunch of idiots. I'm sure you won't find your voice to support them assuming your son was one of those killed in cold blood.