Army says MASSOB directive on Church memorial for civil war victims illegal, disrupting peace
The Nigerian Army says the directive of the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on church memorial for civil war victims is illegal.
In a statement on Friday in Enugu, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, said that the directive was aimed at disrupting the existing peace in South-East.
“The attention of Headquarters Operation UDO KA has been drawn to an illegal directive issued by MASSOB, directing churches in the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services in honour of civil war victims on May 30.
“Headquarters Operation UDO KA empathises deeply with families who lost loved ones during the civil war and acknowledge the sacrifices made to keep Nigeria united.
“The memories of those who paid the ultimate price remain indelible in our national consciousness,” he said.
Ayeni, however, said that it remained important to emphasise that there are already established national occasions legally recognised by the Federal Government to honour our fallen heroes.
According to him, these included: the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and Nigeria’s Independence Day; as these solemn occasions provide lawful platforms for reflection, unity and remembrance.
He noted that Operation UDO KA remembers with compassion the sacrifices of the fallen heroes, which can never be forgotten.
“However, true honour, lies in unity, peace, and lawful remembrance, not in illegal directives by some irredentists aimed at sowing division and causing panic in the region.
“The directive by MASSOB is therefore illegal, provocative, and must be disregarded by all.
“Any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“The Nigerian Army is aware that sympathisers of MASSOB and IPOB resolved to issue this illegal order to create chaos,” he said.
The army spokesman advised clerics, innocent citizens and youths to stay away from such plans, which are designed to destabilise the peace enjoyed in the entire South-East.
He said that Operation UDO KA reassured the general public, including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses without fear of intimidation.
Ayeni said that any individual or group that disrupts public peace or religion activities would face the full weight of the law.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives, property and ensuring peace across the South-East,” he added.