Tiv youths back Buhari over crackdown on secessionists 

The Tiv Youth Council Worldwide, TYC, has thrown its weight of support behind President Muhammadu Buhari over his recent crackdown on secessionists, especially the recent re-arrest of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and the raid on the residence of the self-acclaimed Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho.

The group, in a statement signed by its President, Mike Msuaan, noted that any attempt to treat secessionist individuals and groups with kid gloves could throw the country in to deeper crises beyond anyone’s imagination.

Mr Msuaan, therefore, hailed the Federal Government’s efforts, especially the use of diplomatic channels in effecting the arrest of Mr Kanu, saying that, that was a feat that has restored the confidence of Nigerians in Mr. President’s fight against criminal elements and secessionists.

“We are particularly pleased to identify ourselves with the Nigerian government and her wide security networks that have made it possible to seamlessly arrest and bring back Mr. Nnamdi Kanu who had been a thorn and an embarrassment to the Federal Government via his numerous broadcasts and inflammatory comments” the group added.

The group further praised the commitment of the security agencies in their efforts to protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and quelling all forms of criminalities in the country.

While recalling how Mr Kanu had absconded after he was granted bail, the group lamented that the IPOB leader equally flaunted all the bail conditions, a situation that was very embarrassing and demeaning to the federal government.

“However, the federal government assured Nigerians that justice will be done and indeed that promise has been fulfilled,” the group added.

“Over the few years of fighting to evade justice, Nnamdi Kanu constantly made videos and radio broadcasts that were treasonable and highly inflammatory. This led to serious of attacks on security and other government structures and personnel, a situation that could not be allowed to linger on forever,” the group noted.

“Several terrorists and secessionist movements had sprung across the country in blatant disregard to the constitution and laid down rules, from those desirous of having an Islamic Caliphate in the North to the Biafran and Odudua separatist movements in the East and Western part of the country respectively.

“These have become a major threat to the territorial integrity of Nigeria and her continued peaceful existence. This must not be allowed to continue as there are several ways of addressing grievances in a democracy.

“No nation can fold it’s arms and watch terrorists and secessionists build up an army and endanger peace and security. The arrest on Kanu and the similar other efforts being made by the federal government to restore peace and order are commendable and must be supported by all and sundry,” the statement noted.