The Nigerian army has confirmed the arrest of veteran
Nigerian actor, Chiwetala Agu for allegedly inciting the public and soliciting
support for the indigenous peoples of Biafra, IPOB, in Onitsha, Anambra state.
Recall NigerianEye had reported how the Troops of the
Nigerian Army arrested the veteran actor who was draped in the Biafran flag at
Upper Iweka Road, Onitsha, in Anambra state earlier on Thursday.
According to the Nigerian Army, Chiwetala Agu’s actions
negates the peace efforts in the region given the security situation in the
state that has degenerated in the past few months leading to wanton killings
and kidnappings.
In a statement signed by the Director of Army public
relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian army says contrary
to reports of brutalization, the veteran actor was merely taken into custody
for further investigation.
He said, “Troops of the Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one
Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support
for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed
group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of
the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted putting up some
resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not
assaulted or subjected to brutalization.”
The Nigerian Army, however, acknowledges the rights of
individuals of expression but stressed that such rights “must be done within
the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national
security.”
“While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the
citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation
for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of
law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such
freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the
imperative for peace, and national security.
“For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous
People of Biafra(IPOB) remains proscribed. Therefore, any individual or group
seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is
viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.”
“More worrisome was the fact that considering the prevailing
security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN
DAWN, his action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed
group. We have all witnessed the activities of the group take a violent
dimension in recent times.
The Army noted that Chiwetalu Agu was not brutalised as
reported in sections of the media but was merely taken into custody for further
investigation.
“Chiwetalu Agu has clearly demonstrated an uncharitable
disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into
custody for preliminary investigation. It is important to once again place on
record that the allegation that he was brutalized is false and should be
disregarded accordingly.
“While the NA would not allow IPOB and its sponsors to hold
the region captive and allow the security situation to degenerate, it is
instructive to restate that national interest supersedes any parochial
consideration. Individuals or groups who fan the embers of violence are warned
to desist or face the consequences of their actions. The ongoing Exercises are
on course and will rid the region of all forms of criminality.
“The peace-loving and law-abiding people of the South East
are enjoined to please
go about their normal activities, as efforts are ongoing to
bring perpetrators of violence to book. They are equally urged to continue to
support the security agencies to restore normalcy to the region in furtherance
of peace.
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