Python Dance III: HURIWA urges army to maintain cordial relationship with South East

Pro- and non-governmental organisation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the operatives of the Nigerian Army to maintain the cordial relationship it is enjoying amongst the people of South East of Nigeria especially as the Operation Python Dance III kicks off.

HURIWA, who spoke in Owerri, Imo State yesterday after an independent tour of Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States to assess the mood of the people towards the recently inaugurated operation encouraged voters to participate massively in the February and March general elections so as to elect only credible political office seekers who will abide by the Constitution and rebuild the South East into an economic and industrial hub.

National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko who led a three member investigative team stated that the general impressions they got is that the operation is geared towards assisting the Police and other law enforcement agencies to fish out armed gangs and organized criminals terrorizing law abiding citizens.

HURIWA said the findings, which also co-opted leaders of some community based organizations show that unlike the previous operation Egwu Eke II which was perceived as an isolated operation that targeted sympathizers and perceived members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and witnessed several conflicts between them and the armed forces leading to fatalities.

HURIWA expressed optimism that the armed operatives will abide by rules of engagement and not violate human rights of the citizens just as the group asked the citizens to partner with the armed forces to build a better society that will ensure peace and stability, which are necessary for economic growth of the society and promised to monitor the implementation of the operation to ensure compliance.