BY CHARLES KUMOLU

A UNITED KINGDOM, UK,-based group, Nigeria Round-table Group, has condemned what it described as the ongoing military crackdown in the South Eastern part of Nigeria tagged operation Python Dance.

The group which is a coalition of South-East, South-West, and South-South groups and professionals in the United Kingdom at an emergency meeting in London noted  that the conditions that allowed for the deployment of the army in any part of the country as provided for in Section 217 (2)(c) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution had not arisen.

A statement by Messrs Felix Adejumo ,TochukwuEzeoke and Charles Omoregie said the Nigerian Army had no business getting involved in the duties of the Police.

The statement reads: ‘’We, therefore, advise the Federal Government to desist from this reprehensive act as Nigeria is not at war with itself or anyone as the circumstances provided for deployment of the Army has not arisen.

“Using Nigerian Army to repel what appears to be a legitimate agitation by the people of the South East region demanding a referendum is a right of any people.

“This act of military deployment by the Nigeria government amounts to aggression in the absence of any breakdown of law and order

The Nigeria Round Table, United Kingdom declared their support for the Ibadan Declaration by the South-west Nigeria; and described it as the way to go in sustaining peace, equity, security and development in Nigeria.

The group also indicated interest in partnering with the organisers to ensure that Nigeria is restructured to benefit all her citizens.