Uwazurike reveals why military invaded Abia

Goddy Uwazurike, the former President of Igbo Think-Tank group, Aka Ikenga, has said that the reason behind the recent military invasion of Abia state in the guise of Operation Python Dance is to destabilize the state and cause the declaration of a state of emergency.

He made this known on Thursday when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.

He said: “Despite a meeting between the two parties over the issue, the army had already made up its mind to stay, the governor’s announcement cannot alter the army’s decision.

“There is no miscommunication (between the military authorities and the state governor). Operation Python Dance or Egwu Eke as they want to put it is a very clever ploy by some people to destabilise Abia state, for just one purpose – to declare a State of Emergency.

“Remove the governor for a time, put a military man there and before they know it, the military man as governor will simply go and crush the young people. So there is no miscommunication.

“The governor maybe misfiling what is going on, they had an agreement but those people who brought those soldiers know what they are doing.”

“I am only speculating; how can I have a proof? Am I part of the military? I’m not heating up the issues. The governor made the broadcast because he believed they had an agreement. They had something they discussed and they would stick to it.”

Uwazurike’s comment comes barely 24 hours after Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state announced the gradual withdrawal of soldiers on the streets of Abia, following calls by eminent Nigerians that the troops be recalled back to the barracks.

The military, on the contrary, denied such claim, stressing that the initial Operation Python Dance would commence while charging all commanders involved to ensure it is carried out to its logical conclusion.