The federal government is insisting that disgruntled elements within and outside Nigeria are the ones sponsoring the activities of the indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Tuesday, minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammad, maintained that government will not fold it's arms and watch the country slip into conflagration, even though citizens have the right to agitate within the ambit of the law. He said the government has begun process of proscription of IPOB in line with extant laws.

The ongoing federal government's clampdown on the activities of the IPOB is generating heated debates among Nigerians within and outside the country.

Approving the process for the proscription of the group by president Buhari before leaving for the 72nd United Nations (UN) Assembly is even giving the clampdown another dimension amid serial criticisms.

But responding to whether or not IPOB is a terrorist organisation, information minister insists that the group activities portends dangers and rhymes with those of international terrorist organizations.

The minister refused to take back his allegations that disgruntled politicians are behind IPOB activities.

He also condemned insinuation that what is happening in the south east is an intimidation of that geopolitical zone.

While commending governors of the southeast for ensuring peace in the region, Mohammed said the government will do all within its reach to suppress any agitation capable of causing disunity in the country.

Report by Nnabuchi