The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged the Federal Government to ask the military to immediately stop its military operation in the South-East.

The group said the presence of the military was an invasion of the region.

Ohanaeze stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja and signed by its President General, Chief John Nwodo.

Nwodo said there were more civilised and established practices to resolve our democratic and security challenges.

Nwodo said, “In a democracy, the level of disenchantment expressed by the people of the South-East of Nigeria ought to have provoked a serious dialogue between our people and the Federal Executive and the Legislature.

“History teaches us that the continuous use of force to silence dissent and free speech will only accelerate the growth of dissent and dissatisfaction.

“Fundamental Rights of freedom of expression are critical for a successful democracy.”

Azeez