Daud Olatunji
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a prohibition on the observance of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations in the South-East region.
In a statement released by the group’s Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, IPOB emphasized that the historical events of the past 63 years have failed to demonstrate the South-East’s integration into Nigeria.
IPOB’s statement conveyed a strong message, warning that “Anyone seen celebrating the Nigeria flag Independence in Biafraland will regret his or her life.”
The group called upon regional governors and political leaders to abstain from participating in the exercise, affirming that no Nigerian flag would be raised in the zone on October 1.
“The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ably led by the Supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hereby call on Biafrans both home and in diaspora to shun participation in the Nigeria Independence Day Celebration on 1st October 2023,” the statement read.
It continued, “Every sensible Biafra citizen must understand that Nigeria detests Biafrans, particularly Ndigbo. Nigeria has rejected all our efforts to be treated as equal citizens.
Nigeria has marginalized Biafrans politically and economically. Since Nigeria has rejected us, we have also rejected Nigeria and her celebrations.”
The statement criticized the Nigerian government and its citizens for failing to provide essential services and cited issues like electricity, security, and infrastructure.
IPOB asserted that free and fair elections had proven elusive in Nigeria, and corruption had permeated every institution.
Moreover, the group accused the country’s leadership of paying lip service to the protection of lives and property, describing Nigeria as a “destiny destroyer.”
IPOB claimed that smaller African nations had succeeded in providing safe and productive environments for their citizens while Nigeria continued to deteriorate.
The statement concluded with a call for Biafrans to stay home and avoid any involvement in Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations on October 1, 2023.
It stressed that no Nigerian flags would be permitted to fly in Biafra territory on that day, urging residents to engage in personal activities or business unrelated to the celebrations.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing Biafra’s independence through a referendum and diplomatic channels.
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