- They warned that anyone commemorating Nigeria’s Independence with the flag in Biafraland would face severe consequences
On Friday, the Indigenous People of Biafra declared their intention to halt activities across the entire South-East geopolitical zone on October 1, Independence Day, ensuring the event doesn’t take place in the region.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the nation’s trajectory over the past 63 years, the group emphasized that the South-East hasn’t been adequately acknowledged as a part of Nigeria. They warned that anyone commemorating Nigeria’s Independence with the flag in Biafraland would face severe consequences.
The group urged the region’s governors and political leaders to refrain from participating in the celebrations, affirming that the Nigerian flag would not be raised in the South-East on October 1. This message was conveyed by the group’s Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Friday.
The statement read, “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.
“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 Nigeria Government and Nigeria citizens have time after time demonstrated that we are not part of them; and therefore, we must do everything possible to liberate ourselves from the bondage of Nigeria.
“As Nigeria’s government plans to celebrate her flag Independence from Britain, we advise eastern region governors and political leaders to shun the October 1st Independence celebration in our region.
“Moreso, we advise Biafrans not to attend any Independence celebration anywhere within Biafra territory or outside of it. Hence, IPOB has banned the Independence Day celebration and flying of Nigeria flags in any part of Biafraland on October 1st, 2023.
“After 63 years of flag independence of Nigeria from Britain, there is nothing to show for it. Ordinary electricity, security, or good roads Nigeria can’t provide for her citizens.
“As little as conducting free and fair election has been impossible in the most fantastically corrupt nation in the world called Nigeria. Every institution in Nigeria has been polluted and corrupted by bribery and stealing.”
It further maintained the leaders of the country were paying lip-service towards protection of lives and property, adding, “Nigeria is a destiny destroyer for all nations inside it and every citizen therein.”
“Other smaller African nations can boast of providing a safe, secure, and productive country for their citizens, but Nigeria keeps going from bad to worse.”
The Ebonyi State Police Command said operatives of the police force will ensure round-the-clock security surveillance in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
“Residents should go about their lawful businesses without fear of threat or intimidation, and report any suspicious person or thing to the nearest police station,” it added.