The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a warning to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, urging them to tread carefully and not obstruct the aspirations of the Igbo people calling for a Biafra referendum.
In a resolute stance, IPOB emphasized their unwavering commitment to the pursuit of a Biafra referendum. Their spokesman, Emma Powerful, issued this warning in response to a comment made by Barrister Augustine Amaechi, a chieftain of Ohanaeze, who dismissed the idea of a referendum and advocated instead for restructuring.
Condemning Amaechi’s remark, Powerful branded those opposing the Biafra referendum as mere political opportunists.
The statement released by Powerful read in part: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the unguarded statements credited to one Abuja-based Ohaneze Ndigbo chieftain, Barrister Augustine Amaechi, claiming that Ohaneze Ndigbo wants restructuring and not a referendum.”
Asserting their position, Powerful added: “The few political jobbers in Ohanaeze Ndigbo demanding restructure should perish with it. Biafrans want a referendum.”
“IPOB members and supporters worldwide represent over 90% of Biafrans. We have made it clear to the Nigerian government and the international community that Biafrans want a referendum to democratically decide whether to remain in Nigeria or exit the country.”
“This is our only demand. We are unwavering in our call for a UN-supervised referendum in Nigeria to determine the independence of Biafra. Once the Nigerian government heeds our democratic demand for a Biafra referendum, Nigeria’s major problem will be solved.”
“We shall not issue any further warnings to Ohanaeze. If this individual, Augustine Amaechi, is speaking solely for himself, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership must publicly clarify this stance; otherwise, we shall regard his statements as the official position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. This would only mean that Ohanaeze has been mobilized by our adversaries to sabotage the current momentum and progress we have made in holding the Zoological Republic of Nigeria accountable for its violent violations of Biafrans’ fundamental human rights, as well as the crimes against humanity and genocide perpetrated against the Indigenous People of Biafra.”
The warning issued by IPOB to Ohanaeze sends a clear signal of their unwavering determination to push for a Biafra referendum. As the agitation for Biafra continues, the dynamics between these two prominent groups will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Igbo people and their pursuit of self-determination.
