The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stated that it would not allow any Independence Day celebration in the South-East.
IPOB stated that events in the country “spearheaded” by its leadership in the past 63 years did not show the South-East was part of Nigeria, stressing, “Anyone seen celebrating the Nigeria flag independence in Biafraland will regret his or her life”.
It further urged the region’s governors and other political figures to boycott the exercise, stating that no “Nigerian flag will be hoisted in the zone” on October 1.
Emma Powerful, the IPOB’s Director of Media and Publicity, stated this in a statement issued on Friday, a copy of which was made available to journalists.
IPOB’s 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 October 1, 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 Nigerian government and Nigerian 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.
“Even a fool would have come to the realisation that Nigeria is not for Ndigbo and Biafrans after the shenanigan that they called the 2023 elections.
“As Nigeria’s government plans to celebrate her flag’s 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 Nigerian flags in any part of Biafraland on October 1st, 2023.
“After 63 years of flag independence for Nigeria from Britain, there is nothing to show for it. Ordinary electricity, security, or good roads, Nigeria can’t provide for her citizens. Conducting free and fair elections has been impossible in the most fantastically corrupt nation in the world, Nigeria. Every institution in Nigeria has been polluted and corrupted by bribery and stealing.”
The group went on to say that the country’s officials were only giving lip service to the preservation 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. Nigeria is a destiny destroyer for all nations inside it and every citizen therein.
“Ndigbo has gotten nothing from Nigeria but destruction and mass murders in cold blood without provocations. Since 1945, Ndigbo have always been killed, and their properties have been destroyed in every part of Nigeria. Nigeria is a pain to Ndigbo, and we do not want to continue this British-imposed pain and suffering.
“How can you continue to celebrate a nation that murdered your ancestors and keep murdering, detaining, and discouraging your people with so much hatred?
“Anyone seen celebrating the Nigeria flag independence in Biafraland will regret his or her life. Once again, we maintain that there will not be any celebration of Nigeria’s flag of independence in our local government councils and states.
“No school principal or head should not mobilise Biafran children to celebrate the evil Nigerian independence on October 1st, or they will have themselves to blame.
“Every Biafran is expected to stay at home and refresh himself or herself or go about their daily business on October 1st, 2023. No Nigerian flags are allowed to fly in Biafra territory. If you want to go to the market or business on October 1st, you are free to go without molestation as long as it has nothing to do with the Nigeria Independence celebration.
“IPOB is a child of necessity for the birth of Biafra, and nothing will stop us from pursuing Biafra independence via a referendum and diplomatic engagements.”
