The separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has advised individuals in the South-East region against participating in ongoing nationwide protests against the prevailing economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Emphasizing the Igbo community’s disillusionment with Nigeria, IPOB cautioned against organizing protests in the southeastern states, asserting that the Igbo people are disinterested in Nigeria and eagerly await the opportunity to secede.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB warned of potential risks to the safety of Igbo individuals if protests were to occur in the South-East.
The country has witnessed a surge in demonstrations and grievances regarding the soaring cost of living and escalating prices of essential commodities.
However, the apex socio-cultural Igbo organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, issued a contrary stance, urging Igbo citizens not to participate in protests against the Tinubu-led federal government and advocating for patience with the administration.
IPOB’s spokesperson reiterated the group’s stance, advising against Igbo involvement in protests against Nigeria’s economic hardship, stating that the plight of Nigerians should not concern the Biafran populace.
Highlighting past injustices faced by the Igbo community, including violence, intimidation, and disenfranchisement during elections, IPOB emphasized the potential repercussions of Igbo participation in nationwide protests.
IPOB urged individuals or groups intending to protest against Nigeria’s economic challenges to do so in the northern or western regions, citing the South-East’s existing struggles with state-sponsored insecurity and violence.
The group underscored its commitment to addressing internal challenges and safeguarding the region against external destabilization efforts.
In conclusion, IPOB reaffirmed its pursuit of Biafran independence, emphasizing the need for strategic and prudent action in navigating Nigeria’s current economic crisis.
The divergence between IPOB and Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscores deeper tensions and divisions within the Igbo community regarding the most effective strategies for addressing economic hardship and pursuing socio-political aspirations. While IPOB prioritizes secession and independence as the ultimate solution to Igbo grievances, Ohanaeze Ndigbo advocates for pragmatic engagement and dialogue within the framework of the Nigerian state.
At its core, the debate surrounding IPOB’s call for caution reflects broader questions about the efficacy of protests as a catalyst for meaningful change in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. While protests serve as a vital tool for expressing dissent and mobilizing public opinion, their effectiveness in addressing systemic issues such as economic hardship remains subject to debate. Moreover, the divergent approaches advocated by IPOB and Ohanaeze Ndigbo highlight the complexities of navigating identity, politics, and aspirations within the context of a multi-ethnic and heterogeneous nation like Nigeria.
