The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to securing independence for the Southeast region of Nigeria. This declaration comes in response to recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, regarding the group’s activities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful addressed both General Musa and the National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. He emphasized that the organization was created to advocate for the interests of the Biafran people and to facilitate their peaceful separation from what they describe as an “Igbophobic” Nigeria.
Powerful stated, “We want to clarify the mission of IPOB, especially in light of the comments made by General Musa, who appears unaware of our objectives. He suggested that our fight is self-serving and not for the benefit of the Southeast community. Such statements reflect a misunderstanding of our cause.”
The spokesperson criticized what he characterized as ignorance within the Nigerian government, urging officials to seek knowledge about IPOB’s aims from the international community. He asserted that attempts to undermine IPOB’s efforts would ultimately fail.
“IPOB is engaged in a legitimate struggle for self-determination, both within Nigeria and on the global stage. We will not be deterred by attempts to discredit us,” he added.
Powerful also expressed concern over the recent actions of the Nigerian military, which he claimed have been aggressive and have sought to suppress IPOB’s movement. He argued that rather than causing unrest, IPOB and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), are actively working to protect their communities from violence and criminal activity.
Furthermore, he called for a referendum on Biafran independence, challenging the government to demonstrate its claims that IPOB is solely pursuing its own interests.
“The violence plaguing the Southeast is largely a result of actions taken by Nigerian security forces,” Powerful claimed, alleging that these agencies have supported criminal elements in the region to undermine the Biafran cause.
In closing, he urged both General Musa and NSA Ribadu to better educate themselves about IPOB’s objectives and to acknowledge the legitimacy of its quest for independence, emphasizing that the movement seeks to restore the rights and sovereignty of the Biafran people.
