The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has discouraged people in the South-East from participating in nationwide protests against the ongoing economic difficulties in Nigeria.
Beyond Boders reports that the separatist group emphasized that the Igbo community had grown disinterested in Nigeria and was awaiting an opportunity to secede.
According to IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful, staging protests in the southeastern states could endanger Igbo people.
Powerful cautioned against organizing any demonstrations in the region, citing past accusations of violence during the #EndSARS protests.
“The current hardship in Nigeria should be the concern of Nigerians, not Biafrans. Biafrans are no longer interested in the affairs of Nigeria. Ndigbo should leave the current economic hardship in the contraption called Nigeria for Nigerians to deal with,” Powerful stated.
IPOB highlighted historical grievances, including marginalization and violence against the Igbo community, as reasons for their disengagement from Nigerian affairs. Despite acknowledging the impact of economic hardship on all Nigerians, the group reiterated its commitment to pursuing the goal of Biafran independence.
In response, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural Igbo organization, echoed IPOB’s sentiments, urging patience with the current government led by President Bola Tinubu.
“We understand that Ndigbo are equally affected by the economic hardship arising from the reckless and thoughtless economic policies of the government, but God is still seeing Biafrans through. We are worried about the suffering of other tribes, but there is nothing we can do. The current situation is why Biafrans are fighting for freedom. Nevertheless, we must apply wisdom,” stated Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
IPOB emphasized that any protests against the government’s economic policies should be directed towards the northern or western regions of Nigeria.
The group cited ongoing security challenges in the South-East, including state-sponsored violence and terrorism, as priorities for the Igbo community.
