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The Indigenous People of Biafra announced on Friday their intention to close off all corners and areas within the South-Eastern geo-political zone on October 1, Independence Day, firmly stating that the celebration will not take place in the region.
The group pointed out that the activities orchestrated by its leadership over the past 63 years did not effectively integrate the South-East into the identity of Nigeria. They issued a stern warning, stating that anyone caught commemorating Nigeria’s Independence with its flag in Biafraland would face severe repercussions.
Furthermore, they implored the governors of the area and other political figures to refrain from participating in the event, making it explicit that there would be no flying of the Nigerian flag within the zone on October 1.
Emma Powerful, the Director of Media and Publicity for the group, made this announcement in a statement issued on Friday.
The 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 1st October 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.’
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‘Since Nigeria has rejected us, we have also rejected Nigeria and her celebrations. The Nigeria Government and Nigeria 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.’
‘As Nigeria’s government plans to celebrate her flag 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 Nigeria flags in any part of Biafraland on October 1st, 2023.’
‘After 63 years of flag independence of Nigeria from Britain, there is nothing to show for it. Ordinary electricity, security, or good roads Nigeria can’t provide for her citizens.’
‘As little as conducting free and fair election has been impossible in the most fantastically corrupt nation in the world called Nigeria. Every institution in Nigeria has been polluted and corrupted by bribery and stealing.’
It further stated that the leaders of the country were paying lip-service towards protection 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.’
However, upon reaching out to the Ebonyi State Police Command for comment, they assured that police operatives would maintain continuous security vigilance across every corner and locality within the state.
The spokesperson further said, ‘Residents should go about their lawful businesses without fear of threat or intimidation, and report any suspicious person or thing to the nearest police station.’
