JUST IN: IPOB Insists On Sit-At-Home
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has restated that the May 30 sit-at-home exercise across southeast Nigeria will be held as planned.
IPOB had warned the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Anambra State against holding its convocation ceremony on May 30.
It said the day had been selected by the group for its Biafra Remembrance Day to honour Nigerians of southeast extraction killed during the 1967-70 civil war.
The school later bowed to pressure by rescheduling its convocation earlier billed to be held on May 30. The institution subsequently changed the May 30 and 31 dates for its 18th convocation and award of degrees to its graduates and postgraduates.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB warned all residents in the region to stay at home in commemoration of “Biafra Heroes Day.”
He explained that the remembrance of all those who fought for Biafra’s freedom and sovereignty remains imperative, stating that no government or security agency has any authority to harass any innocent person during the event.
The IPOB spokesman asserted that all social activities in ‘Biafra’ have been banned, adding that markets, schools, banks, government, and private businesses are not allowed to open.
He said the entire southeast region would be on lockdown from 6 am to 6 pm on May 30.
The group stated that all Biafran heroes and heroines must be remembered, including Bruce Mayrock from the USA, who sacrificed his youthful age for Biafrans.
The statement read, “The global family IPOB wishes to remind every person resident in Biafra territory that 30th May 2024 sit-at-home in commemoration of Biafra Heroes Day is sacrosanct and we oblige everyone to abide by this order, its only one day, only Thursday, May 30, 2024 no other day.
“As long as Biafra Land is concerned, IPOB remains a very important state actor on the issues concerning Biafra. The remembrance of all those who fought for Biafra’s freedom and sovereignty remains imperative, and no government or security agency has any authority to harass any innocent person during that event.
“We are urging all state governors in Biafra Land to ensure the safety of persons and properties on that day. The students for WAEC on that day must put on their school uniform to identify themselves as WAEC candidates. We are not involved in criminal activities going on and we cannot stop our children from taking their exams.
“The Federal Government must understand that they cannot slaughter our heroes and, at the same time, stop us from mourning or remembering them. Those who died in the defence of our land from the extermination agenda of the Nigerian and British governments during the genocidal war of 1967–1970 are worthy to be remembered and celebrated.
“We remember and honour General Phillip Efiong, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Air raid Achuzie, Dr Frank Opigo, General Umunnakwe, Thomas Aguiyi Ironsi, Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, and many others who contributed immensely for us to live.
“Biafrans in the diaspora are advised to go and obtain permits to rally in their respective countries. We must tell the world the story of the Biafran genocidal war and the resilience of Biafran heroes.”
“Our people must understand that Biafra is coming. We have crossed the Rubicon, and nothing will make us change our mind or diminish our resolve towards this fight for Biafra liberation,” the statement added.
