The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) engaged in a war of words on Wednesday regarding the alleged inclusion of the Niger Delta in IPOB’s secessionist agenda.
PANDEF, through its National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, rejected any association with Biafra, emphasizing its commitment to a united Nigeria built on equity and justice. In a statement released in Port Harcourt, Donyegha described the alleged inclusion of Niger Delta communities in IPOB’s plans as “provocative and insulting” to the region’s leaders and people.
“We, therefore, warn that the continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities into the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative. Any further attempt to disregard or belittle our leaders and fathers by claiming Niger Delta towns or territories as part of Biafra will meet strong resistance from us, the youths. Niger Delta is not Biafra,” Donyegha said.
PANDEF reiterated its advocacy for a federal Nigeria, where states control their resources while contributing taxes to the Federal Government for national unity and diplomacy.
In response, IPOB dismissed the claims as baseless. Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesperson, refuted allegations of coercion, attributing such claims to misinformation spread by a splinter group operating outside IPOB’s authority.
“IPOB is not part of the group forcing any community in Nigeria to join Biafra State. Those doing so in the name of Biafra are content creators from Finland’s autopilot group, and they are not part of IPOB,” Powerful said in an interview.
He emphasized that IPOB remains committed to achieving independence through peaceful means, including a referendum where communities can decide their allegiance without coercion.
“When a referendum comes, people will decide what they want; nobody will force them into the new nation called Biafra,” he stated.
Powerful called on media outlets and stakeholders to refrain from linking IPOB with rogue elements and reaffirmed the group’s original mission of peaceful advocacy for Biafra’s independence.
“IPOB remains what it was from the beginning and will not shift ground until Biafra independence is fully announced by the United Nations. Every tribe and clan will have the freedom to decide their fate during the referendum,” he added.