The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a ban on Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration across the Southeast on October 1.
IPOB warned that the Nigerian flag will not fly, there will be no Independence Day activities for students, and businessmen should go about their lawful activities in the Southeast tomorrow.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Directorate of State cautioned Igbos against celebrating Nigerian Independence because Biafra would soon be actualized.
According to Powerful: “The Directorate of State (DOS) of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wishes to remind Biafrans at home and in the diaspora that the ban on the celebration of the ZOO Nigeria annual October 1st Independence Day by Biafrans is still in force. As a Biafran, you are to avoid any Nigeria Independence celebration globally.
“IPOB calls on Biafrans globally to go about their normal business because we are not part of Nigeria and have nothing to do with their British flag independence of 1960. We are aware that some prominent Igbo men and women played pivotal roles in securing the flag independence that Nigeria celebrates annually on every October 1st; however, such independence has taken more blood of Ndigbo to maintain than any other ethnic group in Nigeria. Biafrans have decided to reject the bloody flag independence of Nigeria and work for the restoration of a true, united, and prosperous Independent State of Biafra. Therefore, every Biafran should reject this Nigerian-forced unity as we look forward to celebrating Biafra independence soon.
“Ndigbo must adhere to this clarion call to stop every activity concerning Nigeria’s independence tomorrow. There shall be no flying of Nigerian flags in Biafra territory. There shall be no independence activities for students in Biafraland. Everyone should go about their businesses or use that day for family quality time and rest at home for those who may choose not to go for their work and business.
“IPOB is not joking with the restoration of Biafra freedom and sovereignty. Do not make yourself an enemy of the struggle by participating in Nigeria flag independence celebrations tomorrow. Parents and guardians must not allow their children to go for any Nigerian independence activities tomorrow. We are monitoring everywhere in Biafraland. As an Igbo parent, do not allow your children to be sacrificed for a country that considers them less than human.”