Rita Odafe
IPOB Rejects Recent Biafra Declaration
On Sunday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) announced that they are not associated with the recent Biafra declaration event that took place in Finland.
IPOB referred to the event as a fraudulent spectacle and asserted that only the original declaration made by the late Odimegwu Ojukwu holds legitimacy.
Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesperson, shared these sentiments in an official statement.
He clarified IPOB’s primary objective: to reclaim the autonomy of the Biafra that was lost due to genocidal actions by the Nigerian and British governments.
According to the statement: “The IPOB movement, inspired by our indomitable leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wants to make it clear that we have no ties with the false Biafra declaration made by an anonymous group. This declaration is nothing but a scam. There is no space for a second Biafra declaration aside from the one proclaimed by our eternal leader, Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu, in 1967.
“IPOB thanks the conscientious media and bloggers in Nigeria and abroad who chose not to amplify the mockery of the Biafra struggle by these infiltrators in Finland and elsewhere.
“It is crucial to remind the international community and supporters of Biafra that the legitimate Biafra was declared in 1967 by our eternal leader, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
“IPOB advocates for a UN-supervised referendum for Biafrans to restore the sovereignty that was originally declared. No one can make a second declaration. It is disheartening that individuals who failed to infiltrate and undermine IPOB resorted to a farcical event abroad.
“Biafrans, especially IPOB, are relieved that the frivolous celebration held in Finland was disregarded by reputable media. The individuals involved have been linked to sponsors of insecurity in the Southeast.
“Their agenda aims to destabilize the Southeast, create divisions among the people, and divert attention away from the serious Biafra struggle. They have ultimately failed.
“Previously, IPOB’s leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, faced pressure from various enemies to initiate a second Biafra declaration but steadfastly refused. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a wise freedom fighter, well aware of the nuances of self-determination. When they failed to coerce him into an unnecessary declaration, they aligned with agents sent to undermine IPOB, culminating in their futile event in Finland.
“IPOB is a well-informed movement advocating for Biafra’s sovereignty and freedom, and we will not mislead our supporters with deceptive initiatives. Those involved in the so-called declaration in Finland are criminals, misguided, and faux agents.
“The Biafra struggle is deeply spiritual, built upon sacrifices made. Anyone obstructing the restoration of Biafra will face severe consequences.
“The opportunists profiting from the ignorance of their followers, making a mockery of the Biafra cause, will inevitably face repercussions from the blood of Biafra’s fallen heroes.
“All Biafrans and supporters of the movement must comprehend that the recent declaration made in Finland is a hoax. Those financing these infiltrators have also been deceived.
“Now that these agents of chaos have made their declaration abroad, we hope they will find satisfaction in their self-proclaimed freedom and cease their interference with IPOB’s peaceful quest for Biafra’s restoration.
“We want to reaffirm that Biafra’s independence was officially declared in Biafra Land in 1967 by our esteemed leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He, along with other brave Biafrans, enduringly defended our territory for three years during an unwarranted war.
“General Ojukwu was supported by the Ndigbo and other Biafrans for this declaration. Biafra was declared by heaven once, albeit briefly, and on that basis, IPOB demands a UN-supervised referendum for the Biafran people to determine their political destiny.
“The nonsensical behavior exhibited by the group in Finland under the guise of a Biafra declaration is simply absurd. It’s fortunate that they were ignored, as they lack any real presence.
“This statement serves to clarify the situation and dissociate IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the foolishness that unfolded in Finland. The claimed Biafra second declaration is merely a scam orchestrated by provocateurs.”
