The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have issued a strong call to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, urging the Nigerian government to facilitate a democratic referendum that would allow the South- East region to determine its political future....Read Full Article >>➤
IPOB warned that continued suppression of this demand could escalate tensions and potentially ignite a conflict reminiscent of the Nigerian Civil War. According to the pro- Biafra movement, the refusal of successive Nigerian governments to integrate the South- East into national development frameworks has reinforced their resolve for self- determination.
The group argued that if the federal government persistently neglects the region’ s interests and continues to alienate its people, then a peaceful exit through a referendum remains the most viable solution.
Avoiding A Repeat Of The Biafra War: Drawing parallels with the devastating Nigerian Civil War of 1967– 1970, IPOB cautioned that history could repeat itself if the grievances of the Igbo people remain unaddressed. The organisation stressed that the exclusion of the South- East from key governance structures, economic policies, and national development initiatives signals a broader agenda of systemic marginalisation.
” Since the Nigerian state does not recognize the South- East as an integral part of its federation, it should allow us to determine our future through a referendum rather than forcing us to remain in a system that continues to suppress our aspirations, ” IPOB stated.
The group emphasized that political and economic injustices have driven their call for self- determination. They insist that while Nigeria claims to be a democratic nation, it continuously suppresses legitimate conversations about the right to self- rule, a principle enshrined in international law.
Allegations Of Marginalisation In National Budget
IPOB heavily criticised the recently proposed 2025 national budget, alleging that it starkly excludes the South- East from major capital projects. The group pointed out that despite the region’ s substantial contributions to Nigeria’ s economy— particularly in the oil, gas, and non- oil revenue sectors— the federal government has repeatedly sidelined Igbo communities in developmental policies.
Emma Powerful, IPOB’ s Media and Publicity Secretary, described this budgetary neglect as an undeniable proof of institutional discrimination. ” The complete exclusion of the South- East from federal capital projects confirms that the Nigerian government has effectively stripped Ndigbo of their rights as citizens. We are not recognised as part of this nation, and this budget is just another piece of evidence to support that claim, ” he said.
He further argued that the South- East accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria’ s economic output, yet receives little to no corresponding development benefits from the central government. ” It is clear that the federal government has no intention of investing in the future of the Igbo people. If we are not deemed worthy of national projects, then why should we continue to be part of this federation? ”
Calls For Unity And Political Action
IPOB also criticised South- East political representatives in the National Assembly, accusing them of failing to stand up against the injustice faced by their people. The movement argued that if the lawmakers truly represented the interests of their constituents, they would have staged a protest or boycotted legislative sessions in response to the alleged exclusion of the South- East from the 2025 budget.
” The silence of our so- called political leaders is a betrayal of the people, ” the group said. ” Real representatives of Ndigbo should have walked out of the National Assembly in protest. Their failure to act only reinforces the reality that the South- East has no place in Nigeria. ”
The pro- Biafra movement urged the Igbo people to unite and resist what it described as continuous marginalisation by the Nigerian state. IPOB encouraged the masses to embrace the struggle for self- determination, arguing that only through the establishment of an independent Biafran nation can the Igbo people achieve true economic and political freedom.
Path To A Sovereign Biafra
In a statement titled ” Exclusion of Ndigbo from Capital Projects in the 2025 Budget Should Motivate Ndigbo to Pursue Biafran Independence” , IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Biafra through peaceful and diplomatic means. The organisation reiterated that a referendum, as practiced in democratic societies worldwide, remains the most legitimate path to resolving the Biafra question.
” Our people must wake up from any illusion of inclusion in a country that persistently sidelines us. The only way to reclaim our dignity and secure a prosperous future is through the creation of a sovereign Biafran state, ” the group declared.
IPOB urged all Igbo communities, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain steadfast in their quest for independence. The organisation promised to intensify its global advocacy efforts, seeking the support of international bodies, human rights organisations, and world powers to put pressure on the Nigerian government to allow a referendum on Biafra’ s independence.
...Read Full Article >>➤
Be the first to comment