By Charles Igbo
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has given an order to effectively ground all the Igbo speaking areas in Nigeria, on October 1.
October, the 1st, is Nigeria’s Independence Day. The country will be 60 years old that day. It is usually marked with celebrations and fun-fare.
But in a statement on Wednesday, The IPOB called on Nigerians from the Southeast to observe a sit-at-home order on that day.
According to IPOB, the order is aimed at expressing its anger over the bad governance in Nigeria.
Its spokesman, Emma Powerful, in a statement said that the group has called for a total lockdown on October 1.
“We, the global movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to announce to all Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom all over the world, that Biafrans across the globe shall observe a sit-at-home in Biafraland and where permissible in the diaspora, join our Yoruba brethren agitating for Oduduwa Republic, in public protests to mark the October 1, 2020. We, therefore, enjoin all Biafrans and every conscious Nigerian, especially those ethnic nationalities reeling from the triple double blow of state sponsored terrorism, bad governance and economic annihilation, to boycott every government organised ceremony designed to eulogize the failure that Nigeria has become. This is the time to let the world know how disastrously intolerable human existence is in Nigeria today.
“If you want to see an end to terrorism and organised mediocrity, now is the time to register your anger by ensuring that you and your household sit at home on October 1, 2020.
“Do not risk the life and well-being of your children by allowing them to gather in groups in the open where terrorists may find it easier to blow them up or kidnap them.
“There is credible intelligence that terrorist groups are planning to slaughter our children should they venture out to celebrate or march on October 1st.
“This order is to highlight our position and resolve as Biafrans that we are no longer interested in propping up a crumbling terrorist state. The leadership of this great movement in conjunction with supporters of Biafra freedom across the globe have concluded every arrangement to let the whole world know and understand that we are no longer part of this shambolic monument to terrorism and failure.
” IPOB will appropriately declare our intention towards the full and irreversible restoration of Biafra sovereignty and independence for all oppressed ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“Complete and total lockdown of Biafraland and other terror ravaged areas of the Middle Belt come 1st of October 2020 is sacrosanct, irreversible and non-negotiable!
“We, therefore, urge that all markets, schools and businesses in Biafraland and beyond be shut down as a mark of respect to all those who have died as a result of terrorism against innocent civilians especially Christians, ethnic cleansing in Southern Kaduna and elsewhere across the Middle Belt. Everywhere in Biafraland must be under lock for Nigeria and the world to know that we are all united in our march toward total freedom. There should be no public events or ceremonies in Biafraland to avoid any needless loss of lives.”
The FG had in agreement with South-east Governors, proscribed IPOB. But the killings and general insecurity in the country, worsened ny what is seen as the lopsidedness of appointments, have been drawing sympathy for the organisation, especially in the South-east and the South-south of Nigeria.
