The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially banned the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day in the South-East region of the country. This announcement was made on Monday by IPOB, who emphasised that the ban remains in effect and urged residents in both the region and the diaspora to refrain from participating in any Independence Day activities.
The pro-Biafran group clarified that while residents should continue with their normal daily activities, the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence is strictly prohibited. This follows a similar stance taken by IPOB in 2023, where they also prohibited such celebrations.
In a statement delivered by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Directorate of State called on Ndígbo to comply with this directive, further instructing that no Nigerian flags should be flown in the South-East on Tuesday, October 1.
The statement read, “The Directorate of State of IPOB wishes to remind Biafrans at home and abroad that the ban on celebrating Nigeria’s annual October 1 Independence Day remains in force. As Biafrans, we urge you to avoid any involvement in the celebrations worldwide. IPOB encourages all Biafrans to carry on with their usual business, as we are not part of Nigeria and do not recognize the British-imposed independence of 1960.”
The group also acknowledged the contributions of some prominent Igbo figures in securing Nigeria’s independence but criticised the bloodshed suffered by the Igbo people in maintaining the unity of Nigeria.
The statement continued, “Biafrans have rejected Nigeria’s ‘bloody flag independence’ and are working towards the restoration of a united and prosperous independent Biafran state. We reject the forced unity of Nigeria and eagerly anticipate the celebration of Biafran independence.”
IPOB also reiterated its warning against participating in any Independence Day activities, stating that there would be consequences for those who disobey. The group urged parents to ensure their children do not participate in any Nigerian Independence Day activities.
It should be noted that IPOB has previously declared October 1 a sit-at-home day in the South-East and banned the Nigerian flag in the region as part of its efforts to assert Biafran sovereignty.
IPOB remains firm in its stance against Nigerian Independence celebrations and continues to advocate for the restoration of Biafra.
