The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticized the recent #IgboMustGo campaign in Southwest Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. According to the organization, the Igbo people are prepared to leave Yoruba land and Nigeria through a referendum.
In a statement released on Monday by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group expressed its disapproval of the planned “IgboMustGo” protest, set to occur from August 20-30, 2024. IPOB emphasized that the Igbo community is ready to exit both Yoruba land and Nigeria peacefully via a democratic referendum.
The statement condemned Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what it described as his hypocritical stance on the issue. IPOB accused the governor of ethnically profiling the Igbo by demolishing their businesses and properties in Lagos State, despite his public condemnation of the protest.
IPOB suggested that the “IgboMustGo” campaign might be supported by influential figures within the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria. Nonetheless, the organization insisted that the Igbo people are undeterred and prepared for any opportunity to leave Nigeria.
The group stated that a peaceful and democratic exit would be preferable to maintain good relations, but warned that a forced and violent expulsion could lead to lasting hostility. IPOB urged the Yoruba anti-Igbo groups to advocate for President Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and organize a referendum for the Igbo to choose between Biafra and Nigeria.
The organization highlighted that the Igbo are more eager to leave Nigeria now than during the 1960s. They criticized the #EndBadGovernance protest, alleging it was orchestrated by Yoruba and Fulani groups to harm the Igbo, who have learned from past experiences.
Emma Powerful noted that despite the Igbo abstaining from current protests, they are still being targeted and accused of instigating them. He mentioned that the Igbo have always been victims in Nigerian protests and have chosen not to participate in order to avoid being scapegoated.
He concluded by calling on the Igbo in the North and West to return home swiftly, asserting that no threat would deter IPOB from its goal of restoring Biafra.
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