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Tag: IPOB

  • JUST IN: We won’t apologise to IPOB over threats to embarrass S’E govs – Umahi

    Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi on Thursday said the South-East governors have no apology to tender to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    In a recent open letter to the governors, IPOB had made some demands including an open apology.

    But briefing State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Umahi said “We have no apology to tender.”

    The governor also noted that the South-East governors did not proscribe IPOB because it didn’t have the power to do so.

    He also said IPOB lacked the power to issue travel ban to the South East governors.

    Details shortly…

  • RUGA: Igbos won’t succumb to Arewa’s 30-day ultimatum – IPOB

    RUGA: Igbos won’t succumb to Arewa’s 30-day ultimatum – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Wednesday said South eastern states would not succumb to the demand for land for implementation of Ruga settlement programme.
    The group said it was ready for face the youth wing of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) after the expiration of its 30- day ultimatum.
    In a statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB insisted on supporting ranching business but in their private lands, not through forcing people to release their ancestral land to anybody.
    The group advised the federal government and those behind the plan to retrace their steps before it turned uncontrollable and claim more innocent lives.
    The statement partly reads: “IPOB is a peaceful movement and must remain so but cannot allow anybody to trample on us by forcing our people to release their ancestral land to them.
    “We are aware that cattle business remains personal business in Nigeria and cannot change today.
    “The community’s ancestral lands are gifts from the God, handed over to us to dwell, on which must not be taken over under any guise by the government or Fulani.
    “We challenge Fulani Islamists terrorists including their Arewa youths to do their worst after the expiration of the so-called 30 days ultimatum as was widely reported in every national and international media.
    “We are anxiously and eagerly waiting for them in whatever shape they may want it.”

  • Biafra: IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu makes u-turn, calls off election boycott in South East

    Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has called off the proposed boycott of elections by his ground in the entire South-East region.

    Kanu said the decision was reached following wide consultations with “stakeholders.”

    Kanu had severally warned that elections would only hold in any part of the zone on the condition of a referendum to determine the sovereignty of Biafra.

    But in a statement on Friday by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the boycott order was lifted after all terms and conditions were met by “those wishing us to lift the ban on voting.”

    The statement partly reads: “It’s important we notify the world at large and the indefatigable global IPOB family in particular that our supreme leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has called-off the election boycott in Biafraland.

    “After a brief emergency session of the Directorate of State late last night presided over by our leader, it was determined that all our terms and conditions had been met by those wishing us to lift the ban on voting, it was unanimously agreed that the boycott should be lifted.

    “The signed document agreeing to IPOB terms and conditions are in our possession and will be made public in due course.

    “We can, therefore, state with utmost sense of responsibility and pride that IPOB has accomplished what no other people or group has been able to do in the history of our people.

    “Without prejudice, this will go down as the defining moment when the irreversibility of the restoration of Biafra was firmly entrenched in the subconscious of all and sundry.

    “As a result of which we can state categorically that Biafra is a lot closer than we think as a result of this.“

  • 2019: MASSOB dares IPOB, insists elections will hold in South-East

    2019: MASSOB dares IPOB, insists elections will hold in South-East

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra has disagreed with the Indigenous People of Biafra over whether elections should hold this year in the South-East and other parts of the defunct Republic of Biafra.

    The outlawed IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, has been insisting that the elections will not hold in the concerned areas, particularly the South-East states.

    But after a ‘National Executive Council meeting’ in Enugu on Friday, MASSOB declared that the scheduled elections would take place in ‘Biafraland’.

    MASSOB, which stressed that it would not back down from the agitation for a sovereign Biafran state, noted that pro-Biafra activists could not ‘forcibly’ impose their interests on the people of Nigeria.

    According to the group, southeasterners who believe in Nigeria are free to participate in the elections.

    A statement signed by the National Director of Information, MASSOB, Comrade Samuel Edeson, disclosed that the executive council meeting, which held at Awgu, Enugu State, was chaired by the group’s leader, Uchenna Madu.

    Parts of the statement read, “The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, after a National Executive Council meeting presided by our leader, Uchenna Madu, at our headquarters in Awgu, Enugu State, which was attended by all the local government area, state and zonal coordinators, as well as national directors, unanimously agreed and declared that this year’s general elections of the Nigerian state would not be stopped or boycotted in Biafraland.

    “MASSOB, having realised that Biafrans cannot forcibly impose our desires and interests on the people of Nigeria, and also in line with the principle of non-violence, unanimously agreed and resolved that the Nigerian state will conduct its political exercises, including general elections.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission will be allowed to conduct elections in Biafra for our people that still believe in the Nigerian state.

    “Nigerian elections will come and go irrespective of whoever wins at both national and state levels but we must continue with the struggle for the actualisation of Biafra despite internal and external distractions.”

    Apparently referring to IPOB, the statement noted that Biafran agitators who wish to boycott the polls were free to stay at home on election days, without disturbing other members of the public who might wish to partake in the exercise.

    “MASSOB advises that other pro-Biafra groups that planned to boycott the elections are entitled to stay at home during elections days.

    “Our people that still believe in the Nigerian project are free to participate in the electoral processes of Nigeria, including this year’s elections,” the statement said.

    MASSOB added that it was committed to the actualisation of the Biafran state “through the principle of non-violence and international diplomacy in collaboration with other progressive pro-Biafra groups”.

  • IPOB: Umahi declares support for ‘Operation Python Dance,’ says Ebonyi not part of Biafra

    Ebonyi state Governor, Engr. David Umahi, on Sunday said Ebonyi state was not part of the states that formed the “Sovereign States of Biafra,” which had been proclaimed by the Indigenous People of Biafra.

    Umahi, who also serves as Chairman of the South East

    Governors’ Forum, however said some of the agitations of IPOB members were genuine, except that the approach used in actualising their objectives were bad.

    Umahi also raised the alarm of an alleged threat of kidnap on the five governors of the zone by the group and added that the fresh threat was received via text messages, sent to his wife.

    He spoke on Sunday at the Nkwegu Military Cantonment in Abakaliki, the state capital, during the inauguration of Operation Python Dance (Egwu Eke) phase III, by the Nigerian Army.

    He said, “The GOC, you are coming at a time we had our brothers and sisters of IPOB sending text messages that, there will be no elections and insulting the leaders, particularly the South-East governors.

    Just few days back, they sent text message to my wife that the five governors of the South-East would be kidnapped and that their security would be overpowered and that after ransoms were paid, they would kill them and kill themselves.

    “That is laughable; although as a leader in the zone, I must say that some of their complaints are genuine; but the approach is very bad. That is why the leaders of south east are not in support of their approach.”

    “So, we are not against them, but their approach. And as the Chief Security of the state, I do not welcome them; Ebonyi state is not part of Biafra, we are a sovereign state, and we don’t want to be colonised again, as we are a state demanding better treatment in the affairs of our nation.”

  • Biafra: Kanu to release ‘fresh proof’ of Jubril today, time revealed

    The self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will on Saturday (today) address ‘Biafrans’ through a live broadcast via radio Biafra by 6 pm.

    Kanu’s broadcast which will be the ninth since he resurfaced, will be coming weeks after the pro-Biafra activist challenged the Federal Government of Nigeria to refute his allegations that President Muhammadu Buhari is “dead”.

    The IPOB leader, who resurfaced in Jerusalem, Israel on 19 October after the military invasion of his community in Abia state, made this known on the micro-blogging site, Twitter.

    Kanu tweeted: “My next broadcast on Radio Biafra is Saturday 22, 2018 at 6 PM Biafra-land time. Jubril the impostor and the @AsoRock cabal ruling #Nigeria have no place to hide, they must receive their punishment at the appropriate time. #UnmaskJubril Join us”.

    Jubril the impostor and the @AsoRock cabal ruling #Nigeria have no place to hide, they must receive their punishment at the appropriate time. #UnmaskJubril

    But Buhari, while speaking in Poland, where he attended a climate change summit, said he would soon celebrate his 76th birthday, adding that “a lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. Somebody just thought I am cloned, … it is real me I can assure you”.

    During the live broadcast later today, the secessionist leader will be expected to release ‘fresh proof’ to back up his claims that President Buhari is being impersonated by a certain Jubril.

    Meanwhile, Kanu is leading a group seeking secession from Nigeria. The group has since been proscribed by the Nigerian Government.

  • Proscribe armed herdsmen like you did IPOB – Anglican Bishops to Buhari

    The Anglican Bishops in Nigeria have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to proscribe armed herdsmen as terrorists.

    The Bishops gave the call while lamenting the spate of attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen across the country.

    Their call was contained in a communiqué signed by Rev. Edafe B. Emamezi, Bishop, Diocese of Western Izon at the end of the first session of the 4th synod of the Diocese of Western Izon (Anglican Communion) held at St. Peter’s Church Bomadi, Delta State.

    According to the Bishops, “Synod notes with dismay that while the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB has been proscribed as a terrorist group and been hunted down by the security outfit along with the Niger Delta militants, the killer herdsmen and their sponsors have been allowed free access to unleash terror killing many Nigerians in the process.

    “Synod, therefore, calls on those concerned to balance the equation by also proscribing the killer herdsmen as a terrorist group.

    “We also appreciate with gratitude the government’s fight against corruption but cautions that the approach in dealing with the menace should not be selective as it has been observed in some cases and also the rule of law should be followed.”

  • No amount of intimidation will stop Biafra – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has restated commitment towards restoring Biafra sovereignty through peaceful and democratic process, stressing it would not be deterred by confrontations with security agents.

    The group also dismissed as “untrue” reports that its members on a campaign march of “no elections” next year in southeastern states on Friday, attacked and killed a police officer in Nnewi. It said those allegedly arrested by the police, following the incident, could be poor innocent citizens, as no member of the group was missing from the peaceful protest.

    Reports had it that the peaceful protest turned bloody and allegedly led to the death of four persons, following a clash between the protesting group and police, while attempting to gain entry into Nnewi Main Market.

    However, in a statement made available to The Guardian, yesterday, by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB said it has never indulged in violence or crime, no matter the level of provocation from security agents and Nigerian government.

    The statement read: “It is shocking and baffling that people in government have decided to use some media houses to propagate false information and lies against IPOB activities, not minding that we have remained peaceful and civil in every of our outing and conduct, especially the recent ‘no election’ evangelism that happened in Nnewi, Anambra State.

    What happened, yesterday, at Nnewi, Anambra State is another example of a lawless police organisation intent on causing trouble.”It explained that the officer in question was actually hiding inside a gutter and had resurfaced afterwards.

    IPOB noted: “After hiding a policeman in the sewer, Anambra police authority had the temerity to lie. It was the police that raced to the venue of a peaceful march uninvited, and as usual, started shooting and attacking IPOB family members, who were on a peaceful rally in commemoration of our leader’s reappearance in Jerusalem.”

  • Biafra: Police arrest 34 suspected IPOB members over inspector’s death

    Biafra: Police arrest 34 suspected IPOB members over inspector’s death

    The Police Command in Anambra State has arrested 34 suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in connection with the killing of a police Inspector in Nnewi.

    SP Haruna Mohammed, spokesman of the command made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday.

    Haruna said that some personnel and a Divisional Police Officer were also wounded while a police patrol van was set ablaze.

    The spokesman said that anti-riot Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, EOD and Special Anti-Cult Unit Personnel and conventional police have been deployed to Nnewi and environs.

    Haruna said that on November 23 at about 11: 55am, there was intelligence report that members of IPOB were gathering near the Teaching Hospital, Owerri Road, Nnewi with intent to cause a breach of public peace.

    He said following the report, the police patrol teams led by the Area Commander, Nnewi, ACP Nnanna Ama, mobilized to the scene to disperse and prevent them from causing a breakdown of law and order.

    The spokesman explained that as soon as the team arrived, the IPOB members descended on them, set ablaze one patrol vehicle and attacked them with machetes and stones.

    “They marched towards the Agbaedo Market shouting ‘No Elections without referendum’.

    “The injured personnel were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. The Inspector was certified dead by a medical doctor while the DPO and the ASP are presently receiving treatment,” he said.

    He said that the police joint team have commenced search operations for the recovery of two AK47 rifles and one Beretta Pistol with ammunition snatched from the slain Police Inspector and police officers.

    Haruna said that efforts are on to arrest other fleeing members of the group and bring them to justice.

    The police spokesman urged members of the public to go about their lawful businesses and reminded them that IPOB remains a proscribed organisation and its’activities illegal.

  • Biafra: Two policemen, four others die as IPOB members protest in Anambra

    There was pandemonium on Friday in Nnewi, Anambra State as a bloody clash between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) left two policemen and four others (believed to be members of IPOB) dead.

    However, the Anambra State Police Command said only one policeman died in the protest while a Divisional Police Officer in the area was hospitalised after sustaining injuries in the clash that erupted when security agencies stormed the venue of the protest.

    Confirming the incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Mike Okoli, said, “I will confirm to you that we lost a policeman, an inspector in the clash. The DPO who went with him to that operation is hospitalised. I can’t tell you of any other casualties; this is the much I know.

    According to report by The Punch, the pro-Biafran agitators marched round Nnewi and environs on Friday sensitising the people about the need for a referendum to highlight the need for the Sovereign State of Biafra and the rejection of the 2019 general elections.

    Members of the group numbering about 2000 had stormed the Nnewi market, shouting “No referendum, no 2019 election.”

    Waving the Biafran flag as they moved round, the protesters asked people in the market not to participate in the 2019 general elections unless the Federal Government heeded their demand for the conduct of referendum to actualise Biafra Republic.

    It was learnt that trouble started when security operatives arrived at the scene in three Toyota Hilux pick-up vans and attempted to stop the protesters.

    Members of the group were said to have pounced on the policemen and destroyed their vans, with two people dead in the process. The development forced traders in the Nkwo Nnewi market to close their shops and scampering for safety.

    The IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, in a statement made available to our correspondent in Awka, said members of the group went on a peaceful demonstration to express their joy over the “second coming and appearance” of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Israel.

    Powerful said the reappearance of their leader was a testimony that the struggle for Biafra was divine.

    The statement partly read, “Our leader’s reappearance in Israel after the Nigerian government and her security forces, including the Nigerian Army, Air force and Naval forces invaded his compound at Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, Abia State, last year September is clearly an indication to all and sundry that God Almighty is behind the struggle for Biafra liberation.

    “Biafrans are equally today showcasing to the world that we are ready to boycott every Nigerian elections come 2019 especially the presidential election next year.

    “Our march today on the roads and streets across Biafraland must send signals to politicians and saboteurs among us that Biafrans are determined to leave the prison called Nigeria where British government experimented to lead black Africans and other black nations across the globe but failed to live up to the expectations for over 100 years because of the Hausa-Fulani caliphate dominations.

    “IPOB rally and march today (Friday) being November 23, 2018 is ongoing in all the states across Biafraland like Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states and other Biafra clans and tribes fraudulently carved into Kogi, Benue and Edo States.”

    He said the group would not rest until a date was given for Biafra referendum to hold so that its people would decide whether to stay in Nigeria or not.

    He added, “IPOB is divinely ordained to retrieve Biafra sovereignty from this enclave called Nigeria. We are coming to show Nigerians and its handlers including their security apparatus what is called civil disobedience because IPOB is more of intellectuals.”