The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has warned the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to be careful not to stand in the way of Igbos agitating for Biafra.
IPOB insisted that the group remains resolute on its clamour for Biafra referendum.
Emma Powerful, the spokesman of IPOB, issued the warning while reacting to the comment by a chieftain of Ohanaeze,
Barrister Augustine Amaechi, against Biafra referendum.
Amaechi had said Igbos want restructuring and not referendum as claimed by IPOB.
Condemning the remark, Powerful described those against Biafra’s referendum as political jobbers.
A statement by Powerful reads partly: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the unguarded statements credited to one Abuja based Ohaneze Ndigbo chieftain, Barrister Augustine Amaechi claiming that Ohaneze Ndigbo wants restructuring not referendum.
“The few political jobbers in Ohanaeze Ndigbo demanding restructure should perish with it. Biafrans want a referendum.
“IPOB members and supporters worldwide represent over 90% of Biafrans. We have made it clear to the Nigeria government and the international community that Biafrans want a referendum to democratically decide to either remain in Nigeria or exit Nigeria.
“This is our only demand. We are not going back on our demand for a UN supervised referendum in Nigeria for the determination of Biafra Independence. Once the Nigeria government heeds our democratic demand for a Biafra referendum, Nigeria’s major problem will be solved.
“We shall not warn Ohanaeze again. If this buffoon called Augustine Amaechi is speaking for himself, Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership must make that clear publicly otherwise we shall take his ranting as the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and this will only mean that they Ohanaeze has been mobilized by the enemies of our people to sabotage the present momentum and progress being made to hold the Zoological Republic of Nigeria accountable for the violent violations of Biafrans fundamental Human Rights, the crimes against humanity and genocide it is perpetrating against the Indigenous People of Biafra.”
