“Boycott June 12 Activities Until Nigeria Honours May 30” – IPOB Tells Igbos

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the Igbo people to boycott all activities related to Nigeria’s Democracy Day, observed on June 12. The group insists that there should be no participation in national events until the federal government officially recognises May 30th as Biafra Remembrance Day.

In a statement released by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group reiterated its position that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, is not factionalised. He dismissed recent claims and statements by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, asserting that Isiguzoro does not represent any legitimate arm of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Powerful described such assertions as attempts by political operatives serving interests in Abuja to create division and misrepresent the unity of the Igbo nation. He accused these individuals of spreading misinformation and betraying Igbo heritage by distorting historical facts, particularly the claim that Igbo land is limited to seven Nigerian states. IPOB maintains that Igbo-speaking people are indigenous to 13 states.

He stated that Senator Emmanuel Mbatta remains the only recognised leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and condemned anyone claiming to head a “faction” as both illegitimate and provocative. While IPOB affirms the right to free speech, Powerful emphasised that commentary about Ohanaeze should not be misrepresented as coming from or on behalf of the organisation.

Reiterating IPOB’s position, Powerful urged Biafrans to reject any call to participate in Democracy Day events. He argued that until Nigeria acknowledges May 30th as a national day of mourning and respect for Biafran lives lost, the Igbo people should not endorse state-organised celebrations.

“This is not just about IPOB,” Powerful stated. “This is about our dignity, our truth, and our right to define who we are.”