Oct 1: IPOB Bans Nigerian Independence Celebration in Southeast, Issues Strong Warning

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a ban on the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day across the Southeast region today, declaring that no activities related to the event should take place.

In a statement released by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Directorate of State emphasized that the Nigerian flag would not be flown, and students were instructed to refrain from participating in any Independence Day activities. The group advised business owners to conduct their affairs as usual, urging the public to use the day for personal time or rest.

The statement reiterated IPOB’s stance against celebrating Nigerian Independence, asserting that the push for Biafra’s sovereignty is ongoing. “Biafrans globally are reminded that the ban on Nigeria’s October 1st Independence Day is still in force,” Powerful stated. He emphasized that the community should reject what he termed the “bloody flag independence” of Nigeria, which he claims has led to significant suffering among the Igbo people.

IPOB criticized the historical roles of some prominent Igbo figures in Nigeria’s independence, arguing that the current reality has inflicted more harm on the Igbo than any other ethnic group in the country. “We are not part of Nigeria and have nothing to do with their British flag independence of 1960,” the statement read.

The group urged adherence to the ban and warned that they would be monitoring activities in Biafraland. Parents were specifically cautioned against allowing their children to partake in any celebrations, with an insistence that participating would be seen as opposing the movement for Biafran independence.

IPOB remains resolute in its mission to restore the independence and sovereignty of Biafra, and has made it clear that any participation in Nigeria’s Independence Day festivities would be viewed as an act against their cause.