IPOB Calls For Referendum, Igbo Ready To Leave Nigeria Amid #IgboMustGo Campaign
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the recent #IgboMustGo campaign in Southwest Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. In response, IPOB has declared that the Igbo people are prepared to leave Yoruba land and Nigeria through a referendum.
IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful issued a statement on Monday, saying, “Following the provocative and genocidal ‘IgboMustGo’ proposed protest slated to commence from August 20-30, 2024, by some faceless Yoruba groups and persons, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wish to remind the Yoruba anti-Igbo groups that Ndigbo are ready to exit Yoruba land and Nigeria via a referendum. Ndigbo will not succumb to any threat from any group or persons to leave any state or region in Nigeria.”
Powerful criticized Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his “hypocritical” condemnation of the protest, claiming the governor’s actions have ethnically profiled the Igbo through the demolition of their businesses and properties in Lagos.
“There are high chances that the proponents of the ‘IgboMustGo’ are sponsored by high-profile persons in the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria. Nevertheless, Ndigbo are not perturbed. We have seen it all in Nigeria and are prepared for any opportunity to exit Nigeria at any time,” Powerful stated.
He emphasized that a peaceful and democratic exit via a referendum would maintain good neighborly relationships, warning that a forced and violent exit could lead to hostility in the future.
Powerful urged President Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and organize a referendum for the Igbo to decide between Biafra and Nigeria. He stressed that Ndigbo are eager to leave Nigeria more than ever.
The IPOB spokesman also highlighted the historical context, recalling the genocidal war against Biafrans in 1967-1970, and warned that Ndigbo are facing similar threats today. He called on Ndigbo in the Northern and Western regions to “think home” and reaffirmed IPOB’s commitment to restoring Biafra.
