IPOB demands referendum amid ‘IgboMustGo’ campaign
The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called for a referendum for the Igbos to decide their status within Nigeria, amid rising tensions from the ‘IgboMustGo’ campaign in the South West.
The group expressed frustration at the perceived dismissal of the campaign and accused high-ranking figures in the Lagos State and federal governments of sponsoring it.
Comrade Emma Powerful, the outlawed group’s Director of Media and Publicity, in a statement, criticised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for allegedly condoning the ‘IgboMustGo’ movement while previously engaging in actions against the Igbo community.
READ ALSO: IPOB’s listing as terrorist group, proscription unconstitutioal, says Nigerian court
It said the Igbos are ready to leave Nigeria, if necessary, but prefer a peaceful and democratic process through a referendum.
The statement also highlighted concerns over the safety and well-being of the Igbos amid ongoing protests and economic hardship.
“Ndigbo are not perturbed. We have seen it all in Nigeria and are prepared for any opportunity to exit Nigeria at any time. But it will be more appropriate that we are allowed to exit Nigeria peacefully and democratically to maintain good neighbourly relationships.”
The #IgboMustGo slogan emerged amid various protests across Nigeria, particularly during a nationwide hunger protest that saw many regions participating except for the South-East. The campaign has been condemned by prominent political figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who described it as hypocritical given past actions against Igbo businesses and properties in Lagos. Despite these condemnations, IPOB asserts that there are underlying motives from influential individuals within both state and federal governments supporting this anti-Igbo sentiment.
Furthermore, IPOB has called upon the international community to recognize what they describe as existential threats facing the Igbo people in Nigeria. They urge human rights organizations and global bodies like the United Nations and African Union to pay attention to the systemic ethnic profiling and violence directed at Ndigbo.
