The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called for a referendum on the Igbo’s status within Nigeria, criticizing the “IgboMustGo” campaign as provocative and dangerous. The group accused the campaign’s organizers and supporters of being high-profile figures within the Lagos State and Federal Governments.
In a statement released on Monday, IPOB’s Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, condemned the “IgboMustGo” protest scheduled for August 20-30, 2024. He claimed that this movement aimed to forcefully expel the Igbo from Yoruba lands and Nigeria. Powerful dismissed Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s condemnation of the campaign as hypocritical, citing past actions against Igbo-owned businesses in Lagos.
The statement emphasized that the Igbo people are prepared for a peaceful exit from Nigeria through a democratic referendum. Powerful asserted, “We are ready to leave Nigeria peacefully if allowed to do so. Any attempt to force us out violently will only lead to hostility.”
IPOB also criticized the ongoing “EndBadGovernance” protests, suggesting that they were manipulated to provoke violence against the Igbo. They called on the international community to recognize the threats faced by the Igbo and support their demand for a referendum to determine their future.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had previously denounced the “IgboMustGo” campaign, which called for the expulsion of Igbo people from Lagos and the South-West.
