The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a ban on hunger protests in South-East territories, cautioning against any attempts by Nigerian agents to organize such demonstrations in Biafraland. In a press statement released by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group emphasized that while the current economic challenges in Nigeria should be of concern to all Nigerians, Biafrans should refrain from participating in protests against the nation’s hardship, as it could potentially endanger them. The statement underscored the historical grievances of Ndigbo, highlighting past injustices and marginalization, and asserted that the focus of the Igbo people should be on achieving freedom from Nigeria.
The statement from IPOB came after a virtual meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) on February 16, where the group reviewed the progress on an agreement with the Federal Government. Expressing frustration with the government’s perceived inaction on key promises, IPOB reiterated its demand for the swift implementation of the agreement.
Furthermore, the group warned that anyone organizing protests against economic hardship in Biafraland would put Ndigbo in danger, citing the government’s response to the #EndSARS protests as a precedent. IPOB urged Ndigbo to leave the current economic challenges in Nigeria to Nigerians, emphasizing that Biafrans are no longer interested in the affairs of Nigeria.
In response to the ban, IPOB outlined a strategy for identifying and countering any attempts to organize hunger protests in Biafraland, calling on its intelligence unit to be on high alert. The group also stated that its security outfit, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), would confront any government agents attempting to organize protests in the region.
The statement from IPOB comes at a time when the effects of the food crisis are being felt across the country, with recent protests in Ibadan over the high cost of living and the need for government intervention. The protesters, mainly youths, expressed their frustrations with placards and chants, calling for an end to economic hardship and appealing for government action to make food more affordable.
As Nigeria grapples with these economic challenges, IPOB’s ban on hunger protests in Biafraland adds another layer of complexity to the country’s socio-political landscape, highlighting the deep-seated grievances and aspirations of different ethnic groups within the nation.
