IPOB insists on May 30 sit-at-home in South-East
The Indigenous People of Biafra have maintained that all residents in the area should observe May 30 as “Biafra Heroes Day” by staying at home. They have declared that this day is sacred throughout the Southeast.
The IPOB had earlier declared the day a day to honor its fallen heroes during the 1967–1970 civil war and ordered the West African Examination Council and the administration of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, to reschedule their respective earlier scheduled engagements for the day.
The pro-Biafran group stated in a statement released on Tuesday that no government or security agency has the right to persecute any innocent person during the event and that it is still vital to remember those who battled for Biafra’s freedom and sovereignty. Emma Powerful, the group’s spokesman, signed the statement.
According to Powerful, social activities are prohibited in Biafra Land.
The entire Southeast will be under lockdown from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on that day, he continued, adding that markets, schools, banks, the government, and private enterprises are not permitted to open.
“Everyone residing in Biafra territory is reminded by the global family IPOB that the Biafra Heroes Day sit-at-home on May 30, 2024, is a sacred day that must be observed by all. It is a one-time event that takes place on Thursday, May 30, 2024, and not on any other day.”
“In terms of Biafra Land, IPOB continues to be a crucial state actor in Biafra-related matters. No government or security agency has the right to persecute any innocent person during the commemoration of those who fought for Biafra’s freedom and sovereignty.
We are calling on all of Biafra Land’s state governors to guarantee everyone’s and everything’s safety on that day. On that particular day, WAEC candidates who are students must identify themselves by donning their school uniform. We cannot prevent our youngsters from taking their tests, nor are we parties to any ongoing criminal activity.
“The Federal Government has to realize that they cannot kill our heroes and prevent us from grieving or honoring them at the same time. It is right to honor and commemorate those who lost their lives defending our country against the British and Nigerian governments’ plans to exterminate us during the genocide that raged from 1967 to 1970.
The group declared that all Biafran heroes and heroines, such as American Bruce Mayrock, who gave up his youth for Biafrans, should be honored.
“Air Raid Achuzie, Dr. Frank Opigo, General Umunnakwe, Thomas Aguiyi Ironsi, Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and many others who contributed greatly for us to live are remembered and honored.”
It is recommended that Biafrans living abroad seek permission to hold rallies in their own nations. The world needs to hear the tale of the murderous battle against the Biafran people and the tenacity of their heroes. Our people need to know that Biafra is on its way. Nothing will cause us to reconsider or lose heart in the fight for the liberation of Biafra now that we have crossed the Rubicon,” the statement continued.
Source: The Punch
