The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday announced a ban on Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations across the South-East region, effective today, October 1, 2024.
This directive, communicated through IPOB Spokesman Emma Powerful, urges residents and the diaspora community to refrain from participating in any celebrations, instead going about their daily business as usual.
According to Powerful, IPOB’s Directorate of State has issued a warning to Ndigbo to comply with the ban, emphasizing that Nigerian flags will not be flown in the South-East today.
This stance is rooted in IPOB’s rejection of Nigeria’s “bloody flag independence,” which they believe has come at a greater cost to the Igbo people than any other ethnic group in the country.
It reads, “The Directorate of State of IPOB wishes to remind Biafrans at home and in the diaspora that the ban on the celebration of Nigeria’s annual October 1 Independence Day by Biafrans is still in force.
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“As a Biafran, you are to avoid any Nigeria Independence Day celebration globally. IPOB calls on Biafrans globally to go about their normal business because we are not part of Nigeria and have nothing to do with their British flag independence of 1960.
“We are aware that some prominent Igbo men and women played pivotal roles in securing the flag independence that Nigeria celebrates annually on October 1, however, such independence has taken more blood of Ndigbo to maintain than any other ethnic group in Nigeria.
“Biafrans have decided to reject the bloody flag independence of Nigeria and work for the restoration of a true united and prosperous Independent State of Biafra.
“Therefore, every Biafran should reject this Nigerian forced unity as we look forward to celebrating Biafra independence soon.
“Ndigbo must adhere to this clarion call to stop every activity concerning Nigeria’s independence tomorrow. There shall be no flying of Nigerian flags in Biafra territory.”
IPOB’s Reasoning
The group cites the historical struggles and sacrifices made by prominent Igbo individuals in securing Nigeria’s independence, only to face continued marginalization and oppression. IPOB’s statement notes, “Biafrans have decided to reject the bloody flag independence of Nigeria and work for the restoration of a true united and prosperous Independent State of Biafra.”
IPOB is urging residents to treat today as a normal day, either going about their business or spending quality time with family at home. The group warns against participating in Nigerian independence celebrations, cautioning parents and guardians not to allow their children to engage in such activities.
This ban is not an isolated incident; IPOB has consistently opposed Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations since 2023. The group’s stance is deeply rooted in the region’s complex history, including the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), which resulted in significant loss of life and displacement for the Igbo people.
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