By Divine Sam
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have announced a ban on Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations in the Southeast, urging Igbos to refrain from any related activities on October 1. The group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, emphasized that the Nigerian flag should not be displayed, and no Independence Day events should occur, especially for students.
IPOB’s statement reiterated their rejection of Nigeria’s independence, claiming it has come at a significant cost to the Igbo people. They called for Biafrans to focus on their businesses or spend time with family instead. The organization warned that participation in the celebrations would be seen as opposition to their struggle for Biafra’s independence and that they would be monitoring compliance throughout the region. Parents were specifically cautioned against allowing their children to engage in any Independence Day activities.