The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the “IgboMustGo” campaign in the South-Western part of Nigeria, calling it a genocidal agenda. The group accused the authorities in the South-West of treating the campaign with a wave of the hand, despite its provocative and threatening nature.
IPOB Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, stated that the group is ready to exit Nigeria via a referendum, citing indications that sponsors of the “IgboMustGo” campaign are highly placed individuals within the Lagos State and Federal Governments.
Powerful criticized Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s condemnation of the campaign, calling it hypocritical and biased. He accused the governor of ethnically profiling Ndigbo and demolishing their businesses, properties, and investments in Lagos State.
IPOB demanded a peaceful and democratic exit from Nigeria, warning that forcing Ndigbo out violently could lead to hostile neighborly relationships in the future. The group called on President Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and organize a referendum for Ndigbo to decide between Biafra and Nigeria.
The statement also highlighted the ongoing “EndBadGovernance” protest in Nigeria, which IPOB claimed was organized by Yoruba and Fulani to lure Ndigbo into destruction. The group accused the government of imposing economic hardship on Nigerians and targeting Ndigbo in the process.
IPOB called on the international community to attention to the existential threat against Ndigbo in Nigeria, citing ethnic profiling and hatred in security, politics, and economics. The group warned that silencing the quest for Biafra referendum is indirectly supporting genocide against Ndigbo and Biafrans.