The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, labeling it “divisive and hate-filled”. IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, stated that Tinubu’s speech recklessly and falsely lumped IPOB with Boko Haram, while exonerating other terrorist groups like ISWAP and Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb.
“The attention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the divisive and hateful Independence Day address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in which he recklessly and falsely lumped IPOB with Boko Haram, whilst in the same breath exonerating ISWAP, Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb and Lakaruwa, By not mentioning them and focusing only on Boko Haram and IPOB, Tinubu effectively signalled they are not terrorist groups. This deliberate falsehood cannot stand unchallenged” Comrade Emma Powerful stated.
IPOB maintains it is a peaceful movement pursuing self-determination through nonviolent means and isn’t comparable to extremist groups.
Tinubu’s administration is accused of deliberately misrepresenting IPOB’s activities and falsely tagging it as a terrorist organization.
IPOB alleges that Tinubu’s government applies double standards in addressing violence, downplaying attacks by armed herders while demonizing unarmed Igbo youths.
“It is hypocritical and insulting for Tinubu to demonise IPOB while exonerating Fulani killer herdsmen who are daily terrorising citizens from Kwara to Plateau, from Benue to Enugu. When entire communities are wiped out, his government calls it ‘farmer-herder clashes.’ Yet, when unarmed Igbo youths protest peacefully, they are branded terrorists. This double standard exposes Tinubu’s deep-seated prejudice against the Igbo race,” The group alleged.
IPOB emphasizes that no court of law has linked the group or its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to terrorism, kidnapping, or killings, citing a 2017 Federal High Court ruling that IPOB is not a terrorist organization.
IPOB urges Tinubu to obey court rulings, particularly those concerning Nnamdi Kanu’s release, and to address the group’s grievances.
