Don’t join #EndBadGovernance protest, IPOB tells Ndigbo

The Independent People of Biafra has called on Ndigbo across the country not to join the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.

The pro-Biafran group said rather than joining the protest, Ndigbo should be security alert and protect their lives and property during and after the protest.

The group added that both IPOB, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and many other Igbo groups have already warned them not to join the protest.

They alleged that a security report at its disposal indicated that security agencies had concluded plans to carry out targeted attacks against the Ndigbo during the protest.

In a statement on Thursday, the group, through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, claimed that there were also plans to sponsor criminal elements in the South-East to carry out violent protests to provide opportunities for the security agencies to launch attacks against Ndigbo during this period.

The statement said, “Therefore, Ndigbo should be careful and know that they are hated and targeted across the contraption called Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the false accusations against IPOB and Mr Peter Obi by the Federal Government as the sponsors of the proposed protest are part of the sinister plan and agenda to target Ndigbo for elimination.

“The false alarm that IPOB and Ndigbo are sponsoring the protest is another false flag operation targeted at killing Ndigbo during the protest.

“Neither, Ndigbo nor IPOB called for the Nigerians to protest against the leadership’s disastrous performance in Nigeria. Interestingly, both the IPOB, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and many other Igbo groups have warned Ndigbo not to join the proposed peaceful national protest against hardship and hunger in the wider Nigeria.

The group said although Ndigbo are facing the same economic hardship that others are facing, they are usually the victims of any protest in Nigeria.

The statement added, “We must learn our lessons. If need be, the only protests that Ndigbo should sponsor and fully participate in are the protest for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and a call or a UN-supervised referendum.

“What we are interested in now is for President Bola Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and give us a date for the Biafran referendum for Biafrans to decide their fate in Nigeria or an independent Biafra Nation.

“As the hunger protest plans rage, Ndigbo must ensure that they defend themselves and their properties against hoodlums and tribal bigots who will capitalise on the protest to loot their materials in our shops.

“Moreso, every Igbo person in the East, North and West must be on security alert during this period of their protest.  Ndigbo will be the target of the federal government’s brutal force during the proposed peaceful protest. Don’t be a victim.”