The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has sharply criticized those behind the “IgboMustGo” campaign in the South-West geopolitical zone, insisting that it is time for a referendum to determine the Igbo’s exit from Nigeria.
IPOB expressed disdain for the South-Western authorities’ dismissive attitude toward the campaign and asserted that the Igbo people are firmly established and unfazed by such threats.
The group alleged that influential figures within the Lagos State and Federal governments are behind the “IgboMustGo” movement and cautioned Southerners to be wary of these actions in the South-West.
Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Director of Media and Publicity, said these in a statement on Monday.
The statement read: “Following the provocative and genocidal ‘IgboMustGo’ protest planned for August 20-30, 2024, by some anonymous Yoruba groups and individuals, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) reminds these anti-Igbo groups that Ndigbo are ready to leave Yoruba land and Nigeria through a referendum. We will not be intimidated by any group or individual into leaving any state or region in Nigeria.
“It is laughable that Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been reported as condemning the ‘IgboMustGo’ protest. The governor’s condemnation is hypocritical, as he was the first to target Ndigbo with his biased demolition of their businesses and properties in Lagos State. There is a high likelihood that the ‘IgboMustGo’ proponents are supported by high-profile figures in both the Lagos State and Federal Governments.
Read also: Gov Fintiri blames Tinubu’s govt for hunger, poverty in Nigeria (Video)
“Despite this, Ndigbo remain unshaken. We are prepared for any opportunity to leave Nigeria whenever it arises. However, we prefer a peaceful and democratic exit to maintain good relations. If forced into a violent exit, it could lead to ongoing hostility.
“The Yoruba and their sponsors must understand that Ndigbo are undeterred by threats. Our decision to exit Nigeria is firm, and we reject any threats or genocidal agendas associated with the ‘IgboMustGo’ protest.
“Instead of threatening unconstitutionally and violently to expel Ndigbo from the Yoruba region, they should urge President Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and organize a referendum for Ndigbo to choose between Biafra and Nigeria. We are ready to vote and leave Nigeria and the Yoruba region in peace. We are more determined to exit Nigeria now than we were in the 1960s.
“The ongoing ‘EndBadGovernance’ protests, organized by Yoruba and Fulani, are seen as attempts to lure Ndigbo into destruction. Ndigbo have learned from past experiences and chose not to participate in these protests to avoid being targeted. The risks faced by Ndigbo in Northern and Western regions if they had participated are clear. Ndigbo have always suffered from being the victims in Nigerian protests.
“Although Ndigbo face economic hardship due to Tinubu’s government, they have opted out of protests to avoid becoming targets. The conditions reminiscent of the genocidal war against Biafrans in 1967-1970 are reappearing. Ndigbo face threats from both Western and Northern regions.
“We urge Ndigbo in the North and West to return home quickly. No threats will deter IPOB from our mission to restore Biafra.
“We call on the international community to recognize the existential threat against Ndigbo in Nigeria. Human Rights Organizations, the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), African Union (AU), and all advocates for freedom should note that Biafrans are endangered within Nigeria. The ethnic profiling and hatred against Ndigbo are evident in security, politics, and economics.
“Suppressing the call for a Biafra referendum is tantamount to supporting genocide against Ndigbo. Like our predecessors, we are committed to defending ourselves from those seeking to annihilate us. We are not concerned with the arrest of ‘IgboMustGo’ agitators, as they are mere tools for powerful figures in Yoruba land.
“We advise focusing on convincing President Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and arrange a Biafra referendum. Threats to expel Ndigbo are a sign of weakness and cowardice. Ndigbo are ready to exit Yoruba land and Nigeria without delay.”
It will be recalled that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned the call for Igbo people to leave Lagos and the South-West in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
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IPOB demands referendum, declares Igbo prepared to leave Nigeria
Protesters waving Russian flags committing treason
The Nigerian military said on Monday that individuals flying Russian flags during the nationwide protests are committing treason and will, therefore, be “prosecuted.”
It also announced that it is investigating those instigating this action and will “take serious action” against them.
“That is totally unacceptable… that is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such,” said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, after a meeting of the National Security Council chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
As Nigerians protested the high cost of living on Saturday, August 3, 2024, some protesters in Kano State were spotted flying what appeared to be the Russian flag. Viral photos and videos taken in the northern state showed demonstrators waving the Russian flag as they chanted in Hausa, “We don’t want bad government.”
On Monday, protesters in Kaduna were also seen waving the Russian flag and chanting in Hausa, “Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia.”
Russia, an Eastern power currently mired in a cold war with the West, has been blamed for several unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, among others.
The Defence Chief said, “For those of them flying flags, and if you see a lot of them, they are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Those are pushing them because, you know, the flyers were also made. We have identified those areas, and we are going to take serious action against them.
“The President is clear in his instructions for us not to accept anyone who wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria.”
“We are warning in clear terms, and the President has also said we should convey this: We will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria… So nobody should allow themselves to be used by any individual.”
BREAKING: Russia takes stand on use of its flag by Nigerian protesters
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement with a group of protesters in northern Nigeria who were seen waving Russian flags.
TVN earlier reported that protesters in some parts of the country were seen marching on the streets, waving Russian flags and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages.
The Department of State Service, DSS, has also confirmed the arrest of a Kano tailor producing the ‘Russian flags.
The Service also said it arrested the suspect along with his sponsors.
However, the Embassy, in a statement, said that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria.
It said the actions of the protesters do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
The statement said, “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The Government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.
“As always, we emphasize that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals, and they do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government in the issue.
“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with the Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence we strictly condemn them.”
BREAKING: Russia takes stand on use of its flag by Nigerian protesters
Protest: DSS confirms arrest of Kano tailor producing ‘Russian flags’, sponsors
The Department of State Service, DSS, has confirmed the arrest of a Kano tailor allegedly producing ‘Russian flags.
The Service also said some of their sponsors were arrested while investigation is ongoing.
DSS confirmed the arrest in a post on its official X handle on Monday.
“The DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody. Meanwhile, the Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked. Investigation is ongoing.”
TVN earlier reported the tailor alleged to be producing ‘Russian flags’ for protesters was arrested.
The development followed reports that protesters in Kano State had taken to the streets, waving Russian flags and calling for intervention from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
TVN learnt that they were seeking Putin’s intervention, suggesting their grievances are not being addressed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody. Meanwhile, the Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked. Investigation…
— Department of State Services (DSS) (@OfficialDSSNG) August 5, 2024
Protest: DSS confirms arrest of Kano tailor producing ‘Russian flags’, sponsors
Stop meddling in our party affairs – Kogi SDP slams Gov Ododo
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, Kogi State has asked Governor Usman Ododo to stop meddling in the party’s internal affairs.
A statement by the Director of New Media and Spokesperson for the Muri/Sam Campaign Council-SDP, Isaiah Davies Ijele on Monday described the move as unacceptable and a blatant disregard for democratic principles.
Ijele alleged that the government is using the suspended Chairman and other unscrupulous members of the SDP to obstruct the submission of candidate names for the local government election, adding that it was a clear encroachment on party politics.
The SDP spokesperson cautioned the state government and judiciary against interfering in party affairs, emphasizing the importance of upholding the right of every party to manage its internal affairs independently.
He advised Governor Ododo to focus on governing the state and harnessing its natural resources rather than causing fracas in the SDP.
“Governor ODODO should be more concerned on how to govern the state and harness its natural resources while the time lasts than causing fracas in the SDP, Kogi state chapter,” Ijele said.
The SDP’s statement comes amid allegations of government interference in the party’s internal affairs, which has sparked concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Kogi State.
Stop meddling in our party affairs – Kogi SDP slams Gov Ododo
Hunger protest: Tinubu’s address disconnected from people’s realities
The 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has lamented the failure of the Federal Government to address the demands which fuelled the nationwide hunger protests, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.
Obi stated this in a series of tweets on Monday, urging President Bola Tinubu to “distance himself from sycophants and surround himself with individuals who will present the unvarnished truth.”
There have been protests countrywide, calling on the FG to tackle issues ranging from the exorbitant cost of governance to corruption, the high cost of living in the country, fuel subsidies, among others.
The president had, in a national broadcast on Sunday, called for dialogue and an immediate end to the nationwide protests that have rocked the nation since Thursday.
He said his administration is ready to listen to and address the concerns of protesters, affirming that he has heard their calls “loud and clear.”
But protesters have continued their demonstrations in major cities, including Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna.
However, Obi noted that Tinubu’s address “regrettably appeared disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the people and failed to address critical issues that initially triggered the protest. It either reflects a lack of awareness among his advisers regarding the scale of anger, hunger, and hardship in the country, or a deliberate choice to disregard it.
“While the President’s speech focused on the past, the people are concerned with the present and the future. He should begin by addressing pressing issues such as the exorbitant cost of governance, measures to tackle corruption, the high cost of living, and directing resources effectively towards critical areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation.
“I respectfully reiterate that the President should declare a war on insecurity, the economy, poverty, unemployment, and the power sector.”
Obi advised that for the president to carry the people along with his administration’s economic development plans, he should hold “regular briefings, whether quarterly or biannually” as it’s done in other climes facing such challenges as Nigeria’s.
While the former Anambra State Governor commended the president for “finally addressing the people, albeit belatedly, which might have prevented the unnecessary loss of innocent lives, including those of our security agents,” Obi said the citizens don’t expect him (Tinubu) to solve the nation’s problems overnight.
He said, however, Tinubu’s expected to “address the mismanagement of public resources, reduce the high cost of governance, and tackle issues like insecurity,” among others.
Obi also urged the government to “identify criminal elements attempting to disrupt the protest through looting and other unlawful behaviours and to protect those genuinely exercising their democratic rights.”
In his tweets, the LP chieftain added that he deliberately delayed his response to the president’s speech “as I felt it could have been perceived as another attempt by Peter Obi to sway public opinion, especially since I was initially accused of sponsoring the protest.”
EndBadGovernance Protest: Army beefs up security in Edo as youths barricade roads
Men of the Nigerian Army were on Monday dispatched to beef up security on Ekehuan road to prevent the blockade of the road by youths in the guise of #EndBadGovernance protest in Benin City.
TVN reports that the youths who are mostly residents in the area had on Sunday mounted over 20 roadblocks on the road that stretches to Ugbiyokho, Ekehuan Army Barracks and several other communities.
The youths who barricaded the road disrupted vehicular and human movements for hours before personnel of the Edo State Police Command dismantled the barricades and chased the protesters out of the road.
Adjourning streets in the communities were also barricaded .
TVN reported that the Army was stationed at Asoro Hill bus stop and Erediauwa road along the Ekehuan.
Personnel of the Nigeria Army were still at the Benin branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, located at Akpakpava and Benin Correctional Centre along Sapele Road.
Officers of the Department of State Service, DSS, were also at the CBN and the corporate Headquarters of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC while Policemen and their vans were at Kings Square and the Edo State House of Assembly.
Barricades mounted on adjourning streets to the city centre, Kings Square, the designated venue for the protest by the Nigeria police have been removed.
EndBadGovernance Protest: Army beefs up security in Edo as youths barricade roads
EFCC grills two Kogi govt officials
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is quizzing officials of Kogi State currently under its custody.
Kogi Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, while disclosing this in a statement on Monday, said the reason for their invitation was not disclosed.
Fanwo said it may not be unconnected with ongoing investigations of present and past officials.
“The Kogi State Government can confirm that two of her officials are currently at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja to honor the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“We have not been told the specific details about their invitation, but it may not be unconnected to the ongoing investigations regarding some present and former Government officials.
“We hope that the EFCC will respond to the patriotic action of the officials by remaining professional in conducting their investigations.
“As a government, we are always prepared to cooperate with anti-graft agencies to prove our transparency and retain the confidence of our development partners who have consistently given us awards in recognition of our unflinching transparency, accountability and probity,” he said.
EFCC grills two Kogi govt officials
Ogun chief judge swears in 10 customary court presidents, one member
Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, on Monday, swore in 10 Customary Court Presidents and one member of the customary court.
They are, Mrs.Oluwatosin Junaid, Mrs Abimbola Okeleji, Mrs. Modupe Gabriel, Mrs. Olufadekemi Okusanya, Mrs. Oyedapo Sobande, Mrs. Omolola Osinowo, Mrs. Olukemi Akinde, Mr. Abideen Lawal, Mrs. Bidemi Adebisi, Mr. Femi Osikomaiya and a member, Mrs. Kwasima Oloruntoyin.
Justice Dipeolu while speaking at the ceremony said the newly sworn-in Presidents would be saddled with responsibilities of interpreting laws, customs and traditions, as well as ensuring dispensation of fair and impartial justice.
She stressed that the occasion marked a significant milestone in effective and efficient justice delivery, as well as service to the community.
The Chief Judge explained that the Presidents’ high level of professionalism with dedication to the course of justice distinguished them among others during the selection process, advising them to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure that their personal beliefs do not influence the assessment or judgment of cases before them.
She said, “It is expected of you to employ deep maturity and observe the principles of equity in the conduct of cases, and handling affairs of Customary Court”.
Earlier in her remarks, President, State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Adebisi Femi-Segun said the ceremony symbolised the commitment to rule of law in a society, noting that the appointment was in line with laid down procedure for appointment pursuant of sec 197 (1) (c) 202 and 204 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), and the Customary Court Law of Ogun State Judicial Service Commission guidelines.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in Presidents, Oluwatosin Junaid appreciated the state Chief Judge and Presidents, Customary Court of Appeal, promising that they would uphold integrity in their affairs, work together as a team and serve the community,as they would not take the position for granted.
Ogun chief judge swears in 10 customary court presidents, one member
IgboMustGo: Ndigbo ready to exit Nigeria – IPOB demands referendum
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Monday declared that Ndigbo are ready to exit Nigeria.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said those agitating for IgboMustGo should demand for a referendum that would lead to the exit of Ndigbos from Nigeria.
An X user had announced plans to force Igbos to exit Lagos State under the banner IgboMustGo.
The user claimed that a protest would be staged from August 20 to 30 to this effect.
But, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State had condemned the planned protest, while calling for unity.
However, a statement by Powerful reads: “Following the provocative and genocidal “IgboMustGo” proposed protest slated to commence from August 20-30th 2024, by some faceless Yoruba groups and persons, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wish to remind the Yoruba anti-Igbo groups that Ndigbo are ready to exit Yoruba land and Nigeria via a referendum. Ndigbo will not succumb to any threat from any group or persons to leave any state or region in Nigeria.
“It is laughable that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu was reported to have hypocritically condemned the proponents of the “Igbo Must Go” protest. The Governor will not hoodwink Ndigbo with his hypocritical condemnation of those calling for Igbos’ expulsion from the South West Region of Nigeria. The governor was the first to ethnically profile Ndigbo with his biased demolition of Ndigbo’s businesses, properties, and investments in Lagos State. There are high chances that the proponents of the “IgboMustGo” are sponsored by high profile persons in the Lagos State Government and in the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Nevertheless, Ndigbo are not perturbed. We have seen it all in Nigeria and are prepared for any opportunity to exit Nigeria at any time. But it will be more appropriate that we are allowed to exit Nigeria peacefully and democratically in order to maintain good neighborly relationships. However, if Ndigbo are forced to exit Nigeria violently, there’s a possibility that we shall remain hostile neighbors for the foreseeable future.
“The Yoruba tribal bigots and their sponsors must understand that Ndigbo are not moved by threat. We have made up our minds to exit Nigeria, so there is no basis for the threat of violence or genocide agenda tagged “IgboMustGo” protest. Instead of threatening to unconstitutionally and violently force Ndigbo out of the Yoruba region, they should tell President Tinubu their brother to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to organize a referendum for Ndigbo to decide between Biafra and Nigeria. We will gladly vote and leave Nigeria and Yoruba region in peace. We are demanding this for them to have peace after we are gone. Ndigbo are more enthusiastic to exit Nigeria than it was in the 1960s.”
IgboMustGo: Ndigbo ready to exit Nigeria – IPOB demands referendum