April 2026 | Enugu, Nigeria
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly criticised recent comments by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing his remarks as “political blackmail” rather than a genuine call for peace.
Background to the Dispute
Akpabio, speaking in Enugu, had urged youths in the South-East to avoid what he described as armed struggle, warning that “state power will always overwhelm you.” He also referenced potential political concessions, including the creation of an additional state.
IPOB’s Response
In a detailed press statement, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful rejected the characterisation of the group’s activities as violent, insisting that its campaign is rooted in a demand for a democratic referendum.
The group maintained that:
It is not engaged in armed conflict
Its objective remains self-determination through a vote
Any attempt to frame its agitation as militancy is misleading
Legal and Constitutional Arguments
IPOB cited provisions of Nigerian law and international frameworks, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, to argue that the right to self-determination is legally recognized.
The group referenced the Supreme Court decision in Abacha v Fawehinmi, which affirmed the enforceability of the African Charter within Nigeria’s legal system.
Criticism of Political Offers
IPOB dismissed the suggestion of additional state creation as inadequate, arguing that such measures do not address what it described as the “core political question” of sovereignty.
According to the statement, proposals framed as concessions fail to engage with the group’s primary demand for a referendum on political status.
Broader Implications
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between federal authorities and pro-Biafra groups, particularly around issues of governance, constitutional rights, and national unity.
IPOB concluded by reiterating its position that the decision on its political future should rest solely with the people, signaling that its advocacy efforts will continue despite political opposition.
Post a Comment