The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared solidarity with the Hausa people and other ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria, insisting that its campaign for Biafran self-determination should not be interpreted as hostility towards other ethnic groups.
The organisation made its position known in a press statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, on behalf of the Directorate of State (DOS).
The statement followed a reported declaration of solidarity by Northern youths and the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement (NNRM), although the development was not independently verified.
According to IPOB, its position reflects the message of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom the organisation said has consistently maintained that the struggle for one people’s freedom should not be interpreted as hatred towards another.
IPOB Says Hausa People Are Not Its Enemies
IPOB rejected claims that Kanu’s campaign for Biafran self-determination is directed against the Hausa people or other Northern ethnic nationalities.
The group alleged that certain political interests have attempted to portray its leader as hostile to the North in order to deepen ethnic divisions and preserve what it described as an oppressive political structure.
According to the statement, Kanu had expressed support for the political emancipation of the Hausa people and the restoration of their historical and cultural identity during his Radio Biafra broadcasts.
IPOB maintained that the aspirations of the Biafran people and those of the Hausa people are not mutually exclusive, arguing that one ethnic nationality should not remain politically subordinate for another to achieve freedom.
The organisation also welcomed what it described as growing political awareness among Hausa youths and other Northern communities concerning oppression, injustice and political marginalisation.
Group Calls for Equal Rights for All Ethnic Nationalities
The pro-Biafra organisation further argued that every indigenous ethnic nationality within Nigeria should have the right to determine its political future, regardless of its population size.
It listed the Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Berom, Nupe, Igala, Jukun, Angas, Bachama, Idoma, Zuru, Ebira, Gbagyi, Tangale and Borgu, among others, as communities whose interests and political aspirations should be respected.
IPOB maintained that population size should not determine a group’s access to dignity, equal rights or self-governance.
It added that smaller ethnic nationalities should be allowed to express their preferences and pursue political arrangements capable of protecting their interests.
IPOB Advocates Peaceful, Internationally Supervised Referendum
The organisation reiterated its support for a peaceful, internationally supervised referendum, describing it as a democratic means of allowing people to determine their political future.
According to IPOB, such a process could give ethnic nationalities the opportunity to choose their preferred political arrangements, including voluntary alliances, federation and regional autonomy.
The group also referred to the 2014 National Conference convened under former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that its proposals on restructuring and regional autonomy could provide useful principles for discussions about Nigeria’s political future.
IPOB further cited former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s reported criticism of imported governance models, maintaining that African societies should develop political systems suited to their historical and social realities.
IPOB Urges Other Ethnic Groups to Support Self-Determination
IPOB expressed hope that other ethnic nationalities across Nigeria would also examine questions of political representation, justice and self-determination.
The organisation said it remained committed to what it described as the pursuit of genuine liberation, peace and mutual respect among indigenous peoples.
It concluded by reiterating that demands for self-determination should not automatically be regarded as expressions of ethnic hatred, but as calls for people to have a say in how they are governed.
Editorial note: The positions attributed to IPOB in this report are based on the statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary. The reported declaration by Northern youths and the NNRM has not been independently verified.
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