The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared its solidarity with the Hausa people and other ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the pursuit of Biafran freedom should not be interpreted as hostility towards other groups.
The organisation made the declaration in a press statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, on behalf of the Directorate of State (DOS), following a reported solidarity declaration by Northern youths and the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement (NNRM).
According to IPOB, its position reflects the message of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom it said has consistently maintained that the struggle for the freedom of one people should not be viewed as hatred towards another.
The organisation said it welcomed what it described as the growing political awareness among Hausa youths and other Northern communities regarding issues of oppression, injustice and political marginalisation.
IPOB argued that ordinary citizens across Nigeria share common aspirations for dignity, justice, equal rights and the opportunity to determine their political future, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
IPOB Says Hausa People Are Not Its Enemies
The group rejected claims that Kanu's campaign for Biafran self-determination was directed against Northern ethnic nationalities.
It alleged that political interests had attempted to portray its leader as hostile to the North to deepen ethnic divisions and preserve what it described as an oppressive political structure.
According to the statement, Kanu had, during his Radio Biafra broadcasts, expressed support for the political emancipation of the Hausa people and the restoration of their historical and cultural confidence.
IPOB maintained that the freedom of Biafrans and the aspirations of the Hausa people were not mutually exclusive, adding that no ethnic nationality should remain politically subordinate for another to achieve freedom.
Group Calls for Equal Rights for All Ethnic Nationalities
The organisation also insisted that every indigenous ethnic nationality within Nigeria should have the right to determine its political future, irrespective of 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 aspirations should be respected.
IPOB argued that population size should not determine a group's political rights or access to dignity and self-governance.
It said smaller ethnic nationalities should be allowed to express their preferences and negotiate political arrangements that protect their interests.
IPOB Advocates Referendum
The group reiterated its support for a peaceful, internationally supervised referendum as a democratic means of allowing people to decide their political future.
It said such a process could enable ethnic nationalities to choose their preferred political arrangements, including voluntary alliances, federation and regional autonomy.
IPOB also referenced the 2014 National Conference convened under former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that its proposals on restructuring and regional autonomy offered principles that could inform discussions about Nigeria's political future.
The organisation further cited former President Olusegun Obasanjo's reported criticism of imported governance models, arguing that African societies should develop political systems suited to their historical and social circumstances.
IPOB Urges Other Ethnic Groups to Support Self-Determination
IPOB expressed hope that other ethnic nationalities across Nigeria would similarly 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.
The statement concluded by reaffirming IPOB's position that demands for self-determination should not be treated as expressions of ethnic hatred but as calls for people to have a say in how they are governed.
The claims and positions in this report are based on the statement issued by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary. The reported declaration by Northern youths and the NNRM was not independently verified for this report.
