Anthony Iwuoma
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has insisted that its demand is a referendum and not restructuring of Nigeria.
In a statement in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Monday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful, said it had no problem with restructuring Nigeria though its major demand was a referendum to decide whether or not Biafra would remain an integral part of Nigeria.
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“Nigeria government must bear one thing in mind, IPOB is not fighting restructuring. We are not against restructuring but our demand is not restructuring,” the statement said.
“Our demand is restoration of Biafra State. All we need is a date for a referendum to decide whether or not we want to continue with this forced marriage (Nigeria).
“Those who think Nigeria is ready for restructuring may have to think again. Those benefiting from the current lop-sidedness have made restructuring impossible. They are unlikely to heed the clamour for restructuring.
“But for us, the only thing that can make us slow down a little is government giving us a date for the referendum. Restoration of the Sovereign State of Biafra is a divine mandate.”
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The Mazi Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB has been fighting for a separate state in the Eastern part of Nigeria.
The high-handed action deployed to quench the agitation and the resolute stand of the agitators, especially with the establishment of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, to protect the area from menacing herdsmen resulting in military action that has claimed many lives and destroyed valuable property.
Many believe that restructuring Nigeria will address the obvious imbalances in the polity and foster peace.
Though IPOB has said it has nothing against restructuring even though its focus is a referendum on Biafra, it is not yet clear how events will unfold in the days ahead.