•Calls for postponement of examinations, convocation
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the West African Examination (WAEC) Board and the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Charles Esimone, to postpone their scheduled examination and convocation ceremony on May 30.
Spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful, in an open letter released to newsmen, yesterday, insisted that May 30 remains a sit-at-home to commemorate the fallen heroes of Biafra war.
“That day remains sacred and a day that Biafrans sit at home to remember and honour our heroes who fell during the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970.
“No public event is expected to take place in Biafra land on this day. Biafra heroes day is a public holiday and a sit-at-home in Biafra land for Biafrans in honour of our fallen heroes and heroines.
“All markets, schools, banks, government and private offices are expected to be under lock and key.
Movement of persons and vehicles are not allowed except those on essential or emergency services such as health workers, ambulance, fire service, filling stations and hospitals.”
In the same letter addressed to WAEC, the group said: “WAEC board should not endanger the lives of children because that day is not safe for any individual in Biafra territory. It is a day everybody stays indoors for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live and they must reschedule the date to another day. May 30 is a Biafran remembrance day.
“If anything happens to these children they want to bring out that day, they will regret doing so.
“By this open letter, IPOB is calling on the UNIZIK vice chancellor and the management, and any other people or group that (have) scheduled any programme for May 30, 2024 to postpone their programme.
“Biafra heroes day takes precedence over any programme in Biafra land on that day. However, if the UNIZIK vice chancellor and the management insist on having their convocation on May 30, 2024 in disregard of Biafra fallen heroes and heroines, they have decided to spit on the graves of Biafra heroes and heroines and should be ready to take responsibility for whatever happens afterwards.
“IPOB will not enforce the May 30 sit-at-home but will also not take responsibility for whatever happens to the violators.
“The UNIZIK management must not provoke IPOB. We do not take it kindly with people desecrating the memory of our heroes and heroines.
“IPOB calls on the students, the parents, the guests and visitors to UNIZIK’s convocation ceremony scheduled for May 30 to apply caution and avoid being on the road the day Biafrans are mourning their dead if the university goes ahead with the plans.
“Safety is an individual responsibility. Don’t endanger yourself for an hour-long ceremony. In the past, Nigeria security forces and their collaborators have killed and set some cars ablaze of those found on the road any time IPOB calls for sit-at-home just to blackmail IPOB. Don’t be a victim.
“IPOB is, therefore, warning all the persons and institutions paid to insult and desecrate the memories of our fallen heroes that their sponsors will not be there to save them when the rain starts falling on them.
“Those that have made sabotage their stock in trade will be collectively and individually held to account. IPOB is not Umunna meeting or community meeting to be toyed with. As much as we care, we also bite.”