From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed its readiness to discuss Biafra referendum with the Federal Government, giving conditions that it must be supervised by the United Nations (UN).
Spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful, who disclosed this in a statement he released to newsmen at the weekend, noted that the dialogue would allow a peaceful exit of the people of Southeast from Nigeria.
However, he regretted that the group, which he said has not been violent in their agitation, has been brutally oppressed by the Federal Government.
He said: “IPOB members have been brutally attacked while on peaceful protest by the Nigeria security forces at many locations in Biafra land. As a result of these unwarranted attacks, many IPOB members have been murdered in cold blood, some have been permanently handicapped, some forcefully disappeared.
“IPOB has lost over 5,000 members with property worth over $1 billion as a result of the extreme use of force from the Nigeria security forces. Irrespective of all the provocations from the Nigeria state, IPOB has never retaliated nor have we taken up arms against the Nigeria state.
“IPOB stands for peace. We stand for dialogue, and we stand for discussions. The cardinal rule under which IPOB was formed is to lead the way to a peaceful separation of Biafra from Nigeria.
“We have always maintained that self-determination is our inalienable right according to the UN laws. We remain committed to pursuing our self-determination peacefully according to international laws and regulations.”
He also added: “IPOB is ready to meet with the Nigeria government any day they are ready for negotiations on Biafra referendum. IPOB supports peaceful separation.
“We believe Biafra can be achieved without war and shedding of innocent blood of Biafrans or Nigerians. We are bold to say that IPOB has never raised arms against the Nigeria state, but we have defended ourselves and our land against Fulani herdsmen and their supporters.
“IPOB has not shed any innocent blood and will not shed any innocent blood, but will always defend ourselves against an attack from any quarter.
“IPOB is ready for dialogue on Biafra referendum date and procedures. We want peace and are ever ready to leave Nigeria in peace, but not the peace of the graveyard. We remain resolute and focused towards our goal, which is Biafra independence via a referendum.
“The earlier the Nigeria government schedule a referendum date for Biafrans to decide their fate, the better for everyone.
This message represents the views of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leadership, and the global family members of IPOB.”