Kanu with his lawyers at the Federal High Court, Abuja
‘We’re ready for UN-backed referendum on Biafra, peaceful negotiations’ – IPOB writes FG
Pro-secession group in the South East region of the country, the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) has declared its readiness for peaceful negotiations with the Federal Government over demands for a nation status.
This is just as the group called for a United Nations-supervised referendum over its quest for a separate Biafra state.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the group would push for a peaceful referendum within the ambit of the law.
Leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu is presently in a court-ordered detention at the facilities of the Department of State Security (DSS), as the Nigerian government has defied several other court orders to free the activist.
The Supreme Court has only fixed December 15 to hear an appeal for Kanu’s release from custody.
“We the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to reiterate once again that IPOB remains peaceful and we remain open for negotiations and dialogue on peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a UN supervised Referendum.
“IPOB’s peaceful agitation for Biafra Independence started in 2012. Never has IPOB been associated with violence or criminality in all our years of rallies and protests. Nevertheless, Nigeria’s government, through her murderous Security Forces, has levied war against IPOB.
“IPOB is ready to meet with the Nigeria government any day they are ready for negotiations on Biafra referendum. IPOB supports peaceful separation from the contraption formed by foreigners called Nigeria. 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 shedded 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.
“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. Biafra and Nigeria are two different nations,” the statement by Mr Powerful read, Saturday.
