IPOB Cautions South-Easterners Against Nationwide Protests Amid Economic Struggles

 IPOB Cautions South-Easterners Against Nationwide Protests Amid Economic Struggles

Rald News Media Report:

In a recent development, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a directive advising residents in the South-East region to abstain from engaging in the ongoing nationwide protests addressing economic hardships during President Bola Tinubu's administration.

According to a statement released by IPOB's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, on Tuesday, the group has urged against organizing protests in the southeastern states, citing the Igbo community's disengagement from Nigerian affairs and its anticipation of an opportunity to secede.

Powerful highlighted concerns that initiating protests against economic challenges in the South-East could endanger the safety of Igbo individuals, referencing past allegations during the #EndSARS protests where Igbo people were accused of attempting to destabilize Nigeria through violence.

Acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Igbo individuals due to government policies, IPOB stressed exercising caution and prioritizing the pursuit of Biafran freedom.

The group suggested that individuals or groups intending to protest Nigeria's economic challenges should consider doing so in the northern or western regions, citing pressing security concerns and violence perpetrated by federal government agencies and terrorists in the South-East.

"We will not allow anyone or any group to use protests as a means to introduce further destabilization into our territory," the statement concluded.

IPOB's directive presents a contrast to the recent call by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which urged Igbo people not to participate in protests against the Tinubu-led government. As protests against rising living costs escalate nationwide, IPOB remains firm in its stance for Biafran independence, advocating for caution and strategic planning amidst prevailing economic challenges.