IPOB has declared solidarity with Hausa people and other ethnic groups in northern Nigeria.
The group said the Biafran struggle for self-determination should not be seen as hostility towards other ethnic nationalities.
IPOB also renewed its call for a peaceful, internationally supervised referendum to allow people to determine their political future in Nigeria.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared solidarity with the Hausa people and other northern ethnic groups, saying their quest for freedom and self-determination does not conflict with the Biafran struggle.
IPOB made this position publicly known in a statement issued on Friday, October 16, by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, on the directive of its Directorate of State. The statement followed a reported solidarity declaration by northern youths and the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement (NNRM).
The group said its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had consistently maintained that the pursuit of freedom by one ethnic group should not be interpreted as hatred towards another.
According to IPOB, the freedom of the Biafran people and the political aspirations of the Hausa nation can be pursued without turning the two groups against each other.
IPOB speaks on Hausa, northern ethnic groups
IPOB said it rejected attempts to use ethnic identity, religious differences and regional divisions to create hostility among Nigerians.
The group also disputed claims that Kanu was hostile towards northern ethnic nationalities, arguing that such portrayals could deepen divisions among communities seeking justice and greater political freedom, and cause unrest in the country.
According to the statement released, Kanu had spoken during his Radio Biafra broadcasts about the need for the Hausa people to reclaim their political influence, cultural confidence and historical identity.
“The freedom of Biafrans and the emancipation of the Hausa nation are not mutually exclusive aspirations,” the statement said.
IPOB added that ordinary Nigerians across different regions and ethnic backgrounds shared concerns about poverty, injustice and political marginalisation.
The group also praised what it described as growing political awareness among the northern youths, claiming that they had identified problems with Nigeria’s existing political structure.
IPOB renews demand for referendum
Beyond declaring solidarity with Hausa people and other northern ethnic groups, IPOB renewed its call for a peaceful, internationally supervised referendum on self-determination.
The group said a referendum would allow ethnic nationalities to express their political preferences and determine how they wished to be governed.
It also argued that smaller ethnic groups should have the freedom to negotiate voluntary alliances, form federations or pursue regional governance arrangements that protect their interests.
IPOB listed ethnic nationalities including the Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Berom, Nupe, Igala, Jukun, Angas, Idoma, Ebira, Gbagyi, Tangale and Borgu among those whose political aspirations should be recognised.
“Population density does not dictate human dignity,” the group said, maintaining that every ethnic nationality deserved a voice in decisions concerning its future.
The statement also referenced the 2014 National Conference convened under former President Goodluck Jonathan, citing its proposals on restructuring and regional autonomy as possible reference points for discussions about Nigeria’s political future.
IPOB urged other ethnic nationalities across the country to reconsider their positions on self-determination and what it described as the existing political arrangement.
The group said it remained committed to working with other communities in pursuit of what it described as freedom, peace and mutual respect, irrespective of solidarity with the Hausa.
The declaration made by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has added to the ongoing discussions about ethnic relations in Nigeria, restructuring and self-determination in Nigeria.
The positions and characterisations in the statement has now reflected IPOB’s claims about the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Continue reading here.
New to NewsFlashNGR? Follow us for breaking global and African news
