In a statement released by PANDEF, through its National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, in Port Harcourt, the body disclaimed any association with Biafra, as it reaffirmed its commitment to a united Nigeria built on equity and justice.
In the statement, Donyegha decried the inclusion of Niger Delta communities in IPOB’s plans as “provocative and insulting” to the region’s leaders and people.
He stated: “We, therefore, warn that the continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities into the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative. Any further attempt to disregard or belittle our leaders and fathers by claiming Niger Delta towns or territories as part of Biafra will meet strong resistance from us, the youths. Niger Delta is not Biafra.
“We believe in the unity of Nigeria, but it must be a Nigeria where sub-national entities control their God-given resources while supporting the centre with taxes for territorial integrity and foreign diplomacy.”
Meanwhile, IPOB has dismissed the concerns, calling them “garbage” and reaffirmed that it does not force communities to join the Biafran cause.
IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said in an interview that “IPOB is not part of the group forcing any community in Nigeria to join Biafra State. Those doing so in the name of Biafra are content creators from Finland autopilot group, and they are not part of IPOB.
“When referendum comes, people decide what they want; nobody will force them into the new nation called Biafra.”
He added that “IPOB remains what it was from the beginning and will not shift ground until Biafra independence is fully announced by the United Nations. Every tribe and clan will have the freedom to decide their fate during the referendum.”
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