The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared May 30 a
work-free day for all supporters of Biafra dream in commemoration of the Igbos
who had lost their lives in sectarian killings in the country from 1945 to
date.
This was announced through a statement signed and issued by
the group’s Spokesperson, Emma Powerful.
It enjoined Igbos and all those who believe in the Biafra
ideology all over the country to shut down their businesses and stay at home.
IPOB also said prayers would be held at designated places to
mark the day.
The statement read in part “The indigenous people of Biafra
and its leadership worldwide would like to use this opportunity to inform
Biafrans, friends of Biafra, lovers of freedom all over the world and humanity
in general, to prepare for the historic annual Biafra Day of Remembrance 2017.
“On the 30th of May 2017, as it is now the tradition since
our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu held the inaugural event at our Cenotaph in Enugu
on 30 May 2014, we shall honour the gallant and brave Biafran soldiers that
withstood the might of the British-sponsored coalition against Biafra between
1967 and 1970.
“Our heroes and heroines of the class of 1967-1970 who paid
the ultimate price in defence of the dignity of the black race during this
genocidal war against the people of Biafra, will be remembered and honoured in
the finest traditions of IPOB.
“This annual event for 2017 has been designated a day of
prayer, fasting, supplication and introspection.
“We shall also remember all the martyred freedom fighters
(IPOB & MASSOB) that fell in pursuit of our liberation from the oppression
and the tyranny of Nigerian Army, Police, Navy and DSS.
“We can never forget them and we must always honour them as
long as there are Biafrans on the face of the earth. Every victim of
unwarranted state-sponsored sectarian violence in Nigeria will also be
remembered.
“All those that sacrificed their lives in the field of
battle and protests that this present generation of Biafrans might live, will
be honoured, including the victims of Asaba Massacre. They will be honoured
with a two-minute silence immediately the clock strikes 12noon on the 30th of
May 2017.
The statement noted that the May 30 ceremony would be the
fourth consecutive times IPOB had held the anniversary.
It added “The very first event was held in Enugu on May
30th, 2014, Aba May 30th, 2015 and 30th May 2016 at Nkpor Anambra State where
the Nigerian Army, Police, Navy and DSS committed unspeakable crimes against
humanity that brought shame to Nigeria before the comity of civilised nations
around the world.
“Therefore, we expect every man, woman and children to
observe this great annual event by staying at home and not engaging in any
business activity.
“There will be no movement in Biafraland, both human and
vehicular. Biafraland will be shut down completely as a mark of dignified
respect to those that sacrificed their lives for us.
“That is the least we can do to show them and Almighty God
that this generation of IPOB and those to come will remain forever indebted to
them that gave their lives to stop the elimination of the Biafra race from the
face of the earth.
”Equally all victims of state-sponsored genocide starting
from the Jos massacre of Biafran people in 1945 to the most recent Asaba
massacre in 2017 at IPOB meeting by the Nigerian Army will all be honoured”.
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