IPOB announces nationwide sit-at-home protest on May 30
The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared May 30 as a compulsory sit-at-home day for Igbos across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who stated that the civil action aims to honour those who have lost their lives in the fight for Biafra Independence since the struggle began in 1967.
Powerful urged people of the Southeast residing in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria to participate in the sit-at-home order.
He also warned residents of the ‘Biafra territory’ against endangering their lives or businesses by defying the directive, as it originates from the group’s leadership.
“This year’s event will be special, and the one-day sit-at-home in Biafraland will be observed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 30, 2023. All economic, social, religious, and political activities in Biafraland will be suspended, with the exception of hospitals, doctors, nurses, ambulances, and other health workers. All other individuals and workplaces are advised to remain at home,” Powerful stated.
He further emphasized that only hospitals and health workers are permitted to operate and move about freely on May 30, 2023, which marks Biafra Heroes and Heroines Remembrance Day. Other sectors, including police stations, should remain closed within Biafra territory.
“We urge industries, companies, transport companies (air, land, and sea), hotels, schools, and churches to cease operations in honour of our heroes and heroines. Additionally, Biafrans in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria are encouraged to join the sit-at-home protest for just one day. We advise all Biafrans and residents in Biafra territory to avoid endangering their lives or businesses by complying with the sit-at-home order issued by the IPOB leadership,” Powerful added.
He also mentioned that wherever Biafrans gather on that day, they are requested to pray with lighted candles and observe three minutes of silence at 12 noon.
The ultimate objective, according to Powerful, is the restoration of Biafra, which serves as the only solace and tribute to the fallen heroes and heroines.
“We remember those who died during the genocidal war against Biafra, including the mothers and fathers bombed in marketplaces, hospitals, and churches, as well as the children who perished due to starvation inflicted by the Nigerian government. Their memory will be eternally cherished. Furthermore, we remember the victims of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Sahara desert who lost their lives while attempting to escape the harsh economic and political policies imposed on Biafrans by the Nigerian state,” Powerful concluded.
