The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has told the British government that the only thing it wants from the Nigerian government for its members is a self-determining referendum and complete freedom and not an asylum.
While reacting to the United Kingdom’s pledge to grant asylum to IPOB members persecuted by the Nigerian government, the group said its persecuted members don’t want asylum from the British government.
In a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said while it appreciates the gesture, what is needed most is a referendum that will grant a sovereign Biafran nation to its members.
The statement read: “We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great and indomitable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has noted with satisfaction the news that the United Kingdom has agreed to grant asylum to persecuted Biafra agitators resident in the UK.
“While we commend them for this bold initiative, we wish to most graciously remind them that what we Biafrans need and cherish the most is a referendum and not asylum in the UK.
“We are tired of living in bondage in the devilish contraption called Nigeria they single-handedly created.
“We would not wish our children, now and generations unborn, to share the same geopolitical space with those that reward terrorists and criminalise law-abiding citizens.
“We particularly thank the UK government for confirming what the rest of the civilized world already knows that the great IPOB worldwide family are not terrorists but peaceful agitators and freedom fighters.
“That Nigeria is a country run by terrorists for the benefit of terrorists has been confirmed by this noble move by the United Kingdom.
“Aso Rock, the seat of power in Nigeria is a terrorist haven with serving ministers who are openly sympathetic to terrorists and their activities, coming and going as they please, while freedom fighters are languishing in jail.
“We want freedom, not asylum.”
