The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has questioned the events that led to its proscription in September 2017. In a press statement, IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, recalled that on August 30, 2017, the South East Governors Forum held a peace meeting with IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Enugu. The meeting was described as a peace engagement by then Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi. Kanu's demands at the meeting were centered on development and economic renewal for the region.
IPOB stated that Kanu's demands included reopening and revitalization of seaports, dredging of the River Niger, direct international flights into Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Calabar, completion of the 2nd Niger Bridge, and upgrading of Owerri Airport. The group also mentioned demands for functional railways, reliable electricity, primary healthcare, and revival of abandoned industries to create employment. Additionally, Kanu demanded respect for court orders, release of detainees, and investigations into killings of IPOB members.
On September 14, 2017, the Nigerian military invaded Kanu's home at Afaraukwu, Umuahia, IPOB alleged. A day later, on September 15, 2017, the South East Governors Forum announced the proscription of IPOB activities. The resolution also appealed to then President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the military from the South East and called for investigations into killings. On the same date, the Nigerian military categorized IPOB as a terrorist organization.
IPOB cited the intervention of then Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on September 18, 2017, who declared that both the military's categorization and the governors' proscription did not follow due process and were unconstitutional. The group is now asking the Nigerian government, South East political leaders, and the international community to answer what it called a simple question: "what terrorist activity occurred between the August 30 peace meeting and the September 15 proscription?"
IPOB urged the public to examine the record of the peace meeting, Kanu's stated demands, the military operation at his home, the subsequent proscription, and the constitutional objections raised at the time. The group said it is seeking evidence of terrorism, asking the authorities to "show us the evidence." This comes as IPOB threatens an election boycott over Kanu's appeal and insists that the Federal Government is keeping Kanu in jail under a "dead law."
The proscription of IPOB activities and the military's categorization of the group as a terrorist organization have been contentious issues. While the Nigerian government has maintained that IPOB's activities were threatening national security, the group has consistently argued that its demands were peaceful and aimed at addressing the region's developmental challenges. The issue remains a subject of debate, with various stakeholders calling for a peaceful resolution.
The development has sparked concerns about the handling of the IPOB crisis and the implications for the region. As the group continues to challenge the basis for its proscription, stakeholders are calling for a thorough examination of the events leading up to the proscription and the categorization of IPOB as a terrorist organization.
Key points
- IPOB challenges the basis for its 2017 proscription, seeking evidence of terrorism.
- The group recalls a peace meeting between IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the South East Governors Forum in August 2017.
- IPOB's demands at the meeting were centered on development and economic renewal for the region.
