We’re Not Part of Biafra, Ijaw Youth Council Tells Agitators

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has dissociated itself from the agitations by the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing the map allegedly released by the Biafra secessionists as ‘fictitious’.

The body, comprising all youths of Ijaw descent, noted that though it had nothing against the struggle for self-determination by some elements from the South east, it was nevertheless worried by the attempt to co-opt Ijaw land into the struggle by Kanu and his followers.

Describing the proposed Biafra map as ‘malicious’, the IYC maintained that drawing up territories by groups like the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and IPOB without proper consultations and consent of the Ijaw people was unacceptable.

“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide distances itself and the Ijaw nation from that fictitious map claiming Ijaw territories as being part of Biafra. There was never a time we were Biafrans,” a statement released by the IYC spokesman, Daniel Dasimaka, stated.

According to the group, even in the old Eastern Region, the ‘contraption’ then only succeeded in “enslaving” the Ijaw people.

“We, Ijaw people are not Biafrans. Therefore, if or when any Ijaw person or group feels a sense of allegiance to Biafra and speak in its favour, let it be known that such statements are the personal opinions of such persons which do not reflect the thoughts, views and wishes of the entire Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta people,” the IYC insisted.

It warned IPOB zealots to stop insulting elders of the region, including Annkio Briggs, and called on the “drivers of IPOB to call their followers to order because such acts of bigotry will no longer be tolerated.”

The IYC stressed that the Ijaw struggle started way before Biafra was born, noting that any attempt to force Biafra on Ijaw land without its consent will be resisted.

“For the records, the Ijaw struggle for self-determination predates the Biafra agitation. It is a known historical fact that a year before the world got to hear of the term Biafra Republic, Ijaws, led by late Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro of blessed memory declared a Niger Delta Republic,” the group said.

The group averred that while Ijaw people were pursuing the emancipation of the Niger Delta people, “the progenitor of Biafra, late Col Ojukwu of blessed memory fought against it as the then Governor of the Old Eastern region.”

“It is also on record that a year before MASSOB was founded; the IYC through the Kaiama Declaration affirmed our commitment to joint struggle with the other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta area for self-determination,” the IYC argued.

According to the group, while the ijaw people identify with the agitations of other ethnic groups, “our struggle cannot be submerged into the Biafra agitation that came after ours.”

The IYC said it still stood by its demand for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference of and thereafter a referendum to decide the future of the Ijaw people in Nigeria.

“Thus we call on our Biafra brothers to respect our identity. Any attempt to lump Ijaw into Biafra without the genuine consent of Ijaws People is not only an insult but a futile attempt at replicating the oppression in Nigeria Biafrans claim to resist,” the IYC concluded.

Meanwhile, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has warned the agitators of Biafra Republic to desist from their plans as any form of war involving Igbos, would cost them N3 trillion both in properties and in assets.

Okorocha who spoke when he gave 16 newly recognised traditional rulers in the state their respective Staff of Office and certificates of recognition, noted that Igbo were being deceived by the IPOB that they would drive away Nigeria and bring Biafra.

He regretted that even when the cloud was gathering storm over IPOB activities, those who should be talking like traditional rulers, leaders and pastors chose to keep mute.