Kanu Declares Feb 16 Biafra Referendum Day, Relocates to London

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declared February 16, 2019, as the date for the referendum to determine if the people of the old Biafra region favour a new republic.

Kanu, who announced this in a statement signed by the Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, said the group will in coming days make available the method and schedule for the referendum.

The planned referendum, it was noted would coincide with the date of the presidential election, which would also be held on February 16.

Meanwhile, the group also announced that its leader, Kanu has moved from Israel where he appeared few months after a year of disappearing from Nigeria to London, United Kingdom.

The statement said the relocation was to afford Kanu time to meet with the high command of IPOB, which is headquartered in London and to also make effective plans for the planned referendum.

According to the statement by Powerful, “We wish to announce officially to the people of Biafra both home and in the diaspora, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom that our supreme leader, Kanu, is currently in London to join his family and see a new born child he hadn't seen because of his illegal incarceration and detention since 2015.

“He will also discuss with IPOB top family members in London to finalise the way forward for Biafra referendum that will hold on February 16, 2019 alongside the Nigeria presidential poll. 

“IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu's relocation to the United Kingdom from his base in Israel was actually to perfect arrangements on Biafra referendum scheduled to hold 16th February 2019 to ascertain number of those who want Nigeria politics and those who want Biafra freedom.

“Our leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is currently meeting with IPOB high command in Europe to perfect plans for the referendum which will go side by side with the February 16 presidential poll.

“On Friday last week our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu arrived at Leeds airport in England where our Deputy leader, Mazi Uche Mefor, and other top IPOB members based in UK received him.
IPOB leader and other top IPOB high command are expected to meet with European Union (EU) officials to gather more international support for the Biafra proposal."

IPOB said its leader had held ‘useful talks’ with diplomats, most of who have given their support, and that the number of people that would boycott the presidential election would be indicative of those who favour Biafra Republic.