THE Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged its members and supporters to sit at home on February 16, the day slated for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to the pro-Biafra group, February 16 has been marked as a day for Biafran referendum.
The group warned that anyone who disobeys the order by coming out on February 16 would have him or herself to blame, as such person would be regarded and treated as a traitor.
A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, said any person or persons who ventured out on that day would be seen as supporting the continued suffering, kidnapping, abduction, killing, massacre and total marginalisation of the Biafran people.
The statement reads: “Following the much expected date for Biafra referendum, which is now scheduled to hold its first run on February 16, the same date as the Presidential election, we, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), categorically declare that anybody who ventures outside on that day would be regarded as having voted against Biafra. Such person or persons would be seen as supporting one Nigeria and responsible for the continued suffering, kidnapping, abduction, killing, massacre and total marginalization of our people.
“February 16 is a rare and golden opportunity to make an everlasting impression on the world that we Biafrans are prepared to sacrifice everything sacrifice-able, including the position of the vice president, to prove to humanity that we value our freedom more than any earthly or material consideration. Our quest for Biafra has gone beyond the point of no return. In order to live as free men under God in a new republic of Biafra, we must not only stay indoors on the February 16, we must ensure that Biafra land is completely locked down. Anybody or family found outside on Election Day will perpetually suffer the ignominy of being labelled a traitor; a burden that family will bear for eternity…”
The police have said no threat can stop Nigerians from voting on February 16.
It said the country will be safe before, during and after the election, even as it warned IPOB and other intending trouble makers to back out or face the wrath of the law.
A statement by the force spokesman, Frank Mba, said: “The Nigeria Police Force assures Nigerians that we will work with other security agencies to secure the country before, during and after the elections.
“Nigerians will be get a safe and secured environment to exercise their franchise, and no threat from any organisation, under whatever name, can stop law abiding citizens from coming out and exercising their franchise.
“The Police High Command warns intending trouble makers that while we will protect the peaceful, we will not hesitate to deploy the full weight of the law against anyone who threatens the peace, security and sovereignty of our country.”
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