The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on all Igbos to boycott June 12 Democracy Day activities across Nigeria, stating that participation should be withheld until the Nigerian government officially recognizes May 30th as Biafra Remembrance Day.

In a statement issued by IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful, the group emphasized that the boycott is a matter of "dignity, truth, and our right to define who we are."

No Factions in Ohanaeze Ndigbo

The statement also addressed ongoing controversies regarding the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization. IPOB firmly declared that Ohanaeze is not factionalized, dismissing claims to the contrary as fabrications by "hungry political errand boys doing the bidding of their Abuja slave masters."

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo is currently led by Senator Emmanuel Mbatta, and that remains the only recognised and respected leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body," Powerful stated, adding that anyone claiming to represent a faction is "insulting the Igbo nation."

The group specifically distanced itself from statements made by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, asserting that he does not represent Ohanaeze Ndigbo in any capacity.

Dispute Over Igbo Territorial Claims

IPOB also challenged recent claims that Igboland exists in only seven Nigerian states, calling this an "outrageous falsehood." According to Powerful, "Igbo-speaking people are indigenous to 13 states of this British-created contraption called Nigeria. Any attempt to shrink our ancestral footprint is an unforgivable betrayal."

The statement clarified IPOB's relationship with Ohanaeze, noting that while IPOB reserves the right to criticize the organization when necessary, it recognizes Ohanaeze as "the apex body of Ndigbo" and does not presume to represent them.

"Until Nigeria learns to respect and honour May 30th—our sacred Biafran Remembrance Day—we shall not partake in their selective history or skewed national rituals," the statement concluded.

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