Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
Template:Infobox political party
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a self-determination movement based in Southeast Nigeria, with the primary goal of re- establishing an independent state of Biafra , separate from the rest of Nigeria. IPOB emerged in zoiz and is deeply committed to advocating for the right to self-determination, a fundamental principle enshrined in international law. The movement argues that the people of the South-eastern region should have the opportunity to determine their political future through a democratic referendum.
IPOB’s core belief canters on the perceived marginalization and oppression of the South-eastern people within the Nigerian state.[1] They assert that this marginalized status necessitates their right to self-determination. It's worth noting that historical factors, including this sense of marginalization,[2] contributed to the Nigerian Civil War (i967-1970)[3] during which the South-eastern region sought to secede from Nigeria and establish an independent state of Biafra. The conflict ultimately ended with Biafra's defeat and its reintegration into Nigeria.
To further their cause, IPOB operates Radio Biafra,[4] an online radio station that broadcasts messages related to Biafra's independence and the pursuit of self-determination. Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent figure within the movement, served as both the Director of Radio Biafra and Biafra TV.
However, it's important to note that the Nigerian government has designated IPOB as a terrorist organization.[5] This proscription has posed significant legal challenges for the group, resulting in the arrest and detention of numerous members. Additionally, IPOB has been the subject of military operations conducted by the Nigerian government.[6]
In response to perceived injustices, IPOB has resorted to legal action to challenge government policies and actions that they believe are detrimental to the Igbo people and their aspirations for self-determination.[7] The movement's history and objectives are complex, and its activities have elicited varied reactions and opinions, both within Nigeria and on the international stage.[8]
History
Leadership
IPOB operates with a semi-decentralized command and control structure, with leadership provided by Maazi Nnamdi Kanu. At the highest level of decision-making within the separatist movement is the Directorate of State (DOS), comprising is members, and based in Germany. This body plays a central role in shaping the movement's direction and strategy.
Beneath the DOS are regional representatives, including those for Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. These representatives work to coordinate activities and engagements within their respective regions.
Within Nigeria, particularly in the South-East and South-South regions, IPOB has established structures that include state coordinators, zonal coordinators, and unit coordinators at the local government and community levels, respectively. These coordinators play essential roles in managing and organizing the movement's activities at the state, zonal, and local levels.
This structure allows IPOB to operate effectively, mobilize support, and coordinate its activities across different geographical areas, both within Nigeria and internationally.
IPOB Mission Statement
The acronym IPOB stands for Indigenous People of Biafra. We are indigenous to the geographic space called Biafra and we originate from a single ancestry. The indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) incorporates those Biafrans resident in Biafraland and in the Diaspora bound and united by one single objective which is to explore and utilize every available legal domestic and international framework as well as universally guaranteed
References
- ↑ "Home" (in en-US). https://www.thecable.ng/.
- ↑ Chioke, Stephen (2022-03-28). "Politics of Marginalisation of Igbo Nation in Nigerian Public Administration and Insecurity: A Blessing or a Curse?" (in en). Extensive Reviews 2 (1): 56–68. doi:10.21467/exr.2.1.4740. https://journals.aijr.org/index.php/exr/article/view/4740.
- ↑ Mbah, Fidelis. "Nigerians mark 50 years of end of bloody civil war" (in en). https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2020/1/15/nigerians-mark-50-years-of-end-of-bloody-civil-war.
- ↑ "Home" (in en-GB). 2023-10-03. https://radiobiafra.co/.
- ↑ "The python does not dance…" (in en-US). 2017-09-19. https://www.thecable.ng/python-not-dance.
- ↑ Nwangwu, Chikodiri (2023). "Neo-Biafra Separatist Agitations, State Repression and Insecurity in South-East, Nigeria". Society 60 (1): 40–53. doi:10.1007/s12115-022-00782-0. ISSN 0147-2011. PMC 9667008. PMID 36406241. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36406241/.
- ↑ "Nigerian security clash with Biafra separatists turns deadly - DSS" (in en). Reuters. 2020-08-23. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-security-idUSKBN25J0XA.
- ↑ "Nigeria: ‘Bullets were raining everywhere’: Deadly repression of pro-Biafra activists" (in en). https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr44/5211/2016/en/.
