N’ Delta Territories Not Part of Biafra’ – PANDEF Warns IPOB Over Inclusion in Agitation
PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to a united Nigeria based on equity and justice.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) exchanged heated remarks on Wednesday regarding the alleged inclusion of the Niger Delta region in IPOB’s Biafran secessionist agenda.
PANDEF, represented by its National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, issued a statement in Port Harcourt rejecting any association with Biafra. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to a united Nigeria based on equity and justice.
In response, IPOB dismissed these concerns as “garbage,” insisting that it does not coerce communities into joining the Biafran cause.
Donyegha expressed his disapproval of the inclusion of Niger Delta communities in IPOB’s plans, calling it “provocative and insulting” to the region’s leaders and residents.
“We warn that the continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities in the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative. Any further attempts to disregard or belittle our leaders by claiming that Niger Delta towns or territories are part of Biafra will meet strong resistance from us, the youth. The Niger Delta is not Biafra,” he declared.
PANDEF reiterated its advocacy for a united Nigeria that operates under a federal system, where states manage their resources and contribute taxes to the federal government.
“We believe in the unity of Nigeria, but it must be a Nigeria where sub-national entities control their God-given resources while supporting the central government with taxes for territorial integrity and foreign diplomacy,” Donyegha stated.
In an interview, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful refuted the claims that communities are being pressured to join the Biafran agenda. He attributed these allegations to misinformation from a splinter group posing as IPOB.
“IPOB does not force any community in Nigeria to join Biafra. Those doing so in the name of Biafra are individuals from a group in Finland, which is not affiliated with IPOB,” Powerful asserted.
He emphasized that IPOB’s focus remains on achieving independence through peaceful means, including a referendum in which individuals can freely express their preferences.
“When the referendum comes, people will decide what they want; nobody will be forced into the new nation called Biafra,” he noted.
Powerful called for restraint, urging media outlets and groups to refrain from linking IPOB with fringe elements.
“IPOB remains true to its original mission and will not waver until Biafra’s independence is formally recognized by the United Nations. Every tribe and clan will have the freedom to determine their own fate during the referendum,” he concluded. Read More
