From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has affirmed that the message of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is universal and extends solidarity to all oppressed groups in Nigeria, including the Hausa and other Northern ethnic nationalities.
In a press statement signed by its Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB said it welcomes the solidarity declaration by Northern youths and the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement (NNRM).
According to the statement, the pursuit of freedom for one people must never be interpreted as hatred for another.
“The DOS welcomes, with open arms and fraternal solidarity, the reported declaration by our Hausa brothers and other Northern compatriots who recognise the shared struggle against oppression, injustice, and political subjugation,” the statement read.
The Directorate of State said it rejects every attempt to weaponise ethnic identity, religious differences, or regional divisions against ordinary people whose common aspirations include dignity, freedom, justice, and the right to determine their own political future.
The statement further claimed that enemies of freedom and agents of the oppressive Nigerian state have sought to mischaracterize the struggle led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as hostile to Northern ethnic nationalities.
“Throughout his years of Radio Biafra broadcasts, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has consistently spoken of his desire to see the re-emergence of an emancipated, politically conscious, and self-assured Hausa nation, one that can reclaim its historical dignity and draw inspiration from the great Habe monarchies of old,” IPOB stated.
The group said it embraces the Hausa nation and all oppressed groups in the North with love, mutual respect, and solidarity. It also stated that size is immaterial , every ethnic nationality matters.
The statement asserted that the right to self-determination belongs to all indigenous ethnic nationalities trapped within Nigeria, regardless of population size, listing the Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Berom, Nupe, Igala, Jukun, Angas, Bachama, Idoma, Birom, Zuru, Ebira, Gbagyi, Tangale, and Borgu among others.
IPOB reiterated that a peaceful, internationally supervised referendum remains the primary democratic mechanism for allowing peoples to freely choose their political futures, drawing upon principles of restructuring and regional autonomy championed during President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2014 National Conference.
The group also referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent remarks that imported European models of governance have failed Africa.