IPOB, PANDEF Clash over the Inclusion of Niger Delta in Biafra Agitation

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Pan Niger Delta Forum have clash over the inclusion of the Niger Delta region in the on going Biafra agitation.

Donben Donyegha, the national youth leader of PANDEF in a statement on Thursday rejected claim that the Niger Delta region is part of Biafra of its agitation.

Donyegha warning that the region is not part of IPOB’s secession agenda said it reject every association with the group.

He also reaffirmed PANDEF’s commitment to project Nigeria while stating that the forum believe in a United nation built in equity and justice.

He said, “We, therefore, warn that the continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities into the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative. Any further attempt to disregard or belittle our leaders and fathers by claiming Niger Delta towns or territories as part of Biafra will meet strong resistance from us, the youths. Niger Delta is not Biafra.”

In his response, the spokesperson for the IPOB, Emma Powerful said the group is not firing any community or region to join the Biafra agenda.

Describing such allegations as false, he said the misinformation is being spread by a splinter group operating under the guise of IPOB.

“When referendum comes, people will decide what they want; nobody will force them into the new nation called Biafra,” he said.

“IPOB remains what it was from the beginning and will not shift ground until Biafra independence is fully announced by the United Nations. Every tribe and clan will have the freedom to decide their fate during the referendum,” Powerful said.