By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated the need for a referendum in Nigeria, saying that it will enable people to exercise their right on whether or not they want self rule or continued existence within Nigeria.

IPOB insisted that a UN supervised referendum is a must and a right for every human being in Nigeria to unequivocally state where they wish to belong.

In a statement by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said it is making frantic efforts to ensure that the referendum happens in the shortest possible time.

The statement reads in part: “We in IPOB and Biafrans in general expect the United Nations to supervise this referendum which will enable even those living beyond the boundaries of Biafra to equally determine their own fate. We want freedom for all, not just for Biafrans alone.

“On that fateful day, they will be allowed to exercise their God-given right to determine what type of future they want for themselves and their children.

“Should the powers that be in Nigeria wish, they may also seek to extend the same rights to other indigenous groups within Nigeria?

“UN supervised referendum is a must and a right for every human being in Nigeria to unequivocally state where they wish to belong.”

The group said it is not going to force or intimidate anyone or tribe because the will of the people is sacrosanct and must be respected.

IPOB added: “Each individual will be allowed to decide for themselves where they wish to belong.

“The raging Biafra agitation led by our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is a divine project and we are confident of securing over 99.9 percent approval any day a referendum is held because more tribes and clans outside the South-East and South-South are indicating interest to be recognized as Biafrans.

“The nation of Biafra will be a democratic state where the people will decide what they want. People of various nations in the new republic shall be in charge of their own affairs while the centre will only have control over the defense of the country against 'external aggression' and foreign affairs.”

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