The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the return of its leadership and delegation that visited the United Nations on September 14, the same day a “Sit at home” order was called by the group to remember the victims of the invasion of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s home at his country home in Afaraukwu, Umuahia in Abia State.

The delegation, which was led by the deputy leader, Mazi Uche Mefor, was at the United Nations to discuss issues pertaining to Biafrians and the eastern region of Nigeria, a statement made available on Friday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, said.

IPOB noted that the visit marked the first time in the post-war history of Biafra that the leadership of any group, movement or people, has met with the United Nations in a face-to-face manner.

The statement reads in part: “This is the very first time that the United Nations have had the opportunity to host Biafrans to a meeting. It is only appropriate that we appreciate all those working tirelessly with our diplomatic team based in London to accomplish this feat.

“We equally commend the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (DOS-IPOB) under the distinguished leadership of Mazi Chika Edoziem who accompanied our deputy leader to the historic meeting in the company of the rest of the High Command of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

“The historic encounter with United Nations officials in Geneva has opened up avenues and opportunities for further engagement between IPOB and relevant UN agencies around the burning issues of human rights violations by the Buhari regime and enforcement of IPOB's universal right to self-determination.

“During the discussions, Uche Mefor pledged on behalf of the worldwide family of IPOB to commit the movement to work within the guidelines of United Nations charters and obligations in recognition of the unique privilege Nigeria currently enjoy as a full-fledged member of the United Nations.”

IPOB regretted that Kanu’s family, as well as other eyewitnesses to the military invasion of Kanu’s home on September 14, 2017, who were invited to the event by United Nations, could not attend because they were earlier denied entry visa by Switzerland in Abuja on the “instructions of Nigerian government”.

This flagrant disregard for United Nations issued invitation was also raised during discussions which the UN team assured the IPOB delegation will be looked into as a matter of urgency.

The statement added: “With this meeting satisfactorily concluded, IPOB has gone where no other group of leaders before it has dared go to.

“It will forever be recorded that for nearly 50 years and for the very first time in the history of Biafra, an interface was facilitated between representatives of the people of Biafra (IPOB) and the United Nations.

“Due to issues of confidentiality, we are not at liberty to divulge every detail of what transpired. Suffice it to say the world has been officially placed on notice that IPOB as a movement is determined to carve a separate existence for the people of Biafra (South East/South South) away from Nigeria.

“Anybody or group of people previously in doubt about the efficacy of our multidimensional approach has been dispelled with this meeting.

“IPOB leadership is working quietly on all diplomatic fronts, below the radar, to avoid the usual sabotage by the Nigerian state, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo governors and their local agents that don't want to see Biafra emerge as a free nation.”

•IPOB Delegates at UN World Indigenous Peoples Convention in Los Angeles USA

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