The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has vehemently rejected the proposed creation of additional states in Nigeria, instead demanding a referendum to determine the South-East’s exit from the country.
According to IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the existing states are bankrupt and not functioning properly, making the creation of new states unnecessary.
Powerful emphasized that what the Ndigbo people truly desire is a peaceful and democratic exit from Nigeria, rather than additional states. He stressed that IPOB is calling for a referendum date from the Federal Government to allow Biafrans to decide their fate, whether to remain in Nigeria or exit into an independent State of Biafra.
The IPOB statement highlighted the group’s opposition to the creation of new states, citing the existing states’ poor management and the rising cost of governance in Nigeria. They argued that creating more states would only lead to increased confusion, disunity, and insecurity.
Historically, Nigeria had three major regions at independence in 1960, with the Mid-Western Region created later through a referendum. However, IPOB claims that the subsequent creation of 12 states was a deliberate attempt to divide Biafrans and prevent them from fighting the war of 1967-1970 in unison. This decision, they believe, marked the beginning of ethnic tensions in Nigeria.
IPOB’s stance is clear: they reject the proposal for additional states and instead demand a referendum to determine their exit from Nigeria. The group insists that the Ndigbo people need a unified region, rather than further fragmentation.
As the debate surrounding state creation and referendum continues, IPOB’s position remains firm, advocating for the rights and self-determination of the Biafran people.