Politics

Splinter group emerges from IPOB, says Biafra unrealistic

Published

8 years ago

August 24, 2016

FG slams fresh charges of terrorism on Kanu, 3 others

A splinter group, the Re-branded Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOB), has emerged from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The group said its decision to breakaway from the secessionist group was informed by the uncompromising stand of the Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB, adding, that the dream of realising a country called Biafra can never be realistic.

The group said that it will October 1, 2016, make a public denunciation of a secessionist Biafra Republic at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

The voice of the splinter group, Chima Phillip Effiong Osuji, who disclosed this, stated that the resolution to breakaway came up during an emergency meeting convened by some disgruntled members of IPOB on Monday, August 22, in Aba, Abia state.

According to him, “The event will also include recitation of the pledge to Nigeria, our country, singing of the national anthem, followed by a solemn burning of the Biafra flag and unveiling a new Biafra flag representing pride, change, potential and spirit of the Igbo race which can thrive anywhere in the world,” Osuji noted.

He continued, that “It was resolved that due to the rigid and fatalistic position of the Nnamdi Kanu- led IPOB, several of us with like minds shall breakaway and form The Rebranded Indigenous People of Biafra, TRIPOB,”

“TRIPOB now sees the Biafra question from a different perspective. Biafra will now become to us a powerful metaphor for change, development and greatness of the Igbos inside a united Nigeria, where the South East axis will be a utopia from the sheer determination borne out of the Biafra metaphor.

“We believe in being a part of a united Nigeria, and a new way of thinking, where the victim mentality will no longer be acceptable. We have accepted the fact that the Biafra Republic is not a reality but an anachronism, and doubt that the South-South region will become a part of a Biafra Republic, except by force; after a declaration of another civil war.”

Read also: Biafra: No Kanu, no dialogue, IPOB insists

According to Osuji, the lessons and history of the civil war will only reinforce the quest by the Igbos to reach the zenith in Nigeria, where opportunities abound for every one regardless of tribe or religion.

“And even where such narrow sentiments exist, we will not see ourselves as victims, Never,” he said, adding that in view of the new mind-set, members of the TRIPOB and any new defectors will on October 1, 2016, make a public denunciation of a secessionist Biafra Republic at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

“The event will also include recitation of the pledge to Nigeria, our country, singing of the national anthem, followed by a solemn burning of the Biafra flag and unveiling a new Biafra flag representing pride, change, potential and spirit of the Igbo race which can thrive anywhere in the world,” Osuji noted.

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now