Opinion: Release Nnamdi Kanu now and declare Biafra

By Ijeoma Osuji

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a pro-self-government group in Nigeria that seeks to restore the Republic of Biafra, which seceded from Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War but later rejoined the country. IPOB was founded in 2012 by Nnamdi Kanu and Uche Mefor, and Kanu has been its leader since then.

The Republic of Biafra existed as an independent multi-ethnic state led by Lt. Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu during the civil war, which resulted in the deaths of millions of people.

IPOB’s goal is to achieve Biafran independence through a referendum, like how South Sudan gained independence.

The Nigerian government has not agreed to hold a referendum, leading IPOB to use peaceful means such as protests and online platforms to raise awareness. The group has a large following among the Igbo diaspora and within Nigeria. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been illegally detained by the Nigerian government for years despite court rulings calling for his release.

IPOB demands his unconditional release and continues to advocate for the peaceful separation of Biafraland from Nigeria.