The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) clashed on Wednesday over the alleged inclusion of the Niger Delta region in IPOB’s push for Biafran secession.
According to Punch Online, a statement released in Port Harcourt, PANDEF’s National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, rejected any association with the Biafran movement and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to a united Nigeria based on equity and justice.
Donyegha criticized IPOB’s claims as “provocative and insulting,” warning against including Niger Delta communities in their agenda.
“We, therefore, warn that the continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities into the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative. Any further attempt to disregard or belittle our leaders and fathers by claiming Niger Delta towns or territories as part of Biafra will meet strong resistance from us, the youths. Niger Delta is not Biafra,” he declared.
PANDEF reiterated its advocacy for a united Nigeria under a federal system where states manage their resources and contribute taxes to the Federal Government.
“We believe in the unity of Nigeria, but it must be a Nigeria where sub-national entities control their God-given resources while supporting the centre with taxes for territorial integrity and foreign diplomacy,” Donyegha stated.
He clarified that IPOB does not force communities to join its secessionist agenda, emphasizing that its approach is peaceful and centered on achieving independence through a referendum.
“IPOB is not part of the group forcing any community in Nigeria to join Biafra State. Those doing so in the name of Biafra are content creators from Finland autopilot group, and they are not part of IPOB,” Powerful said.
He emphasised that IPOB’s focus remained on achieving independence through peaceful means, including a referendum where individuals can freely decide their allegiance.
“When referendum comes, people decide what they want; nobody will force them into the new nation called Biafra,” he said.
Powerful called for restraint, urging media outlets and groups to stop linking IPOB with fringe elements.
“IPOB remains what it was from the beginning and will not shift ground until Biafra independence is fully announced by the United Nations. Every tribe and clan will have the freedom to decide their fate during the referendum,” he said.
