Biafra agitation, our stand, by Delta State Government

·         Decries hint linking the State with agitation by IPOB, MASSOB

The Delta State Government has objected, refuted, and rejected insinuations by anybody or group linking the state with the agitation for, and being part of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

The State government in a statement entitled: “Biafra Agitation, Our Stand” and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Festus Agas decried such insinuations stating: “The people of the present Delta state have always occupied a unique position in the Nigeria Federation and were NEVER part of the South East as is being suggested in some quarters. Therefore, we object in its totality, the inclusion of Delta State, without our consent in the proposed Biafra Republic. This clarification has become necessary to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of Delta state in the renewed Biafran agitation,”

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

The full text of the statement of the Delta State government reads: “In recent times, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have intensified their agitation for the realization of their wish for an indedpendent Biafra State out of the present-day Nigeria. This campaign has been in the form of rallies across various towns/cities in the south East, often extending to the South-South States, notably Rivers and Delta.

“Faced with this situation, it has become imperative for the Government of Delta State to make this clarification to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of Delta State in the renewed Biafran agitation.

“While some communities in Delta State may have cultural affinity with the people of the South East, it is clearly a patent error for anybody or group to suggest or insinuate that Delta State, or more specifically, the Anioma people have been or are part of the South East that is supposed to make up the proposed Biafra Republic.

“The people of the present Delta State have always occupied a unique position in the Nigeria Federation and were NEVER part of the South East as is being suggested in some quarters. Therefore, we object in its totally, the inclusion of Delta State, without our consent in the proposed Biafra Republic. This clarification has become necessary to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of Delta State in the renewed Biafran agitation.

“Delta State Government wishes to once again reaffirm the unwavering belief in one and united Nigeria and advise residents of the State to remain law-abiding and go about their normal business without fear.

“God bless Delta state, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.