The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) has warned Governor Charles Soludo, the new governor of Anambra State, not to follow the footsteps of his predecessor, Willie Obiano, while dealing with them or risk regretting.
The warning is contained in a statement by Emma Powerful, spokesman of the group, which said it was ready to dialogue with the new administration.
Mr Soludo after taking his oath of office on Thursday called on the secessionist group to embrace dialogue in addressing their grievances.
“The current trajectory is a road to desolation. Let us get around the table and talk,” he appealed. “Let the elite in the closet come out and let’s debate our future and forge a consensus. The elite conspiracy of silence and some community leaders should end.”
Responding to his call, IPOB said they were ready for genuine dialogue only if the governor does not pose any threat to them.
“We were here when he (Soludo) came and we would be here when he would be leaving,” the group said.
“His predecessor, former governor Willie Obiano, allowed himself to be used by Fulani people and allowed them to kill his people at Nkpor in 2016 during our annual remembrance of our fallen heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price for our freedom between 1967 and 1970.
“We won’t accept such to happen again with our members and citizens of Biafra nation.
“IPOB is a peaceful movement, only seeking freedom of their people and nothing will make us stop unless they give us a date for referendum to ascertain where everybody wants to belong, either in Nigeria or elsewhere.
“We are ready to work with any government who wishes to give our people peace. If you dare us, you will regret it. We are peaceful and cannot jeopardise his government,” the group added.
