The leadership of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have given an insight into what transpired during its recent visit to the United Nations (UN) secretariate in Geneva, Switzerland, saying the unpreccedented encounter was a milestone in its efforts to establish solid diplomatic relationship with the international community.
IGBERE TV recalls that the deputy leader of IPOB, Uche Mefor on September 14, 2018, led a high powered IPOB delegation to the UN, an event which coincided with the first anniversary sit-at-home protest by IPOB over the 2017 invasion and abduction of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu by Nigerian soldiers during ‘Operation Python Dance’ in the South East region of the country.
Although, the group said it was not at liberty to divulge every detail of what transpired during the encounter, it stated that the world had officially been placed on notice that IPOB was determined to carve a separate existence for the people of Biafra, comprising of the old eastern region, (presently SS & SE) away from Nigeria.
A statement by the IPOB media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, made available to IGBERE TV said it was the first time in the post war history of Biafra that the leadership of any group, movement or people met with the United Nations face to face to discuss the issue of Biafra.
The statement reads in part:
“It was a historic encounter that will go a long way in cementing the diplomatic credentials of IPOB in the eyes of the international community.
“It was the very first time that United Nations had the opportunity to host Biafrans to a meeting and it is only appropriate that we appreciate all those working tirelessly with our diplomatic team based in London to accomplish this feat.
“We commend the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (DOS-IPOB) under the leadership of Mazi Chika Edoziem, who accompanied our deputy leader to the historical meeting.
“The historic encounter with United Nations officials in Geneva has opened up avenues and opportunities for further engagement between IPOB and relevant UN agencies on the burning issues of human rights violations by the Buhari regime and enforcement of IPOB’s universal right to self determination.
“With this meeting satisfactorily concluded, IPOB has gone where no other group of leaders before it dared go to. It will forever be recorded that for nearly 50 years and for the very first time in the history of Biafra, an interface was facilitated between representatives of the people of Biafra IPOB and the United Nations.”
The organization, however, regretted that the Kanu family was denied representation at the meeting because the Swiss Embassy denied the family entry visa to Switzerland.
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