NNEWI -- A pro-Biafra group, Biafrans in Nigeria, has declared that it will not abandon its agitation for the creation of a separate Biafra state, insisting that the pursuit of self-determination remains a legitimate right.
The group made the position known in a statement issued after a meeting in Onitsha, where it also announced a change in its identity and organisational structure.
According to the statement signed by its Chairman, Barrister Dr. Emeka Emekesiri, the group has renounced the name Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following its proscription and has adopted a new identity as Biafrans in Nigeria. It added that its organisational arm will now be known as the Movement of Biafrans in Nigeria, while its governing structure will be called the Customary Government of Biafrans in Nigeria.
The group maintained that it would continue to pursue its objectives through legal means and political engagement, stressing that its approach would be guided by a Council of Elders.
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It noted that its agitation predates the proscription of IPOB, recalling that it had previously instituted a legal action against the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Owerri.
The statement also referenced past members of its leadership council, including the late Justice Eze Ozobu, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, and retired Col. Joe Achuzie, who, it said, played significant roles in the organisation.
While affirming that its members are Nigerian citizens subject to the country's laws, the group said they retain their indigenous identity, similar to other ethnic nationalities in the country.
It further stated that ongoing legal cases and submissions to the National Assembly on restructuring and devolution of powers would be updated to reflect the group's new name and structure.
The group said it has notified relevant government authorities and security agencies of the changes and called for respect for what it described as its lawful pursuit of self-determination through legal and diplomatic channels.
