The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) engaged in a heated exchange on Wednesday over IPOB’s alleged inclusion of the Niger Delta in its push for Biafran secession.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt, PANDEF’s National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, criticized IPOB’s claims as “provocative and insulting,” firmly rejecting any association with the movement.
Donyegha emphasized that the Niger Delta remains committed to a united Nigeria built on equity and justice.
“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 center with taxes for territorial integrity and foreign diplomacy,” Donyegha stated, warning IPOB against including Niger Delta communities in its agenda.
He further declared, “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.”
IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, responded by clarifying that IPOB does not force communities to join its secessionist movement.
He emphasized that the group’s approach remains peaceful and focused on achieving independence through a referendum. “When the referendum comes, people decide what they want; nobody will force them into the new nation called Biafra,” Powerful said.
He urged restraint, calling on media outlets and groups to stop linking IPOB with fringe elements. “Every tribe and clan will have the freedom to decide their fate during the referendum,” he added, reaffirming IPOB’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
