Separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says it has set aside every Monday as “economic empowerment day,” in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria.
IPOB, which claims its mission is to secure a breakaway Republic of Biafra from the Nigerian entity, has recently been dissociating itself from the intimidation of citizens in order to enforce an unlawful sit at home day in the south-east.
“The implication of this Economic Empowerment Day is that Biafrans are expected to devote significant time to adhere to their routine calendar schedule template strictly and uninterruptedly, with a view to making up for the humongous time lost to the activities of misguided enforcers of unsanctioned Monday sit-at-home order,” IPOB said in a statement issued by Emma Powerful, its spokesman, on Saturday.
Powerful further said the move followed the total cancellation of all forms of sit-at-home in the entire South-East as stated in a handwritten letter by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the group, as made public through his counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, a few days ago.
The statement read, “Following the total cancellation of all forms of sit-at-home in the entire South-East, as clearly and unequivocally stated in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s handwritten letter, he has therefore directed the people, to henceforth, set aside every Monday as an ‘economic empowerment day’ in the entire South-East.
“Economic Empowerment Day connotes a day set aside for mass mobilisation of Biafrans to devote their resources and means towards reversing the sharp and unprecedented decline in the economic, educational and social needs of our people occasioned by the prolonged sit-at-home.
“During this exercise, the people are encouraged to embark on a massive deployment of their resources for the empowerment of the educationally disadvantaged and poverty ridden population of our people.
“Through education, employment, health services, sense of identity and community, our people and indeed, the eastern region can begin to thrive and grow.
“There is an urgent need to reclaim our lost glory by embarking on empowering Biafrans with the resources they need to live beyond mere subsistence as our people are known globally for hard work, resilience, and great achievements.
“The implication of this Economic Empowerment Day is that Biafrans are expected to devote significant time to adhere to their routine calendar schedule template strictly and uninterruptedly, with a view to making up for the humongous time lost to the activities of misguided enforcers of unsanctioned Monday sit-at-home order.”
