The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) to postpone their examination and convocation, respectively, billed for May 30.
IPOB noted that May 30 is a day set aside for the celebration of Biafra heroes (Biafra day), and as such, observed as a sit-at-home in the South-East.
While WAEC examinations, which commenced last month, would continue on that day, UNIZIK’s convocation is reportedly billed to hold the same day.
But in a statement issued, yesterday, signed by the Media and Publicity Secretary of the separatist group, Emma Powerful, IPOB asked the two institutions to pick new dates for their activities, warning that no public event is allowed to be held on the said date.
Reminding the UNIZIK’s Vice Chancellor of the need to postpone the institution’s planned convocation, Powerful said: “If you consider yourself a Biafran, you ought to know that May 30 is Biafra Heroes Day. Nevertheless, we are reminding you and the university management, as well as the WAEC board that May 30 of every year is a sacred day set aside to honour Biafra heroes and heroines, who paid the ultimate prize, sacrificing for the survival of Biafrans.
“That day remains sacred and a day that Biafrans sit-at-home to remember and honour our heroes, who fell during the Nigerian genocidal war between 1967 and 1970, including those who lost their lives in the course of the renewed Biafran struggle.
No public event is expected to be held in the South-East on this day. Biafra Heroes Day is a public holiday and a sit-at-home for Biafrans in honor of our fallen heroes and heroines.
All markets, schools, banks, government and private offices are expected to be under lock and key.
“Movement of persons and vehicles are not allowed except those on essential or emergency services, such as health workers, ambulance, fire service, filling stations and hospitals.”
On the part of WAEC, Powerful said that the examination body should not endanger the lives of children, stressing that the day is not safe for any individual in Biafra’s territory.
He added: “It is a day everybody should stay indoors for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live.”
IPOB warned that parents would regret allowing their wards out on that day.
