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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) clashed on Wednesday over the alleged inclusion of the Niger Delta in IPOB’s push for a separate Biafran state.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt, PANDEF, through its National Youth Leader Donben Donyegha, rejected any association with the Biafran movement and reaffirmed its support for a unified Nigeria based on fairness and justice.
PANDEF’s statement condemned the suggestion of incorporating the Niger Delta region into IPOB’s secessionist agenda, calling it “provocative and insulting” to the people and leaders of the area. Donyegha warned that any attempt to claim Niger Delta territories as part of Biafra would face strong resistance.
“Niger Delta is not Biafra,” Donyegha emphasized. “We will not tolerate further attempts to undermine our leaders and people by including our towns and territories in the so-called Biafran Republic.”
PANDEF reiterated its position on the unity of Nigeria, advocating for a federal system where states have control over their resources while contributing taxes to the central government to support national defense and diplomacy.
On the other hand, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful dismissed PANDEF’s concerns, calling them “garbage” and denying any attempts to force communities into the Biafran cause. He attributed such claims to a splinter group operating under the guise of IPOB.
“IPOB is not involved in forcing any community to join Biafra,” Powerful stated. He clarified that the group remains committed to achieving Biafra’s independence through peaceful means, including a referendum where communities can freely decide their future.
Powerful urged caution, asking media outlets and organizations not to associate IPOB with fringe elements. He reiterated that IPOB’s stance has always been centered on peaceful advocacy for independence and that every tribe will have the right to choose their future during the referendum.
