The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, has said that it is not opposed to any genuine dialogue between Ndigbo and Yoruba in Lagos State, or any South-West state, but is vehemently against and will oppose any dialogue that is intended to lure Ndigbo to continue investing in the hostile environment of Lagos.
The pro-Biafra group also told Ndigbo to beware of the kind of investments they make in Lagos State, saying that the state is no longer conducive for them to locate their important businesses.
IPoB in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful entitled, “Ndigbo should ignore every deceptive lobby to continue to invest in Lagos State.”
It also urged them to be careful with agreeing with faceless groups calling them for dialogue concerning their business operations, saying that there is no need for further investment by Ndigbo in Lagos State, where their investments are not protected.
IPoB’s statement read, “The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, ably led by our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu, has been drawn to the deceptive letter from a group of faceless Yoruba leaders and stakeholders calling on Igbo communities in Lagos State for a dialogue.
“Ndigbo must not fall into any deception to continue investments in Lagos State, where their investments are not protected. As much as IPoB does not oppose any genuine dialogue between the Yorubas and Ndigbo in Lagos State, IPoB will object to any dialogue that is intended to lure Ndigbo to continue investing in the hostile environment of Lagos State.
“Ndigbo have done all they can to belong to Nigeria, but Nigeria keep rejecting Ndigbo with exclusivity and ethnic bigotry policies. Ndigbo have lost millions of investments and lives in the Northern and Western regions of Nigeria.
“Lagos State is not Igboland. Lagos State Government has demolished properties and investment of Ndigbo. Many Igbo dominated markets in Lagos have either been demolished or burnt down and taken over by the Lagos State government. On the basis of the aforementioned, any Igbo person investing in the Northern and Western Regions of Nigeria needs DNA tests.
“IPoB calls on all Biafrans to stop investing in Yoruba land and Arewa land. All investments should be channeled to Biafran Land. Our people who invested in Biafra Land are doing well and are helping to create jobs for our youth. Biafrans have been an engine of growth in any society they find themselves.”
