The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on governors in the South-East to officially designate May 30 as a public holiday in honor of Biafra Day. The date, already observed by pro-Biafra supporters, commemorates the lives lost during the Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement issued on Friday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, appealed to South-East and South-South leaders to take a bold step similar to that of South-West governors, who successfully pushed for June 12 to be recognized nationally as Democracy Day in memory of MKO Abiola.
“The request to commemorate Biafran heroes and heroines with a public holiday is a fair and just call,” the statement read. “Just as June 12 now stands as a symbol of democratic struggle in the South-West, May 30 should be recognized across Biafraland as a solemn day to honor those who paid the ultimate price for the Biafran cause.”
Powerful further urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo and governors in the region to support the move and institutionalize the observance of May 30.
Until then, IPOB says it will continue to observe May 30 annually as Biafra Heroes Day, with participation from Biafrans both at home and abroad.
“To all devoted IPOB members, we salute your courage and resolve. Our commitment to the full restoration of Biafra remains unwavering,” the statement concluded.