The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to reschedule exams planned for May 30, which is observed as ‘Biafra Day’ in the Southeast.
IPOB also urged Nnamdi Azikiwe University to postpone its convocation set for the same date.
Emma Powerful, the IPOB spokesman, explained that a sit-at-home would be observed on May 30 to commemorate Biafra Day, emphasizing that WAEC should not put children’s lives at risk on this unsafe day in the Southeast.
In an open letter to the WAEC Board and UNIZIK Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Powerful wrote, “The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by the indomitable leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been drawn to your proposed University’s convocation date on 30th May, 2024, and WAEC examinations.
“Please reschedule your convocation and exams to a new date because May 30 is Biafra Heroes Day, a sit-at-home day for all Biafrans in Biafra Land.
“If you consider yourself a Biafran, you ought to know that May 30 is Biafra Heroes Day. We remind the University Management and WAEC Board that May 30 each year is a sacred day set aside to honor Biafra heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for Biafrans’ survival.
“That day is sacred, and Biafrans sit-at-home to remember and honor our heroes who fell during the Nigerian genocidal war against Biafrans from 1967 to 1970. The killings have continued to this day.
“No public events are expected in Biafra Land on this day. Biafra Heroes Day is a public holiday and a sit-at-home in Biafra Land to honor our fallen heroes and heroines. All markets, schools, banks, government, and private offices should be closed.
“Movement of persons and vehicles is not allowed, except for essential or emergency services like health workers, ambulances, fire services, filling stations, hospitals, etc.
“The West African Examination Board should not endanger the lives of children as the day is not safe in Biafra territory. It is a day to stay indoors to honor those who sacrificed for our survival, and they must reschedule to another day. May 30 is Biafra Remembrance Day. If anything happens to the children scheduled for that day, they will regret it.
“Through this open letter, IPOB calls on the Vice Chancellor and Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka and any other group with programs scheduled for May 30, 2024, to postpone their events.”