The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) to reschedule their examination and convocation, respectively, which are both set for May 30 this year.

While WAEC examinations, which commenced last month, are scheduled to continue on that day, UNIZIK’s convocation is also reportedly set to take place on the same day.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB asked both institutions to pick new dates for their activities, warning that no public events should be held on the specified date.

Powerful addressed the Vice Chancellor, stating, “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 and WAEC board that May 30 of every year is a sacred day set aside to honour Biafra heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price and sacrifice 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 against Biafrans between 1967 and 1970. To this day, the killings have not stopped. No public event is expected to take place in Biafra land on this day. Biafra Heroes Day is a public holiday and a sit-at-home day in Biafra land for Biafrans in honour of our fallen heroes and heroines. All markets, schools, banks, and government and private offices are expected to be under lock and key.

“Movement of persons and vehicles is not allowed except for those on essential or emergency services such as health workers, ambulances, fire services, and filling stations.”

Turning to WAEC, Powerful added, “The West African Examination Council (WAEC) board should not endanger the lives of small children because that day is not safe for any individual in Biafra territory. It is a day everybody stays indoors to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live. They must reschedule the date to another day. May 30 is a Biafran remembrance day. If anything happens to these children they want to bring out on that day, they will regret it.

“By this open letter, IPOB is calling on the Vice Chancellor and the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka and any other people or groups that scheduled any program for May 30, 2024, to postpone their programs. Biafra Heroes Day takes precedence over any program in Biafra land on that day. However, if the Vice Chancellor and the Management of UNIZIK insist on having their convocation on May 30, 2024, in disregard of Biafra’s fallen heroes and heroines, they have decided to spit on the graves of Biafra heroes and heroines and should be ready to take responsibility for whatever happens afterwards. IPOB will not enforce the May 30 sit-at-home but will also not take responsibility for whatever happens to violators.

“The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University must not provoke IPOB. We do not take kindly to people desecrating the memory of our heroes and heroines. IPOB calls on the students, parents, guests, and visitors to UNIZIK’s convocation ceremony scheduled for May 30 to apply caution and avoid being on the road on the day Biafrans are mourning their dead if the University goes ahead with its plans. Safety is an individual responsibility. Don’t endanger yourself for an hour-long ceremony.

“IPOB is therefore warning all the persons and institutions paid to insult and desecrate the memories of our fallen heroes that their sponsors will not be there to save them when the rain starts falling on them. Those that have sabotaged their stock in trade will be collectively and individually held to account. IPOB is not a Umunna meeting or community meeting to be toyed with. As much as we care, we also bite.”