The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to postpone scheduled examinations on May 30, a day recognised as ‘Biafra Day’ in the Southeast.
IPOB has also requested that Nnamdi Azikiwe University reschedule its convocation planned for the same date.
Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesman, explained that a sit-at-home protest would be held on May 30 to commemorate Biafra Day, making it unsafe for any activities in the region. In an open letter addressed to the WAEC Board and UNIZIK Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Powerful emphasized the importance of the day for Biafrans.
“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,” the letter states. “Kindly reschedule your convocation and exams to a new date because 30th of May is the Biafra Heroes Day and a sit-at-home for all Biafrans in Biafra Land.”
He further highlighted that May 30 is a sacred day set aside to honor the heroes and heroines of Biafra who sacrificed their lives during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. The day is observed with a sit-at-home order to remember those who died in the conflict and to protest ongoing violence against Biafrans.
“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 in Biafra Land for Biafrans in honour of our fallen heroes and heroines. All markets, schools, banks, government, and private offices are expected to be under lock and key,” the letter continued.
Powerful warned that conducting exams or events on this day would endanger lives, particularly those of children. He urged WAEC and other organisations to prioritise safety and respect the significance of Biafra Heroes Day.
“West African Examination 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 for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live and they must reschedule to another day. If anything happens to these children, they will regret it,” he asserted.
The letter concluded with a firm request for all scheduled programmes on May 30, 2024, to be postponed in honor of Biafra Remembrance Day.
