The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has been encouraged to postpone examinations on May 30, which is recognized as “Biafra Day” in the Southeast, by the Indigenous People of Biafra, or IPOB.
Additionally, IPOB asked Nnamdi Azikiwe University to reschedule its convocation, which was set for the same day.
The IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, said that on May 30, there would be a sit-at-home to commemorate Biafra Day.
Powerful stated that since the day is unsafe for everyone in the Southeast, WAEC shouldn’t put children’s lives in jeopardy.
In an open letter to the WAEC Board and Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, the IPOB spokesman made the request.
Parts of the letter said, “Your projected university’s convocation date on May 30, 2024, and WAEC examinations have garnered the attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by the indomitable leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Please reschedule your examinations and convocation since May 30 is Biafra Heroes Day, a day when all Biafrans in Biafra Land are encouraged to stay at home and observe a sit-in.
Biafra Heroes Day occurs on May 30. If you identify as Biafran, you should be aware of this. However, we would want to remind you, the University Management, and the WAEC Board that May 30 is a holy day observed annually to honor the Biafra heroes and heroines who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The day is still revered by the Biafran people, who use it to sit at home in remembrance and honor of the heroes who lost their lives in the 1967–1970 Nigerian genocidal war against the Biafran people. The killing has continued up to this point.
“On this day, there won’t be any public events in Biafra Land. In remembrance of our fallen heroes and heroines, Biafrans across Biafra Land observe Biafra Heroes Day as a public holiday and day to stay at home. It is anticipated that all marketplaces, educational institutions, banks, and public and private offices will be secured.
“Except for those providing vital or emergency services, such as medical personnel, ambulances, fire departments, filling stations, hospitals, etc., movement of people and vehicles is prohibited.
Little children’s life should not be in danger because that day is unsafe for everyone in Biafra territory, according to the West African Examination Board. Everyone must stay home on this day in remembrance of those who gave their lives so that we could live. They have to reschedule for another day. Biafra Remembrance Day is May 30. They will regret bringing these children out that day if something bad were to happen to them.
“With this open letter, IPOB is requesting that the Vice Chancellor, the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, and any other individuals or organizations with programs scheduled for May 30, 2024, reschedule them.”