Amid the controversy over the acclaimed referendum organised by Simon Ekpa-led pro-Biafra group, the Organization of Emerging African States has said that the results of the referendum shall be a binding definitive statement from Biafrans under international laws.
Newspot reports that whereas the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, the Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, are still calling for referendum, the Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, BRGIE, is boasting to have been conducting referendum online.
Director of OEAS, Ebenezer Akwanga, in a 6-point resolution dated June 24, 2024, sighted by Newspot on Thursday, said the BRGIE referendum further consolidated the self-determination pursuit of the people of Biafra amid decades of alleged marginalization by the Nigerian government.
According to him, it endorsed BRGIE’s self-referendum, a quest which kicked off through e-voting in February 2024 and is expected to be concluded on November 29, 2024.
It also justified its recognition of the Biafra Referendum on the basis that BRGIE recently submitted a request for self-determination to the African Union.
“The African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights Guarantees the Right to Self Determination.
“Biafra has submitted a request to the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights to assist with the referendum and peaceable transfer of power to the Republic of Biafra, if so, indicated by the results.
“The OEAS is satisfied with the integrity of the referendum which is being conducted digitally and at local polling stations and is subject to multiple safeguards.
“The results of the referendum will be certifiable and will meet international standards; Millions of Biafrans have already voted in the referendum which is due to be concluded November 29, 2024.
“The results of the Biafra Self Referendum shall be considered binding under international law as a definitive statement of the intentions and aspirations of the Biafran people,” Akwanga stated.
The development comes barely a month after the Simon Ekpa-led BRGIE dragged the Nigeria Government to AU over the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and for the acceptance of the Biafra referendum.
He claimed that the declaration of Biafra Liberation on December 2, 2024, will bring lasting peace, and stability to West Africa.
However, only a few days ago, Kanu accepted to enter into a negotiation with the Federal Government in order to secure his freedom.
The development has heightened demand for a political solution to Kanu’s incarceration, with over 50 federal lawmakers backing the request.
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