The Coalition for the Defence of Nigeria Sovereignty, DNS, has thrown its weight behind the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, because it’s a purveyor of hate speech.
DNS alleged that the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu once directed its members to kill all Yorubas after “branding us as colluding with the Hausa/Fulani.”
The group said Kanu has severally hurled hate speeches against Yorubas, a situation that qualifies the group to be called terrorist.
President of the Coalition, Otunba Bolaji Alabi made the allegation in Lagos on Friday.
Alabi recalled how Kanu directed members of his group against attending churches founded by Yoruba clergy men.
He said IPOB’s activities is already having negative effect on the economy and unleashing hardship on the population from which Yoruba are not immune.
Alabi said, “The hate speech hurled at Yoruba by IPOB members online alone qualify as terrorism. They have repeatedly referred to us as “yorobastards” “yoropigs” “yaribads”and other derogatory appellations.
“The disdain with which this terrorist organization hold us as a people was deplorable to the extent that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, directed his members to kill Yoruba after branding us as colluding with the Hausa/Fulani.
“Below are a few instances of him threatening us as a people:
“No Igbo man should attend any Church where the pastor is a Yoruba man, they are criminals and fools”; “Any Igbo Person who attends any Church Pastored by a Yoruba Man is an Imbecile”; “Pastor Kumuyi should be stoned and dealt with thoroughly if he comes to Aba for his planned crusade”; “Nigeria is a zoo and everybody living in that Godforsaken zoo deserves to die”; “Nigeria should prepare for war, we are coming to annihilate you, my secret service are already studying the zoo and strategising.”
“IPOB has also been attempting to recruit and radicalize Yoruba youths to create a version of the terror group in the south-west of Nigeria oblivious to our nationalistic spirit and staunch belief in the unity of Nigeria. It was these brainwashed youths that had unsuccessfully attempted making demands for Oodu’a Republic, which does not enjoy any backing among us.
“The culture of hate speech being promoted by IPOB, which it is teaching these youths is alien to us as we are taught to be respectful and considerate of other humans.
“We wonder what would be the fate of anyone that repeatedly incite others to violence through the promotion of hate speech and go the extra mile to actualize the threats as we witnessed in Rivers State when IPOB terrorists were stopping commercial buses and singling out non-Igbo passengers, including Yoruba, for attacks.
“These IPOB’s activities have already negatively affected the economy and unleashed hardship on the population from which Yoruba are not immune.”