We want referendum - IPOB rejects creation of Orlu state

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has rejected the bill proposing the creation of additional states in the Southeast.

IPOB said the creation of additional states in Southeast will only bring about confusion in the region because the existing ones have not been properly managed.

Emma Powerful, the spokesman of IPOB, maintained that a referendum on exiting Nigeria is the only acceptable solution and not the creation of states.

On Thursday, the bill seeking to create Orlu State from Imo, Abia, and Anmabra passed its first reading in the House of Representatives.

Reacting, Powerful said the creation of additional states would lead to increased confusion, hatred, and mismanagement.

The statement reads,

"We don't want more state in Igboland; creating more state in Igboland means creating more confusion and hatred among the Ndigbo. The already existing states have not been well managed by Nigeria and now they want to create more confusion.

"The cost of governance is increasing on a daily basis in Nigeria; certainly, the new state will not be well managed like others.

"Most of the existing states in the country are not viable and they want to add more confusion and problems.

"The creation of more states is not our problem. All we want is a total referendum to determine whether the Ndigbo would like to remain in Nigeria or not. The Ndigbo want total freedom and that is what we insist on."