The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed appreciation to Mark Arnold and the United States Congress for what it described as a bold intervention regarding Nigeria.

In a statement, the group said the involvement of US figures has brought renewed global attention to issues affecting the southeastern region of Nigeria. It described the move as encouraging.

IPOB used the opportunity to reiterate its long-standing demand for a referendum, insisting that people in the region should be allowed to decide their political future through a democratic process.

According to the group, international support is necessary to ensure fairness and transparency if such a referendum is to take place. It also urged other global actors to show interest.

However, the Nigerian government has consistently maintained that the country’s unity is non-negotiable and has rejected calls for any form of secession or referendum.

The development highlights the continued tension around self-determination debates in Nigeria, with differing views on national unity and the right to choose political identity.