The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has moved decisively to quell internal disputes and public misinformation, issuing a hard-line memorandum that reasserts its leadership hierarchy and dismisses all unauthorised voices speaking in its name.
In the statement signed by IPOB’s Spokesperson and Media/Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group declared that its leader and founder, Nnamdi Kanu, remains the unquestioned head of the movement, stressing that his instructions are binding and final across all IPOB structures.
According to the memo, IPOB’s chain of command was intentionally established from the birth of the movement to prevent chaos during critical moments. The group emphasized that the Directorate of Media and Publicity retains exclusive authority over all official IPOB communications, warning that any statement released outside this channel should be regarded as fake.
IPOB also clarified that Kanu personally appointed members of the Directorate of State (DOS), including appointments made while he was in detention, underscoring that his leadership authority remains intact regardless of circumstance. It stated that no committee, faction, or online forum has the power to issue directives, appoint officials, or negotiate on behalf of the movement.
On the controversial sit-at-home scheduled for Monday, February 2, IPOB stressed that the action is a one-day protest only, organised in direct response to what it described as intimidation and harassment of traders by the administration of Governor Charles Soludo. The group warned against attempts to misrepresent the action as an open-ended or recurring shutdown.
The memorandum further rejected claims that some individuals, allegedly parading themselves as DOS members, held a private meeting with the Anambra State Government concerning events at Onitsha Main Market. IPOB insisted that such persons neither represent the movement nor speak for its leader, describing the claims as misleading and dangerous.
Reiterating its ideological position, IPOB stated that Kanu has always stood with traders, artisans, and the wider population, adding that no secret meeting, inducement, or compromise can alter that stance.
The statement ended with a blunt warning to internal dissenters and impersonators, urging those unwilling to follow Kanu’s directives to disassociate themselves from IPOB rather than create confusion under its name.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the statement concluded, “the press release on Monday’s sit-at-home was issued by me alone.”
The declaration is expected to intensify scrutiny of developments in the South-East as authorities, businesses, and residents brace for the planned protest action.