The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a firm internal directive reaffirming its leadership structure and authority, insisting that all actions and communications of the movement remain subject to the directives of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a strongly worded memorandum circulated to members, IPOB’s Spokesperson and Media/Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, emphasized that the movement’s chain of command “is as old as IPOB itself,” stressing that Kanu’s word remains final and binding across all organs of the group.
The statement underscored that IPOB operates through long-established directorates created by Kanu to manage the movement during critical moments. It noted that the Directorate of Media and Publicity—second only to Finance in seniority—retains exclusive authority to issue official IPOB communications, warning media organizations and platforms against publishing unauthorised statements attributed to the group.
Emma Powerful further clarified that Kanu personally appointed members of the Directorate of State (DOS), including appointments made while he was in detention, asserting that such actions demonstrate the supremacy of his directives. According to the statement, no committee or social media platform possesses the authority to appoint or remove officials within IPOB.
Addressing recent tensions in Anambra State, IPOB announced that the sit-at-home scheduled for Monday, February 2, is a “one-off action” triggered by what it described as Governor Charles Soludo’s intimidation of traders who expressed solidarity with Kanu. The group insisted the action is not subject to reinterpretation or expansion beyond the stated date.
The memorandum also rejected reports of a purported secret meeting between alleged DOS representatives and the Anambra State Government concerning developments at Onitsha Main Market. IPOB described the claims as false, asserting that no individual or group can negotiate or compromise on behalf of Kanu without his explicit approval.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the statement concluded, “the press statement concerning Monday’s sit-at-home was issued by me and by nobody else.”
The development comes amid heightened political and economic tensions in the South-East, with calls from various stakeholders urging calm and dialogue as authorities monitor the situation closely.