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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the dissolution of the 3rd Administration of its Directorate of State (DOS), led by Chika Edoziem, insisting that all actions taken by the former leadership after its removal are illegal, null and void.
In a statement issued on Friday by IPOB spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group said its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had lawfully dissolved the administration and inaugurated a new leadership structure headed by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ.
According to the statement, Kanu exercised powers granted to him under the IPOB Code of Conduct to dissolve the 3rd DOS administration and establish the 4th Administration, which is now responsible for the affairs of the movement.
IPOB maintained that the decision was "lawful, final, binding and immediately effective" upon its announcement.
The group also rejected a reported move by Chika Edoziem and members of the dissolved administration to suspend the offices of the Supreme Leader and the Director of Radio Biafra, describing the action as unconstitutional and without legal effect.
Citing provisions of its Code of Conduct, IPOB stated that only the Supreme Leader possesses the authority to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers within the organisation, unless such powers are expressly delegated.
The group argued that no coordinator, committee, directorate or officer has the constitutional authority to suspend or overrule the office of the Supreme Leader.
IPOB further accused the dissolved administration of gross insubordination, constitutional misconduct, abuse of office, attempted usurpation of powers and actions capable of undermining the organisational structure of the movement.
According to the statement, members of the former leadership chose "the path of rebellion" instead of accepting the dissolution and handing over responsibilities through established procedures.
The organisation stressed that it remains governed by a strict chain of command and that obedience to lawful authority and adherence to its Code of Conduct are mandatory for all members worldwide.
IPOB subsequently directed members to disregard any directive, appointment, suspension, statement or administrative action issued by Chika Edoziem or members of the dissolved administration following their removal from office.
The group also urged media organisations to exercise caution when reporting issues concerning IPOB, warning against presenting statements from individuals it claims no longer hold recognised authority within the movement as official positions of the organisation.
Reaffirming its support for the new leadership, IPOB said the 4th Administration of the Directorate of State under Chris Nwaọgụ remains fully operational and accountable to Kanu.
The organisation called on members across the world to remain calm, disciplined and committed to its objectives.
IPOB also warned that any individual or group that continues to challenge the authority of the Supreme Leader or act contrary to the group's Code of Conduct could face disciplinary measures, including suspension, removal from office or expulsion from the movement.
The statement concluded by declaring that the era of "indiscipline, constitutional recklessness and unauthorised power-grabbing" within the organisation had come to an end.