IPOB warns members against defying Kanu’s authority on appointments

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning against internal dissent, threatening disciplinary measures for members who undermine the authority of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The separatist group, campaigning for an independent Biafra state in Nigeria's South-East, is grappling with a leadership dispute.

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Any individual or group that persists in defying the lawful authority of the Supreme Leader, undermining the command-and-control structure of IPOB, or acting contrary to the Code of Conduct shall face severe disciplinary measures, including suspension, removal from office, and expulsion from the movement.

In a statement released by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB announced that Kanu exercised his powers to dissolve the Directorate of State's third administration, led by Chika Edoziem. A new leadership, headed by US-based Chris Nwaọgụ, has been appointed.

The group emphasized that Kanu remains the sole authority for appointing, suspending, or dismissing principal officers. "Any individual or group that persists in defying the lawful authority of the Supreme Leader, undermining the command-and-control structure of IPOB, or acting contrary to the Code of Conduct shall face severe disciplinary measures, including suspension, removal from office, and expulsion from the movement," the statement read. IPOB declared the third administration's dissolution and stated that any actions taken by Edoziem or his team after this point are invalid.

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The authority of the Supreme Leader remains supreme, unquestionable, and binding on all members.

This internal conflict highlights ongoing tensions within IPOB, which has experienced periodic leadership disputes since Kanu's arrest and detention by the Nigerian government. Kanu, facing treasonable felony charges, was initially arrested in 2015, fled Nigeria on bail in 2017, and was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 before being returned to Nigeria. Despite his incarceration, IPOB maintains he is its supreme leader with ultimate authority.

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The 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State no longer exists. Its tenure has been terminated by lawful authority and its powers extinguished. Consequently, any directive, instruction, statement, appointment, suspension, or administrative action purportedly issued by Chika Edoziem or any member of the dissolved administration after its dissolution is null, void, and incapable of creating any legal or organisational consequence within IPOB.