IPOB laments prolonged detention of members, names new leaders

The Indigenous People of Biafra has expressed concern over the prolonged detention of some of its members across detention facilities in the country, describing their welfare and release as a priority that must not be ignored.

The group raised the concern on Wednesday while announcing a major overhaul of its leadership structure, including the dissolution of the third administration of its Directorate of State and the inauguration of a fourth administration headed by US-based Chris Nwaọgụ.

In a statement issued from Langerfeld, Germany, and signed in the name of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, the group said the decision to dissolve the outgoing administration followed what it described as a careful assessment of the movement’s performance during a critical period.

The statement was made available by the spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

IPOB in the statement said one of the major concerns was the inability of the previous leadership to prioritise the welfare and release of members held in detention.

“The most grievous failure of the outgoing administration was its inability to prioritise the welfare and liberation of hundreds of Biafrans detained across various detention facilities, particularly those held for years without trial at Wawa Military Barracks in Niger State,” the statement read.

According to the group, many of the detainees had endured severe hardship, while some allegedly lost their lives in custody.

It added, “No movement that claims to stand for justice can neglect those who paid the highest price for their commitment. The abandonment of detained Biafrans represents a profound dereliction of the duty of care owed to every member of the IPOB family.”

The organisation also accused the dissolved leadership of paying more attention to internal disagreements and factional disputes than to diplomacy, legal advocacy and prisoner welfare.

“Valuable time, resources, and organisational capacity that should have been directed toward diplomacy, legal advocacy, prisoner welfare, public engagement, and strategic planning were instead consumed by distractions that weakened cohesion and undermined confidence within the movement,” the statement added.

IPOB said the newly inaugurated administration had been mandated to rebuild confidence, restore unity and ensure that the welfare of members, especially those in detention, receives greater attention.

The group announced that Chris Nwaọgụ would immediately assume responsibility for the administration, coordination and day-to-day management of IPOB affairs under the authority of Kanu.

It also unveiled other members of the new Directorate of State, including Solomon Egbo as Deputy Head, Nnennaya Anya as Head of Finance and Budget Planning, Chigozie Okekenta as Coordinator of Coordinators, Chukwudi Nwogwugwu as Head of Medical and Welfare Planning, and Ikechukwu Onuoha as Head of Media.

In addition, IPOB announced the establishment of an Elders Advisory Council, which it said would provide strategic guidance and institutional support to both Kanu and the new leadership.

The group further disclosed that all officers previously appointed by Kanu had been restored to their positions pending administrative review, while previous suspensions and expulsions had been set aside.

IPOB urged its members and supporters worldwide to remain disciplined and cooperate with the new administration as it works to reposition the movement.

IPOB was founded in 2012 by Nnamdi Kanu and is seeking the restoration of an independent Biafra state in Nigeria’s South-East. The group maintains that its agitation is peaceful and anchored on the principle of self-determination.

The Federal Government, however, has repeatedly accused IPOB of involvement in violent activities and, in 2017, secured a court order proscribing the group and designating it a terrorist organisation.

IPOB has consistently rejected the allegations and continues to challenge the proscription.