The Indigenous People of Biafra has clarified its stance on the ongoing leadership contest within Ohanaeze Ndigbo, declaring its preference for a candidate from Rivers State while rejecting political interference, particularly from South-East governors.
IPoB also celebrated the election of Barrister Uche Okwukwu as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, warning against any attempts to undermine his leadership.
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPoB stated, “We warned that we will no more keep quiet while politicians manipulate the outcome of the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. We will confront anybody or group trying to disorganise what brings the Igbos together.”
IPoB expressed opposition to the candidacy of former Inspector General of Police Chief Mike Okiro, not out of personal animosity but due to his alleged non-affiliation with Rivers State. The group emphasised that the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo must strictly follow the provisions of the 1967 Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, which it considers the guiding law for such processes.
IPoB accused South-East governors of influencing Ohanaeze’s leadership elections in the past and pledged to resist such interference. “Igbo governors and politicians must allow Ohanaeze Ndigbo to operate as a respected socio-cultural organisation, not as the errand boy and political wing of the South-East Governors’ Forum,” the statement read.
The group further warned that any attempt to deny Rivers State Igbos their rightful role in the leadership of Ohanaeze would be resisted. “Those culpable will be held accountable by the people,” IPoB said.
IPoB hailed the election of Barrister Uche Okwukwu as a victory for the people, calling on all Igbos to support his leadership. “The noble family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hails the election of Barr. Uche Okwukwu as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,” the group declared.
The statement also condemned reports suggesting opposition to Okwukwu’s election, particularly from South-East governors. “If the reports making the rounds are confirmed that these governors have openly rejected the legitimate and popular choice of the people in the person of Barr. Uche Okwukwu, then that chaos their masters have long sought to infuse into the socio-cultural and political framework of Igboland would have materialised.”
IPoB called on Ndigbo worldwide to rally behind Okwukwu, describing him as the people’s choice. “The position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not a political appointment reserved for five governors but a responsibility entrusted by Ndigbo to the clans in Rivers State,” the statement asserted.
The group also warned South-East governors against imposing their political interests on the organisation, threatening to mobilise against them in future elections. “If these governors fail to retrace their steps, IPoB will openly align with our religious leaders in deploying all of its might to ensure that none of them will ever be re-elected nor occupy any position of influence in our land ever again,” IPoB stated.
Emma Powerful concluded the statement by reiterating the group’s commitment to defending the people’s choice. “Our people in Rivers State have spoken resoundingly that Barr. Uche Okwukwu is their choice to lead the apex Igbo organisation in the world. No Jupiter will overturn that decision.”
IPoB’s stance underscores its insistence on self-determination and respect for the collective will of the Igbo people, signalling a potential shift in the socio-political dynamics of Igboland.
