The chain of command within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is not a recent creation. It is as old as the movement itself and forms the backbone of its discipline, coordination, and survival.
Our leader, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, intentionally established clearly defined structures and directorates to guide IPOB through moments of uncertainty and internal pressure such as this. His authority within the movement is absolute. What he says constitutes the law of IPOB. Anyone disputing this fundamental reality either lacks a proper understanding of the struggle or is willfully undisciplined.
The Directorate of Media and Publicity is one of the earliest organs of IPOB, predating all other directorates except Finance. This is not an opinion but a historical fact. No newspaper, media organisation, or international platform is authorised to publish or broadcast any IPOB-related communication without clearance from the office of the official spokesperson. This is not about ego or personal power; it is about order, coherence, and institutional discipline.
Role of the Spokesperson
As the Spokesperson of IPOB, my responsibilities are clearly defined:
- To communicate, accurately and consistently, the vision and directives of our leader to the world.
- To advance all lawful efforts aimed at securing the release of our leader.
- To ensure that the movement remains focused, disciplined, unified, and protected from infiltration or distortion as we pursue the restoration of Biafra.
IPOB remains under the leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for as long as he lives. While in DSS custody, he personally appointed members of the Directorate of State (DOS) through his then lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, whose role was strictly limited to legal representation of individuals and does not translate to leadership or authority over IPOB. The fact that Onyendu could appoint officers while in detention is proof that his authority is unquestionable and not subject to debate, interpretation, or challenge.
This position was once again made crystal clear during his recent engagement with the Asia Representative, who visited him last week on behalf of the DOS. There is therefore no ambiguity, confusion, or vacuum of leadership.
Let it be stated without reservation:
Only Onyendu appoints or removes officers in IPOB.
No committee, faction, platform, or social media noise can change this immutable truth.
On the February 2 Sit-At-Home Action
The sit-at-home scheduled for Monday, February 2, is a one-off directive issued in direct response to Governor Charles Soludo’s reckless intimidation and harassment of our people for expressing solidarity with Onyendu. This action is not open to speculation, reinterpretation, or manipulation by any individual or group.
Furthermore, it must be clearly understood that individuals parading themselves as members of the DOS who allegedly held a secret meeting with representatives of Governor Soludo on Thursday—claiming to speak on behalf of our leader and purportedly assuring the governor that IPOB would not resist the humiliation and intimidation of traders at Onitsha Main Market—are acting without mandate, authority, or legitimacy.
They neither represent Onyendu nor understand his principles. Our leader has always stood with the oppressed masses and will continue to do so. He does not negotiate away the dignity of our people behind closed doors. No inducement, private arrangement, or cowardly compromise can alter that position.
Anyone genuinely seeking clarity should direct such inquiries to Sokoto, where our leader is detained, rather than spreading confusion, gossip, or internal sabotage online.
Final Clarification
Those hoping that IPOB will abandon Onyendu and begin chasing distractions are deceiving themselves. He founded this movement. He called us into this struggle. Our loyalty remains to his vision, his leadership, and his directives.
If anyone finds Onyendu’s leadership unacceptable, such a person is free to form a separate group but must immediately cease using the IPOB name to create confusion.
For the avoidance of doubt:
The press statement announcing Monday’s sit-at-home was issued by me and by me alone.
Comrade Emma Powerful
Spokesperson, Media and Publicity Secretary
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
