IPOB disowns Ohanaeze; names Ekwueme, Anyaoku, others head of negotiation
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Wednesday expressed confidence on former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme to speak on its behalf at a meeting expected to be held between Biafra agitators and US congressmen.
Also named is former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
In a statement made available to DAILY POST by IPOB’s spokespersons, Emma Mmezu and Clifford Iroanya, they said, “It has come to the notice of IPOB that some selfish individuals, who deliberately misconstrue our genuine intentions towards the restoration of Biafra are busy parading themselves as elders or custodians of our present agitation.
“Once again we have been reliably informed that Ohaneze Ndigbo have once again hijacked the proposed visit of US Congressmen to Biafraland, thereby positioning themselves as the mouthpiece of IPOB which is blatantly false.
“We have not mandated this group called Ohaneze to represent IPOB in any capacity. That US Congressmen are in Biafraland today is as a result of the hard work of IPOB all over the world in lobbying these US lawmakers.”
They added that, “If anyone is concerned about the plight of Ndigbo, they should initiate an action plan with the intention of addressing them, not waiting for the blood of Biafrans to be shed so they can emerge to pontificate on the way forward.
“IPOB would like the world to know that we have credible traditional rulers, elder statesmen and respectable Biafrans capable of representing IPOB at these talks with the Americans.
We do not deal with nor condone the idea of ‘washed out’ political contractors and compromised merchants of misery, speaking for we Biafrans.
“We value our reputation as IPOB and would like to warn that anybody dealing with any group that is not Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB under the supreme command of Nnamdi Kanu our detained leader) is engaging in an exercise in futility.
“Our focus now is to ensure the release of our leader first before we negotiate with anyone. We would view anyone discussing or attempting to cut a deal without the knowledge of the leadership of IPOB as an enemy of the people.
“IPOB has chosen Dr Arthur Nwankwo, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, Gen. Alex Maduebo, Prof Ben Nwabueze, Chief Emeka Anyoku, as credible elders who will speak the truth without being easily compromised.
“All over the world, fact finders meet with people with impeccable pedigree, not political contractors like Ohanaeze and Co.”
