IPOB Denounces Federal Government's Terrorism Sponsorship Allegations
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the Federal Government's recent publication of a list that includes the group among terrorism sponsors, labeling the move as laughable and hypocritical. In a statement issued yesterday, IPOB asserted that it has never posed a threat to peace in Nigeria, emphasizing that the publication is not about security but rather about fear—fear of a people who refuse to be silenced or erased.
IPOB's Statement on Government Hypocrisy
The statement, signed by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, expressed deep displeasure with the government's actions. Powerful criticized a state that has a documented history of unleashing violence on unarmed civilians yet now seeks to claim moral authority. He described the situation as a grotesque insult to truth, justice, and human conscience, arguing that a system that repeatedly targets peaceful citizens cannot legitimately define terrorism.
Powerful further dissociated IPOB from any threats to peace and human dignity, highlighting what he called the real tragedy: a system where those in power deploy state resources unrestrained against their own citizens and then attempt to rewrite the narrative by labeling victims as perpetrators. He reiterated that IPOB is not a terrorist organization but a people-driven movement grounded in the inalienable right to self-determination, and he noted that the group is being demonized internationally despite operating lawfully in countries where it is recognized.
Ohanaeze Youths Warn Against Attacks on Igbo Leaders
In a related development, the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide issued a warning yesterday against attacks on Igbo leaders, dismissing a statement by an individual claiming to be the President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) as baseless. The individual, identified as Igboayaka, had criticized several prominent Igbo leaders for endorsing President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, naming figures such as David Umahi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, and Chris Ngige and accusing them of political betrayal.
Reacting to this, the National President of OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, urged the public to ignore what he termed the antics of an impostor. Nnabuike accused Igboayaka of impersonation and stated that it is unjustifiable to declare anyone persona non grata for holding a political opinion. He emphasized that it is within the rights of former governors and others to decide who they wish to support in the upcoming elections, reinforcing the importance of free political expression.
