[ORDER FROM THE TOP]: IPOB Releases No-Nonsense Internal Memorandum

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a sweeping internal directive forcefully restating its leadership order and disowning all unauthorised voices, meetings, and statements made in the name of the movement.

In the memorandum signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group affirmed that its founder and leader, Nnamdi Kanu, remains the only authority within IPOB, stressing that his directives are final, binding, and beyond internal contestation.

The statement explained that IPOB’s command structure was intentionally established from the earliest days of the movement to preserve discipline and coherence during periods of pressure. It reaffirmed that the Directorate of Media and Publicity is the exclusive channel for all official IPOB communications, warning media organisations and the public to disregard any publication not cleared through the spokesperson’s office.

IPOB further clarified that Kanu personally appointed members of the Directorate of State (DOS), including appointments carried out while he was in detention, a development the group said clearly demonstrates that leadership authority within IPOB does not diminish under any circumstance. It added that no committee, caucus, or social media group has the mandate to appoint officials, issue directives, or negotiate on behalf of the movement.

On the sit-at-home scheduled for Monday, February 2, IPOB stated unequivocally that the action is a one-day protest only, organised in direct response to what it described as the intimidation and humiliation of traders and residents by the administration of Governor Charles Soludo.

The organisation also rejected reports of an alleged clandestine meeting between individuals claiming to represent IPOB’s DOS and officials of the Anambra State Government over developments at Onitsha Main Market. IPOB insisted that those involved neither represent its leader nor possess any authority to speak or negotiate on his behalf.

Reiterating its ideological stance, IPOB stated that Kanu has consistently aligned himself with traders, artisans, and ordinary citizens, maintaining that no private arrangement, inducement, or political pressure can alter that position.

The memo concluded with a stern warning to dissenters and impersonators, urging anyone unwilling to follow Kanu’s leadership to disengage from IPOB rather than sow confusion under its name.

“For the avoidance of doubt,” Emma Powerful stated, “the statement concerning Monday’s sit-at-home was issued by me alone.”

The development is expected to sustain heightened political and security focus on the South-East as authorities, traders, and residents closely watch unfolding events.