IPOB identifies Ekpa’s faction supporters as criminals
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has made it clear they have nothing to do with the recent announcement of the “United States of Biafra” at a convention held in Lahti, Finland. This event was organized by supporters of Simon Ekpa.
Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesperson, strongly rejected any connection with the gathering, calling those involved “criminals” who are engaging in illegal actions that harm their homeland.
The announcement was made during the convention led by Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, who introduced herself as the Chief of Staff of the United States of Biafra and the main organizer of the event.
Videos of the gathering, which circulated widely online, showed participants waving Biafran flags and chanting slogans. However, IPOB emphasized that they do not recognize the declaration or the actions of Ekpa’s group.
In a statement, Powerful said, “IPOB is not involved in any such conference. The people behind it are criminals causing damage to our land. There has been no declaration of Biafra from IPOB. If we were to make such a significant announcement, the world would be informed. These claims are false.”
Separately, Sunday Edeson, spokesperson for the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), commented that if IPOB were successful in achieving Biafra’s independence, MASSOB would celebrate with them. He also expressed skepticism, pointing out that the British government would never support Biafra’s freedom.
Edeson added, “Anyone can make a declaration. They declared independence in Finland, but we remain under Nigerian governance. We still use the Nigerian currency and are under Nigerian security forces. Declaring independence abroad doesn’t change our reality here in Nigeria.”
