– A crack within the wall of the IPOB has led to a splitting of the pro-Biafra group
– The Re-branded Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOB) have broken out of the main group
– TRIPOB says attaining a Republic of Biafra is not feasible
– IPOB has reacted to news regarding a split in its ranks
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Wednesday, August 24 denied reports in some quarters that there was a split in its ranks, saying that the organisation remained united and strong in pursuing the cause of Biafra self-determination.
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Nnamdi Kanu leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is still held captive for crimes bothering on treason. A faction of the IPOB says Biafra is not feasible.
The head of media and publicity of IPOB, Emma Powerful, said the organisation under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had not changed and the loyalty of members was not in doubt.
“The only recognised IPOB is the one led by Nnamdi Kanu,” he said, adding that both locally and internationally there is no other group that goes by that name
According to This Day, Powerful blamed the insinuation of leadership crisis on Dr. Dozie Ikedife of Bilie human rights group, who had some time ago, claimed that he was the leader of IPOB even when he did not know how the organisation was formed by Kanu.
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According to him, Ikedife and his group have seen that “a lot of progress has been made in the Biafra struggle” and therefore want to hijack the leadership of IPOB, adding that they have failed in their mischievous mission.
Ikedife had in March 2016 along with some people formed what they called customary government of Biafra, which they regarded as shadow government of Biafra without any recourse to IPOB leadership hence it was disowned by the members.
The IPOB media and publicity head noted that it was the detractors that were now giving the impression that IPOB is divided but the world knows better and nobody can claim what is not real.
“Nnamdi Kanu remains the undisputable leader and symbol of IPOB and no other organisation can change the situation,” he insisted.
Earlier reports had suggested that the position of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as led by Nnamdi Kanu, had been described as inflexible and defeatist by a faction of IPOB identified as the Re-branded Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOB).
TRIPOB reportedly made the assertion on Monday, August 22 in Aba, Abia state.
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Vanguard reports that TRIPOB which has broken out of the main group, said its decision to breakaway was taken at an emergency meeting convened by some disaffected members of IPOB.
Spokesperson of the splinter group, Chima Phillip Effiong Osuji, said: “It was resolved that due to the rigid and fatalistic position of the Nnamdi Kanu- led IPOB, several of us with like minds shall breakaway and form The Rebranded Indigenous People of Biafra, TRIPOB,” he stated.
The new group said that Biafra would not be a reality and on October, 1, 2016, would set ablaze the Biafra flag in Abuja, recite the national anthem and pledge to Nigeria, while the spirit and intent of Biafra will be pursued inside the Nigerian nation.
“TRIPOB now sees the Biafra question from a different perspective. Biafra will now become to us a powerful metaphor for change, development and greatness of the Igbos inside a united Nigeria, where the South East axis will be a utopia from the sheer determination borne out of the Biafra metaphor.
“We believe in being a part of a united Nigeria, and a new way of thinking, where the victim mentality will no longer be acceptable,” it asserted.
The group added: “We have accepted the fact that the Biafra Republic is not a reality but an anachronism, and doubt that the South -South region will become a part of a Biafra Republic, except by force; after a declaration of another civil war.”
“That the lessons and history of the civil war will only reinforce the belief in ourselves to reach the zenith in this great country, Nigeria, where opportunities abound for every one regardless of tribe or religion, and even where such narrow sentiments exist, we will not see ourselves as victims, Never,” the group added.
It declared: “In view of this new mind-set, members of the TRIPOB and any new defectors will on October 1, 2016, make a public denunciation of a secessionist Biafra Republic at the Eagle Square, Abuja.”
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“The event will also include recitation of the pledge to Nigeria, our country, singing of the national anthem, followed by a solemn burning of the Biafra flag and unveiling a new Biafra flag representing pride, change, potential and spirit of the Igbo race which can thrive anywhere in the world.”
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) now operates as the media and publicity arm of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The IPOB said MEND has been captured by President Muhammadu Buhari and converted to a media department for the top security agency.
In a statement signed by IPOB’s spokespersons Emma Nmezu and Clifford Iroanya, the group said: “We also have intelligence information that as part of the deal accompanying the conversion, MEND or should we say the ever suicidal and mentally imbalanced Charles Okah was promised early release from prison where he is currently being held for his role as the infamous Gbomo Jomo of the tragic terrorist bombing of October 1, 2011 at Eagle Square Abuja.”
The group also accused Nigerian security agencies of using Okah as a credible source of information for making arrests.
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