IPOB declares Edoziem’s leadership illegal

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared that all actions taken by the dissolved third administration of its Directorate of State (DOS), formerly headed by Chika Edoziem, are null and void, insisting that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, remains the only person empowered to appoint or remove principal officers of the separatist group.

In a statement issued on Friday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB said Kanu had exercised powers conferred on him by the group’s Code of Conduct to dissolve the third DOS administration and inaugurate a fourth administration led by United States-based Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ.

According to the statement, the decision was lawful, final and took immediate effect upon its announcement.

The statement followed Edoziem’s rejection of his removal and his insistence that he remains the head of the group. IPOB, however, warned members and the public against recognising directives issued by him or members of the dissolved administration.

The group also condemned what it described as a purported statement by Edoziem and some members of the dissolved leadership suspending the Office of the Supreme Leader and the Director of Radio Biafra.

“Such action is not merely irregular; it is illegal, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever. No person can derive authority from an office that has already ceased to exist,” the statement said.

IPOB cited provisions of its Code of Conduct to support its position, arguing that the authority to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers rests solely with Kanu.

Quoting Section II, Subsection A of the code, the group stated that the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss erring principal officers belongs exclusively to the leader of IPOB except where such powers are expressly delegated.

It maintained that the provision leaves no room for interpretation and that no coordinator, principal officer, committee or collective body has the constitutional authority to suspend, remove or overrule the Supreme Leader.

The organisation described the alleged suspension of Kanu’s office as legally impossible within the framework of its governing laws.

IPOB further accused Edoziem and members of the dissolved administration of constitutional misconduct, gross insubordination, abuse of office, attempted usurpation of powers and actions capable of undermining the group’s command structure and organisational discipline.

“Rather than accept a lawful dissolution and hand over responsibilities in accordance with established procedures, these individuals chose the path of rebellion against the very authority from which they previously derived their legitimacy,” the group said.

It stressed that the third DOS administration no longer exists and that any directive, statement, appointment or administrative action issued by the former leadership after its dissolution carries no legal or organisational consequence within IPOB.

The group urged members worldwide to disregard all communications emanating from the dissolved administration.

It also called on journalists and media organisations to verify statements attributed to the group, insisting that only communications issued through recognised channels represent its official position.

Reaffirming support for the newly inaugurated fourth DOS administration under Chris Nwaọgụ, IPOB urged its members to remain calm, disciplined and committed to the cause of Biafra.

The organisation warned that any individual or group found undermining Kanu’s authority or violating the IPOB Code of Conduct would face disciplinary measures, including suspension, removal from office and expulsion from the movement.

“The era of indiscipline, constitutional recklessness and unauthorised power-grabbing within IPOB is over. The authority of the Supreme Leader remains supreme, unquestionable and binding on all members,” the statement added.