The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has pushed back against recent comments by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying his remarks to Igbo youths misrepresent the group’s activities and intentions.
Akpabio, while speaking in Enugu, warned against any form of armed struggle, stating that the might of the Nigerian state would always prevail. He also suggested political remedies, including the possibility of creating an additional state in the South-East and improving the region’s inclusion in national governance.
But IPOB, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the comments were misplaced, insisting that its agitation is not violent but rooted in democratic principles.
The group emphasised that its movement, associated with its leader Nnamdi Kanu, is centred on a single demand — a referendum that would allow people of the South-East to decide their political future.
According to IPOB, describing its activities as armed struggle is inaccurate and serves to distort public understanding of its objectives. The group maintained that it has consistently called for a peaceful and lawful process.
It further argued that the right to self-determination is recognised under both Nigerian laws and international legal frameworks, stressing that such rights should not be treated as threats to national stability.
Reacting to the warning about state power, IPOB said democratic issues should not be addressed through intimidation, but through open dialogue and lawful engagement.
The organisation also dismissed the proposal of creating an additional state, noting that it does not address the core concerns being raised by those calling for self-determination.
On the situation in the South-East, IPOB said the region’s challenges go beyond current agitations, pointing to long-standing political and security issues that have affected economic activities and social stability.
The group also referenced the ongoing legal situation of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, stating that it reflects broader tensions between the movement and the authorities.
Reaffirming its stance, IPOB said its focus remains on achieving a peaceful resolution through a referendum, adding that the will of the people should be the ultimate deciding factor.
“IPOB is advocating for a democratic process, not conflict. The people must be allowed to decide their future,” the statement said.
The group concluded by urging stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and constitutional approaches in addressing concerns in the South-East.
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