The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised the list recently released by the Federal Government, which named the group among sponsors of terrorism, describing it as laughable.
Reacting to the claim in a statement on Monday, IPOB insisted it has never posed a threat to peace in Nigeria, adding that the publication is not about security, but “about fear — fear of a people who refuse to be broken, silenced, or erased.”
The statement, issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, expressed concern over how a state that “has a documented history of unleashing violence on unarmed civilians now seeks to wear the cloak of moral authority.
“A system that has repeatedly turned its guns on peaceful citizens now presumes to define terrorism. This is not just hypocrisy; it is a grotesque insult to truth, justice, and human conscience.”
Distancing the group from any threat to peace and human dignity, Powerful stated that the “real tragedy lies in a system where those who wield state power deploy it without restraint against their own citizens, and then attempt to rewrite the narrative by labelling their victims as perpetrators.”
He noted that IPOB is being portrayed negatively before international audiences in countries where the movement is legally recognised and operates within the law.
He maintained that IPOB is not “a terrorist organisation,” emphasising that it remains a people-driven movement rooted in the inalienable right to self-determination.
Meanwhile, the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Monday, cautioned against attacks on Igbo leaders, dismissing a statement by IgboayakaIgboayakaas unfounded.
Igboayaka, who allegedly identified himself as President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), had faulted several leaders for backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He mentioned notable personalities, including David Umahi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, and Chris Ngige, accusing them of political betrayal.
Responding in a statement, the National President of OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, urged the public to disregard what he described as “antics of an impostor.”
He said Igboayaka had equally claimed to have declared former South-East governorspersona non grata.
While accusing Igboayaka of impersonation, Nnabuike said it was unjustifiable to declare anyone persona non grata for expressing a political stance.
He said: “It is within the rights of the former governors and, indeed, anyone else to decide who they want to support ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
