Indigenous People of Biafra has expressed concern over the prolonged detention of some of its members across detention facilities in Nigeria, describing their welfare and release as a priority that must not be overlooked.
The group raised the concern on Wednesday while announcing a major restructuring of its leadership, including the dissolution of the third administration of its Directorate of State and the inauguration of a fourth administration headed by US-based Chris Nwaọgụ.
In a statement issued from Langerfeld, Germany, and signed in the name of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, the group said it dissolved the outgoing administration after reviewing its performance during what it described as a critical period.
The statement, made available by spokesperson Emma Powerful, said one of the most significant shortcomings of the previous leadership was its failure to prioritise the welfare and release of detained members.
“The most grievous failure of the outgoing administration was its inability to prioritise the welfare and liberation of hundreds of Biafrans detained across various detention facilities, particularly those held for years without trial at Wawa Military Barracks in Niger State,” the statement read.
According to the group, many detainees endured severe hardship while some allegedly died in custody.
It added, “No movement that claims to stand for justice can neglect those who paid the highest price for their commitment. The abandonment of detained Biafrans represents a profound dereliction of the duty of care owed to every member of the IPOB family.”
The group also accused the dissolved leadership of focusing more on internal disagreements and factional disputes than on diplomacy, legal advocacy and prisoner welfare.
“Valuable time, resources, and organisational capacity that should have been directed toward diplomacy, legal advocacy, prisoner welfare, public engagement, and strategic planning were instead consumed by distractions that weakened cohesion and undermined confidence within the movement,” the statement added.
IPOB said the new administration has been tasked with rebuilding confidence, restoring unity and placing greater emphasis on the welfare of members, particularly those in detention.
The group announced that Chris Nwaọgụ would immediately assume responsibility for the administration, coordination and day-to-day management of IPOB affairs under Kanu’s authority.
Other members of the new Directorate of State include Solomon Egbo as Deputy Head, Nnennaya Anya as Head of Finance and Budget Planning, Chigozie Okekenta as Coordinator of Coordinators, Chukwudi Nwogwugwu as Head of Medical and Welfare Planning, and Ikechukwu Onuoha as Head of Media.
The organisation also announced the creation of an Elders Advisory Council to provide strategic guidance and institutional support to Kanu and the new leadership.
In addition, IPOB said it had reinstated all officers previously appointed by Kanu pending an administrative review, while lifting earlier suspensions and expulsions.
The group urged its members and supporters worldwide to remain disciplined and cooperate with the new leadership as it works to reposition the organisation.
IPOB, founded in 2012 by Nnamdi Kanu, seeks the restoration of an independent Biafra state in Nigeria’s South-East and says its campaign is peaceful and based on the principle of self-determination.
The Federal Government, however, has repeatedly accused IPOB of involvement in violent activities and, in 2017, obtained a court order proscribing the group and designating it a terrorist organisation. IPOB has consistently denied the allegations and continues to challenge the proscription.