The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has admonished Southeast elders to channel their energies towards the realisation of Biafra instead of begging for Igbo Presidency.
It warned the elders not to use its name or that of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu to seek political appointments.
IPOB also asked the elders, political leaders, and groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to direct their efforts towards the unconditional release of Kanu.
The group, in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, maintained that its interest was not on having an Igbo as “President under the present contraption called Nigeria.”
The statement reads in part, “Our attention has been drawn to the unpatriotic moves by some unreliable elders in Biafraland who are begging the Alamajiri elders for President of Nigeria from Igbo stock in 2023.
“We want to make it categorically clear to desperate Igbo politicians both elders and self-acclaimed leaders that IPOB under Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not looking for any Nigeria President of Igbo extraction.
If our elders think they can use IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu to bargain their ways into political offices then they are in for the shock of their life. We are keenly watching developments and taking record of them.
“Some self-appointed Igbo leaders desperate for power in 2023 should refrain from making unguarded utterances that make the entire Igbo race a laughing stock by Northerners. It makes no sense to be desperate over power shift in 2023 while illustrious Igbo son Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention.
“IPOB members that died did not die because of Igbo President … What we need at this very point in time is the unconditional release of our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“It is better Igbo politicians, businessmen, elders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and acclaimed leaders including Ohaneze Ndigbo should retrace their steps and carry themselves with dignity at all times.
“They must realise that the Northern oligarchy and the Fulani cabal controlling Nigeria will never allow or support any Igbo man to become President of Nigeria. It doesn’t matter how such a stooge wishes to please them, they have bitterness against the Igbo. So, it’s better they focus on fighting for Biafra restoration.
“Any bargains against this divine mandate will not succeed. We call on Igbo politicians, elders, and traditional rulers, including Ohaneze Ndigbo, to come back; there is no road in that path they are toeing.”
