The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Southeast politicians to set aside political rivalries and work collaboratively to tackle the ongoing insecurity in the region. The group believes that issues like the detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, high youth unemployment, and the “shoot-at-sight” policy by security forces are driving instability in the Southeast.
In a statement on Tuesday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful urged Igbo leaders to take proactive steps to prevent further unrest, which, he warned, could be exploited by external forces to harm the region. He pointed out that much of the unrest is allegedly due to the actions of government-sponsored criminals.
The statement read: “Southeast politicians must wake up and work together to end insecurity in the region. They should stop funding armed criminals and political thugs to undermine IPOB’s legitimate work. Southeast governors have yet to honor their pledge to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the release of Nnamdi Kanu. They benefit from the insecurity through increased federal security allocations, which only prolongs the violence.”
The group also alleged that some Igbo politicians are working against the release of Kanu to weaken IPOB’s influence. Powerful added, “These politicians must end their infighting and focus on distinguishing genuine activists from criminals. Until we unite, we risk losing control over our region’s future.”
IPOB expressed its commitment to maintaining peace, especially with the festive season approaching, and emphasized the need for unity among Southeast leaders for the good of the region.
