IPOB rejects Kanu’s suspension, declares Edoziem’s action illegal and void

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed the purported suspension of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by the former Head of the dissolved 3rd Administration of its Directorate of State (DOS), Chika Edoziem, describing the move as illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

The development follows Kanu’s reported dissolution of the 3rd DOS administration led by Edoziem and the inauguration of a new 4th Administration headed by Chris Nwaogu. In response, Edoziem had announced the suspension of Kanu as leader of the movement.

However, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB insisted that Kanu’s decision to dissolve the Edoziem-led administration was final and carried out in accordance with the organisation’s governing laws.

According to the group, the authority to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers rests exclusively with Kanu as IPOB’s Supreme Leader.

The statement maintained that the dissolution of the 3rd DOS was lawful, binding and took immediate effect upon its announcement, adding that any action taken by Edoziem and members of the dissolved administration after their removal lacked legal standing within the organisation.

IPOB cited provisions of its Code of Conduct, which it said grant only Kanu the authority to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers unless such powers are expressly delegated.

The group argued that no coordinator, principal officer, directorate or committee possesses the constitutional authority to suspend or overrule the Supreme Leader.

It further described Edoziem’s action as a serious violation of the organisation’s rules, accusing him and his associates of insubordination, abuse of office, constitutional misconduct and attempts to undermine the command structure of the movement.

According to IPOB, members of the dissolved administration should have accepted the leadership change and handed over responsibilities rather than challenge the authority that appointed them.

The group reiterated that the 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State no longer exists and warned members against recognising any directive, statement, appointment or suspension issued by Edoziem or his associates after their dissolution.

It advised members worldwide to disregard such communications and stated that only messages issued through recognised leadership channels should be treated as official positions of IPOB.

The organisation reaffirmed its loyalty to Kanu and declared that the 4th Administration of the Directorate of State under Chris Nwaogu remains the only recognised leadership structure accountable to him.

IPOB also warned that any individual or group acting against the authority of Kanu or attempting to undermine the movement’s command structure could face disciplinary measures, including suspension, removal from office or expulsion.