IPOB sets tough penalties for members defying Nnamdi Kanu’s authority

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has vowed to take disciplinary action against members who undermine the authority of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The warning comes amid efforts to address a growing leadership dispute within the organisation following recent changes in its leadership structure.

In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group warned that any member or faction acting contrary to Kanu’s directives or the organisation’s Code of Conduct would face sanctions, including suspension, removal from office, and expulsion.

The development follows a deepening rift within the movement after the dissolution of the third administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State, led by Chika Edoziem, and the inauguration of a new leadership headed by US-based Chris Nwaọgụ.

According to IPOB, Kanu exercised powers conferred on him by the organisation’s Code of Conduct to dissolve Edoziem’s administration and appoint a fourth Directorate of State.

The group maintained that Kanu remains the only person vested with the authority to appoint, suspend, or dismiss principal officers within the organisation.

“Any individual or group that persists in defying the lawful authority of the Supreme Leader, undermining the command-and-control structure of IPOB, or acting contrary to the Code of Conduct shall face severe disciplinary measures, including suspension, removal from office, and expulsion from the movement.

The era of indiscipline, constitutional recklessness, and unauthorised power-grabbing within IPOB is over. The authority of the Supreme Leader remains supreme, unquestionable, and binding on all members,” the statement reads.

IPOB insisted that Nnamdi Kanu remains the supreme authority within the movement and warned members against actions capable of undermining the organisation’s command structure.