Reformed Indigenous People of Biafra elects new leader and names negotiating team

BREAKAWAY Biafran separatist group the Reformed Indigenous People of Biafra (Re-Ipob) has named Jonathan Kurubo from Bayeslsa State as its new leader pointing out that he will lead negotiations with the federal government on the way forward.

 

Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) was formed after Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu was arrested by security agents last October. It has organised several large demonstrations calling for the release of Mr Kanu and demanding the recreation of the defunct Republic of Biafra, which it wants to secede from Nigeria.

 

Faced with this dilemma, Igbo leaders have begun moves to initiate talks between the federal government and local youths but this has led to a split within the ranks of Ipob, with some favouring dialogue, while others insist on secession come what may. Re-Ipob has subsequently broken away and elected a new leadership, who it says will lead its talks with the government to actualise Biafran independence.

 

Re-Ipob's national director of publicity, Ikemba Biafra, described Mr Kurubo as a true son of Biafra who believes in the cause and dignity of the marginalized people of the old Eastern Region. He added that Mr Kurubo who has versatile knowledge of international relations, peace and conflict resolution as well as strategic studies, will pilot the affairs of the Re-Ipob until Biafra is actualised or the Nigerian government demonstrates its sincerity to fully re-integrate the people of Biafran through negotiations.

 

While calling on the people of Biafra living in the old Eastern Region and in diaspora to support the new leader, Re-Ipob unveiled a list of eminent personalities and elders who are expected to lead its negotiation with the Nigerian government. They include Dr Arthur Nwankwo, Dr Kenneth Opigo, Dr Okey Emordi, Uche Okwukwu, Obong Victor Attah, Professor Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe, Chief Bassey Akpan, Professor Uche Azikiwe, Professor Wole Soyinka, Uchenna Madu, Professor Jerry Gana, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, a representative of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, a representative of Umuada Igbo, and Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma who is expected to lead the delegation.

 

“We warn that Re-Ipob is not negotiating out of fear. Our position is not out of cowardice, we want peace.

 

"However, the federal government should return our goodwill and readiness for talks with honesty and sincerity. Nnamdi Kanu should henceforth desist from issuing any statement on behalf of Biafra in his own interest,” Mr Biafra added.

 

In addition, the group urged security agents to stop molesting or killing members of Re-Ipob as its security arm, Ogbunigwe, has been set up to protect the Biafran people. It is not yet clear if the government will accept this offer of dialogue from this new group.