IPOB Accuses Uwazuruike of Betraying Biafra Struggle for Money
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused former leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuruike, of abandoning the Biafra cause for personal financial gain.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Mazi Alex Chinonso Omenka, IPOB’s coordinator for Emekuku Unit 1 in Owerri Zone, the group reacted to Uwazuruike’s recent call on Ohanaeze Ndigbo to advise Nnamdi Kanu to stop allegedly recruiting Igbo youths for violence.
IPOB described Uwazuruike as a man whose influence has faded and who is trying to regain public attention by mentioning Kanu’s name. The group claimed he is seeking support from politicians who oppose the Biafra movement.
According to IPOB, Uwazuruike abandoned the Biafra struggle years ago in exchange for benefits from the Federal Government. The group alleged that he is now more focused on business interests than on the quest for Biafra.
IPOB also rejected claims that Kanu is encouraging violence in the South-East. The group said the Eastern Security Network (ESN) was created to protect local communities from attacks by criminals after security agencies allegedly failed to protect residents.
The organization argued that videos showing young men promising to defend their communities should not be interpreted as evidence that Kanu is directing violence from prison. It said those youths are reacting to insecurity in the region.
IPOB further stated that recent internal reforms, including leadership changes and the “100-man divine project,” are aimed at strengthening the movement through legal and organizational efforts rather than violence.
The group criticized Uwazuruike’s comparison of IPOB members to Boko Haram fighters seeking amnesty, calling the comparison unfair and offensive.
IPOB praised Kanu for remaining committed to the Biafra cause despite his detention, claiming he has refused offers to compromise his position.
The statement concluded by accusing some individuals of betraying the Biafra movement for personal interests and insisted that efforts to stop the campaign for Biafra would ultimately fail.