The Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile (BRGIE), Ogechukwu Nkere, has rejected the leadership authority of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu
The organisation declared it operates independently of the separatist group.
Nkere also disowned Ngozi Orabueze and other Biafra independence crusaders, saying they had no affiliation with BRGIE or the authority to represent the organisation.
In a statement on Tuesday, Nkere said BRGIE was not under the leadership or control of Kanu, stressing that the organisation was neither a component of IPOB nor subject to its direction.
He explained that BRGIE was established in 2023 following the emergence of the Autopilot movement under former Prime Minister Simon Ekpa.
According to him, Ekpa had publicly described himself as Kanu’s “spiritual son” and used the IPOB leader’s name and image alongside his own in communications promoting BRGIE, creating the impression that Kanu endorsed or held a leadership position in the organisation.
However, Nkere said BRGIE had no confirmation that Kanu authorised such representations or accepted any leadership role within the organisation.
He said after assuming leadership of BRGIE, he attempted to establish a working relationship with IPOB through an outreach to Kanu and an offer of partnership, but the initiative did not produce an agreement.
“That outreach did not produce an agreement. Instead, BRGIE received a demand for its dissolution,” he stated.
Nkere also cited public comments by Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, concerning Kanu’s non-recognition of a Biafran government, as well as the establishment of a Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Department of State, as further evidence of the separation between the two organisations.
“BRGIE therefore makes its position clear: it is an independent organization, is not a component of IPOB, and is not subject to the direction or control of IPOB or Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.
While acknowledging Kanu’s contributions to Biafran advocacy, Nkere said the organisation did not recognise him as its Supreme Leader or as having governing, supervisory or decision-making authority over its leadership and operations.
He announced that BRGIE would stop using Kanu’s name or image in ways that could suggest his endorsement, affiliation or leadership.
“BRGIE will respect IPOB’s organizational independence and expects the same respect in return,” he added.
Nkere said the organisation would pursue international recognition through its own diplomatic engagements, adding that its leadership and governing authority rested with the current administration.
He said any future change in Ekpa’s circumstances would not automatically alter the existing leadership arrangements.
“Under my leadership, BRGIE will pursue a distinct course centred on effective governance, organisational discipline, diplomatic engagement, and progress towards Biafran self-determination,” he stated.
Guardian News
