The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has ordered a major restructuring of the group’s leadership, dissolving the third administration of its Directorate of State (DoS) and unveiling a new leadership team.
In a statement issued from Germany on Wednesday, IPOB announced the appointment of United States-based Mazi Chris Nwaogu as the new Head of the Directorate of State, with immediate responsibility for the administration, coordination and day-to-day affairs of the organisation.
The group explained that the Directorate of State, established in 2012, serves as IPOB’s administrative arm. Previous heads of the body included Dr Justin Akujieze, Mazi Uchenna Asiegbu and Chika Edoziem, who led the dissolved administration from 2017.
According to IPOB, the leadership overhaul followed a review of the performance of the outgoing administration, with concerns raised over the welfare of detained members, internal disagreements, organisational cohesion, communication challenges and the need for renewed strategic direction.
“The dissolution of the third administration is ultimately not an act of vengeance but an act of organisational renewal,” the statement said.
IPOB stated that the new leadership has been mandated to rebuild confidence within the organisation, strengthen internal unity, improve communication structures and place greater focus on members’ welfare.
As part of the restructuring, the group also announced the establishment of an Elders Advisory Council to serve as a strategic advisory body between Kanu and the Directorate of State.
The newly constituted Directorate includes Mazi Solomon Egbo as Deputy Head of DoS, Nwada Ogwu Nnennaya Anya I as Head of Finance and Budget Planning, Mazi Chigozie Okekenta as Coordinator of Coordinators, Dr Chukwudi Nwogwugwu as Head of Medical and Welfare Planning, and Barrister Ikechukwu Onuoha as Head of Media.
IPOB retained Comrade Emma Powerful as its spokesperson and Media and Publicity Secretary, while also appointing regional representatives for Africa, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.
The organisation further announced the reinstatement of previously suspended or expelled officers, saying affected members had been reintegrated pending further administrative review.
IPOB directed all officers, coordinators and unit heads worldwide to establish contact with its headquarters in Germany for further directives as the new administration takes over.
The leadership changes come as the pro-Biafra group continues efforts to reorganise its structures and strengthen operations within Nigeria and across its international chapters.