New pro Biafra group, the Reformed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has unveiled a new leader as well distinguished Nigerians who have been appointed to negotiate with the Nigerian government over the age long agitation for Biafra.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Ikemba Biafra, RE-IPOB who named described a Bayelsa indigene, Jonathan Kurubo, as its new leader, further listed; Barr. Uche Okwukwu, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Dr Arthur Nwankwo, Dr Kenneth Opigo, Uchenna Madu ,Dr. Okey Emordi, Obong Victor Attah, Prof. Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe, Chief Bassey Akpan, and Prof Mrs Uche Azikiwe.
Others include; Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Jerry Gana, representative of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo youths council, representative of Umuada Igbo, and Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma who is expected to lead the delegation.
It added that the choice of Kurubo, as the new leader and a true son of Biafra was influenced by his strong belief in the cause and dignity of the marginalized people of the old Eastern region. According to the statement, Kurubo who is a graduate of international Universities with a great knowledge of International relations, peace and conflict resolution as well as strategic studies, will pilot the affairs of the RE-IPOB until Biafra is actualized or the Nigerian government demonstrates its sincerity to fully re-integrate the people of Biafran through negotiations.
RE-IPOB further urged the people of Biafra living in the old Eastern region and in Diaspora, to support the new leader as well as the members of the negotiation team.
“We warn that RE-IPOB is not negotiating out of fear. Our position is not out of cowardice, we want peace. But 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. We security agents of the Nigerian government whether they are soldiers, Policemen, NSCDC, Navy, Airforce or DSS, to stop molesting or killing members of RE-IPOB. An indomitable as its Defence and security arm, Ogbunigwe, has been set up to protect Biafra territory and its people,” the statement added.
