The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected the reported reappointment of former lead counsel to its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, describing the move as invalid.
IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the lawyer was reappointed by a faction of the group that had already been expelled from the organisation
Powerful described the purported appointment letter as a “worthless piece of paper” and a “legal nullity,” insisting that those behind it no longer had the authority to act on behalf of IPOB.
According to him, Ejiofor remains sacked following Kanu’s decision to terminate his services, adding that members of the dissolved third Directorate of State (DOS), including Chika Edoziem, who allegedly signed the document, had been expelled from the group.
“It is a ridiculous absurdity for sacked and expelled individuals to gather and issue a letter of appointment in the name of IPOB. In IPOB, you cannot give what you do not have,” Powerful stated.
He maintained that no group of expelled members could reverse decisions made by Kanu, whom he described as the supreme leader of IPOB.
Powerful warned Ejiofor against representing IPOB or Kanu in any legal capacity, alleging that the lawyer had compromised the group’s interests.
“He is free to represent any group of his choice, but certainly not the Indigenous People of Biafra. He is sacked, compromised, and permanently disengaged,” he said.
The IPOB spokesman further claimed that Ejiofor’s alleged failure in his professional duties contributed to Kanu’s continued detention.
The development follows Kanu’s earlier decision to sack Ejiofor through a letter dated July 22, in which the IPOB leader accused the lawyer of continuing to represent him and the group despite the termination of his engagement.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.