Anyaoku Says No To Biafra’s Appointment

SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, (THEWILL) – Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, has rejected his nomination as one of the representatives to negotiate and discuss on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB had on Wednesday listed Anyaoku as one of the “credible Igbo elders” that would represent it in “negotiations” and “discussions”.

In a statement signed by its spokesmen, Emma Mmezu and Clifford Iroanya, the group disclosed that the selection of Anyaoku came on the heels of its rejection of the alleged meeting between the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and a United States of America delegation in Enugu.

In the statement entitled, 'Beware of impostors', the group firmly dissociated itself from any discussions or negotiations entered into on its behalf by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“We do not deal with nor condone the idea of washed- out political contractors and compromised merchants of misery speaking for Biafrans,” the statement read in part.

“We value our reputation as IPOB and would like to warn that anybody dealing with any group that is not IPOB under the supreme command of Nnamdi Kanu (our detained leader) is engaging in an exercise in futility.

“Our focus now is to ensure the release of our leader first before we negotiate with anyone.

“We would view anyone discussing or attempting to cut a deal without the knowledge of the leadership of IPOB as an enemy of the people.

“IPOB has chosen Dr Arthur Nwankwo, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, Gen. Alex Maduebo, Prof. Ben Nwabueze and Chief Emeka Anyaoku as credible elders, who will speak the truth without being easily compromised.”

However, reports indicate that Anyaoku, who said he had yet to be contacted by the Pro-Biafra group, has stated that he would not accept the appointment.

“I have not been approached nor would I be willing to undertake such an assignment in the present circumstances.”

Story by David Oputah