Author: Gist Correspondent

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has annulled the sit-at-home reportedly scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, insisting that no individual or group was authorised to issue such a directive across Biafraland.

The organisation also announced the scrapping of the long-used pseudonym “Emma Powerful,” formerly associated with its publicity communications, citing abuse, misuse and compromise.

These decisions were contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, Head of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS).

According to the DOS, the continued use of the “Emma Powerful” pseudonym had become a serious liability to the movement, as it had been exploited by unauthorised persons to issue statements capable of disrupting public peace and security.

The leadership explained that while “Emma Powerful” was originally adopted as an operational pseudonym for IPOB press releases, any statement issued in the name of IPOB carries enormous responsibility and implications for the group and its leadership.

The DOS noted that the compromise of the pseudonym posed “clear and present dangers” to IPOB and the Biafran self-determination struggle, adding that some individuals and groups had subtly deployed it to undermine the relative peace currently enjoyed in the region.

As a corrective measure, IPOB resolved that all official press statements must henceforth be issued strictly on the organisation’s official letterheaded paper, in line with globally accepted institutional best practices.

The group stressed that it would no longer issue statements under the name “Emma Powerful” and warned that any communication bearing that pseudonym going forward does not emanate from IPOB leadership and should be disregarded.

IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to order, clarity and responsible communication, urging the public to rely only on officially authenticated statements from the Directorate of State.