By Olisemeka Sony
The Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous of Biafra (IPOB) may have lost its father figure and co-founder, Dr. Dozie Ikedife on ideological differences, Orient Daily can exclusively report.
Although, the duo refused to share the agenda and outcome of their recent private meetings with the press, with media speculating that their differences have been resolved, this paper can authoritatively reveal that the ideological differences on the modus operandi of IPOB and the strategy for actualising the Biafra self-determination has put a wedge on their struggle “I know many people across Igboland and beyond are yearning for Biafra. But the Biafra agitation I support is a peaceful one. A Biafra founded through a referendum or legislative process and backed by law and not violence”, the former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo told Orient Daily in an exclusive interview.
Kanu had in a recent media interview argued that his controversial agitation for restoration of Biafra was largely driven by “the sufferings Ndigbo were being subjected to in Nigeria, the maltreatment and marginalization of the Igbo people”.
“I am extremely bitter with the maltreatment of Ndigbo that is why it looks as if I am zealous”, he stressed.
But Ikedife, who has largely remained anonymous and following the events from the side-line despite his pivotal role in the founding of IPOB, insists that he will not be part of a Biafra agitation that is couched in civil disobedience or violence. According to him, Biafra will be better actualized by dialogue and not through war or exchange of hot words.
“I am not in support of any other brand of Biafra agitation that would involve physical engagements, assault or insults and preaching ethnic hatred”.


He equally faulted Kanu’s purported order to IPOB members and supporters to boycott the November 18, 2017 Governorship election in Anambra state. According to him, besides, providing the leeway for an unpopular candidate to emerge winner of the election, Ikedife argued that boycotting the poll could also result in some unpleasant consequences for the ordinary people and Ndigbo.
“Due to the boycott of last census, the people of the South East geopolitical zone were under-counted. And we are still enduring the consequence of that census boycott and the resultant under-counting in the region”, he said.
He argues further: “When you boycott this and that election, you are showing disobedience to the law of the land. I don’t buy the idea that you should disobey the law of the land.
Loss of support
While Kanu’s firebrand and brash style of Biafra struggle and hate messages may have received widening support amongst a cross-section of young Igbos and earned him media spotlight, he has suffered increasing loss of support of influential Igbo groups and individuals in recent times.
Kanu’s Biafra crusade suffered a terrible setback following the rejection of his secessionist agitation by South East Governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo and other prominent leaders of the region. A communique issued at the end of meeting of South East Governors, Ohaneze and select leaders of thoughts in Enugu on July 1, shattered whatever hopes IPOB leadership may have had of securing an endorsement of the Igbo leaders for their struggle.
The communique presented by David Nweze Umahi, Ebonyi State governor and chairman of South East Governors Forum, also condemned IPOB’s hate speeches and disregards for civil authorities. “Ndigbo are in support of a united Nigeria where peace, love, fairness, justice, equity and equality of opportunity are paramount regardless of creed, ethnicity, gender or political affiliation.
It also declared its support for the demand for restructuring of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the basis of fairness and equity. “We therefore call on the Federal Government and all Nigerian leaders to commence a process of dialogue among Nigerians on the modalities of achieving this pressing question within a reasonable time frame.
The President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo had earlier warned leaders of groups championing self-rule for the Igbo nation not to arrogate to themselves the supreme leadership of Igboland. Nwodo who issued the veiled warning to Kanu when he led other national leaders of the organisation to the Anambra State House of Assembly in late June, argued that Kanu’s utterances in recent times had breached the undertaking he took before him (Nwodo) when he was released from detention.
“Statements of the kind credited to Nnamdi Kanu are provocative, misleading and unproductive,” he said, querying the motive behind his demand for boycott of the Anambra Governorship poll.
“Why should Anambra people be denied the opportunity to choose their own leader? Why should any of us who is not from Anambra, no matter how highly placed, descend to the arena and dictate for Anambra people when to vote, whether to vote or who to vote for?”

Source
https://orientdailynews.com/ikedife-kanu-disagree/