The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a major change in how it issues official statements, banning the use of the name “Emma Powerful” in all its communications.
The decision was taken by IPOB’s highest decision-making body, the Directorate of State (DOS), and was made public in a statement issued on Saturday by Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, the Head of the Directorate of State.
According to the statement, IPOB has directed that all official press releases must now be issued only on the organisation’s official letterheaded paper. Any statement released under the name “Emma Powerful” should no longer be regarded as coming from IPOB or its leadership.
The Directorate of State explained that “Emma Powerful” was originally an operational pseudonym used by IPOB’s publicity office to release statements to the media. However, the name has now been abused and compromised.
The DOS said the continued use of the pseudonym now poses serious risks to the organisation and to the Biafran self-determination movement.
“The pseudonym has been abused, misused, and compromised,” the statement said.
According to IPOB, several individuals and groups have taken advantage of the name to issue statements that do not reflect the official position of the movement. This, the group said, has caused confusion among supporters, residents of the South-East, and the general public.
The DOS stressed that any statement issued in the name of IPOB carries serious responsibility and can have wide consequences, especially in a region already facing security and economic challenges.
IPOB said the decision to drop the use of “Emma Powerful” is part of its effort to operate according to globally accepted organisational and institutional standards.
The group said it is important to clarify its communication structure to avoid misinformation and prevent actions that could endanger lives or disrupt peace in the South-East.
“IPOB considers it critically imperative to make these clarifications as part of its commitment to ensuring that the global IPOB movement operates in line with globally recognised and accepted institutional best practices,” the statement said.
By limiting official communication to documents printed on its letterheaded paper, IPOB said it hopes to make it easier for the public to identify genuine statements from fake or unauthorised ones.
The Directorate of State made it clear that from now on, any statement not issued on IPOB’s official letterhead should be ignored.
“For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of clarity, any press statement released under the pseudonym ‘Emma Powerful’ going forward does not emanate from IPOB leadership and does not represent the position of the IPOB Directorate of State,” the statement said.
The group also said it has not authorised any individual or group to issue statements or directives on its behalf outside the approved structure.
In the same statement, IPOB addressed growing concerns over sit-at-home and lockdown orders in the South-East.
The DOS categorically stated that it did not authorise any sit-at-home or lockdown across Biafraland on Monday, February 2, 2026.
This clarification comes amid rising tension and confusion in the region following recent disagreements within IPOB and statements attributed to different factions.
In recent years, sit-at-home orders have caused serious disruption to economic activities in the South-East, affecting traders, transport workers, students, and civil servants. Many residents often stay indoors out of fear, even when such orders are disputed or denied.
IPOB is a pro-Biafra group that campaigns for the creation of an independent Biafran state from Nigeria’s South-East and parts of the South-South.
The group gained prominence in the last decade through protests, broadcasts, and online campaigns. Over time, IPOB developed a strong media presence, with statements often issued under the name “Emma Powerful,” which became widely recognised by supporters and the media.
However, internal disagreements and leadership disputes in recent times have led to conflicting statements and public confusion over who speaks for the organisation.
The South-East has faced years of security challenges, including attacks on security personnel, kidnappings, and violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders.
While IPOB has often denied involvement in criminal activities, the Federal Government has proscribed the group and labelled it a terrorist organisation. IPOB, on its part, insists it is a peaceful movement and accuses the government of using insecurity to discredit its cause.
Regardless of the claims and counterclaims, ordinary residents have borne the brunt of the crisis. Markets have been shut, schools closed, and transport disrupted, leading to loss of income and rising hardship.
Governors in the region, including Anambra State Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo, have repeatedly warned against sit-at-home actions, saying they damage the economy and worsen poverty.
The announcement by IPOB has generated mixed reactions across the South-East and on social media. Some residents welcomed the move, saying it could reduce confusion and false alarms.
Others expressed concern that the ban on the “Emma Powerful” name could deepen internal divisions within the movement.
Civil society groups have urged all parties to prioritise peace and avoid actions that could trigger violence or fear.
With the new directive in place, IPOB says only statements released on its official letterheaded paper should be treated as authentic.
The organisation has urged the public, the media, and security agencies to disregard any statement issued under the banned pseudonym.
As debates over Biafra, self-determination, and regional security continue, many residents hope that clearer communication and restraint by all actors will help restore stability and confidence in the South-East.