Biafra: Nwodo Denies Blaming IPOB For South East Killings

The immediate past President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nnia Nwodo, has denied linking the killings in the South East to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He made this known in a statement issued on Sunday while reacting to IPOB’s claim that he accused the group of the killings in Anambra and Imo states.

In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB challenged Nwodo to provide evidence that it was behind the killings in Anambra and Imo states.

IPOB alleged that Nwodo has lost relevance in the affairs of Ndigbo and Nigeria since his exit as the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

But according to Nwodo, he has never blamed the killings and insecurity situation in the South East region on the separatist group.

The former Ohanaeze leader also refuted reports that he accused IPOB of being behind the violence in the South East.

Nwodo said that he has deliberately been silent since he is no longer the Ohanaeze’s leader, so as not to affect his successor.

He said: “My attention has been drawn to a publication alleging that I made a statement on the recent killings in Imo and Anambra States.

“The statement further alleged that I referred to IPOB as being responsible for the killings.

“I state without reservation that I didn’t make any such statements. I have deliberately refused any press interviews since I finished serving out my tenure as President General of Ohaneze.

“I took this decision in order to ensure that my successor’s voice is undiluted and unmistaken as the sole voice of Ohaneze leadership.”