Tensions flared when IPOB accused Akpabio of applying double standards on terrorism and insecurity

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected Senate President, Godswill Akpabio’s recent statement, describing it as a “distraction” and an attempt to divert attention from those who are truly responsible for terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.
Akpabio, while reacting to reports alleging genocide of Christians in Nigeria on Thursday, claimed that Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism, and further blamed IPOB for the killings in the Southeast and other acts of violence.

However, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB criticized the Senate President for what they termed as double statements and accused him of protecting the real perpetrators of terror across the country.

“Akpabio, like many career politicians in Abuja, knows the truth but does not have the courage to speak it,” the group said. “The real terrorists are those who have killed thousands of Nigerians in the North and in the Central region for religious and ethnic reasons, while enjoying state patronage and political patronage.”

IPOB stated that Akpabio’s comments reflected a broader political culture in which southern leaders, out of fear and prudence, avoided confrontation with northern power blocs allegedly linked to violent groups.

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“Akpabio’s cowardice is not just a personal weakness, it is a symptom of a system where truth is dangerous and silence is a reward,” the statement continued. “He knows that speaking out against the terror network plaguing North Korea will endanger his political survival. But attacking IPOB is politically safe in Abuja because so-called ‘Igbo representatives’ have long betrayed their people for political crumbs.”

Reiterating its stance, IPOB emphasized that it is not and has never been a terrorist organization, and emphasized that its campaign is a peaceful effort for self-determination.

According to Powerful, the group’s activities are supported by Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Community Rights, which is part of Nigerian law, as well as Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“Akpabio and his ilk must stop using IPOB as a diversionary scapegoat,” he said. “Nigeria is bleeding because those in power did not have the moral courage to name and prosecute the real terrorists. History will remember that IPOB stood firm for the truth when politicians chose cowardice.”