We Are Not Under Nnamdi Kanu’s Control — BRGIE Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile (BRGIE), Ogechukwu Nkere, has disowned Ngozi Orabueze and other Biafra independence crusaders, declaring that they have no affiliation with the organisation or authority to represent it.

Nkere also clarified that BRGIE operates independently of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), insisting that it is neither under the leadership nor control of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement on Tuesday, Nkere said BRGIE was established in 2023 following the emergence of the Autopilot movement under former Prime Minister Simon Ekpa.

He explained that Ekpa had described himself as Kanu’s “spiritual son” and used the IPOB leader’s name and image alongside his own in communications promoting BRGIE, creating the impression that Kanu endorsed or held a leadership position in the organisation.

However, Nkere said BRGIE had no confirmation that Kanu authorised such representations or accepted any leadership role in the organisation.

He disclosed that after assuming leadership of BRGIE, he attempted to establish a working relationship with IPOB through an outreach to Kanu and an offer of partnership, but the initiative did not result in an agreement.

“That outreach did not produce an agreement. Instead, BRGIE received a demand for its dissolution,” he said.

Nkere also cited comments by Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, regarding Kanu’s non-recognition of a Biafran government, as well as the establishment of a Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Department of State, as evidence of the separation between the two organisations.

He consequently declared that BRGIE was not a component of IPOB and was not subject to its authority.

While acknowledging Kanu’s contributions to Biafran advocacy, Nkere said the organisation did not recognise him as its Supreme Leader or as having governing, supervisory or decision-making authority over its leadership and operations.

He further announced that BRGIE would stop using Kanu’s name or image in any manner that could suggest his endorsement, affiliation or leadership.

“BRGIE will respect IPOB’s organisational independence and expects the same respect in return,” he added.

The BRGIE leader said the organisation would pursue international recognition through its own diplomatic engagements, stressing that its leadership and governing authority rested with the current administration.

He also maintained that any future change in Ekpa’s circumstances would not automatically alter the organisation’s leadership structure.

Nkere said BRGIE under his leadership would pursue a separate course focused on governance, organisational discipline, diplomatic engagement and the quest for Biafran self-determination.