Orji Kalu Explains Why IPOB Was Banned, Says Igbo Should Focus on Producing Nigeria’s President

Orji Kalu Explains Why IPOB Was Banned, Says Igbo Should Focus on Producing Nigeria’s President

Former Abia State Governor and influential businessman, Orji Uzor Kalu, has opened up on why the Federal Government outlawed the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stressing that the group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, ignored repeated advice from elders.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Kalu said the best path forward for the South-East is not secession, but working towards producing Nigeria’s president. According to him, the push for an independent Biafra has no legal foundation and is not supported by the majority of Igbo people.

“Biafra Should Be an Ideology, Not a Republic” — Orji Kalu

Kalu explained that he has long advocated for development-driven regional empowerment rather than separation. He argued that the economic realities of the South-East—widespread Igbo investments across Nigeria—make the idea of a breakaway state impractical.

He said the Biafra idea should evolve into a development concept, focusing on industrial growth, economic empowerment, and agricultural expansion.

Kalu: I Warned Nnamdi Kanu Against Actions That Threatened Nigeria’s Sovereignty

The former governor disclosed that he met with Nnamdi Kanu in prison and advised him to embrace peace and follow legal procedures. He warned Kanu against allowing his followers to display Biafra flags, create a “secret service,” or organize paramilitary-style parades. According to Kalu, such actions challenged the authority of the Nigerian state and triggered the government’s response.

Kalu said no government in the world would tolerate activities perceived as attempts to break up the country.

No Foreign Support for IPOB — Kalu Claims

Responding to claims that some foreign governments back IPOB, Kalu said his consultations with intelligence contacts in the US, UK, Germany, China, and France show that no country is officially supporting the movement. He described such claims as propaganda used to mislead young people.

Kalu Maintains Kanu Is Not in Military Custody

On the controversy surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s disappearance during the military’s Operation Python Dance, Kalu insisted the IPOB leader was not taken by soldiers. According to him, Kanu left Nigeria for Malaysia before moving to the UK. He said security agencies and Kanu’s family confirmed that they also do not know his whereabouts.

Igbo Presidency Possible in 2023 — Kalu

Kalu repeated his belief that an Igbo person should be president of Nigeria in 2023 after President Muhammadu Buhari completes his second term. He argued that equitable leadership rotation would strengthen national unity and address long-standing feelings of marginalisation.

South-East Development Requires Leadership and Truth, Not Sentiment

The former governor said complaints about marginalisation would have been reduced if previous administrations had addressed major infrastructure problems in the region. He praised ongoing federal road projects but insisted that past Igbo leaders failed to prioritize the region when they held key national positions.

He also urged the Federal Government to implement the 2014 National Conference report, saying it would give the South-East fair representation, including the creation of an additional state.

On Herdsmen Attacks and National Security

Kalu called on President Buhari to take stronger action on herdsmen violence, just as he did with Boko Haram and the IPOB crisis. He said the President must introduce clearer policies on how cattle herders operate to prevent further insecurity.

Governors Should Prioritize Paying Workers — Kalu

Commenting on state debts and salary arrears, Kalu criticized governors who neglect workers while collecting huge security votes. He said any governor who prioritizes security vote over salary payment is “not doing what is expected.”