The Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has abolished the use of the pseudonym “Emma Powerful”.
It has also directed that all official communications must henceforth be issued strictly on IPOB’s official letterheaded paper.
The decision was announced in a statement released on Saturday by Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, Head of IPOB’s Directorate of State.
He said the move followed the abuse, misuse and compromise of the pseudonym, which had previously been used by the organisation’s publicity desk to disseminate press releases.
According to the DOS, the continued use of “Emma Powerful” had become a liability, posing serious risks to the movement and its leadership.
The directorate stressed that any statement issued in the name of IPOB carries enormous responsibility and must reflect globally recognised institutional best practices.
The statement explained that the pseudonym, initially adopted for operational convenience, had been exploited by unauthorised individuals and groups to spread misinformation, undermine internal order, and threaten the prevailing peace and security in Biafraland.
Dangers of pseudonym
“In view of these dangers, the Directorate of State has resolved that all official IPOB press statements shall be released exclusively on IPOB’s official letterhead,” the statement said.
“Accordingly, IPOB will no longer issue statements under the name ‘Emma Powerful’.”
The DOS further clarified that any statement issued under the banned pseudonym going forward does not originate from IPOB leadership and does not represent the position of the Directorate of State.
In a separate clarification, the directorate categorically denied authorising any individual or group to declare a lockdown or sit-at-home order across Biafraland on Monday, 2 February 2026, warning the public to disregard such claims.
IPOB said the measures were aimed at restoring clarity, safeguarding the movement’s integrity, and preventing the misuse of its name for actions capable of endangering lives and property.
