“Kalu Fires Back at IPOB: ‘You Can’t Govern a Region You’re Busy Killing’’

On Sunday, Orji Uzor Kalu slammed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), labelling their sit‑at‑home orders “self‑destruction” and accusing the group of crippling commerce and terrorizing communities in the Southeast. Speaking on Arise Television, Kalu dismissed an ultimatum issued by IPOB’s spokesperson, calling their statement “childish theatre.”

He warned that the separatist agitation and its associated shutdowns have devastated the South-East — he claimed more than 30,000 people have died, businesses destroyed, and entire communities like Ihiala, Orlu and Uli turned into “graveyards of fear.”

Kalu challenged IPOB to prove they represent Igbo interests and asked: if the group is killing Igbos and preventing them from working, who will they govern? He argued that enforcing sit‑at‑home orders and targeting traders is not a liberation effort, but a destruction of Igbo land and dignity.

He also rejected IPOB’s earlier claim that he sponsored militant groups, stressing that during his tenure as governor of Abia State, security was maintained through lawful agencies and there were no secret militias under his watch.

Kalu urged instead for a return to commerce, investment and political negotiation — stressing that any push for a referendum or self-determination must be pursued peacefully: with flags rather than bullets.