Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Thursday declared that his Eastern Security Network, ESN, will operate without the support of Southeast governors.

Kanu said ESN revolved around the people and not Southeast governors or politicians. The IPOB leader made the claims while disregarding Southeast governors who are not involved with the security outfit.

He spoke through the Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful.

A statement by Powerful reads partly: “Now that the southeast govs have distanced themselves from the eastern security network, how can it work successfully without their support?

“We never expected the governors to support Eastern Security Network. The governors are part of our problem because of their selfish interests. They are the ones benefitting under the current one Nigeria slavery.

“But the truth remains that their dissociation from the security outfit is of no significance or consequence. ESN is the people’s movement. It doesn’t revolve around any governor or misguided political criminal masquerading as an elite.

“ESN is formidable, and can effectively operate without the involvement of any governor. The security outfit will flourish without the support of the governors in our land. I don’t think we can trust them. IPOB is the largest mass movement on the face of the earth. What would make it possible for any sane mind to think that a bunch of criminals numbering a total of 11 will stop such a global phenomenon even with the help of their Janjaweed masters in the Sahel.”

Simultaneously, a Coalition of South East groups has condemned the alleged threat to governors of the region following their viewpoint on the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the coalition praised the governors for their “show of patriotism” by openly denouncing Kanu’s actions and calling on the people of the region not to succumb to his evil plans.

Those that signed the statement include the Coordinator of South East Mothers’ Forum, Mrs. Achike Ezeife; Coordinator of Ndigbo Progressive Youth Vanguard, Uche Ude; Grace Ejike of South East Market Women Vanguard and Andy Okoro of South East Youth Network.