Former Abia State Governor and current Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed an ultimatum from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), calling the separatist group’s enforced sit-at-home orders in the Southeast “self-destruction.”

Speaking on Arise Television on Sunday, Kalu described IPOB’s statement, issued by spokesperson Emma Powerful, as “childish theatre,” accusing the group of crippling commerce, terrorising communities, and driving the region toward economic and social collapse. He claimed over 30,000 deaths have occurred due to sit-at-home actions and militant attacks, leaving towns like Ihiala, Orlu, and Uli “graveyards of fear.”

Kalu argued that even if IPOB claims to seek Biafra, their violent methods undermine Igbo communities: “Who exactly do they plan to govern when they kill Igbos, stop them from working, and terrorise traders?”

He also rejected allegations that he sponsored armed factions, stating that during his governorship, he relied on formal security agencies to maintain law and order. Kalu challenged IPOB to a live televised debate to defend their actions.

Referencing the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Kalu emphasized that the former Biafran leader would oppose current militant tactics, calling the ongoing violence “senseless destruction” rather than liberation.

He further called for the Southeast to return to commerce, investment, and dialogue rather than armed intimidation, warning that the region’s dignity, economy, and safety are being destroyed by continued sit-at-home orders.