Former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, has denied blaming the separatist group, Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, for the killings in Imo and Anambra states.

Reports had earlier quoted the Ohanaeze leader as having attributed the spate of insecurity and killings in the South-East states on IPOB.

Nwodo, a former minister of information, also said that he never blamed the killings and insecurity situation in the region on the separatist group.

In a statement, Nwodo said he had ‘deliberately been silent’ on commenting on matters since his tenure as Ohanaeze leader ended, in order to ‘protect’ his successor.

“My attention has been drawn to a publication alleging that I made a statement on the recent killings in Imo and Anambra States.

“The statement further alleged that I referred to IPOB as being responsible for the killings.

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“I state without reservation that I didn’t make any such statements. I have deliberately refused any press interviews since I finished serving out my tenure as President General of Ohanaeze,” Nwodo stated.

According to him, “I took this decision in order to ensure that my successor’s voice is undiluted and unmistaken as the sole voice of Ohanaeze leadership.”