The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MASSOB

  • Biafra agitation must continue without violence -MASSOB

    Biafra agitation must continue without violence -MASSOB

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has declared that the agitation for Biafra must continue without violence.

    The group declared this on Saturday in Awka, Anambra in a statement by its leader, comrade Uchenna Madu

    MASSOB is celebrating  24th year of its while remembering brothers and sisters died in the cause of the struggle                              

    “Our non violence MASSOB members died innocently with brave heart for the Biafra cause, they were molested, mesmerized, humiliated, brutally killed by the armed security agents of our oppressors. 

    Read Also: Lies and embellished Biafra stories

    “Today, we the remnants of MASSOB activists also remembers the parents of our fallen heroes, some are still traumatized, some are dead because of shock while others are living ghost of themselves.     

    “We are committedly, consistently and uncompromisingly agitating for an independent state of Biafra from Nigeria.

    “Biafra is the answer to the numerous subjective slavery, Nigeria subjected Ndigbo into, ranging from political, Economic, Academic, Religious, Cultural and Social slavery. 

    “MASSOB has resolved that 24 years of our long walk to freedom can never be jeopardized, compromised or corrupted. 

    “MASSOB shall never relent in our non violence Biafra struggle because the truth shall always prevail over falsehood,” the group said. 

  • MASSOB begs Tinubu to release IPOB’s Kanu

    MASSOB begs Tinubu to release IPOB’s Kanu

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for the sake of national unity

    MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, told The Nation Kanu’s release will contribute to national healing and unity, fostering better relations between different ethnic groups and the Federal Government.

    He aruged Kanu’s release will pave the way for dialogue aimed at addressing the grievances of the southeastern region, which according to him, led to calls for self-determination and greater autonomy.

    Read Also: Tinubu making Nigeria great again, says Lagos lawmaker

    According to him: “Our call for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release also reflects the sentiments of many individuals and groups in Igbo land, Nigeria and globally who continue to advocate for Kanu’s release and see it as a critical step towards addressing broader political and social issues.

    “MASSOB’s appeal also serves not only as a demand for Kanu’s release but also as a reflection of broader aspirations for justice and recognition of the rights of Biafra people within the Nigerian federation.

    “The outcome of this appeal may influence future dialogue between the government and various ethnic groups in Nigeria.”

  • You can’t speak for Igbos on Tinubu’s second term, Klinsmann tells Massob

    You can’t speak for Igbos on Tinubu’s second term, Klinsmann tells Massob

    Regional development advocate Chinedu Klinsmann has declared the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) led by Mr Uchenna Madu lacks the legitimacy to speak on behalf of the Igbo people.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain was reacting to MASSOB’s claim that Igbos would not support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections over alleged neglect and underdevelopment of the South-East.

    In a statement on Monday, Klinsmann reaffirmed the continued support of the South-East for Tinubu and the South East Development Commission (SEDC), emphasising that MASSOB’s position does not reflect the aspirations of progressive and peace-loving Igbos who believe in national integration, political engagement and sustainable development. 

    He described MASSOB’s posture as one that risks isolating the region from the immense opportunities presented by Tinubu’s administration, particularly at a time when inclusivity and regional empowerment are actively being pursued.

    Responding directly to the allegations of neglect, Klinsmann underscored significant achievements recorded in the region under President Tinubu’s leadership. 

    He cited the successful completion of the Second Niger Bridge, a long-awaited infrastructure that has drastically eased transportation and boosted economic activities across the South-East. 

    He pointed to the rehabilitation of critical federal highways—including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, and Owerri-Aba Road—with over 400 kilometers of road infrastructure reconstructed since 2023 through a ₦150 billion investment. 

    He further referenced the Eastern Rail Line project connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri as a game-changer for regional connectivity and trade.

    “These are tangible results,” Klinsmann emphasised. “President Tinubu’s administration has delivered infrastructure and economic empowerment to the South-East, proving his commitment to national unity and equitable development. The SEDC is not just a policy; it is a lifeline for sustainable growth in our region.”

    He stressed that MASSOB lacks the moral and political authority to define Igbo interests, adding, “MASSOB does not and cannot speak for the progressive and peace-loving Igbos who believe in dialogue, partnership, and nation-building. 

    “We have moved beyond the rhetoric of division.” According to him, “We cannot allow a handful of self-appointed spokesmen to define our collective aspirations. The world is moving forward. China didn’t get to where it is today by fragmentation. Neither did Rwanda rebuild by secession. Progress comes through unity, innovation, and smart policy.”

    Klinsmann acknowledged that while historical grievances remain valid, the path forward must be rooted in collaboration and not confrontation. “Progress is born of collaboration, not confrontation. The Igbo youth I mentor want jobs, infrastructure, and a seat at the national table, not empty slogans that keep us trapped in the past.”

    He pointed to the public endorsement of President Tinubu by Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo as a significant indicator of the region’s evolving political posture. Citing the December 2023 declaration by Ohanaeze President-General, the Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who affirmed the acceptance of Tinubu as Nigeria’s constitutionally elected leader and advocated for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release through dialogue, Klinsmann called on MASSOB to adopt a similarly constructive approach.

    He praised Tinubu’s readiness to collaborate with all geopolitical zones and highlighted his assent to the South East Development Commission Bill as a historic gesture that signaled inclusion.

     “President Tinubu has demonstrated the political will to carry every part of Nigeria along,” Klinsmann stated. “His assent to the SEDC Bill is historic. For the first time in decades, the South East is not being ignored — we are being invited to the table.” Describing the administration as a “reset button” for the region, Klinsmann encouraged Igbo leaders and professionals to engage rather than retreat into divisive ideologies.

    Reiterating the transformational vision of the SEDC, Klinsmann recalled his earlier policy papers, “SEDC: Another Legacy Feat of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Elixir for South East Development” (July 2024) and “South-East Development Commission: A Pathway for Sustainable Regional Growth and Transformation” (September 2024). He said, “The SEDC is a testament to President Tinubu’s love for the South-East.” He lauded the appointment of Hon. Mark Okoye as the Commission’s pioneer CEO, calling it a strategic move to ensure efficient implementation of development programs, including rural rebuilding, youth empowerment, and economic revitalization.

    “With the SEDC, we have a development framework that speaks to our needs — from roads to education, industry, and technology,” he declared. “But we must not allow extremists to hijack the narrative or derail the opportunity.” He urged the governors of the five South-East states to support Hon. Okoye’s leadership and work in synergy to maximize the impact of the Commission.

    Recognising the present economic difficulties facing Nigerians, including those in the South-East, Klinsmann attributed the hardship to bold but necessary reforms introduced by Tinubu’s government, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification. 

    “President Tinubu inherited a challenging economic landscape, but he has shown the courage to make tough decisions,” he said. “The SEDC and other infrastructure projects in the South-East are evidences that these reforms are yielding results. We must remain patient and supportive as these policies take root.”

    Addressing the youths Klinsmann stated: “You are the future, not foot soldiers for lost causes. Focus on tech skills. Learn a trade. Innovate. Build startups. Join politics. This is your generation’s challenge.” He pledged to fund skills acquisition, digital literacy, and leadership training for at least 1,000 Igbo youths between 2025 and 2026 through his personal foundation.

    Reflecting on Igbo contributions to the nation, Klinsmann stated,: “Ojukwu himself believed in dialogue when necessary, and today his wife Bianca Ojukwu is a minister in President Tinubu’s cabinet. Let’s not dishonour our past by refusing to engage the present.” 

    He called on Nigerians across all regions to support inclusive policies and reject hate speech and regional antagonism. “If the North, West, South-South, and Middle Belt can sit down together, why can’t we, Ndigbo?” he queried.

    Read Also: Klinsmann canvasses diaspora support for SEDC’s $200bn economic vision

    Calling on South-East leaders, Klinsmann urged political and traditional authorities to rise to the occasion. “History will not forgive us if we fail to harness this moment. With the SEDC in place, we must prioritize the region’s unity, avoid double-speak, and support policies that bring real results.” He proposed a South-East Stakeholders Summit to be convened urgently to unite leaders, business figures, youths, and cultural institutions in endorsing the regional blueprint developed by Hon. Okoye and his SEDC team.

    He warned that agitation and division are recipes for regression, not progress. “Look at South Sudan. Look at the Balkans. The scars of war linger for decades. But look at Germany after unification, or Singapore after independence. Their leaders chose knowledge over rage, industry over confrontational ideology,” stated Klinsmann. 

    Klinsmann presented forward-looking policy proposals, including the establishment of Regional Innovation Hubs across all South-East states; youth inclusion quotas in government; revitalization of industrial assets like Nkalagu Cement, Aba Textile Mills, and Onitsha River Port; comprehensive security reform; and a diaspora investment strategy to attract capital and expertise.

  • May 30 Sit-at-home order: Tension as Police, IPOB, MASSOB renew offensive

    Palpable tension is building in the South East region ahead of the May 30 sit- at home order declared by the pro Biafra agitators as the police and members of the groups yesterday engaged in hot exchange of words over the plan.  The  police have  in strong terms warned the agitators comprising the proscribed indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB  and the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to rescind the decision to go ahead with the sit- at home order but the agitators, yesterday replied that nothing would make them go back on the directive.

    Following the renewed offensive between the police and the agitators, residents in different parts of the region  during he week engaged panic buying of food items. Some of them who spoke with The Nation said they were doing so to avoid starving to death if the faceoff between the police and the agitators escalates.

    The Anambra State Police Commissioner, Mustapha Dandaura, unequivocally warned the group to desist from its plan or face the wrath of the command and it’s allied forces. The state Police Public Relation’s Officer ,Mr Mohammed Haruna, who had continued to issue statements on-behalf of the command, said the police in collaboration with the Joint Task Force JTF, had made adequate arrangements in making sure that residents were not harassed or intimidated on the said date, warning that the command would deal decisively with any miscreants parading as agitators.

    REad also: Police, IPOB in fresh face -off over May 30 sit -at -home in Anambra

    Haruna said some unscrupulous elements had been secretly moving to some locations in the state trying to hoist unauthorized flags without permission, adding that the command would not fold it’s arms to allow hoodlums invade the state in the name of sit -at -home by faceless people. Police patrol teams ,had already been deployed and they had been patrolling the streets of Onitsha, Awka, Ekwulobia, Nnewi and other flash points in the State. The PPRO said some of the items recovered from the miscreants so far arrested included  many Biafran flags  and other things with Biafran inscriptions. According to the command, ”  recall that the so called (IPOB) is still a proscribed organisation and all its activities remain illegal” “Therefore the command will not relent in it’s efforts of enforcing law and order in the state.”

    Many  police commands in the region had earlier issued similar warnings. Despite the stern warning by the police,  IPOB, said it was not leaving any stone unturned in making sure that Biafrans would remain indoors on May 30 IPOB’s statement was issued in Awka by it’s Media and Publicity Secretary , Emma Powerful and made available to reporters The sit -at -home according to him, was to remember those killed during the war and others recently killed by security operatives and not to cause any trouble as being alleged by the police. In a statement by its leader, Uche Madu, MASSOB said: “A coalition of pro Biafran groups which agreed to speak with one voice in one accord with unity of purposes met and insisted on our earlier resolutions that the annual May 30th celebration of the Bi afran people will hold this year in a unique formula.

    Disturbed by the tension currently building up in the south east region, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide in a statement signed by the President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said: “We are disturbed by the negative news on the killings of MASSOB and IPOB  members in Anambra State. Few days to the May 30 sit –at- home order, scores of young people have been recorded  dead with many injured innocent youths hospitalized. Over 33 youths were arrested in Nsukka and more casualties could be recorded on the remembrance day.

    “The Southeast governors should as a matter of urgency rise up to the occasion and ensure that their primary assignment which is to protect lives and property of the citizens is carried out. “Many of them (except Anambra governor) will be taking a new oath of office on May 29.  They should not pretend that all is well and allow bloodshed to occur in Igboland as armed herdsmen and bandits are currently doing in the north.

    We aware of the plot to unleash security agents against the agitators but as a precaution and preventive measure, the coalition of Biafra agitators should soft pedal as we can’t afford to expose our unemployed and productive youths to untimely deaths.  They should boycott protests, riots, display of Biafra flags and road procession under the guise of Jewish Community or religion. “We are fully aware of the plans of using road procession in Aba, Owerri,Asaba,Warri, Enugu,Onitsha, Afikpo, Abakiliki,Awka and Calabar to protest against the killings of Igbos by bandits in the North. We beg that there should be no reprisal attacks. Rather, they should be ready to dialogue with Southeast governors and the presidency, if there’s any room for that. The Biafra agitators should remember that ‘once beaten, twice shy’.

  • MASSOB condemns killings in North

    THE leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has condemned alleged recent attacks and killings  in Kaduna, Taraba, Benue and Plateau states.

    It stated this in a statement signed by its National Director of Information, Comrade Samuel Edeson.

    The group wondered why such killings reduced before the elections and started again immediately after the elections.

    MASSOB also urged elected leaders of Igbo extraction to unite to promote the interest of Igbo, irrespective of political affiliations.

    The statement reads: “It is very unfortunate that these killings commenced immediately after presidential election.

    “MASSOB remind the citizens that prior to the presidential election mostly within the campaign periods, the killings suddenly reduced.

    “It is very disheartening that overwhelming evidences abounds on the incessant, systematic and well-coordinated attacks, killings and ethnic cleansing of Christian dominated villages of Kaduna, Taraba, Benue and Plateau states recently after presidential election.

    “The security agents in their bid to deceive the international communities will label the attackers as gunmen instead of the real culprits.

    “MASSOB also congratulates the people of Southeast for harkening unto our directives in supporting and voting for the candidates we presented to pilot the political space of Biafra land.

    “We congratulate Governors David Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Ifeanyi Okowa, Emmanuel Udom, Nyesom Nwike, Ben Ayade of Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Imo states and Senators Orji Uzor Kalu, Ifeanyi Uba, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Theodore Orji, Ike Ekweremadu and others.

    “We also salute the Igboistic spirit of no surrender no retreat of Ndigbo in Lagos in eloquently voting for the candidate of their choice in Lagos gubernatorial election.

    “MASSOB charges the newly-elected Igbo political office holders to unite in projecting and promoting the general Igbo interest in political, economic, social, academic, religious and cultural space of Nigeria, irrespective of their political platforms,” Edeson stated.

  • MASSOB commences Biafran varsity in Anambra

    Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it has commenced the construction of a Biafran university in Anambra state.

    Chief Ralph Uwazuruike-led group, otherwise called Biafran Independent Movement (BIM), said the university known as Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Standard University, is located at Anaku, Ayamelum local government area of the state.

    Anambra North Zonal Leader of the group, Damian Nzekwe, who made the disclosure in Onitsha during the celebration of his one year in office, said the institution has over 200 plots of land at the site.

    He said the group’s decision to build a university was targeted at boosting education in Biafra land.

    According to him: “We conceived to build this university some years back when our Leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike advised us on the need to bequeath Biafrans a legacy for posterity.

    “The edifice, when completed, will boost education in the land as our target is to have zero tolerance for illiteracy.

    “It may also interest you to know that this zone has embarked on construction of its secretariat and the building has gotten up to lintel level here in Anaku.

    “The secretariat is expected to be completed this year and we hope it will also be commissioned this year by our leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.”

    Read Also; Nnamdi Kanu meets MASSOB leaders

    Appreciating the leadership of the body for finding him worthy to head the zone, Nzekwe promised to leave the zone better than he met it.

    “I commend members of the zone and people of the area for the massive support given to MASSOB-BIM and I want to say that without you people, we will not have gone this far,” he added.

    He urged Biafrans not to relent in their sacrifices to realise a Biafran state.

    Highlight of the celebration was a prayer session for the repose of souls of those who died in the struggle for a Biafran state.

  • 70-year old widow laments son’s death in Biafra struggle

    A 70-year old woman, Mrs. Anih Priscilla Evelyn, has lamented loss of her son Anih Okwy Kinsley, in the struggle for the actualization of Biafra sovereignty.

    Evelyn alleged that she last saw her son, member of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB), after a security raid on members in a rally in Enugu state two years ago.

    Narrating her ordeal to newsmen in Onitsha, the widow said the victim would have been the heir of the family following the death of her husband who also lost his life in the same struggle.

    She said, “I have the feeling that my son might have met his untimely death during security raid on MASSOB members in the Enugu rally.

    “It is still vivid in my mind how my son, Kinsley, who is to be the heir apparent since my husband is no more, died in this struggle.

    “I was told by my younger son, Uchenna, who is also a member of the Movement that Kinsley was in that rally organized to forge a way forward in achieving a Biafra State.

    “Uchenna told me that Federal Government joint security task force which has been searching for Biafra agitators stormed the scene, shooting and maiming people.

    “The unlucky ones were killed or arrested with my 34-year old son, Kinsley, was among those arrested but was surprised to hear from him that his elder brother escaped the arrest and for fear of being killed, left Nigeria for his dear life.”

    The septuagenarian, a native of Amagunze in Nkanu Local Government Council of Enugu state further decried that she had been devastated by the loss of her son.

    “I now live in penury because my husband is late and Kinsley is nowhere and his siblings are still tender to fend for themselves,” she lamented.

  • MASSOB endorses February elections

    FOREMOST pan Biafra group, Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday rose  from its national executive meeting with a call to its members to participate in the forthcoming general election. The meeting presided over by its leader Comrade Uchenna Madu at Awgu, Enugu State was attended by all the state, zonal, local government areas coordinators and National Directors.

    A statement by the group directed that the Independent Electoral Com mission (INEC) should be allowed “to conduct elections in Biafra land for those that still believe in Nigerian state”. “MASSOB advised that other pro Biafra groups that planned to boycott the elections are entitled to stay at home during elections days,” the statement signed by its Director of Information, Comrade Samuel Edeson. According to the statement: “In recognition of the freedom of political participation and exercises, we declare that this year’s general elections in Nigeria will not be stopped or boycotted in Biafra land. “Our people that still believe in Nigeria projects are free to participate in the electoral processes of Nigeria including this year’s as we have allowed INEC to conduct elections in Biafra land.”

    The group, however, reaffirmed its commitment to the actualization of Biafra through the principles of non-violence and international diplomacy in collaboration and brotherhood with other progressive pro-Biafra groups. “MASSOB, having real ized that Biafrans cannot forcefully impose our desirable interest on the people of Nigeria and also having understand the principles of non violence, MASSOB unanimously agreed and resolved that Nigeria state will independently and internally observe and conduct their political exercises including general elections.                        “That Nigeria elections will come and go irrespective of whoever that wins in both national and state elections. That we must continue with Biafra projects of actualization irrespective of both internal and external distractions.”

  • Participate in 2019 elections, MASSOB directs members

    Foremost pan Biafra group, Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra ( MASSOB ) on Friday directed its members in the forthcoming general elections.

    MASSOB gave the directive after its National Executive meeting presided over by its leader Comrade Uchenna Madu at Awgu, Enugu state.

    The meeting was attended by all the state, zonal, LGA coordinators and National Directors.

    A statement by the group directed the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed “to conduct elections in Biafra land for those that still believe in Nigeria state”.

    “MASSOB advised that other pro Biafra groups that planned to boycott the elections are entitled to stay at home during elections days,” according to a statement by its Director of Information, Comrade Samuel Edeson.

    MASSOB added: “In recognition of the freedom of political participation and exercises, we declare that this year general elections in Nigeria will not be stopped or boycotted in Biafra land.

    “Our people that still believe in Nigeria projects are free to participate in the electoral processes of Nigeria including this year as we have allowed INEC to conduct elections in Biafra land.”

    The group, however, reaffirmed commitment to actualisation of Biafra through the principles of non- violence and international diplomacy in collaboration and brotherhood with other progressive pro Biafra groups.

    Read Also: Photos: Army buries soldiers killed in Boko Haram ambush

    “MASSOB, having realised that Biafrans cannot forcefully impose our desirable interest on the people of Nigeria and also having understood the principles of non -violence, MASSOB unanimously agreed and resolved that Nigeria state will independently and internally observe and conduct their political exercises including general elections.

    “That Nigeria elections will come and go irrespective of whoever that wins in both national and state elections.

    “That we must continue with Biafra projects of actualization irrespective of both internal and external distractions.”

  • MASSOB hails APGA for denying Bianca senatorial ticket

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has described the Bianca Ojukwu’s failed senatorial bid as a divine act.

    The group said she failed because she disobeyed her husband, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and the ancestors of Igboland

    MASSOB.

    A statement yesterday by the National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, hailed the decision of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in denying her the senatorial ticket.

    The statement reads: “The leadership of MASSOB, under Comrade Uchenna Madu, expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to the leadership of APGA, delegates from Anambra South and Ndigbo in general for harkening to MASSOB’s call not to give Bianca Ojukwu ticket.

    “We understand that some disgruntled and self-centered persons are behind her pressured political ambition, they wanted to deceive and use her perceived political position to enrich and draw attention to themselves.

    “Though she is loved, honoured and acknowledged by Ndigbo as the wife of the Eze Igbo Gburugburu, still MASSOB can never allow Iyom Bianca Ojukwu to be rubbished or mesmerised by anyone or group.

    “MASSOB warns that APGA should not be blamed or castigated for Bianca’s failure; she failed because she disobeyed her husband and our ancestors. Her failure is a divine act. MASSOB, under Comrade Uchenna Madu, will never relent or derail in defence of the integrity, honour and respect of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

    “We advice the Igbo governors on the importance of establishing a human development centre in honour and memorial of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a centre that will alleviate the sufferings of marginalised widows in Igbo land.”