The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MASSOB

  • ‘MASSOB is not divided’

    ‘MASSOB is not divided’

    •Chukwu: Uwazuruike remains the authentic leader

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSSOB) is not divided and Ralph Uwazuruike remains its authentic leader, group leader, Chief Solomon Chukwu, has said.

    He denied reports that the group is divided between Uwazuruike and Uchenna Madu and that they are battling for supremacy.

    He was reacting to reports that Uwazuruike was planning to invade the group’s secretariat in Okwe, Onuimo council of Imo State, to sack the Madu-led faction.

    Chukwu, who spoke through the National Director of Information, Sunny Okerefaor, said the group cannot be distracted by people he described as ‘expelled members’, who are determined to sabotage Biafra.

    “Ojukwu Memorial Library is our 5th headquarter. We started from Lagos to Aba to Owerri and Okwe and now, we are back to Owerri. Okwe is MASSOB’s headquarter; it belongs to MASSOB. It has never been in contention.

    “There are dissidents in every organisation. You can observe it in every agitation. Uchenna Madu was our Director of Information, but he was expelled for anti-MASSOB activities. Anybody not authorised by MASSOB’s founder, Ralph Uwazuruike, is fake.

    “The only MASSOB we have is the one headed by Uwazuruike and it has been properly handed over to me. These are people being sponsored by the politicians. Madu and other expelled members are just using MASSOB to collect money from politicians.

    “Check those behind the violence in the Aba, Port Harcourt, Asaba and Onitsha protests, this tells you that they are not MASSOB members. Very soon, I will call Uchenna Madu to order.

    “Whatever they are doing, we won’t fight them because we are non-violent. But at the appropriate time, the world will know they are not our members.”

    Chukwu hinted that over 40 groups were fighting for the actualisation of an independent Biafra, with MASSOB as the parent body. He urged the Federal Government to release unconditionally, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

  • MASSOB accuses Uwazuruike of plot to attack secretariat

    MASSOB accuses Uwazuruike of plot to attack secretariat

    The Uchenna Madu-led faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has accused ousted leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, of plotting to attack its secretariat at Okwe, Onuimo council in Imo State, in order to restore himself as the group’s leader.

    The group warned Uwazuruike to stem the plan as it will resist such attempts, even as it appealed security agencies to come to its aid.

    “Uwazuruike is under pressure because he never fought for the Igbo cause. That is why we are appealing to security agencies to come to our aid as our demonstration for Biafra is peaceful. We will resist Uwazuruike fire-to-fire if security agencies fail to arrest him.

    “We will not watch him take over our headquarters. He has mortgaged our future to politicians,” Madu said.

    The group reiterated its insistence for the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM), Ben Onwuka, and other Biafra activists in detention.

  • IPOB/MASSOB members arraigned in court

    IPOB/MASSOB members arraigned in court

    Twenty six suspected members of both Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) who were arrested on Monday have been arraigned in court for trial.

    Recall that members of IPOB and MASSOB were arrested in different parts of Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State when the two groups clashed with security agencies during the protest that not only crippled economic and social activities in Aba, but also led to the death and injuring of many including innocent residents who were hit by expended stray live ammunition from soldiers firearm.

    They were arrested in different parts of the commercial city The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO; DSP Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu in a telephone interview on Wednesday told our correspondent that the IPOB and MASSOB members were arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Umuahia, the state capital.

    According to him, they were arraigned on a three count of, (i) conspiracy to commit felony to wit being members of unlawful society (ii) Belonging to MASSOB/IPOB which is an unlawful society and (iii) Having in possession/under their control cutlasses, MASSOB/IPOB flags I.D cards, mufflers, T-shirts among other insigmas.

    The state PPRO though could not immediately state their bail conditions, further disclosed that five out of the twenty six IPOB and MASSOB members met their bail conditions while others were remanded in prison custody until they meet their bail conditions.

    However, residents of Aba have condemned in strong terms the use of live ammunition on the protesters by soldiers while trying to stop them from taking to the streets.

    According some of them including Mr. Ignatius Okoro, “as much as we are not in support of the protest because of the negative effect it has on our businesses, we want to say that use of live firearms on armless protesters is condemnable and can only be used in a clime like ours. We used to see where in Europe they use hot water or even rubber bullet in worst cases and not live firearms as it was the case on Monday. It is high time army authority calls for probe over the involvement and activities of their officers in the protest on Monday and we want to call on civil societies in the country to rise up and question the army on why they should use such a dangerous weapon on the protesters.”

  • ‘Why MASSOB’s poll was stalled ’

    ‘Why MASSOB’s poll was stalled ’

    Factional leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) Solomon Chukwu has attributed inadequate preparation as part of the reasons the proposed Biafra elections were postponed.

    Elections into administrative offices were announced last week by MASSOB’s founder Ralph Uwazuruike, with Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Aniebonam, appointed as Chairman of the Biafra Independent Electoral Commission (B-INEC).

    Fr. Aniebonam has since dissociated himself from the appointment.

    Chukwu denied reports credited to the Uchenna Madu-led faction that the elections were put off for fear of arrest because of an agreement Uwazuruike allegedly signed with the Federal Government to abandon the struggle.

    Speaking through the group’s National Director Information, Sunny Okereafor, Chukwu insisted that Uwazurike did not sign any agreement with the Federal Government to abandon the Biafra struggle.

    His words: “Our leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike didn’t sign any deal with the Federal Government or its agencies. These are lies from the pit of hell being spread by expelled members like Uchenna Madu and his faction who have continued to sabotage Biafra.

    “Uwazuruike was released from detention to go bury his mother. After the burial, he reported back and was told to go home that he had no case to answer. Don’t be deceived, Biafra elections were postponed indefinitely because of ill-preparations, not for fear of arrest of Uwazuruike by anybody. Why would anybody arrest him?

    “To tell you that Uwazurike is not afraid of arrest or detention; the last time he was invited by the police, he went with mattress, slippers and other personal effects to the Imo State command, and even the Zone 9 Police headquarters at Umuahia. The police said they know him as a non-violent person and told him to go home.”

    He insisted that MASSOB, under Uwazuruike, had held several activities in the last two years without being harassed or invited by security agencies. He insisted that that the elections, which would hold soon, won’t be an exception.

    “Over the years, we have been celebrating Ojukwu Day every November 26 with monthly prayers and other important activities. So, if he signed any deal to abandon the Biafra struggle, why have the security agencies, that must be aware of such agreement if it exists, not invited or come to his residence at Ojukwu Memorial Library to arrest him? This tells you that all Uchenna Madu is talking is balderdash.

    “I cannot see how anybody can turn around to accuse Uwazuruike of compromising the struggle when in fact, he has sacrificed a lot for the Biafran struggle,” Chukwu said.

  • Arrested MASSOB protesters charged to court in Enugu

    Arrested MASSOB protesters charged to court in Enugu

    Enugu state police command stated Tuesday that the pro-Biafra protesters arrested in Enugu were mainly non residents and have been charged to court for unlawful assembly.

    According to police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, they were assembling at the Naira Triangle on Monday night.

    A statement by Amaraizu said: ‎”This attracted attention of the officers and men of the command and following the failure of the said persons to disperse after being so requested by the police.”

    A number were arrested in the process while others fled.

    The arrested persons include Nwangwu Friday m of 26 years, Chekwube Eneta m 28 years, Chigozie Mba 29 years, Isaiah Ogazi m 28 years, Onyekachukwu Uzoma 43 years, Onyemalu Princewill m 26 years, Israel Ani 18 years and Ugwuobu Kelechi 24 years.

    Investigations disclosed that many of them were from other states but were hired to be in Enugu for unlawful assembly and processions.

    However, the command promptly charged suspects to magistrate court 111 Enugu East in charge Number CME 121C/2016 on 19/1/16 for the offences as mentioned above.

    Meanwhile, when the case was called up and counts of the charge read to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty and were remanded in prison custody while the case is adjourned to February 10.

    The command will leave no stone is left unturned in ensuring that Enugu state remains peaceful.

     

     

  • My ordeal in the hands of soldiers – Nation man

    My ordeal in the hands of soldiers – Nation man

    The clash between two pro-Biafra protesting groups; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), may have come and gone, but the impact still leaves many so much to ponder on.

    One of the residents of Aba and Sales Representative of The Nation in the city, Gbola Alade narrating the ordeal he suffered in the hands of soldiers said he was yet to get his phone which some soldiers collected from him.

    He also said that the soldiers who ordered him to enter their patrol van also broke his official Identity card.

    According to him, “I was coming back from the bank to the office after making some payment.

    “It was when I got to Mosque near our office unknown to me that soldiers had already laid siege in the area. But since I know that I was not part of the protesters and that I was very close to my office I didn’t bother. I was equally hanging my ID card on my neck.

    “The soldiers ordered me to come and I went to answer them. They inquired to know who I am and I told them that I am a staff of Nation and that my office is very close.

    “Before I could finish talking, one of the soldiers in a patrol van marked 47A or so broke my ID card and equally collected my phone and accused me of trying to snap them with my phone.

    “They ordered me into their truck with one other person who was later discovered to be a corps member. They drove to a distance and asked us to go down.

    “This morning (Tuesday), I have made attempt to go to nearby army formation but none admitted it was their personnel that broke my ID and collected my phone. My phone is still not reachable and I am still going to visit other formations to see if I can get my phone back because of the contacts I have in the phone. According to them, the soldiers that came were from different formations outside Aba.

    “I want to use this medium to appeal to the soldiers to please return my phone because as it stands now, it is affecting my job. I don’t know why they should break my ID and seize my mobile phone at the same time,” he stated.

  • IPOB, MASSOB protest turns bloody in Aba

    IPOB, MASSOB protest turns bloody in Aba

    It was a bloody day in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State on Monday as members of two pro-Biafra groups; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) clashed while the groups were protesting the continued detention of their leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    Unconfirmed reports have it that about 30 injured members of the two groups who sustained degrees of gunshots were being treated in different parts of the commercial city; a total number of 7persons were reported dead.

    Report also has it that another person who was said to have been hit by a stray bullet died at a hospital within the city center where the victim was rushed for medical attention, but due to loss of blood and delay in getting medical attention, died in the hospital.

    Our reporter who monitored the protest report that the fracas which ensued between the protesters and the security agencies forced commercial activities to a standstill as many shop owners in various markets and within the city center forcefully closed for business.

    According to our reporter, a 20-year-old apprentice who was identified as Chidozie Okafor, the only son of his parents and a native of Omuohu, in Eziagu local government council of Enugu State died immediately along St. Michael’s road about 1.pm after a stray bullet allegedly fired by a soldier hit him on his way back to his master’s shop at Pound road after having his lunch.

    It was gathered that the pro-biafra groups who had forewarned Aba residents last week of Monday’s protest, after being dispersed by a combined team of security agencies at National High School along Port-Harcourt road; there usual point of takeoff in the morning, later regrouped around Asa and Park road.

    Sources said that while the protesters had regrouped, security agencies that were on their trail attempted to disperse them, but met stiff resistance by the groups.

    According to the sources who claimed to have witnessed the incident said soldiers serving under 144 Battalion having seen that they were being overpowered by the protesters, started shooting sporadically in a bid to scare the crowd.

    They said that the event however took another dimension when the live ammunition from the soldiers’ guns hit some of the protesters.

    They also confirmed that some members of the protesters were arrested in the process.

    Checks within Aba reveal that security was beefed up around various military formations and police barracks in Aba and its environs.

    In a telephone chat with the National Welfare Officer of Uchenna Madu led MASSOB, Mr. Jude Chukwu, he condemned the killings, and alleged that about five members of the group were reported dead, while 30 members of the groups were currently receiving medical attention in undisclosed medical centers in Aba and its environs.

    Chukwu while blaming police and soldiers for the loss of lives claimed that the protest was peaceful until the security agencies started firing live on unarmed citizens.

    He also used the opportunity to debunk the insinuations making rounds that they; IPOB and MASSOB were working for the camp of Dr. Alex Otti the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, stressing that the reason for their protest was part of their push for the release of the detained leader of IPOB and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu who has been in detention since October last year.

    It could be recalled that the State Police Command in a release signed by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu had warned that the ban on street protest and any form of procession as directed by the state government was still in place and directed its men and officers to resist any attempt by any group in the state to take to the streets.

     

     

     

     

  • MASSOB to resume mass protests Monday

    MASSOB to resume mass protests Monday

    The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it has directed its members to resume massive protests from Monday 18 January.

    The directive came after rising from a one-day meeting of  national executive officers  at MASSOB headquarters, Okwe Onuimo Local council of Imo state.

    A statement signed by the secretary of Uchenna Madu led faction, Ibem Ugwuoke Ibem and the director of Information, Samuel Edeson states that

    ” MASSOB after series of public protests, demonstrations, civil disobedience and stay at home  against the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Nigerian Government through the DSS and the non-compliance of Buhari led administration to obey three different competent court orders for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, MASSOB demands that Nnamdi Kanu must be release now or more diplomatic, image, and political damages will be fall the already battered Nigeria’s image with massive, self-determined and non-violence worldwide Biafran Demonstration/protest including non co-operation and civil disobedience.

     “That MASSOB directs all our members at home and in Diaspora to prepare for a massive demonstration, protest and a civil disobedience against the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB Leader) starting from Monday 18th January 2016.

    “MASSOB also directs former members in Ralph Uwazurike’s BIM to join and participate in the non violent world wide demonstration against Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention as a mark of Love and respect for Biafra.”

  • MASSOB to resume mass protests Monday

    MASSOB to resume mass protests Monday

    The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it has directed its members to resume massive protests from Monday 18 January.

    The directive came after rising from a one-day meeting of ‎ national executive officers at MASSOB headquarters, Okwe Onuimo Local council of Imo state.

    A statement signed by the secretary of Uchenna Madu led faction, Ibem Ugwuoke Ibem and the director of Information, Samuel Edeson states that;

    ” MASSOB after series of public protest, demonstrations, civil disobedience and stay at home protest against the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Nigerian Government through the DSS and the non-compliance of Buhari led administration to obey three different competent court orders for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, MASSOB demands that Nnamdi Kanu must be release now or more diplomatic, image, and political damages will be fall the already battered Nigeria’s image with massive, self-determined and non-violence worldwide Biafran Demonstration/protest including non co-operation and civil disobedience.

    “That MASSOB directs all our members at home and in Diaspora to prepare for a massive demonstration, protest and a civil disobedience against the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB Leader) starting from Monday January 18, 2016.

    “MASSOB also directs former members in Ralph Uwazurike’s BIM to join and participate in the non-violent worldwide demonstration against Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention as a mark of Love and respect for Biafra.”

    The pan-Biafra group also condemned the statement of Bishop Chukwuma of Enugu diocese of Anglican Church that Ndi Igbo don’t need Biafra and that our demonstrations are not for Biafra.

    “MASSOB and IPOB are not on the streets demonstrating against bad roads or lack of federal presence in eastern region or non-appointment of Igbos in key federal Government positions in Buhari led administration or against Igbo marginalization.

    “We are committed, consistently and uncompromisely agitating for an independent state of Biafra from Nigeria. Biafra is the answer to the numerous subjective slavery Nigeria subjected Ndi Igbo into ranging from political, Economical, Academic, Religious, Cultural and Social slavery. Today in Nigeria, true nationhood has remained stillborn. Peace, justice and equity has remained elusive to Nigeria which still remains in perpetual strife and increasing crisis since her independence. These undeniable realities are the reasons the Nigerian State is afraid of Biafra which represents the truth they cannot legitimately counter. Biafra speaks of the truth Nigeria know they are guilty of, so out of weakness, jittery and fear Nigeria resort to repressions, persecutions and detention of Biafran agitators,” it stressed. ‎

    It also descended on Dr. Chris Eluemunoh who “claimed Chairman of state presidents of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and his demand from Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu is against our ethics and clamor. MASSOB and IPOB don’t know Eluemunoh as an Igbo Leader with Igbo interest, this man is an agent of distraction working for Nigerian Government which has paid him more than Twenty Million Naira to make several negative press statement against us during the early days of our demonstration.

    “He is not speaking the mind of Ohaneze Leadership as there is no office in Ohaneze as Chairman of State President. Ndiigbo should be wary of people like Dr. Chris Eluemunoh who are wolves in sheep clothing. Nnamdi Kanu will be released and true Igbo Leaders, MASSOB and IPOB Leaders will be on the ground to receive him.”

  • SGF to Igbo leaders: call MASSOB, IPOB to order

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal has urged Southeast leaders to call the pro-Biafra groups, Movement for Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to order.

    The SGF condemned the activities of the groups, which he constitutes threats to the peace of the country

    Lawal spoke in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital during a one-day working visit to the state.

    Describing the groups as comprising of misguided youths causing crisis in the country, the SGF said they should not be allowed to continue as their actions were creating the impression that Nigeria is not one

    He advised their leaders to create employment opportunities for the youths to keep them busy.

    His words: “Some misguided youths in the Southeast are causing crisis in the country, and I charge Igbo leaders to rise to the occasion and call these misguided youths to order.

    “These youths create the impression that Nigeria is not one and insecure.”

    Governor Dave Umahi, who thanked God for making the visit of the SGF a reality, attributed his achievements to the handiwork of God.

    He said the drive of his administration was to ensure improved welfare of Ebonyi and a rapid development of the state.