…Says Uwazuruike No Longer Leader, Accuses FG of Double Standards
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has called on the Federal Government to “cover its shame before the international community” by releasing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Director of Information, Comrade Edeson Samuel, and made available to journalists on Sunday, the group also dismissed reports linking Chief Ralph Uwazuruike to its leadership, insisting that Uwazuruike has long ceased to be part of MASSOB.
“Nigeria Police, as an intelligence and professional agency, should know that Chief Ralph Uwazuruike is not the current leader of MASSOB,” the statement read.
“He is the leader of the Biafra Independent Movement (BIM). The current leader of MASSOB, Comrade Uchenna Madu, replaced him when he was expelled in 2015, after which he went ahead to form BIM.”
The group accused the Imo State Police Command of attempting to “deceive and mislead the public” by associating MASSOB with Uwazuruike, warning that such tactics would be resisted.
“MASSOB is here to correct and bury your lies and deceit,” it said.
“We warn the Nigeria Police to stop linking MASSOB to Chief Ralph Uwazuruike’s activities.”
Turning its attention to the Federal Government, MASSOB urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively and secure Kanu’s release, describing it as a matter of national integrity.
“We advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to smartly use the Abuja citywide non-violence protest as a soft landing for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from DSS detention,” the group stated.
“Mr. President should listen to the numerous voices from home and abroad calling for Kanu’s unconditional release.”
The pro-Biafra organization condemned what it described as the Federal Government’s “double standards” in handling groups across the country.
“MASSOB wonders why the Federal Government openly engages with dreaded Northern-based terrorist groups like bandits and Boko Haram, yet continues to detain Kanu,” the statement said.
“This shows that there are two sets of laws in Nigeria — one for the South-East and another for the rest of the country.”
MASSOB further lamented what it called “systematic subjugation and pathological hatred” against the South-East, citing the region’s continued under-representation in Nigeria’s political structure.
“Every other geopolitical region has at least six states, some seven, but the South-East remains with five. This is clear economic and political marginalization,” it noted.
The group also criticized President Tinubu’s recent clemency to convicts of serious crimes, contrasting it with Kanu’s continued detention.
“The Tinubu administration has granted clemency to drug barons, murderers, and kidnappers, yet Nnamdi Kanu remains in DSS custody even though he is not a criminal,” MASSOB said.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful agitation, the group vowed to continue its participation in nationwide protests until Kanu regains his freedom.
“There is no going back in our solidarity for our brother and comrade,” the statement concluded.
“The clamour for Biafra as an independent and sovereign entity will continue to wax stronger with burning desire.”
