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Tag: Biafra

  • Biafra: MASSOB disowns Uwuazurike’s group, distances self from 22 May celebration

    The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) has distanced itself from the celebration slated for Monday, May 22.

    The group said it was not affiliated to any group called Biafra Independent Movement led by Chief Ralph Uwuazrurike.

    MASSOB in a statement by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu asked its teeming members to shun the May 22 celebration and brace up for the main event slated for May 30, which is Biafra Remembrance Day.

    He called on supporters of the movement not to give up as the birth of Biafra was already in sight.

    The statement reads in full.

    “We have reiterated our solemn oath taking for actualization and restoration of an independent Republic of Biafra, we reassure the people of Biafra that actualization and restoration of Biafra is sacrosanct and sacred.

    “Every aspect of Biafra struggle must abhor deceit, self glorification, tribal/religious sentiments and love for mundane things.

    “MASSOB declares full and total support for sit at home exercise for all Biafrans on 30th May, 2017 as a mark of respect and honour to our gallant Biafra soldiers and civilians that sacrificed their precious lives for establishment of Biafra during the bloody genocidal war against the people of Biafra in 1967–1970.

    “We must continue to remember, honour and celebrate the gallantry and braveness of Biafra soldiers whom the whole world was astonished for their military exploits during Nigeria Biafra war. Their bravery, military excellencies, consistency, technological exploits and intelligences can never be forgotten or silenced.

    “MASSOB wishes to inform the people of Biafra that we don’t have any Biafra anniversary program on 22 May, 2017. Our Biafra anniversary program is on 30th May, 2017 which is Biafra day.

    “The sit at home exercise calls for sober reflection on the way forward, it calls for individual and family prayers for speedy actualization and restoration of Biafra, it will also reflect on building synergy and cohesion among the Pro Biafra groups for the preparation for the coming referendum.

    “MASSOB also reiterates our earlier position that we are not attached to any group called Biafra Independent Movement (BIM), MASSOB is not BIM, also the so called BIM can never be MASSOB. MASSOB collaborates and work with other genuine pro “Biafra groups like IPOB, Lower Niger Congress, Eastern Peoples Congress, Biafra Peoples National Council, Joint Revolutionary Council and AFRA Descendants. The people of Biafra should disregard the false information that MASSOB will observe Biafra day on May 22, 2017.

    “The golden jubilee celebration of Biafra declaration anniversary will be golden and superlative. It will be a moment of sober reflection among the Biafra agitators.

    “The commemoration of the anniversary celebration will bring more unifying forces of non violence for speedy actualization and restoration of Biafra. Different activities of all pro Biafra groups that will recharge the consciousness of Biafra must be channeled towards popular civil disobedience program that will immensely attract the attention of the international communities towards Biafra actualization and restoration.

    “We are aware that Nigeria security agents are not comfortable about the coming anniversary. MASSOB is also aware that security agents will exhibit their jittery and fears mostly the overzealous ones that love operating the trigger in a cowardice manner against non violence Biafra agitators. The threat and presence of Nigeria security agents will not deter us from exercising our fundamental indigenous right.

    “We the people of Biafra will never relent in promoting, projecting and upholding all the legacies of General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the supreme leader and Commander of Biafra Nation. Whatever measure or approach of security agents against the celebration of Biafra declaration anniversary day can never subdue or subject us from observing the independence declaration of Biafra by Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

    “We’re not seeing the Federal government stopping or challenging the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Biafra declaration. The Federal government cannot stop what they didn’t established or instituted. Their duty is to watch and observe the sympathetic reactions of the international communities towards Biafra restoration.

    “Sit at home exercise has been a recycling program of civil disobedience that ultimately promotes and re echoed the consciousness of Biafra reality. No military or spiritual powers can stop the collective will of the people.”

  • We’ll mark Biafra Independence Day May 22 – MASSOB

    We’ll mark Biafra Independence Day May 22 – MASSOB

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has declared May 22 as Biafra Independence Day across the country, urging all Igbos worldwide to join in the celebration.

    They noted that unlike in the past, this year’s celebration would be held for seven days, assuring that the exercise throughout the period would be violent-free.

    A statement issued on Sunday by the Leader of MASSOB, Delta-Central, Mr Perry Akujinwa, appealed to security agencies in the country to allow its members observe the celebration without harassment or any form of intimidation.

    According to MASSOB, “The defunct Biafra was declared by Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu on May 30, 1967 and ended 1970. The new Biafra was declared on May 22, 2000 by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.

    “We want to show the whole world that Biafra remains unchangeable and unshakable. This year’s celebration is the first of its kind because there are a lot of changes. The celebration will last for seven days.”

    The statement reiterated the groups desire to peacefully achieve the dream of Biafra Republic, adding the Igbos were no longer comfortable with the ‘unholy marriage’, which it claimed had suffocated the progress and innovativeness of the Igbo.

    The statement said this year’s celebration would witness activities such as peace walk, talk show, etc in order to highlight why Biafra deserved sovereignty.

  • Biafra: Fayose, Ekweremadu to steer fund raising committee for Kanu

    The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwemeradu, are set to raise support fund for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu to perfect his bail conditions and also cater for his immediate family.

    The governor had on Tuesday stormed an Abuja Federal High Court where he showed solidarity with Kanu.

    Speaking on the development on Wednesday, the governor said “I’m trying to work with other well meaning Nigerians to raise funds for Kanu so that he can fund his lawyers and meet his immediate family needs.

    “We are going to ensure that the injustice meted out to him does not destroy him. He has parents, wife and children to take care of. I appeal to Nigerians to support this just cause.”

    Fayose, who is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, called on lawyers to join the struggle for liberation.

    “As many lawyers that are willing to fight the oppression should join the struggle for liberation from the oppression.

    “Those willing can send their correspondence to Governors Office or reach me on my telephone line 070300000393 or myemail:mystory2006@yahoo.com.”

    Fayose confirmed that Ekwemeradu will be part of the coordinators that will steer the fund raising committee.

    The account will be raised in Kanu’s name and will belong to him.

    “We are just driving the cause. As soon as we receive his account details we will make it available. The money will be used for him and others in incarceration with him.

    “We believe in coexistence of Nigeria. People have the right to agitate for independence. Even in traditional institution people agitate for autonomy.

    “When people agitate and they cannot get it, they drop the idea. It is not for you to silence them. That is oppression. Agitation is legitimate”, he said.

     


     

  • BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu granted bail on health grounds

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Kanu was granted bail on health grounds.

    The IPOB leader is also expected to provide three sureties one of whom must be a serving Senator, a Jewish religious leader and highly respected person, who own land anywhere in Abuja.

    The bail bond has been set at N100 million for each surety.

    Kanu was also ordered never to grant any interviews to the press, pending the outcome of his trial. He will not be seen in a gathering of more than 10 people.

    Justice Binta Nyako made it clear that Kanu’s bail will be revoked, if any of the orders are flouted.

    However, the other accused persons were denied bail.

    According to Justice Nyako, the charges against them, treasonable felony is a serious offence against the state.

  • 45 Biafra suspects granted bail on health grounds

    45 Biafra suspects granted bail on health grounds

    A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Port Harcourt on Friday granted bail on health grounds to one of the 45 Biafra separatists standing trial for treason and unruly behaviour.

    Emmanuel Nnamani, a member of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)was granted bail by Chief Magistrate Andrew Jaja.

    Nnamani, along with 44 accused were standing trial on a two-court charge of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony and display of unruly behaviour.

    Jaja granted the accused, Emmanuel Nnamani, bail in the sum of N50,000 after considering that he was almost losing one of his eyes.

    Nnamani was alleged to have been hit in his right eye by security agents before he was arrested.

    The chief magistrate also issued a hearing notice to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police or the state Attorney General to appear in court to explain reasons why the accused should not be granted bail.

    “Hearing notice would be served the Attorney General or the commissioner of police to come and show cause why the accused persons should not be released unconditionally pending the advice of the DPP (Director of Public Prosecution),” Jaja said.

    He explained that the attorney general or the commissioner of police would be given 10 days to appear before the court.

    The accused were remanded in prison custody while the case was adjourned to March 3.

    Earlier, the Counsel to IPOB, Mr Inalagwu Adoga, had prayed the court to grant the accused persons bail since their case file had not reached the Department of Public Prosecution.

    Inalegwu explained that it would be in the interest of justice for the court to grant the suspects bail.

    He also prayed the court to grant Nnamani bail due to his worsening eye problem.

    Speaking to newsmen after the court session, Adoga called on the Federal and Rivers state governments to resolve the Biafra agitation amicably like that of the Niger Delta issue.

    “’The Biafra situation started 51 years ago. It has been lingering on and on.

    ‘“I have written to the Federal Government for a dialogue to end this matter before it gets out of hand.

    “I think it is time for the Federal Government to sit down and call on the leadership of IPOB to discuss the matter,” he said.

    Adoga appealed to the government to exercise restraint, caution in all things since “’peace is the best”.

    The 45 suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt during the IPOB solidarity rally for the inauguration of the United States’ President Donald Trump on Jan. 20.

  • We will actualise Biafra without bloodshed – IPOB

    We will actualise Biafra without bloodshed – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared that Biafra would be actualized without warfare or bloodshed.

    IPOB’s declaration was contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

    The statement also urged those sympathetic to the Biafra course not to panic, stressing that there will be no repetition of the civil war.

    According to the statement, “We are aware that some individuals fear that the Biafra actualization project will turn bloody like done in the 1967 and 1970, but we want to assure them that it will not be so because the international law gives room for the restoration of Biafra through the stipulated lay down processes that will be applied without shedding blood.

    “Biafran by nature have respect for human life. We are not war-mongers like as known by the world unlike the people who are persecuting us who have no respect for human life.

    “Biafrans do not like to shed blood, and the actualization of Biafra will not change us. What happened in the past was the extreme pushing of the Biafran to the wall, but times have changed, we must achieve Biafra without shooting a gun.

    “We therefore want to take this opportunity to let Biafrans, Nigerians and the entire world know that Biafra’s restoration is not by war, the United Nations law permits the rights for the self determination of the indigenous people around the world, and ours will never be an exception.
    “The United Nations and the international community have made self determination possible for other countries around the world and it must be possible for Biafra. There is nothing stopping up, not even the mass killing by the Nigerian military will stop us; not even the directionless All Progressives Congress, APC government will stop us.

    “The continued incarceration of our God-sent leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who has shown that he is unruffled, that he is committed and ready to give his life and comfort for the actualization of Biafra, will stop us from achieving Biafra Independence.”