• Boycott June 12 activities, IPOB tells Igbo
The Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has urged President Bola Tinubu to use the 32nd anniversary of June 12 to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as a mark of the value that underpins the struggle. MASSOB, in a statement yesterday, said that the gesture would go a long way in making this year’s democracy day celebration more memorable.
The leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, added that the appeal highlights a longstanding demand, which had been significant among various groups advocating for the rights of the Igbo people and self-determination in the Southeastern region of Nigeria.
Madu further stated that the appeal is rooted in promoting national unity, stressing that Kanu’s release would contribute to national healing within the country, fostering better relations between different ethnic groups and the Federal Government.
“We emphasise the need to respect human rights and due process. Releasing Nnamdi Kanu would align with democratic principles and the rule of law.
“MASSOB believes that releasing Kanu will pave the way for dialogue, aimed at addressing the grievances of the Southeastern region, which is marked by calls for self-determination and greater autonomy,” he added.
Madu stated that the appeal from MASSOB coincides with the significant historical anniversary of June 12 in Nigeria, invoking the spirit of democracy and the values that underpin the struggle—freedom, justice, and equity.
“Our call for Kanu’s release also reflects the sentiments of many individuals and groups in Igbo land, Nigeria and globally who continue to advocate for his release and see it as a critical step toward 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 Biafran people within the Nigerian federation .
“The outcome of this appeal may influence future dialogue between the government and various ethnic groups in Nigeria,” he added.
MEANWHILE, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged Igbo to boycott all June 12 activities until the Nigerian Government learns to honour May 30, the Biafra Remembrance Day.
The spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, made the declaration while insisting that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-political body of the Igbo, is not factionalised.
In a statement he signed, Powerful distanced the Igbo nation and Biafra freedom movement from statements made by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stressing that he does not represent Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Powerful said Isiguzoro is unknown to the Igbo race as representing any recognised wing or faction of Ohanaeze. Powerful: “Ohanaeze is not factionalised. The notion of a ‘factional’ Ohanaeze exists only in the minds of hungry political errand boys doing the bidding of their Abuja slave masters.” These inconsequential elements neither represent the Igbo people nor speak for Ndigbo.
