The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has criticized Igbo political appointees in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for their silence over the life imprisonment sentence handed to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. MASSOB described the sentence as unjust and motivated by tribal hatred.
According to MASSOB, the verdict targets the entire Igbo nation, as Nnamdi Kanu is seen as a representative of the Igbo people. The group expressed disappointment at the lack of vocal response and advocacy from Igbo leaders within the federal government.
MASSOB urged these leaders, regardless of their position, to use their proximity to President Tinubu to intervene and facilitate Kanu’s release from Sokoto State Prison. The group singled out Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Engineer Dave Umahi as particularly influential figures within the president’s inner circle, calling on them to act decisively.
The group also referenced the release of notable figures such as Sunday Igboho, Dokubo Asari, and the late Frederick Fasheun, whose freedom was allegedly secured through the intervention of their political allies within the government. This history, MASSOB argued, sets a precedent for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.MASSOB further commended the recent visit by Abia State Governor Alex Chioma Otti and Anglican Bishop Dr. Ikechukwu Egbonu of Oji River Diocese to Nnamdi Kanu in prison, praising the act as a demonstration of brotherhood and solidarity.
The group encouraged other Igbo leaders to emulate this example, fostering unity to advance Kanu’s cause on a national scale.General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the late Biafra leader, was also invoked by MASSOB, which described him as a lasting symbol of Biafran resistance, with Nnamdi Kanu characterized as a disciple in the ongoing struggle.
Comrade Edeson Samuel, MASSOB’s National Director of Information, delivered the call to action in a statement on behalf of the group.