MASSOB Throws Weight Behind Azuta-Mbata, Says Those Perpetrating Criminal Activities In Southeast Will Be Shamed

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has stated that destructive elements causing the killings, kidnappings and other organised criminal activities in the South East would eventually be put to shame.

MASSOB stated this while commending Senator John Azuta-Mbata on his election as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,

Speaking via a statement, leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu described Azuta-Mbata emergence as unique and significant, whilst also assuring of the Movement’s support in advancing the interests of the Igbo people.

Madu said, “Your administration as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will forever silence the merchants of destruction and division of Igbo land. Ndigbo are solidly behind your leadership.

“MASSOB has always aligned and worked with Ohanaeze Ndigbo with utmost respect for its leadership and members of Imeobi. We will continue in our loyalty to Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership.”

Reaffirming its respect and loyalty to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership, MASSOB noted that Mbata’s emergence demonstrates the inclusivity of the founding principles of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

MASSOB traced Ohanaeze’s roots back to 1976 when it was established as the Igbo Union before adopting its current name in 1979.

Highlighting the contributions of the founding fathers, Madu said, “Among these founding fathers of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with Dr. Akanu Ibiam as the first chairman, are Dr. Obi Nwali, Sen. Francis Ella, Eze Nwonodi, Eze Nwoluchem, Chief Aguma, and Chief Nwuche (father of Chibudom Nwuche), all indigenous Igbo-speaking people of Rivers State.”

MASSOB further emphasised that the election of Senator Mbata, an Ikwerre man, debunks long-standing falsehoods about the Igbo identity of the Ikwerre people.

“For decades, there has been systematic, sponsored falsehood to deny and erase the Igbo identity of Ndigbo in Rivers State. But the emergence of Chief Senator John Azuta Mbata as the newly elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has proven the Igbo critics wrong,” the statement read.