From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday demanded from President Bola Tinubu, release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from custody.
In his speech to commemorate the 56th anniversary of Biafra Declaration, MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu, said releasing Kanu was the right thing for the new president to do to show his democratic disposition.
“MASSOB demand the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB from the new president Bola Tinubu of Nigeria who once declared that he does not believe in Nigeria.”
Stating that Biafra agitators would not be intimidated, Madu noted that “the more the freedom fighters are politically incarcerated, the more they are hardened, the more the followership becomes uncontrollable.”
The MASSOB leader, who expressed gratitude to the “people of Biafra for their eloquent observation” of the Biafra Day anniversary celebration, explained that the day was meant to remember and honour those that sacrificed their lives for Biafra.
“The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) and the people of Biafra today (Monday) observe the 56th year anniversary of Biafra declaration by General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the then President of the Republic of Biafra.
“Today, we remembered, celebrated and commemorated the sacrifices our gallant soldiers of Biafra made for our freedom.
“MASSOB remembered the pains, anguish, hunger, subjection, and supreme prices our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters paid for Biafra freedom. We shall continue to remember them because their sufferings always provoke and revive our unshakeable and undeterred zeal and commitment for the self determination of Biafra.”
He, however, said “the new self-determination struggle and restoration of Biafra anchored by MASSOB and others is grounded on the principal of non violence .
“Today, all over the world, MASSOB members are on sober reflection, as we remember the brutalities, persecutions, traumatic torture, extra judicial killings, afflictions, imprisonment and traumatic deaths in the hands of the security agents of Nigeria. We resolved that we shall never relent or succumb to Internal colonialism.
“They will never weaken our love, commitment and consistency in MASSOB. We know and understand that freedom can never be achieved on a platter of gold.
Persecutions and political subjection always strengthen the zeal of genuine freedom fighters.”