The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has criticized Igbo political appointees in President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what it described as their indifference to the sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Director of Information, Comrade Edeson Samuel, MASSOB described the judgement as “hate-motivated” and targeted not just at Kanu, but at the entire Igbo nation since, according to the group, Kanu represents Ndigbo.
The group expressed concern over what it called the “silence and inability” of Igbo appointees in the Federal Government to speak out on the matter.
The pro-Biafra urged the appointees to use their positions and proximity to Tinubu to facilitate Kanu’s release, specifically naming Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, whom MASSOB described as influential figures within the President’s inner circle.
“MASSOB demands that you use your closeness as a political appointees irrespective of your level to facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
We know that Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Engr Dave Umahi are not only closer to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu but are also his kitchen cabinet members
“Ndigbo want to see your reactions and move for his release from Sokoto state prison because you represent Ndigbo with Igbo slot in this administration,” parts of the statement read.
MASSOB further argued that other regions had successfully intervened for their kinsmen in similar circumstances, citing the cases of Sunday Igboho, Asari Dokubo, and the late Frederick Fasheun.
The group commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Anglican Bishop of Oji River Diocese, Dr. Ikechukwu Egbonu, for visiting Kanu at the Sokoto prison, describing their action as a demonstration of solidarity and brotherhood.
MASSOB reiterated that its demand is for Igbo leaders in government to actively work toward securing Kanu’s release, stressing that they occupy those positions as representatives of the Igbo people.