Nonsochukwu Uwa, Owerri
Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, on Tuesday insisted that the 2023 general election must hold in the South-East region.
MASSOB made this declaration in a statement to newsmen in Owerri, and signed by the National Director of Information, Comrade Samuel Edeson, after their meeting held in Enugu State.
The pro-Biafra group said it decided among other things to support the holding of election in Igboland because it has realised the importance of political and economic powers and their usefulness.
However, MASSOB urged those against the election to stay at home on the day of the election and allow those willing to participate to come out for the exercise.
But the group said they are still determined on the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra in a non-violent approach.
According to MASSOB, “The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) after our National executive council meeting which was presided by our servant leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, at MASSOB National Secretariat in Awgu, Enugu State (sic).
“The meeting which was attended by all the state, zonal and LGA coordinators including the National Directors have unanimously reaffirmed our earlier position on the 2023 general election.
“MASSOB agreed and declared as follows: That after more insightful and intensive deliberations on the current affairs of Nigeria state and the future plight of the people of Biafra, MASSOB reaffirmed our primary and vowed goal of actualising Biafra through the principles of non-violence and international diplomacy in collaboration and brotherhood with other progressive pro-Biafra groups.
“MASSOB, having realised that Biafrans cannot forcefully impose our desirable interest on the people of Nigeria. And also having understood the principles of non-violence, MASSOB unanimously agreed and resolved that Nigeria state will independently and internally be observed and conduct their political exercises including general election in Igboland.
“MASSOB in the wisdom of internationally recognised freedom of political participation and exercises, we declared that this year general election in Nigeria state will not be stopped or boycotted in Biafraland. The people of the South-East region are free to participate in the electoral processes of Nigeria because our political space must be filled. MASSOB has allowed INEC to conduct elections in Biafraland.
“MASSOB has agreed to allow INEC to conduct elections in Biafraland for our people that still believe in the Nigeria state. MASSOB advised that other pro-Biafra groups that planned to boycott the elections are entitled to stay at home during elections days. Governance is not allowed to breed anarchy and public betrayals.
“Having also realised the importance of political and economic powers and their usefulness for the self-determination of Biafra actualisation and restoration, MASSOB declares that Ndigbo will massively participate in the 2023 presidential and legislative elections to elect credible, selfless and progressive persons to represent South-East political interest.”
“That the thorough and holistic examination of all candidates for senatorial, House of Representatives and governors in Igboland including the presidential candidates are still under investigation by MASSOB to ascertain the most credible, competent, un-corrupt and eloquent candidates irrespective of their political parties for endorsement.
“That Nigeria elections will come and go irrespective of whoever wins in both national and state elections. That MASSOB must continue with the Biafra project of actualisation irrespective of both internal and external distractions,” MASSOB insisted.
