...Distances group from Igbo Day celebration
Uche Onyema, Owerri
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has frowned at the activities of some group of people who it claimed are parading themselves as the Executive members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State.
MASSOB in a statement it released to newsmen in Owerri by its leader, Uchenna Madu, has also completely distanced itself from a proposed Igbo day celebration by this group of people while it urged the National leadership of the Igbo apex group to call them to order.
It noted that their action poses a threat to the peace and unity of Igbos in Lagos State.
The statement read in part: “We have been closely monitoring the activities of individuals claiming to represent the interests of Ndigbo in Lagos State.
We hereby declare that the actions of the following persons are illegal and unacceptable: Mr. Sunday Ossai who alleged falsely presents himself as the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State.”
Others the statement said are: Robert Obasi, who claims the position of Secretary and Ubochi Ubochi who identified himself as the spokesman.
“MASSOB wishes to categorically condemn the activities of these individuals falsely claiming to be Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders in Lagos State.
“These impostors are posing a serious threat to the unity and peace of the Igbo community in Lagos state.
“We regard their self-imposed leadership as not only illegal but also as a blatant disrespect to the traditions and structures that represent the interests of Ndigbo.
“The actions of these individuals are seen as acts of disobedience to Chief Senator John Azuta Mbata-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo and to the wishes of the true Igbo leaders and the wider community.
“We are particularly concerned that such divisive actions could lead to strife and incite unwarranted violence against Igbos residing in Lagos State.
“The well-being and safety of our people should not be compromised by the machinations of a few individuals seeking personal gain and recognition,” Madu stated.
Also, MASSOB has warned one Everest Ozonweke, who it noted is misleadingly positioning himself as the coordinator for the South Western zone of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a role it said does not exist within the organization’s structure.
“We implored the Ohanaeze Ndigbo NEC to take immediate steps to reprimand the individuals mentioned above for their unauthorized representation and reinforce the legitimate leadership structure of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State.”
Furthermore, MASSOB has condemned any attempt by these individuals or groups to organize an Igbo Day ceremony in Lagos State.
Such actions it claimed amount to mutiny and sabotage against the recognized authority of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership.
“This impostors must stop their planned Igbo day ceremony in Lagos state,” Madu warned.
MASSOB reiterate the importance of adhering to established leadership and decisions to maintain unity and respect within the Igbo community.
The group has equally implore Igbo businessmen and women to refrain from providing any financial support to the aforementioned individuals, “particularly concerning any endeavors associated with hosting Igbo Day in Lagos State.”
“These individuals do not represent the interests of Ndigbo but instead serve their personal agendas and those of their families,” Madu claimed.
However, MASSOB he afirmed remains committed to the unity and integrity of Ndigbo.
“We will continue to stand against any actions that threaten the interests and representation of Ndigbo both locally and globally.”
