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By Nnaemeka Onumonu
“We must resort back to
collective leadership mode that has kept us from destruction thus far. Ndi Igbo
si na "anyukata mmamili onu ogbaa ufufu" - is this not what
collective leadership is about? "Igbo noodu ka idide nke nwero isi onwero
odudu." This is a peculiar aspect that differentiates Ndi Igbo from other
cultures. There is no way collectivism can fail except the end of time. Ekwe
Nche therefore proposes to Ndi Igbo that collective leadership is the only way
to go, it is like a bond among elders, leaders, thinkers, philosophers,
scientists, teachers, students, traders, business men, etc that ensures well
thought out solution to any problem that may visit the Igbo nation.”
.
PATH FOR PROGRESS AND STABILITY OF NDI IGBO AND THE EAST.
By: EKWE NCHE ORGANIZATION.
6/2/1999
..
MASSOB and its leadership must forthwith release all
those it is holding hostage and desist from any and all actions detrimental to
the peaceful stance of the movement. A sworn peaceful organization cannot
decide when to embark on non peaceful stance, once it breaks that pledge it is
no longer peaceful!
.
The pertinent question that MASSOB must answer even
before the question of the kidnapping again of Igbo sons or daughters by
MASSOB is:
.
Who made MASSOB god over Ndi Igbo?
Has MASSOB become an irredeemable rogue organization that
must finally be put out of its misery?
Does MASSOB understand that it continues
to involve itself in abominable decisions that will make it a pariah
amongst Ndi Igbo?
Does MASSOB understand that it is one of many equal
independent organizations of Ndi Igbo, whether as Igbo one-Nigeria or Igbo
Biafara, and hence has no right to interfere with the decisions of a sister
organization whether it agrees with it or no?
Does MASSOB understand that if Igbo decide to
continue in Nigeria or as a sovereign independent nation will depend on how
each contending party makes its case?
.
“Is it not amazing that
there are now cries for Ndi Igbo to elect a leader over themselves. It is
extremely important that we understand that the Igbo civilization is thousands
of years old. "Igbo bu Ndi eze." How can a nation of kings now turn
around and elect a king over themselves? This would be a prescription for
anarchy. Who do we elect to be the Leader? Who will everybody accept? WE MUST
LEARN TO WORK WITH THE HAND WE HAVE BEEN DEALT.
.
Is it not this ability of Igbo not having
any one king or ruler that made it possible for our civilization to survive
this long?
.
Does this not tie in with
our spirituality where our individual Chi make up our COLLECTIVE CHI?
Does any one individual have all the answers?
Does any one individual have all the answers?
..
We must resort back to
Collective leadership mode that has kept us from destruction thus far. Ndi Igbo
si na "anyukata mmamili onu ogbaa ufufu" - is this not what
collective leadership is about? "Igbo noodu ka idide nke nwero isi, onweru
odudu." This is a peculiar aspect that differentiates Ndi Igbo from other
cultures. There is no way collectivism can fail except the end of time. Ekwe
Nche therefore proposes to Ndi Igbo that collective leadership is the only way
to go, it is like a bond among elders, leaders, thinkers, philosophers,
scientists, teachers, students, traders, business men, etc, that ensures well
thought out solution to any problem that may visit the Igbo nation.”
.PATH FOR PROGRESS AND STABILITY OF NDI IGBO AND THE EAST.
By: EKWE NCHE ORGANIZATION.
6/2/1999
.
Does MASSOB understand that each organization speaks for
itself and itself alone?
Does MASSOB understand that it cannot impose itself on
any other independent organization neither can it dictate to any other
independent organization what its modus operandi should be?
Does MASSOB understand that the current Igbo renaissance
drive is built on truth, the tradition, culture and hence the way of life of
our fore-parents of which accountability and the rule of law and are the
bedrock?
.
MASSOB must hence forth desist from all behaviour
unbecoming of any true Igbo organization and must desist from becoming part of
the problem instead of part of the solution. If MASSOB is to be taken seriously
as part of Igbo collective leadership tapestry it hence forth must begin to
adhere to the rule of law without selective amnesia where its leadership is in question,
she can continue to wear blinders at her own risk.
..
It is a shame thatMASSOB, a organization with a disgraced
and expelled leader, Uwazuruike, appears not to have learnt any lesson from its
previous attempt at kidnapping which led to its proscription as a terrorist
organization.
.
MASSOB must release all those it continues to illegally
hold hostage as we remind this wayward organization that it is not free
persecution.
.
TUFIAKWA!!!!
.
Emeka
(Below is a record of MASSOB’s unmitigated abuse of the
its self assumed mandate and it’s the consequence of its intransigence.)
.
****
Onumonu-UzoaruDate: Sat, 28 Aug 2010
17:58:16 +0000
Subject: The Terrorist Designation of MASSOB (1 of 6)
Subject: The Terrorist Designation of MASSOB (1 of 6)
.
The Terrorist Designation
of MASSOB (1)
..“He said during the session, officials of
the department asked him of the whereabouts of the leader of the group,
Uwazuruike, and later told him that MASSOB was involved in kidnapping
activities, which a self-determination group should not be involved in.
.
His words: “I went to the immigration office to regularise my papers and I have been doing this since I came here in 2004. I have never had any problem with the immigration. They have always attended to me and every other MASSOB member here. But two months ago, I went to their office, and they told me that MASSOB was a terrorist group and they said that the leader is kidnapping people as against the activities of a self-determination group.”
.
.
His words: “I went to the immigration office to regularise my papers and I have been doing this since I came here in 2004. I have never had any problem with the immigration. They have always attended to me and every other MASSOB member here. But two months ago, I went to their office, and they told me that MASSOB was a terrorist group and they said that the leader is kidnapping people as against the activities of a self-determination group.”
.
Have any lessons been learnt or what are the lessons to
be learnt from the proscription of MASSOB into a terrorist organization?
Could this slide of this organization into notoriety been avoided?
Where there warnings of this impeding disaster that were ignored?
Why were they ignored?
What happened to all the warnings, including that by Maazi Uche Okwukwu issued on Mon, 24 Dec 2001 08:08:48 -0800 (PST)?
What part did the meddling of other Biafran organizations, especially those in Diaspora, in the affairs MASSOB an independent organization play in the now demise of this once proud organization?
.
Accountability and Transparency; and the Rule of law
.
These are some of the questions that we must seek answers to if we are to achieve our goal. There will be those who as usual will demand that we sweep any call for this investigation under the rug.
.
Many thanks to the cool heads that prevailed in Israel’s Department of Immigration, and in Liberia, Senegal and Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, a major setback for the peaceful movement to actualize the sovereign independent state of Biafara/Biafra might have been dealt a major set back brought about by the blind allegiance to Maazi Uwazuruike and the refusal of some of our organizations to insist on transparency, accountability and the enforcement of the rule of law by some organizations led by brethren whom we should expect to have known better, and the un-Igbo attempt to force all Biafra/Biafara organizations to become part of MASSOB, one organization.
.
Biafara/Biafra will forever remain in the debt of these nations, I salute them.
.
Had these organizations succeeded in this un-Igbo project of creating one all encompassing organization, we might all be mourning the death of the peaceful strategy and a major victory for Nigeria in its continuing efforts to marginalize this most noble project. It should not be any surprise since these organizations continue to consider Ojukwu, a self professed and confessed Nigeria till death, as their leader, a contradiction since it is impossible to become both a Nigerian and a Biafran/Biafaran, two sovereign and independent nations.
.
“But I come from one tribe that is clearly indigenous to Nigeria, Ndi-Igbo (Igbo people). We have nowhere else; we are Nigerians and that is the end of it. We are not from here or from there. But the first thing that I want people to bear in mind is that you can trace origin. Next, Nigeria. I think, being Onye-Igbo (Igboman), that everyday I wake up and look at it, and Ndi-Igbo are relevant to everything. Another day, I talk of another success. Yes, we are here, we have been here, because we are here. We are Nigerians and I say that the journey so far has been exciting, exhilarating; but it has not in anyway been futile. Oh no, we have learnt a lot in the course of the journey. And we hope that people who have come in contact with us have also learnt a lot. Nigeria! But then, let's look around. I must say this, and let me say this and get it off my back: give me a hundred thousand chances, I will opt to be a Nigerian, no matter what - whether years back or years ahead - because I don't know what years ahead will bring. I am very, very, not just proud, happy to be Nigerian and I look very much forward to remaining Nigerian. I will also like to put unto Nigeria an Ojukwu mark. It's only natural. I don't want to pause, which is common. I am 75 now. I want to look back - when I am no longer around here - and see marks of having been here. That is my ambition. Nigeria, it is not by accident that we are what we are: big, central; we are very clearly, of all populations in Africa, the most central. Sometimes, I spend my time thinking that I don't know what will happen if all people of Igbo descent gathered here. Then I say, why Igbo? Because I keep asking myself: at what time did they actually become Igbo. And I say again: what will happen if we Nigerians were not where we are. One thing is clear: Africa will not be the same. That is quite clear. Everything that happens in Africa has evidence of Nigeria. I am saying a lot of things, leaving open-ends because you are the ones to ask me questions and I want you to take up anyone, and then we will talk. Is it population? Is it size and what is it? Even the economy, we are not doing badly. I say this: the only thing that is missing is that I am not standing up. But please understand that at every stage of my own being, with pride I say, God bless Nigeria.”
.
DAILY INDEPENDENCE
Nigeria Project Is Igbo Project - Ojukwu
By Oguwike Nwachuku, Editor
Sunday, March 29, 2009
.
Below is the 2001 e-mail from Maazi Okwukwu that might have prevented anarchy in MASSOB if accountability and transparency been demanded and enforced instead of the embrace of selective amnesia and sacred cows by some Biafra organizations to the detriment of the movement! It is important that we read this e-mail to help point out where we failed both MASSOB and by extension OHA in the hope that these abominable behaviors will not be allowed to continue.
.
“Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2001 08:08:48 -0800 (PST)
UCHE OKWUKWU LEGAL PRACTITIONER.
Rescue chambers. 7, Igboukwu Street,
D/Line, Port Harcourt. Nigeria.
234-084-572923
RE: SUSPENTION OF RALPH UWAZURIKE AS THE LEADER OF MASSOB, THE SETTING UP OF AN INVESTIGATION PANEL. FUTHER RESPONSE AND MATTERS ARISING.
.
Permit to start by raising some fundamental questions:
.
A. What is wrong with a probe panel established after due consultation and meetings.
B. Is it because the probe panel is headed by an Ijaw?
C. Can Uwazurike abstain himself from a meeting knowing fully well that the same was convened in line with the articles of faith and convention of the movement and his presence or absence cannot stop the meeting from taking fundamental decisions. More so, when the agenda of the meeting was disclose in the notice of invitation of which the said notice of invitation was duly served on him both by email and hand delivery.
D. Is any member of MASSOB at liberty to misappropriate, embezzle or fraudulently misapply or misuse MASSOB funds and property, e.g. I am personally in possession of a letter in Uwazuruike’s hand writing showing that he sold MASSOB lap tops.
E. Can Uwazurike or any other executive member of MASSOB expel or suspend even a member of MASSOB not to talk of suspending an executive member or official?
.
After I read in the national dailies of the suspension of the Eastern Coordinator Prince Longinus Orjiakoh, I personally went to Okwe his native village to see and duly informed him that the suspension was not only ultra-vice his powers but tyrannical. He told me he will revert the order in 48, hours. He failed to do so after two weeks, it is imperative to point out that the suspension was not only purported, but illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. I wish to know if a member of Biafra foundation can suspend another member of the Biafra foundation.
.
F. Is it reasonable in the circumstance not to investigate an allegation that Uwazuruike impregnated a female MASSOB member and abandoned her?
G. What is wrong with the investigation panel making an enquiry into the allegations;
.
I. That he Uwazurike received ‘a gift!’ of V-Boot from Chief Ebere Udeagu (Deputy Governor Imo State), to suppress investigations into the murder of 11 MASSOB activists at Okigwe in Feb 2001?
I(11). That he received money after series of secret meetings which started on 12th November 2001 with Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu- to suppress investigations into the killing of MASSOB members at Aba.
I(III) What is wrong with the panel making inquiry into the allegation that Uwazurike was or is a practicing Muslim and bears the Muslim name of Rahman Usman Mohammed and owns an incorporated company in the name of RUMAN NIGERIA LTD. That the name RUMAN is derived from RAHMAN - R USMAN - U MOHAMMED - MAN That till date his Moslem brothers and sisters do address him by the name Usman. It is further alleged that Uwazurike knew is believed to know that the fundamental ideals, vision and aspiration of MASSOB and Biafra cannot be championed by a Muslim
I(1V). I demand that the members of Biafra foundation should send somebody back home to investigate the multi million naira house he is building at Okwe and further investigate that from ignorant poor and oppressed people of Okwe.
V. What is wrong with an inquire into the allegation that Prince Orjiakoh recruited some Massob members and armed them and that he Prince misapplied or embezzled funds meant for court cases and the burial of late Massobians. Uwazuruike accused Prince of these allegations. They must be investigated.
V1. A question to the Biafra foundation; is it only the Igbo governors in the Eastern part of Nigeria that have problems with Obasanjo. What of Governor Alamiesghsia of Bayelsa and Governor Attah of Akwa-Ibom. Why haven’t Uwazuruike spoken out for them? If MASSOB is an Igbo affair you should let us know so that the non- Igbo speaking minorities/ states and people will know and stop using their resources, land for negotiation consultation and diplomatic shuttling that will help in bringing about Biafra.
VI1. I respectfully contend that the murder of MASSOB members in Aba and Okigwe in recent times were avoidable, expect for the impression given to the Governor of Abia State and Bakassi leadership by Uwazuruike that MASSOB can be crushed without questions, I personally visited him at Okwe and demand he issue a press release condemning the killings at Aba which he refused.
Furthermore I am in possession of irrefutable evidence that the killings at Okigwe were as a result of Uwazuruike’s personal desire to consummate vendetta against his perceived enemies.
Could this slide of this organization into notoriety been avoided?
Where there warnings of this impeding disaster that were ignored?
Why were they ignored?
What happened to all the warnings, including that by Maazi Uche Okwukwu issued on Mon, 24 Dec 2001 08:08:48 -0800 (PST)?
What part did the meddling of other Biafran organizations, especially those in Diaspora, in the affairs MASSOB an independent organization play in the now demise of this once proud organization?
.
Accountability and Transparency; and the Rule of law
.
These are some of the questions that we must seek answers to if we are to achieve our goal. There will be those who as usual will demand that we sweep any call for this investigation under the rug.
.
Many thanks to the cool heads that prevailed in Israel’s Department of Immigration, and in Liberia, Senegal and Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, a major setback for the peaceful movement to actualize the sovereign independent state of Biafara/Biafra might have been dealt a major set back brought about by the blind allegiance to Maazi Uwazuruike and the refusal of some of our organizations to insist on transparency, accountability and the enforcement of the rule of law by some organizations led by brethren whom we should expect to have known better, and the un-Igbo attempt to force all Biafra/Biafara organizations to become part of MASSOB, one organization.
.
Biafara/Biafra will forever remain in the debt of these nations, I salute them.
.
Had these organizations succeeded in this un-Igbo project of creating one all encompassing organization, we might all be mourning the death of the peaceful strategy and a major victory for Nigeria in its continuing efforts to marginalize this most noble project. It should not be any surprise since these organizations continue to consider Ojukwu, a self professed and confessed Nigeria till death, as their leader, a contradiction since it is impossible to become both a Nigerian and a Biafran/Biafaran, two sovereign and independent nations.
.
“But I come from one tribe that is clearly indigenous to Nigeria, Ndi-Igbo (Igbo people). We have nowhere else; we are Nigerians and that is the end of it. We are not from here or from there. But the first thing that I want people to bear in mind is that you can trace origin. Next, Nigeria. I think, being Onye-Igbo (Igboman), that everyday I wake up and look at it, and Ndi-Igbo are relevant to everything. Another day, I talk of another success. Yes, we are here, we have been here, because we are here. We are Nigerians and I say that the journey so far has been exciting, exhilarating; but it has not in anyway been futile. Oh no, we have learnt a lot in the course of the journey. And we hope that people who have come in contact with us have also learnt a lot. Nigeria! But then, let's look around. I must say this, and let me say this and get it off my back: give me a hundred thousand chances, I will opt to be a Nigerian, no matter what - whether years back or years ahead - because I don't know what years ahead will bring. I am very, very, not just proud, happy to be Nigerian and I look very much forward to remaining Nigerian. I will also like to put unto Nigeria an Ojukwu mark. It's only natural. I don't want to pause, which is common. I am 75 now. I want to look back - when I am no longer around here - and see marks of having been here. That is my ambition. Nigeria, it is not by accident that we are what we are: big, central; we are very clearly, of all populations in Africa, the most central. Sometimes, I spend my time thinking that I don't know what will happen if all people of Igbo descent gathered here. Then I say, why Igbo? Because I keep asking myself: at what time did they actually become Igbo. And I say again: what will happen if we Nigerians were not where we are. One thing is clear: Africa will not be the same. That is quite clear. Everything that happens in Africa has evidence of Nigeria. I am saying a lot of things, leaving open-ends because you are the ones to ask me questions and I want you to take up anyone, and then we will talk. Is it population? Is it size and what is it? Even the economy, we are not doing badly. I say this: the only thing that is missing is that I am not standing up. But please understand that at every stage of my own being, with pride I say, God bless Nigeria.”
.
DAILY INDEPENDENCE
Nigeria Project Is Igbo Project - Ojukwu
By Oguwike Nwachuku, Editor
Sunday, March 29, 2009
.
Below is the 2001 e-mail from Maazi Okwukwu that might have prevented anarchy in MASSOB if accountability and transparency been demanded and enforced instead of the embrace of selective amnesia and sacred cows by some Biafra organizations to the detriment of the movement! It is important that we read this e-mail to help point out where we failed both MASSOB and by extension OHA in the hope that these abominable behaviors will not be allowed to continue.
.
“Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2001 08:08:48 -0800 (PST)
UCHE OKWUKWU LEGAL PRACTITIONER.
Rescue chambers. 7, Igboukwu Street,
D/Line, Port Harcourt. Nigeria.
234-084-572923
RE: SUSPENTION OF RALPH UWAZURIKE AS THE LEADER OF MASSOB, THE SETTING UP OF AN INVESTIGATION PANEL. FUTHER RESPONSE AND MATTERS ARISING.
.
Permit to start by raising some fundamental questions:
.
A. What is wrong with a probe panel established after due consultation and meetings.
B. Is it because the probe panel is headed by an Ijaw?
C. Can Uwazurike abstain himself from a meeting knowing fully well that the same was convened in line with the articles of faith and convention of the movement and his presence or absence cannot stop the meeting from taking fundamental decisions. More so, when the agenda of the meeting was disclose in the notice of invitation of which the said notice of invitation was duly served on him both by email and hand delivery.
D. Is any member of MASSOB at liberty to misappropriate, embezzle or fraudulently misapply or misuse MASSOB funds and property, e.g. I am personally in possession of a letter in Uwazuruike’s hand writing showing that he sold MASSOB lap tops.
E. Can Uwazurike or any other executive member of MASSOB expel or suspend even a member of MASSOB not to talk of suspending an executive member or official?
.
After I read in the national dailies of the suspension of the Eastern Coordinator Prince Longinus Orjiakoh, I personally went to Okwe his native village to see and duly informed him that the suspension was not only ultra-vice his powers but tyrannical. He told me he will revert the order in 48, hours. He failed to do so after two weeks, it is imperative to point out that the suspension was not only purported, but illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. I wish to know if a member of Biafra foundation can suspend another member of the Biafra foundation.
.
F. Is it reasonable in the circumstance not to investigate an allegation that Uwazuruike impregnated a female MASSOB member and abandoned her?
G. What is wrong with the investigation panel making an enquiry into the allegations;
.
I. That he Uwazurike received ‘a gift!’ of V-Boot from Chief Ebere Udeagu (Deputy Governor Imo State), to suppress investigations into the murder of 11 MASSOB activists at Okigwe in Feb 2001?
I(11). That he received money after series of secret meetings which started on 12th November 2001 with Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu- to suppress investigations into the killing of MASSOB members at Aba.
I(III) What is wrong with the panel making inquiry into the allegation that Uwazurike was or is a practicing Muslim and bears the Muslim name of Rahman Usman Mohammed and owns an incorporated company in the name of RUMAN NIGERIA LTD. That the name RUMAN is derived from RAHMAN - R USMAN - U MOHAMMED - MAN That till date his Moslem brothers and sisters do address him by the name Usman. It is further alleged that Uwazurike knew is believed to know that the fundamental ideals, vision and aspiration of MASSOB and Biafra cannot be championed by a Muslim
I(1V). I demand that the members of Biafra foundation should send somebody back home to investigate the multi million naira house he is building at Okwe and further investigate that from ignorant poor and oppressed people of Okwe.
V. What is wrong with an inquire into the allegation that Prince Orjiakoh recruited some Massob members and armed them and that he Prince misapplied or embezzled funds meant for court cases and the burial of late Massobians. Uwazuruike accused Prince of these allegations. They must be investigated.
V1. A question to the Biafra foundation; is it only the Igbo governors in the Eastern part of Nigeria that have problems with Obasanjo. What of Governor Alamiesghsia of Bayelsa and Governor Attah of Akwa-Ibom. Why haven’t Uwazuruike spoken out for them? If MASSOB is an Igbo affair you should let us know so that the non- Igbo speaking minorities/ states and people will know and stop using their resources, land for negotiation consultation and diplomatic shuttling that will help in bringing about Biafra.
VI1. I respectfully contend that the murder of MASSOB members in Aba and Okigwe in recent times were avoidable, expect for the impression given to the Governor of Abia State and Bakassi leadership by Uwazuruike that MASSOB can be crushed without questions, I personally visited him at Okwe and demand he issue a press release condemning the killings at Aba which he refused.
Furthermore I am in possession of irrefutable evidence that the killings at Okigwe were as a result of Uwazuruike’s personal desire to consummate vendetta against his perceived enemies.
VII1 fellow compatriots, I wish to further point out that
I read with shock the news of the burning of his personal house at Okigwe town
by unknown arsonists (see Sunday champion vol 14 No 57,Dec 23 2001. papes1-3)
thank God neither Prince Longinus Orgiakor nor Uche Okwukwu nor any other
member of the probe panel can be accused of committing the crime given the
level of sophistication of the arsonist, their cruel methodology, their timing
and pitilessness.
.
Fellow compatriots finally I have received your email message demanding that we act purposefully to consummate the release of Uwazuruike from unlawful detention while I agree it is necessary to act as requested, permit me to point out the following:
.
1. Is Uwazuruike’s life and Liberty more important than the lives of other MASSOB members who are either been killed, maimed or detention cells. As a participant in Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People(MOSOP) no leader of the Movement had considered his life more important than that of an ordinary Ogoni. Uwazuruike believes only on his life, safety and liberty and not in that of other members, if not why is he not concerned with the fact that presently 38 members of MASSOB are taking refugee in my house. The supreme Egbesu Assemble and Ijaw Youth Council is accommodating 24. I am aware that he lied to you that the Aba shoemakers and Bakassi Crisis that led to the disappearance of several MASSOB members had been settled. That is not true as the killings are still going on secretly.
2. I contend that Uwazuruike escaped to Lagos to stay with his wife and children after he has taken steps that saw to the death of other people’s children both at Aba and Okigwe, be informed that the investigation panel is probing the killings at both Aba and Okigwe. And there are allegations of complicity against him in the said killings and he must and I repeat MUST answer to those allegations. Nobody is above the law. Meanwhile I will take steps just as the probe panel chairman who doubles as the acting leader of MASSOB is taking steps to secure his release I call and demand that Biafra-Foundation and every pro-Biafra groups should be very neutral in the crisis in MASSOB as the panel was constituted in accordance with the articles of faith of the movement and further be informed that the report of the panel will be ready and made public in January 2002.
.
Further take notice that:
.
A. MASSOB is not an Igbo affair.
B. That Mr. Kennth Anyanwu ( Uwazuruike’s personal assistant on media matters) remains his personal aide and not an executive of MASSOB and cannot speak for MASSOB.
C. That it is absolutely wrong and unacceptable for the Biafra-foundation or any other pro-Biafran group to address Uwazuruike as MASSOB leader. The present Acting Leader of MASSOB is Ray Batubo. That it is important in the circumstance that all correspondent and email should be addressed to the chairman (Ray Batubo) and Dr.Kelechi Ike (Secretary) of the probe panel. Email massobreso@... Furthermore, be informed that no member of MASSOB nor any member of the probe panel has the password of massob@... as Uwazuruike criminally and fraudulently changed it. In response to questions arising from the unilateral scrapping of MASSOB’s state structures and the imposition of provincial structures, it is my humble contention that the argument or pre-position that the state structures were created to divide our people is not true. Provinces were colonial imposition on the peoples of this geographical expression called Nigeria. Regions and state structures are products of constituent assemblies and constitutional conferences even though these said assemblies and conferences were manipulated. But it is important to point out that elected or appointed representatives of the people had always supported state structures as they believe rightly or wrongly that it will guarantee them some measures of political autonomy. Assuming without conceding to the argument the provincial structures are preferable to state structures, can an individual cancel an existing structure( restructure), a movement without consultation and dialogue, not even considering the thinking and feeling of various groups and nations?
.
NOTE; That the failure of our people to question their leaders is the bane of leadership and our society.
.
UCHE OKWUKWU.
.
Fellow compatriots finally I have received your email message demanding that we act purposefully to consummate the release of Uwazuruike from unlawful detention while I agree it is necessary to act as requested, permit me to point out the following:
.
1. Is Uwazuruike’s life and Liberty more important than the lives of other MASSOB members who are either been killed, maimed or detention cells. As a participant in Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People(MOSOP) no leader of the Movement had considered his life more important than that of an ordinary Ogoni. Uwazuruike believes only on his life, safety and liberty and not in that of other members, if not why is he not concerned with the fact that presently 38 members of MASSOB are taking refugee in my house. The supreme Egbesu Assemble and Ijaw Youth Council is accommodating 24. I am aware that he lied to you that the Aba shoemakers and Bakassi Crisis that led to the disappearance of several MASSOB members had been settled. That is not true as the killings are still going on secretly.
2. I contend that Uwazuruike escaped to Lagos to stay with his wife and children after he has taken steps that saw to the death of other people’s children both at Aba and Okigwe, be informed that the investigation panel is probing the killings at both Aba and Okigwe. And there are allegations of complicity against him in the said killings and he must and I repeat MUST answer to those allegations. Nobody is above the law. Meanwhile I will take steps just as the probe panel chairman who doubles as the acting leader of MASSOB is taking steps to secure his release I call and demand that Biafra-Foundation and every pro-Biafra groups should be very neutral in the crisis in MASSOB as the panel was constituted in accordance with the articles of faith of the movement and further be informed that the report of the panel will be ready and made public in January 2002.
.
Further take notice that:
.
A. MASSOB is not an Igbo affair.
B. That Mr. Kennth Anyanwu ( Uwazuruike’s personal assistant on media matters) remains his personal aide and not an executive of MASSOB and cannot speak for MASSOB.
C. That it is absolutely wrong and unacceptable for the Biafra-foundation or any other pro-Biafran group to address Uwazuruike as MASSOB leader. The present Acting Leader of MASSOB is Ray Batubo. That it is important in the circumstance that all correspondent and email should be addressed to the chairman (Ray Batubo) and Dr.Kelechi Ike (Secretary) of the probe panel. Email massobreso@... Furthermore, be informed that no member of MASSOB nor any member of the probe panel has the password of massob@... as Uwazuruike criminally and fraudulently changed it. In response to questions arising from the unilateral scrapping of MASSOB’s state structures and the imposition of provincial structures, it is my humble contention that the argument or pre-position that the state structures were created to divide our people is not true. Provinces were colonial imposition on the peoples of this geographical expression called Nigeria. Regions and state structures are products of constituent assemblies and constitutional conferences even though these said assemblies and conferences were manipulated. But it is important to point out that elected or appointed representatives of the people had always supported state structures as they believe rightly or wrongly that it will guarantee them some measures of political autonomy. Assuming without conceding to the argument the provincial structures are preferable to state structures, can an individual cancel an existing structure( restructure), a movement without consultation and dialogue, not even considering the thinking and feeling of various groups and nations?
.
NOTE; That the failure of our people to question their leaders is the bane of leadership and our society.
.
UCHE OKWUKWU.
.
Daily SunMASSOB men abduct rival group's leaders
Friday, November 2, 2012
.
... For interrogation over Nov 5 declaration
.
From PETRUS OBI, Enugu
.
Leaders of the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM), a
pro-Biafra group that have been mobilizing for the re-declaration of Biafra on
November 5 have been whisked away to an unknown destination by MASSOB members
in Enugu. The BZM leader, Mr. Ben Onwuka, who told newsmen recently that there
was no going back on the re-declaration, was abducted alongside his deputy, Mr.
John Edeson in what was believed to be an effort to frustrate the group from
going ahead with their plan next Monday.
.
The BZM, which had started to be popular among the people
of the South-East had been having a cold battle with MASSOB leader, Ralph
Uwazuruike since he distanced himself from the proposed re-declaration of
Biafra in an interview where he also tried to discredit the group.
.
The group had replied the MASSOB leader by saying that
they would realize Biafra with or without him, accusing him of compromising his
position as a pro-Biafra crusader. Reacting to the disappearance of the two
leaders, spokesman to MASSOB leader, Mr. Uchenna Madu, told our reporter on
phone that the duo were not abducted but taken away by MASSOB members in Enugu
for interrogation.
.
Madu said the Biafra re-declaration was not clear to his
group thus they decided to interrogate them on the issue, which, he also
claimed, had turned security operatives against MASSOB members with the belief
that MASSOB was part of the arrangement.
.
He, however, said the MASSOB leader was not aware of the
action of his members in Enugu, insisting that the action was unilaterally
taken by the Enugu branch of MASSOB and had nothing to do with the national
leadership of the group.
.
A member of the BZM, who identified himself as Ugochukwu,
however, told our reporter in Enugu that their leaders were seriously
manhandled by the invading MASSOB members and whisked away just as they
expressed fears over their safety.
.
Re-declaration of Biafra: Count us out -MASSOB
.
From OKEY SAMPSON, Aba
.
Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of
Biafra (MASSOB) has said it was not part of the planned re-declaration of
Biafra and has, therefore, warned its members to steer clear of the exercise,
described as an attempt to bastardise Biafra.
.
A group, which called itself Biafra Zionist Movement
(BZM) and led by one Ben Onwuka said it had concluded arrangements for the
re-declaration of Biafra on November 5, stating that nothing would stop the
campaign on that day.
.
Speaking with Daily Sun, the MASSOB administrator for Aba
Region A, Mrs. Comfort Ogbuokiri, who spoke through her Director of
Information, Chidi Okoro and the Director of Information, Aba Region B, Sunny
Okereafor, said it amounted to taking the people for a ride for anybody to
think of re-declaration of Biafra when in actual sense, Biafra had been
declared twice.
..
They contended that the late Ezeigbo Gburugburu, Chief
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, first declared Biafra in 1967, which culminated in
the civil war that ended in 1970 with the 'no victor, no vanquished slogan'.
.
They stated that due to what the Igbos had gone through
in the Nigerian nation since after the civil, that Ralph Uwazuruike on May 22,
2000, re-declared Biafra at Aba with her non-violent stance, stressing that
what the other group wanted to do now, if allowed would make mockery of the
state of Biafra and said MASSOB was out of it.
.
"Which Biafra do they want to declare? Is it the one
declared by Chief Ojukwu or that by Chief Uwazuruike, which was declared due to
the exigencies of the time. They should stop causing confusion in Igbo and
security operatives should checkmate their activities," they said.
