The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has congratulated Senator John Azuta Mbata on his election as the new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.
MASSOB stated that Azuta Mbata’s appointment vindicates the foundational truths surrounding the establishment of Ohaneze Ndigbo in 1976, when it was originally formed as the Igbo Union before rebranding in 1979.
Among the founding fathers of Ohaneze Ndigbo, with Dr Akanu Ibiam serving as the first chairman, are Dr. Obi Nwali, Sen. Francis Ella, Eze Nwonodi, Eze Nwoluchem, Chief Aguma, and Chief Nwuche (father of former Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche), all of whom are indigenous Igbo speakers from Rivers state.
In a statement signed by its leader, Uchenna Mmadu, the pro-Biafra group emphasised that for decades, there has been a systematic campaign of falsehood aimed at denying and erasing the Igbo identity of the people in Rivers state. However, the emergence of Chief Senator John Azuta Mbata, an Ikwerre man, as the newly elected President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo has disproven these critics.
MASSOB reiterated its respect for and alignment with Ohaneze Ndigbo, affirming its continued loyalty to the organisation’s leadership.
“MASSOB wishes to remind His Excellency that your leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide is both unique and significant. Your election as President General has exposed the longstanding hypocrisy, falsehoods, and pretences suggesting that Ikwerre people are not Igbos.
“Your tenure as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo will silence the merchants of division and destruction within Igbo land. Ndigbo stand solidly behind your leadership.
“MASSOB will continue to partner with your administration in the best interests of our people, regardless of our locations.”
