The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the “disturbing silence” of Igbo politicians serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration regarding the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The group condemned the life imprisonment sentence handed to Kanu, insisting that it was unjust and targeted against the Igbo people.
MASSOB had previously rejected the ruling, maintaining that Kanu embodies the aspirations and interests of Ndigbo.
In a statement issued in Enugu and signed by its National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, MASSOB urged Igbo appointees to leverage their access to the President to secure Kanu’s release.
“We are aware that Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Dave Umahi are close allies of the President and key members of his inner circle,” the group said.
“Ndigbo expect to see visible efforts from you toward ensuring Kanu’s release from Sokoto prison, as you occupy Igbo-designated positions in this administration.”
MASSOB argued that other ethnic groups have successfully rallied around their own, leading to the release of figures such as Sunday Igboho, Dokubo Asari, and the late Fredrick Fasheun through interventions from their people in government.
The group, however, commended Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, and Bishop Ikechukwu Egbonu of the Oji River Diocese for visiting Kanu in prison and offering support. MASSOB described their actions as a symbol of genuine solidarity and compassion.
“Your visit demonstrates true brotherhood and friendship,” the statement read.
“We urge other Igbo leaders to follow this example, which we believe will one day become a significant milestone in our collective history.”
