The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Saturday, said the election of Senator John Azuta Mbata as the new president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has vindicated the group’s position that Igbo natives exist in Rivers State.
According to the pro-Biafra agitation group, Azuta Mbata’s appointment has “vindicated the foundational truths surrounding the establishment of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1976, when it was originally formed as the Igbo Union before rebranding in 1979”.
MASSOB stated this in a release signed by its leader, Mr Uchenna Mmadu. Madu said there had been distortions on the Igbo identity of the people of Rivers State.
He however said the emergence of Chief Mbata, an Ikwerre man, as the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, had affirmed the Igbo root of some people of Rivers State.
The statement read, “MASSOB wishes to remind His Excellency that your leadership of Ohanaeze 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 Igbo.
“Your tenure as president general of Ohanaeze 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.”
THE WHISTLER reports that among the founding fathers of Ohanaeze Ndigbo are notable people of Rivers State, including Dr Obi Nwali, Sen Francis Ella, Eze Nwonodi, Eze Nwoluchem, Chief Aguma and Chief Nwuche (father of former Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche).
