By: Pentho Goldmark The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has reaffirmed its commitment to a non-vi...
By: Pentho Goldmark
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has reaffirmed its commitment to a non-violent struggle for Biafra as the group marked its 24th anniversary in Awka, Anambra State.
In a statement signed by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, MASSOB said it would never abandon its peaceful approach despite years of persecution and the loss of members in the course of the struggle.
“Our non-violent MASSOB members died innocently with brave hearts for the Biafra cause. They were molested, humiliated, and brutally killed by armed security agents of our oppressors,” Madu said.
He maintained that the Igbo nation has been subjected to “political, economic, academic, religious, cultural, and social slavery” within Nigeria, stressing that the Biafra cause remains the only solution.
“MASSOB has resolved that 24 years of our long walk to freedom can never be jeopardized, compromised, or corrupted. We shall never relent in our non-violent Biafra struggle because the truth shall always prevail over falsehood,” he added.
MASSOB was founded in 1999 by lawyer and activist Ralph Uwazuruike, who adopted the non-violent resistance philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Since its inception, the group has carried out rallies, civil disobedience, and other peaceful protests to press for an independent Biafra, though these activities often triggered clashes with security agencies.
The group’s consistent non-violent approach has distinguished it from other pro-Biafra movements. Over time, MASSOB inspired the formation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which has taken a more confrontational route. This contrast has fueled debates over the legitimacy and methods of the various separatist movements in the South-East.
Successive Nigerian governments have consistently maintained that the unity of the country is non-negotiable. Security agencies have kept close watch on separatist activities, often clamping down on gatherings, processions, or rallies organized by the groups.
A senior police officer in Anambra, who spoke to reporters, said MASSOB’s activities are always under surveillance.
“We monitor all secessionist activities because they can easily degenerate into violence. The unity of Nigeria cannot be compromised, and our duty is to maintain law and order at all times,” he said.
Federal authorities have also emphasized that genuine grievances should be addressed through constitutional channels such as political participation and dialogue, rather than agitation for secession.
The MASSOB anniversary has once again stirred conversations across Igbo communities, with opinions split on the way forward.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has acknowledged long-standing concerns about marginalization but insists on dialogue and restructuring as the best path to justice.
“We cannot deny that Ndigbo have faced marginalization in Nigeria, but our elders believe the solution lies in restructuring and fair representation, not outright secession,” said Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General of Ohanaeze.
On the other hand, youth voices in the region point to growing frustration and disillusionment. Civil rights activist Chinedu Okafor argued that MASSOB’s endurance reflects widespread discontent.
“Many young people feel left behind in Nigeria’s political structure. MASSOB’s non-violent stance is commendable, but the issues driving the agitation must not be ignored,” he said.
Civil society groups also weighed in, urging caution. The South-East Civil Society Forum, a coalition of rights organizations, called for dialogue between the Federal Government and separatist groups.
“What is needed now is not confrontation but conversation. The voices of the marginalized should be heard, but peace must be preserved,” the forum said in a statement.
Fifty-eight years after the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafra question continues to shape political discourse in the South-East and beyond. While MASSOB insists on a non-violent approach, the persistence of separatist sentiments highlights deeper issues of governance, representation, and equity in Nigeria.
For MASSOB, its 24th anniversary is not only a commemoration of its fallen members but also a reminder of an unfinished struggle. For the Federal Government, however, it is yet another test of its ability to maintain unity while addressing longstanding grievances.
Photo credit:The Nation
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