The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has declared that the election of Senator John Azuta Mbata, an Ikwerre man, as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo has proven critics of Igbo unity and identity wrong.
In a statement by Comrade Uchenna Madu, the leader of MASSOB, the group described Mbata’s emergence as a victory against long-standing efforts to diminish the Igbo identity of the Ikwerre people in Rivers State.
Restoring Igbo Unity
Madu emphasized that for decades, there has been a systematic campaign to undermine and deny the Igbo heritage of communities in Rivers State, particularly the Ikwerre people. He stated that Mbata’s leadership exposes the “hypocritical falsehood” that has been used to question the Igbo identity of the Ikwerre.
According to Madu, “The emergence of Chief John Azuta Mbata as the new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo has justified the truth about the founding fathers of Ohaneze Ndigbo. In 1976, the organization began as Igbo Union before being renamed Ohaneze Ndigbo in 1979. This history reaffirms the inclusivity of all Igbo people, including those in Rivers State.”
MASSOB’s Loyalty to Ohaneze
MASSOB reiterated its loyalty to the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo, pledging unwavering support for the unity and progress of Ndigbo irrespective of location. Madu noted that Mbata’s election marks a significant milestone, validating the cultural and ancestral ties of the Ikwerre to the larger Igbo family.
“For decades, there have been efforts to strip the Igbo identity from Rivers State communities. The emergence of Senator Mbata as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo has proven the critics wrong and restored pride among our people,” Madu asserted.
A Unique and Historic Leadership
Madu highlighted the significance of Mbata’s leadership, describing it as “unique and special.” He urged the new President General to uphold the legacy of Ohaneze Ndigbo’s founding fathers and work towards the unity and development of the Igbo people worldwide.
MASSOB also encouraged Ndigbo to rally behind Mbata’s leadership, emphasizing that his election is a testament to the enduring strength and unity of the Igbo nation, despite decades of external attempts to fragment it.
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