MASSOB: Igbo traders, artisans seek Uwazurike’s releaese

By Vincent Ujumadu

 AWKA—SOME Igbo traders and artisans from various parts of the country have demanded the immediate release of the leader of the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike unconditionally, arguing that the MASSOB leader has not committed any offence.

 In a statement by the national chairman of the group, Chief Ben Okoye, the national secretary, Chief Silas Otu and Lagos State chairman, Chief Emeka Kalu, the traders said that having studied the circumstances surrounding the invitation of Uwazurike by the Imo State police command, as well as his travails at the Zone 9 of the police command, they urged government to release him in the interest of peace.

 According to them, Uwazurike is a true son of Igbo land whose presence and activities through MASSOB have brought hope to Igbo, adding that he has succeeded in removing the veil of fear, cowardice, inferiourity complex, stagnation and hopelessness among Igbo.

 They warned that the refusal to release Uwazurike may lead to civil disobedience.

 Ohaneze Ndigbo condemned

 The group also condemned Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Igbo Governors, traditional rulers and political office holders for what it described as their nonchalant attitude towards the travails of Uwazurike, who, it claimed, is unjustly being detained by the Federal government.