BY FRED IWENJORA
Ralph Uwazuruike is the founder of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra,MASSOB, a secessionist movement with the aim of securing the resurgence of the defunct state of Biafra from Nigeria.

It was the Aburi declaration by the then Col. Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu that led to the three-year Biafra-Nigeria war. MASSOB is led by an Indian-trained lawyer Ralph Uwazuruike, with headquarters in Okwe, in the Okigwe district of Imo State.

Ojukwu

Several times in the past, the Nigerian government has accused MASSOB of violence and the MASSOB leader was arrested on several occasions and detained on treason charges. He was recently released after another detention.

With the demise of Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the future of MASSOB appears precarious but Uwazuruike thinks otherwise, believing instead that Ojukwu’s death would strengthen the movement.

How did you get the news of Ojukwu’s death?

The news was very devastating to me and shocking indeed, even though hours before his death, I had been in touch with his wife who had called me at about 12 midnight to tell me of his struggles with death. The battle eventually ended at 3:15a.m.

When did you see him last?

I saw him last on the day he travelled for treatment. We had all been around when he was being taken to the airport for the trip. That was the last time I saw him physically. But I never felt he was going to die on that trip. I thought he was going to recover but God knows best.

What would be the future of MASSOB now that Ojukwu is no more?

MASSOB was formed by me from the inspiration of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and has been under me ever since. But he has always been my adviser and mentor. I often tell people that my favourite sister died during the civil war caused by agitation for a better treatment for Biafrans and Ndigbo in general, an agitation led by Ojukwu. I have to tell you here and now that the advice of Ezeigbo Gburugburu has helped in the nurturing MASSOB and has propelled me farther than I envisaged. Now that he has joined his ancestors, I am sure that his advice had made me strong. It would also lead me on and I can stand on my own. However, I would miss him dearly.

What specifically would you miss by his death?

I can’t count to what extent I would miss him. I will miss so many things. He was very good to me. He was a confidant, a comforter when the persecution of being Igbo overwhelms me. Any time I was arrested, it was the Ikemba that took care of my family. He would call my wife and provide for my family. He would provide assistance monetary and otherwise for their upkeep till I return.

You ask me what I will miss.

Plenty , really. It was the people’s General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who gave me the name Okenwa which I am still called by many who know me. In his presence, I was called by that name. I can’t really express how I feel and what I miss.

What do you think would be the future of MASSOB now Ojukwu is dead?

I strongly feel that Ojukwu’s demise would bring about the desired unity which the Igbo have been looking for in a long time.

On his last birthday, I organized a party and thanksgiving in Enugu for him and most young breed politicians of Igbo extraction attended. I saw that party as the beginning of unity amongst Ndigbo. Even if we are not thinking about that, we should all see Ojukwu’s death as the uniting force for all to speak with one voice.

What about his funeral? What do you plan?

Ojukwu’s burial will not be rushed at all. Even though I can’t speak for the family, I know his burial would be one of the best in Africa for any human being that ever lived. Do you know the kind of man we are talking about here? The very articulate, very sensitive, very brave and highly educated nation builder? I can’t describe the funeral until the time comes. MASSOB will play its own part. We have mobilized all formations to be on stand by.