The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign States of Biafra, MASSOB, on Monday advised Igbos against adhering to the sit-at-home order issued by fellow pro-Biafra group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on May 30, a day it has scheduled to mark Biafra day, saying the group was sabotaging the agitation for self-determination.
Addressing journalists in Aba, MASSOB Director of Arts and Culture, Abia zone, Reuben Ekpem alongside MASSOB’s Director, Conflict/ Reconciliation, Obed Chiedozie and Director of Information, George Ejiofor, said IPOB’s directive to Biafra people to sit at home on May 30, is an indication that the group is determine to inflict more pains on Ndigbo.
Ekpem insisted that the order indicated that IPOB knows nothing about the struggle for the actualization of Biafra.
He said, “IPOB knows little or nothing about Biafra. Biafra day is May 22, not May 30. For IPOB to declare May 30, the day Biafra was declared by Ojukwu, as at home day for Biafra implies that they do not know the history of Biafra.
“We have been on the struggle till 1999 till date. IPOB should stop using propaganda and inquire from Uwazuruike about the details of the Biafra struggle.
“MASSOB encourages Biafra people to come out on May 22 to celebrate the new Biafra which Chief Ralph Uwazuruike launched in Aba on May 22, 2000. They should ignore IPOB’s sit at home order.
“There will be no closure of markets, school or banks and other business centres. Unlike IPOB, we cannot be seen to be inflicting pains on the same people we seek to liberate.
“It is a day of independence, a day of joy; not sit at home. Biafra people are free to come out to celebrate and enjoy.
”From 23rd to 29th May, it is celebration while 30th May will feature inter-zonal football matches. You have seen the programmes lined up, why will IPOB seek to confine our people to sit at home and mourn when they should be celebrating? IPOB is sabotaging Biafra. We urge Biafra people not to be deceived by IPOB’s propaganda.”