The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, on Tuesday insisted that the 2023 general elections must hold in the Southeast region.
After their meeting in Enugu state, MASSOB issued this declaration to newsmen in Owerri, which was signed by the National Director of Information, Comrade Samuel Edeson.
The pro-Biafra group stated that it has decided, among other things, to support the holding of elections in Igboland because it recognizes the importance and utility of political and economic power.
MASSOB, on the other hand, urged those opposed to the election to stay at home on election day, allowing those who wanted to participate to do so.
However, the group stated that they remain committed to the non-violent realization of Biafra as a sovereign state.
“The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) after our National executive council meeting presided over by our servant leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu at MASSOB National Secretariat in Awgu, Enugu state,” according to MASSOB.
“The meeting which was attended by all the state, zonal and LGA coordinators including the National Directors have unanimously reaffirmed our earlier position on the 2023 general elections.
“MASSOB agreed and declared as follows:- That after more insightful and intensive deliberations on the current affairs of Nigeria state and the future plight of the people of Biafra, MASSOB reaffirmed our primary and vowed goal of actualising Biafra through the principles of non-violence and international diplomacy in collaboration and brotherhood with other progressive pro-Biafra groups.
“MASSOB has realized that Biafrans cannot impose our desired interests on the people of Nigeria by force. Moreover, there is no such thing as a free press in Nigeria.
“MASSOB in the wisdom of internationally recognized freedom of political participation and exercises, we declared that this year general elections in Nigeria state will not be stopped or boycotted in Biafra land. The people of Nigeria’s southeast are free to participate in the country’s electoral processes because our political space must be filled. MASSOB has given INEC permission to hold elections in Biafra land.
“MASSOB has agreed to allow INEC to conduct elections in Biafra land for our people who still believe in the Nigerian state,” said the statement. MASSOB advised that other pro-Biafra groups planning to boycott the elections have the right to remain at home on election days. Governance is not allowed to breed anarchy and public betrayals.
“Having also realized the importance of political and economic powers and their utility for the actualization and restoration of Biafra’s self-determination, MASSOB declares that Ndigbo will massively participate in the 2023 presidential and legislatures elections to elect credible, selfless, and progressive persons to represent southeast political interests.”
“That the thorough and holistic examination of all candidates for 32senatorial, House of Representatives and governors in Igbo land including the presidential candidates is still under investigation by MASSOB to ascertain the most credible, competent, uncorrupt and eloquent candidates irrespective of their political parties for endorsement.
“That Nigeria elections will come and go irrespective of whoever wins in both national and state elections. MASSOB insisted that despite internal and external distractions, it must continue with Biafra project implementation.
