User:Comrade Emma N. Nnadi/Referencing sandbox

BIM-MASSOB: is a secessionist movement in Southeast and South-south Geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Associated with Igbo, Ijaw, Ibibio, Efik, Anang, Uhrobo, Isoko nationalism, which supports the recreation of an independent state of Biafra."is a secessionist movement in Southeast and South-south Geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Associated with Igbo, Ijaw, Ibibio, Efik, Anang, Uhrobo, tIsoko nationalism, which supports the recreation of an independent state of"Biafra.

BIM-MASSOB means Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra.

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB ).

Was founded in September 13, 1999 and is led by an Indian -trained lawyer

Ralph Lebeanya Uwazuruike, with headquarters in

Okwe, in the Okigwe district of Imo State.

The MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazuruike said that the decisions to float MASSOB were informed by wide consultation of NdIgbo both in Nigeria and those in the Diaspora.

He told the press that most Igbo leaders had so compromised with  the oppressors that they had  no face to confront  the oppressors of the Igbos in the height of tyranny against Igbos of South East and South-south.

He said that most programmes which were not supported by the masses of Ndigbo could not succeed due to personality clashes bothering on who to lead citing the example of the 1998 Summit in Enugu where Igbo leaders gathered to fashion out an agenda for the 4th republic but which failed to reach a consensus.

Uwazuruike declared that, ‘ MASSOB is the totality of the 30 years of marginalization of NdIgbo in Nigeria’.

He told the press that contrary to the no Victor, no Vanguished’ slogan , and the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation  ruse with which the Federal Military Government Hoodwinked the international community in 1970 , ‘ the real intention of Nigerian government , he said ‘ was to marginalize NdIgbo in perpetuity ‘.

Uwazuruike recalled that Igbo marginalization started in 1970 when many Igbo persons were forced to forfeit  money in their bank accounts with a paltry compensation of 20 pounds to each person, no matter what his credit in the bank was, this according to the MASSOB leader was immediately followed with the abandoned property  policy of the Federal government of Nigeria which he said divested Ndigbo of all their belongings in all parts of Nigeria.

He reasoned that inspite of the fact that the people of South East gave Chief Olusegun Obasanjo 2,307.713 or 70.2 percent of their votes in contrast to the South West ‘s 1,092 or 23.3 percent of their votes, Obasanjo ‘s sworn hatred for NdIgbo , Uwazuruike said , ‘was still manifest in his ministerial appointments’.

Out of 25 Ministers of cabinet rank, the MASSOB leader recalled, Obasanjo gave to the South- West six positions (including the ministry of petroleum Resources which the president himself holds). Obasanjo gave five to the northwest, four to the north east , four to the North Central , four to the southern minorities and three to the South East.

And the three to the South East were of “B’ and  ‘C’ classes, this Uwazuruike  affirmed that ‘ it became absolutely clear that the hatred for NdIgbo in Nigeria is natural and can not be changed by their  patriotism or good statesmanship ‘

He also told the press that it had become clear that the said hatred for 30 years (from 1970- 1999) had no end in sight, saying  Igbos are gradually being turned into slaves in Nigeria’

He further regretted that those who should have protected NdIgbo were rather collaborating with oppressors of Ndigbo and were calling themselves Igbo leaders.

MASSOB’s leaders say it is a peaceful group and advertise a 25-stage plan to achieve its goal peacefully.

There are two arms to the government, the Biafra Government in Exile and Biafra Shadow Government.

The Nigerian government accuses MASSOB of violence; MASSOB’s leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, was arrested in 2005 and detained on treason charges; he was released in 2007. MASSOB also championed the release of oil militant Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, who faced similar charges at the time. In 2009, MASSOB launched “the Biafran International Passport” in response to persistent demand by Biafrans in the diaspora.

Ideology

MASSOB agitates for a Republic of Biafra comprising the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria; though Uwazuruike has stated in interviews that the Niger Deltans “can have their own republic.”  The group’s philosophy is hinged on the principle of non-violence as propagated by

Mahatma Gandhi of India.

Activities

Hoisting of Biafran flags

MASSOB re-hoisted the Biafran Flag and re-declared the defunct Republic of Biafra, at 175 foulk road Aba, Abia state, Nigeria

At its inception, MASSOB concentrated on organizing rallies and peaceful protests which culminated in hoisting Biafran flags at different locations in the South East. In recent years, this practice has been reserved mainly for celebrating key dates and events or in commemoration of dead members.

Protests

MASSOB members embark on protests to protest arrests and killings of its members. In one of these protests, the house of the late Nigerian leader, Nnamdi Azikiwe, was torched. The then Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Col. Joe Achuzie (rtd) exonerated MASSOB from blame and accused the security agents of “carelessness and irresponsibility.”

On August 26, 2004, MASSOB successfully Shutdown Nigeria when they Conducted their first ever ‘sit at home’ protects that when the British journalist asked Obasanjo, the then President of Nigeria of what was happening in Nigeria, he said that Ndigbo are observing their New Yam festival.

Re-introduction of the Biafran currency

In 2005, MASSOB re-introduced the old Biafran currency into circulation. This sparked a lot of excitement at the time especially as one Biafran pound was said to exchange for two hundred and seventy naira at the border communities of Togo and the Republic of Benin.

In his reaction, the then President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, likened the Biafran pounds to a collector’s item and attributed its high exchange value to its relative rarity.

Introduction of the Biafran passport

MASSOB launched the Biafran passport in 2009 as part of the program to celebrate its 10th anniversary. MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, said the introduction of the Biafran passport was in response to persistent demands from Biafrans in diaspora.

Opening of Radio Station

MASSOB opened their first Radio station in the year 2002, called ‘Voice of Biafra International’ (VOBI), in Biafran House, Washington DC, United States of America. Due to the high cost to maintain, MASSOB leader Opened another Radio in London in 2009 called Radio Biafra London (RBI) and appointed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as the director and presenter of the Radio.

Due to the hijack of their London Radio by Nnamdi Kanu, MASSOB, now BIM-MASSOB built another Radio in Germany in 2017 called Voice of Biafra International (VOBI), Germany.

Nigerian government response

Since its inception, MASSOB has continually alleged mass arrests and killings of its members by government forces. According to the group’s sanitation grassroot information spokesperson, Kelechi A Chukwu, the government forces allegedly carries out secret executions of MASSOB members in detention centres and prisons nationwide. In May 2008, the group released a list of 2,020 members alleged to have been killed by security agents since 1999. MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, has been arrested on several occasions and charged with treason. In 2011, Uwazuruike and 280 MASSOB members were arrested in Enugu while attending a function in honour of Ojukwu. Few days later, President Goodluck Jonathan ordered Uwazuruike’s release as well as all other MASSOB members in detention.

In July 2000, MASSOB leader, Uwazuruike was arrested in Lome, Togo for storming the 36th Organization of African Unity (OAU) and was latter released by the Intervention of Muammar al-Gaddafi, the then president of OAU.

On June 2012, the Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria condemned the alleged killing of 16 members of MASSOB by security agencies in Anambra.

In February 2013, MASSOB claimed that several corpses found floating in the Ezu River on the boundary of Enugu and Anambra States were those of its members previously arrested by the police. The group claimed that the police routinely executed MASSOB members without proper trial.

On September 13, 2015 police in Anambra state arrested no fewer than 25 Non-violence MOSSOB members who were marking their 16th anniversary; one MASSOB member was shot. At St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church Okpoko,18 members were arrested and one shot and at Iba Pope Catholic Church, while at Awada, 11 members of MASSOB were arrested. At Awka, two MASSOB were arrested by the police according to the MASSOB former Deputy Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha.

On May 31, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan, a Niger Deltan Ijaw from Bayelsa State and from the South-South geopolitical zone, branded MASSOB to be one of three extremist groups threatening the security of Nigeria. Jonathan declared that “the Nigerian state faces three fundamental security challenges posed by extremist groups like Boko Haram in the North; the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra in the South-East; and the Oodua People’s Congress in the South-West.”

Rehabilitations of Wounded Biafran Soldiers

MASSOB leader built two bedroom flats for the wounded Biafran Soldiers that was abandoned in Orji River in Enugu state by the Federal and state government of Nigeria at Okwe, Okigwe, IMO state and placed their Children on Scholarships.

Formations of BIM

On December 6, 2015, MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazuruike graduated MASSOB to Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) and announced that they are now in Independence time. According to Uwazuruike, he said that after the Independence, BIM will metamorphosed into Biafra Independence Party (BIP).

He declared that MASSOB is now the Youth wing of BIM and said that before you become a member of BIM, you must first of all graduates from MASSOB. He handed MASSOB leadership over to Chief Solomon Oduh Chukwu, an Ikwerre born man, in River state, South-south geopolitical zone. This was as one of the expelled member of MASSOB, the former director of information, Comrade Uchenna Mmadu claimed to have sacked Uwazuruike and appointed himself as the new leader of MASSOB.

On May 22, 2017, BIM-MASSOB celebrated Biafra Independence and announced that they are now a Nation Under Nigeria, just like the Nation of Taiwan, Scotland, Somaliland etc.

On June 22, 2018, BIM leader, Ralph Uwazuruike while reacting to the Judgement by the Federal High court Judge sitting in Owerri, Justice Kemakolam Ojiako sentencing him to one month imprisonment for failing to appear before him, said that “am the Head of state of New Biafra nation and Heads of States do not appear in court because they are covered by immunity. The judge said I should appear before him but I can’t appear before him because I am covered by immunity and besides, I don’t appear before corrupt judges”. BIM leader said.

Formations of Biafra Government

On October 18, 2019, BIM-MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike announced that they will be forming a government by December, called Biafra Internal Government.

On December 30, 2020, Biafra Government was formed and key Officers was appointed to led the New Government.

Chief Solomon O. Chukwu, the former MASSOB leader and an Indigene of Ikwerre in River state, South-south, was appointed to be the President(Eze Obodo) of the New Nation.

Dr Lambert Obikeizu was also appointed as the Prime Minister(Ojeozi Obodo) of the New Nation.

Mazi Michael Ijeomah, the Speaker of the Biafra Parliament.

Honorable Vincent Ilogbenu, the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court and also the Chief Justice of the Biafra Federation.

Others are the Minister of Planning and Strategy, Chief Larry Odinmah, from Delta state.

Minister of Works and Agriculture, Chief Emmanuel Omenka.

Minister of Publicity, Mr. Ezekiel Owagu.

Minister of Health, Dr. Peter Nwewo.

Minister of Welfare,  Mrs. Veginia Ubazuonu.

Minister of Employment, Mrs. Comfort Ogbokiri.

On February 23, 2020, a 28 years old Comrade Emma N. Nnadi was appointed as the assistant to Biafra’s director of information, Elder Chris Mocha and on July 20, 2020, he was upgraded as the Special Assistant to the BIM-MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike on Social Media Matters.

Government activities

On February 1, 2020 to March 25, 2020, the Prime Minister (Ojeozi Obodo), Dr Lambert Obikeizu alongside the Chief Judge of Supreme Court, Hon. Vincent Ilogbenu and the Minister of Planning and Strategy, Chief Larry Odinmah traveled to all the Senatorial Zones in the states that made-up Biafran territory, to institute the state High court and install their Judges. Uwazuruike who is now has now relegated himself to the father of the New Biafra Nation, and has now been acting only on advisory capacity, revealed that all the Senatorial Zones in Biafra land will metamorphosed into States in Biafra Government Structures.

On May 1, 2020 Uwazuruike announced that he has received a letter officially addressed to him, dated April 22, 2020, and signed by the UNPO General Secretary, Mr. Ralph Bunche, through his Foreign Representative, Ikenna Obibi Egeonu that BIM-MASSOB has been admitted as the 46th Member Nation of Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), an international body attached to the United Nations, the European Union and the United States of America.

On July 31st – August 2nd, 2020, Biafra was Officially inducted as full member alongside  Yoruba World Congress (YWC) other three Nations.

On August 21, 2020, A representative from the Northern Nigeria led by the Leader of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Biafra Government in Owerri, and appealed for Cordial relationship between Biafra and Northern Nigeria.

On August 30, 2020, Representatives from the Middle-belt led by the President of Middle-belt Youth Council Mr Emmanuel Zopman, the Middle-belt Media and Strategic Communication Director Amb. Satmak Alex, and the Middle-belt Youth Legal Adviser Barr. Seth Mangreth, also visited the Biafra Headquarters Owerri and apologized to Ndigbo and Biafrans over their role during the 1967 – 1970, Nigeria- Biafra War. And pledged for total Unity between the two entities.

On September 16, 2020, Yoruba World Congress (YWC) and BIM-MASSOB agreed to work together for the actualisation of their sovereignty in Nigeria. YWC, represented by the their leaders, Professor Banjo Akintoye visited BIM-MASSOB headquarters in Owerri, IMO State.

On September 30, 2020 the South south geopolitical zone leaders, led by Alhaji Asari Dokubo the founder of Niger delta People’s Volunteer Force to seek collaboration with BIM-MASSOB at their headquarters in Owerri

https://tribuneonlineng.com/judge-imprisoned-me-because-i-refused-his-n3m-gratification-demand-%E2%80%95uwazuruike-alleges/

https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/threat-of-secession/

https://orientdailynews.com/amp/geopolis/south-east/one-nigeria-project-greatest-injustice-against-ndigbo-uwazuruike/

https://orientdailynews.com/amp/geopolis/south-east/middle-belt-youths-apologise-for-civil-war-action-against-biafra/

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/un-has-admitted-biafra-as-46th-member-of-unpo-uwazurike/

Eze, Ikechukwu (2000) ‘Nigeria: MASSOB Leader to Face Trial in Togo’, Vanguard, 17 July, Available at: https://allafrica.com/stories/200007170330.html.

Heerten, Lasse; Moses, A. Dirk (3 July 2014). “The Nigeria–Biafra war: postcolonial conflict and the question of genocide”.

Journal of Genocide Research. 16 (2–3): 169–203.

Doi: 10.1080/14623528.2014.936700. ISSN 1462-3528.

Estelle Shirbon (2006-07-12).

“Dream of free Biafra revives in southeast Nigeria”. Reuters.

“Biafra News – 04.13.2009”. Archived from the original on 10 October 2010. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

Senan Murray (2007-05-03).

“Reopening Nigeria’s civil war wounds”. BBC. Retrieved

2008-08-15.

“MASSOB launches “Biafran Int’l Passport” to celebrate 10th anniversary – Vanguard News”.

Vanguard News. 2009-06-30. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

“NewsWatchngr”. Retrieved

20 March 2015.

“Zik: Ohanaeze absolves MASSOB from blame, calls for probe”. Nm.onlinenigeria.com. 2005-11-09. Retrieved

2016-01-11.

“NewsWatchngr”. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

“MASSOB launches “Biafran Int’l Passport” to celebrate 10th anniversary – Vanguard News”.

Vanguard News. 2009-06-30. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

Administrator. “Jonathan orders release of Uwazuruike, MASSOB members from detention”. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

Reporter, Our (2013-02-08).

“Ezu River corpses: Victims were our members – MASSOB”. Sunnewsonline.com. Archived from the original on 2013-07-05. Retrieved

2016-01-11.

“Pandemonium as police, MASSOB clash during 16th anniversary service – Vanguard News”. Vanguardngr.com. 2015-09-14. Retrieved

2016-01-11.

“FG may clamped down on MASSOB, OPC”. The Punch. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2013 www.informationanambra.com.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/biafra-uwazuruike-renames-massob/

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/biafra-remains-existing-nation-uwazuruike/

https://m.guardian.ng/news/biafra-realisation-non-negotiable-uwazuruike-insists/

https://unpo.org/article.php?id=22008

https://sunrisenewsng.com/un-admission-of-biafra-into-unpo-has-settles-our-declaration-uwazuruike-insists/

https://orientdailynews.com/amp/geopolis/south-south/dokubo-ssouth-leaders-storm-owerri-for-support-on-niger-delta-republic/

is a secessionist movement in Southeast and South-south Geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Associated with Igbo, Ijaw, Ibibio, Efik, Anang, Uhrobo, tIsoko nationalism, which supports the recreation of an independent state of

Biafra.

BIM-MASSOB means Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra.

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB ).

Was founded in September 13, 1999 and is led by an Indian -trained lawyer

Ralph Lebeanya Uwazuruike, with headquarters in

Okwe, in the Okigwe district of Imo State.

The MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazuruike said that the decisions to float MASSOB were informed by wide consultation of NdIgbo both in Nigeria and those in the Diaspora.

He told the press that most Igbo leaders had so compromised with  the oppressors that they had  no face to confront  the oppressors of the Igbos in the height of tyranny against Igbos of South East and South-south.

He said that most programmes which were not supported by the masses of Ndigbo could not succeed due to personality clashes bothering on who to lead citing the example of the 1998 Summit in Enugu where Igbo leaders gathered to fashion out an agenda for the 4th republic but which failed to reach a consensus.

Uwazuruike declared that, ‘ MASSOB is the totality of the 30 years of marginalization of NdIgbo in Nigeria’.

He told the press that contrary to the no Victor, no Vanguished’ slogan , and the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation  ruse with which the Federal Military Government Hoodwinked the international community in 1970 , ‘ the real intention of Nigerian government , he said ‘ was to marginalize NdIgbo in perpetuity ‘.

Uwazuruike recalled that Igbo marginalization started in 1970 when many Igbo persons were forced to forfeit  money in their bank accounts with a paltry compensation of 20 pounds to each person, no matter what his credit in the bank was, this according to the MASSOB leader was immediately followed with the abandoned property  policy of the Federal government of Nigeria which he said divested Ndigbo of all their belongings in all parts of Nigeria.

He reasoned that inspite of the fact that the people of South East gave Chief Olusegun Obasanjo 2,307.713 or 70.2 percent of their votes in contrast to the South West ‘s 1,092 or 23.3 percent of their votes, Obasanjo ‘s sworn hatred for NdIgbo , Uwazuruike said , ‘was still manifest in his ministerial appointments’.

Out of 25 Ministers of cabinet rank, the MASSOB leader recalled, Obasanjo gave to the South- West six positions (including the ministry of petroleum Resources which the president himself holds). Obasanjo gave five to the northwest, four to the north east , four to the North Central , four to the southern minorities and three to the South East.

And the three to the South East were of “B’ and  ‘C’ classes, this Uwazuruike  affirmed that ‘ it became absolutely clear that the hatred for NdIgbo in Nigeria is natural and can not be changed by their  patriotism or good statesmanship ‘

He also told the press that it had become clear that the said hatred for 30 years (from 1970- 1999) had no end in sight, saying  Igbos are gradually being turned into slaves in Nigeria’

He further regretted that those who should have protected NdIgbo were rather collaborating with oppressors of Ndigbo and were calling themselves Igbo leaders.

MASSOB’s leaders say it is a peaceful group and advertise a 25-stage plan to achieve its goal peacefully.

There are two arms to the government, the Biafra Government in Exile and Biafra Shadow Government.

The Nigerian government accuses MASSOB of violence; MASSOB’s leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, was arrested in 2005 and detained on treason charges; he was released in 2007. MASSOB also championed the release of oil militant Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, who faced similar charges at the time. In 2009, MASSOB launched “the Biafran International Passport” in response to persistent demand by Biafrans in the diaspora.

Ideology

MASSOB agitates for a Republic of Biafra comprising the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria; though Uwazuruike has stated in interviews that the Niger Deltans “can have their own republic.”  The group’s philosophy is hinged on the principle of non-violence as propagated by

Mahatma Gandhi of India.

Activities

Hoisting of Biafran flags

MASSOB re-hoisted the Biafran Flag and re-declared the defunct Republic of Biafra, at 175 foulk road Aba, Abia state, Nigeria

At its inception, MASSOB concentrated on organizing rallies and peaceful protests which culminated in hoisting Biafran flags at different locations in the South East. In recent years, this practice has been reserved mainly for celebrating key dates and events or in commemoration of dead members.

Protests

MASSOB members embark on protests to protest arrests and killings of its members. In one of these protests, the house of the late Nigerian leader, Nnamdi Azikiwe, was torched. The then Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Col. Joe Achuzie (rtd) exonerated MASSOB from blame and accused the security agents of “carelessness and irresponsibility.”

On August 26, 2004, MASSOB successfully Shutdown Nigeria when they Conducted their first ever ‘sit at home’ protects that when the British journalist asked Obasanjo, the then President of Nigeria of what was happening in Nigeria, he said that Ndigbo are observing their New Yam festival.

Re-introduction of the Biafran currency

In 2005, MASSOB re-introduced the old Biafran currency into circulation. This sparked a lot of excitement at the time especially as one Biafran pound was said to exchange for two hundred and seventy naira at the border communities of Togo and the Republic of Benin.

In his reaction, the then President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, likened the Biafran pounds to a collector’s item and attributed its high exchange value to its relative rarity.

Introduction of the Biafran passport

MASSOB launched the Biafran passport in 2009 as part of the program to celebrate its 10th anniversary. MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, said the introduction of the Biafran passport was in response to persistent demands from Biafrans in diaspora.

Opening of Radio Station

MASSOB opened their first Radio station in the year 2002, called ‘Voice of Biafra International’ (VOBI), in Biafran House, Washington DC, United States of America. Due to the high cost to maintain, MASSOB leader Opened another Radio in London in 2009 called Radio Biafra London (RBI) and appointed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as the director and presenter of the Radio.

Due to the hijack of their London Radio by Nnamdi Kanu, MASSOB, now BIM-MASSOB built another Radio in Germany in 2017 called Voice of Biafra International (VOBI), Germany.

Nigerian government response

Since its inception, MASSOB has continually alleged mass arrests and killings of its members by government forces. According to the group’s sanitation grassroot information spokesperson, Kelechi A Chukwu, the government forces allegedly carries out secret executions of MASSOB members in detention centres and prisons nationwide. In May 2008, the group released a list of 2,020 members alleged to have been killed by security agents since 1999. MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, has been arrested on several occasions and charged with treason. In 2011, Uwazuruike and 280 MASSOB members were arrested in Enugu while attending a function in honour of Ojukwu. Few days later, President Goodluck Jonathan ordered Uwazuruike’s release as well as all other MASSOB members in detention.

In July 2000, MASSOB leader, Uwazuruike was arrested in Lome, Togo for storming the 36th Organization of African Unity (OAU) and was latter released by the Intervention of Muammar al-Gaddafi, the then president of OAU.

On June 2012, the Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria condemned the alleged killing of 16 members of MASSOB by security agencies in Anambra.

In February 2013, MASSOB claimed that several corpses found floating in the Ezu River on the boundary of Enugu and Anambra States were those of its members previously arrested by the police. The group claimed that the police routinely executed MASSOB members without proper trial.

On September 13, 2015 police in Anambra state arrested no fewer than 25 Non-violence MOSSOB members who were marking their 16th anniversary; one MASSOB member was shot. At St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church Okpoko,18 members were arrested and one shot and at Iba Pope Catholic Church, while at Awada, 11 members of MASSOB were arrested. At Awka, two MASSOB were arrested by the police according to the MASSOB former Deputy Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha.

On May 31, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan, a Niger Deltan Ijaw from Bayelsa State and from the South-South geopolitical zone, branded MASSOB to be one of three extremist groups threatening the security of Nigeria. Jonathan declared that “the Nigerian state faces three fundamental security challenges posed by extremist groups like Boko Haram in the North; the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra in the South-East; and the Oodua People’s Congress in the South-West.”

Rehabilitations of Wounded Biafran Soldiers

MASSOB leader built two bedroom flats for the wounded Biafran Soldiers that was abandoned in Orji River in Enugu state by the Federal and state government of Nigeria at Okwe, Okigwe, IMO state and placed their Children on Scholarships.

Formations of BIM

On December 6, 2015, MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazuruike graduated MASSOB to Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) and announced that they are now in Independence time. According to Uwazuruike, he said that after the Independence, BIM will metamorphosed into Biafra Independence Party (BIP).

He declared that MASSOB is now the Youth wing of BIM and said that before you become a member of BIM, you must first of all graduates from MASSOB. He handed MASSOB leadership over to Chief Solomon Oduh Chukwu, an Ikwerre born man, in River state, South-south geopolitical zone. This was as one of the expelled member of MASSOB, the former director of information, Comrade Uchenna Mmadu claimed to have sacked Uwazuruike and appointed himself as the new leader of MASSOB.

On May 22, 2017, BIM-MASSOB celebrated Biafra Independence and announced that they are now a Nation Under Nigeria, just like the Nation of Taiwan, Scotland, Somaliland etc.

On June 22, 2018, BIM leader, Ralph Uwazuruike while reacting to the Judgement by the Federal High court Judge sitting in Owerri, Justice Kemakolam Ojiako sentencing him to one month imprisonment for failing to appear before him, said that “am the Head of state of New Biafra nation and Heads of States do not appear in court because they are covered by immunity. The judge said I should appear before him but I can’t appear before him because I am covered by immunity and besides, I don’t appear before corrupt judges”. BIM leader said.

Formations of Biafra Government

On October 18, 2019, BIM-MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike announced that they will be forming a government by December, called Biafra Internal Government.

On December 30, 2020, Biafra Government was formed and key Officers was appointed to led the New Government.

Chief Solomon O. Chukwu, the former MASSOB leader and an Indigene of Ikwerre in River state, South-south, was appointed to be the President(Eze Obodo) of the New Nation.

Dr Lambert Obikeizu was also appointed as the Prime Minister(Ojeozi Obodo) of the New Nation.

Mazi Michael Ijeomah, the Speaker of the Biafra Parliament.

Honorable Vincent Ilogbenu, the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court and also the Chief Justice of the Biafra Federation.

Others are the Minister of Planning and Strategy, Chief Larry Odinmah, from Delta state.

Minister of Works and Agriculture, Chief Emmanuel Omenka.

Minister of Publicity, Mr. Ezekiel Owagu.

Minister of Health, Dr. Peter Nwewo.

Minister of Welfare,  Mrs. Veginia Ubazuonu.

Minister of Employment, Mrs. Comfort Ogbokiri.

On February 23, 2020, a 28 years old Comrade Emma N. Nnadi was appointed as the assistant to Biafra’s director of information, Elder Chris Mocha and on July 20, 2020, he was upgraded as the Special Assistant to the BIM-MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike on Social Media Matters.

Government activities

On February 1, 2020 to March 25, 2020, the Prime Minister (Ojeozi Obodo), Dr Lambert Obikeizu alongside the Chief Judge of Supreme Court, Hon. Vincent Ilogbenu and the Minister of Planning and Strategy, Chief Larry Odinmah traveled to all the Senatorial Zones in the states that made-up Biafran territory, to institute the state High court and install their Judges. Uwazuruike who is now has now relegated himself to the father of the New Biafra Nation, and has now been acting only on advisory capacity, revealed that all the Senatorial Zones in Biafra land will metamorphosed into States in Biafra Government Structures.

On May 1, 2020 Uwazuruike announced that he has received a letter officially addressed to him, dated April 22, 2020, and signed by the UNPO General Secretary, Mr. Ralph Bunche, through his Foreign Representative, Ikenna Obibi Egeonu that BIM-MASSOB has been admitted as the 46th Member Nation of Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), an international body attached to the United Nations, the European Union and the United States of America.

On July 31st – August 2nd, 2020, Biafra was Officially inducted as full member alongside  Yoruba World Congress (YWC) other three Nations.

On August 21, 2020, A representative from the Northern Nigeria led by the Leader of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Biafra Government in Owerri, and appealed for Cordial relationship between Biafra and Northern Nigeria.

On August 30, 2020, Representatives from the Middle-belt led by the President of Middle-belt Youth Council Mr Emmanuel Zopman, the Middle-belt Media and Strategic Communication Director Amb. Satmak Alex, and the Middle-belt Youth Legal Adviser Barr. Seth Mangreth, also visited the Biafra Headquarters Owerri and apologized to Ndigbo and Biafrans over their role during the 1967 – 1970, Nigeria- Biafra War. And pledged for total Unity between the two entities.

On September 16, 2020, Yoruba World Congress (YWC) and BIM-MASSOB agreed to work together for the actualisation of their sovereignty in Nigeria. YWC, represented by the their leaders, Professor Banjo Akintoye visited BIM-MASSOB headquarters in Owerri, IMO State.

On September 30, 2020 the South south geopolitical zone leaders, led by Alhaji Asari Dokubo the founder of Niger delta People’s Volunteer Force to seek collaboration with BIM-MASSOB at their headquarters in Owerri

https://tribuneonlineng.com/judge-imprisoned-me-because-i-refused-his-n3m-gratification-demand-%E2%80%95uwazuruike-alleges/

https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/threat-of-secession/

https://orientdailynews.com/amp/geopolis/south-east/one-nigeria-project-greatest-injustice-against-ndigbo-uwazuruike/

https://orientdailynews.com/amp/geopolis/south-east/middle-belt-youths-apologise-for-civil-war-action-against-biafra/

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/un-has-admitted-biafra-as-46th-member-of-unpo-uwazurike/

Eze, Ikechukwu (2000) ‘Nigeria: MASSOB Leader to Face Trial in Togo’, Vanguard, 17 July, Available at: https://allafrica.com/stories/200007170330.html.

Heerten, Lasse; Moses, A. Dirk (3 July 2014). “The Nigeria–Biafra war: postcolonial conflict and the question of genocide”.

Journal of Genocide Research. 16 (2–3): 169–203.

Doi: 10.1080/14623528.2014.936700. ISSN 1462-3528.

Estelle Shirbon (2006-07-12).

“Dream of free Biafra revives in southeast Nigeria”. Reuters.

“Biafra News – 04.13.2009”. Archived from the original on 10 October 2010. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

Senan Murray (2007-05-03).

“Reopening Nigeria’s civil war wounds”. BBC. Retrieved

2008-08-15.

“MASSOB launches “Biafran Int’l Passport” to celebrate 10th anniversary – Vanguard News”.

Vanguard News. 2009-06-30. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

“NewsWatchngr”. Retrieved

20 March 2015.

“Zik: Ohanaeze absolves MASSOB from blame, calls for probe”. Nm.onlinenigeria.com. 2005-11-09. Retrieved

2016-01-11.

“NewsWatchngr”. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

“MASSOB launches “Biafran Int’l Passport” to celebrate 10th anniversary – Vanguard News”.

Vanguard News. 2009-06-30. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

Administrator. “Jonathan orders release of Uwazuruike, MASSOB members from detention”. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

Reporter, Our (2013-02-08).

“Ezu River corpses: Victims were our members – MASSOB”. Sunnewsonline.com. Archived from the original on 2013-07-05. Retrieved

2016-01-11.

“Pandemonium as police, MASSOB clash during 16th anniversary service – Vanguard News”. Vanguardngr.com. 2015-09-14. Retrieved

2016-01-11.

“FG may clamped down on MASSOB, OPC”. The Punch. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2013 www.informationanambra.com.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/biafra-uwazuruike-renames-massob/

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/biafra-remains-existing-nation-uwazuruike/

https://m.guardian.ng/news/biafra-realisation-non-negotiable-uwazuruike-insists/

https://unpo.org/article.php?id=22008

https://sunrisenewsng.com/un-admission-of-biafra-into-unpo-has-settles-our-declaration-uwazuruike-insists/

https://orientdailynews.com/amp/geopolis/south-south/dokubo-ssouth-leaders-storm-owerri-for-support-on-niger-delta-republic/