The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has condemned Igbo political appointees serving in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what it described as their indifference to the life imprisonment sentence handed to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Director of Information, Comrade Edeson Samuel, MASSOB argued that the judgement was “hate-motivated” and targeted not only at Kanu but at the entire Igbo nation, insisting that the IPOB leader symbolizes the collective voice of Ndigbo.
The group expressed disappointment over what it called the “silence and inability” of Igbo appointees in the federal government to speak out or intervene.
MASSOB urged them to leverage their positions and closeness to President Tinubu to push for Kanu’s release. It specifically mentioned Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, describing both as influential figures within the president’s inner circle.
“MASSOB demands that you use your closeness as political appointees, irrespective of your level, to facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
We know that Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Engr. Dave Umahi are not only close to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but also members of his kitchen cabinet. Ndigbo want to see your reactions and moves for his release from Sokoto prison because you represent Ndigbo in this administration,” the statement read.
The group noted that other regions had successfully intervened on behalf of their kinsmen in similar circumstances, citing the cases of Sunday Igboho, Asari Dokubo, and the late Frederick Fasheun.
MASSOB also commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Anglican Bishop of Oji River Diocese, Dr. Ikechukwu Egbonu, for visiting Kanu in Sokoto prison—a gesture it described as a true show of solidarity.
Reiterating its position, MASSOB called on Igbo leaders in government to take active steps toward securing Kanu’s freedom, stressing that they occupy their positions as representatives of the Igbo people.
