By CHARLES IWUOHA

Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has celebrated the release of 19 of their members who have been in detention since 2006.

The celebration coincided with the 10 years anniversary of the death of Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Eze Igbo Gburugburu).

In a statement, MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu, described Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as the greatest Igbo man that has ever lived.

The statement reads in part: “Dim Chukwuemeka still remains the greatest Nigerian man that ever lived. He laid an unforgettable foundation for enhancement and restoration of true Africanism and total libration of black man from Western domination.

“Ojukwu was the president of Biafra and a General of the People’s Army. He stood for true justice, total freedom and equity for all. We are celebrating a living legend, a symbol of Igboism, the lion that his fear conquers the enemies of his people.

“Today we have gathered to reflect, refresh and revive the consciousness of Ojukwuism in Igboland.

“As we celebrate the legendary of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Eze Igbo Gburugburu), MASSOB celebrates the release of our members from Awka and Onitsha prisons after spending more than 15 years in detention.

“They are; Mrs Onyekachi Orji, Emmanuel Orji, Uche Idikaigbo, Micheal Okezie, Uchenna Nicholas, Peter Igbokwe, Ikechukwu Agbara, Okwudiri Bassey, Chima Asor, Chinweike Irondi, Sabastine Amadi, Casmir Odokara, Ojemba Anyanwu, Eni Kalu, Ndubuisi Okam, Ikechukwu Chikwem, Chukwuma Kalu, Chidiebere Chikwem andMmaduabuchi Asika.

“They have journeyed through the valley of Nigeria’s injustice and inhumanity against the people of Biafra, they were falsely accused and prosecuted by the Nigeria police, abandoned by the judges of Federal High Court and subjected to indescribable tortures, psychological and traumatic pains by the Nigeria Prison officials for the past 15 years.

“These great Biafrans survived and endured the hopeless dungeon until Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Christy Anyanwu intervened on July 2021 after our meeting with them at Enugu.

“MASSOB thanked the most eloquent and fearless Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe that contacted the Eastern Bar during their 2021 Annual Convention in Enugu over the unjust plight of our members.

“We also thank JK Gadzama (SAN) and team of lawyers from Eastern Bar for their unrelenting efforts in securing the release of our members.

“MASSOB appeal for more intervention and extension of hands for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others unjustly detained because of Biafra.”