By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has declared that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was only crowned arrowhead of the Biafra struggle, not the ‘Supreme Leader, hence should not be referred to as one.

The statement is coming on the heels of a renewed disagreement between MASSOB and IPOB.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Uchenna Madu-led MASSOB and signed by its Spokesman, Comrade Edison Samuel, the organization expressed concern over the internal crisis within IPOB

It described the public exchange of accusations among its members as damaging to the Biafra struggle.

The statement partly reads: “The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), under the leadership of Comrade Uchenna Madu, has cautioned our sister organization, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to stop this public display of internal rancour and misunderstanding.

“Ordinarily, MASSOB would not interfere in the internal affairs of another organization. However, because the Biafra struggle is involved, we cannot remain silent.”

The disagreement appears to have exposed fresh cracks within the pro-Biafra movement, which has pursued the actualization of an independent Biafran state for more than 24 years.

The dispute over the use of the title has further heightened tensions between the two separatist groups.

The group warned that the ongoing exchanges of accusations and counter-accusations were detrimental to the collective objective of achieving Biafra’s self-determination.

It added: “Your attacks and counter-attacks, allegations and counter-allegations are neither useful nor healthy for the struggle for the actualization and restoration of Biafra.

“IPOB, like MASSOB, is a household name committed to serving the people of Biafra. Therefore, stop insulting and tarnishing its image.”

While urging IPOB’s leadership to embrace peace and resolve its internal differences amicably, MASSOB added, “We call for peace, unity, and mutual understanding among the leadership of IPOB.

“As one family pursuing the same cause, sheath your swords and work towards the peaceful resolution of all internal disagreements.

“We wish to reiterate our position on the leadership of the Biafra nation. There is no official leadership title or designation known as ‘Supreme Leader’ in Biafraland.”

According to MASSOB, the word “Supreme” is an attribute that belongs solely to God Almighty.

“The title ‘Supreme’ is an attribute that belongs only to God Almighty. Any attempt to assume or accept the title of ‘Supreme Leader’ amounts to a direct challenge to the supremacy of God Almighty.

“It will be recalled that on June 29, 2017, pro-Biafra organizations under the umbrella of the Biafra People National Council (BPNC), with MASSOB as a participant, declared Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the arrowhead of the Biafra struggle. We did not crown him the ‘Supreme Leader,” MASSOB said.

Reaffirming its position on the leadership structure of the Biafra movement, MASSOB maintained that no individual bears the title of “Supreme Leader.