Reps to investigate IPOB MASSOB killings

Reps to investigate IPOB, MASSOB killings 

— 3rd June 2016

From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja, Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha and Chuks Eze

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Human Rights, National Security and Intelligence to investigate alleged killing of protesting members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) by security personnel. 

This was subsequent to the adoption of a motion raised under matters of urgent public importance, sponsored by Deputy House Minority Leader, Chukwuka Onyema (PDP-Anambra). 

The House also observed a moment  silence in honour of the dead. 

On Tuesday, May 31, IPOB and MASSOB members staged protests in Anambra, Rivers, Delta and Abia states, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Biafra. But, the protests turned bloody as protesters clashed with members of the security personnel leading to the death of some protesters and policemen. The House condemned what it described as an increase in the spate of extra judicial killings by security agencies in Nigeria, noting that the rule of law and respect for rights of citizens are cardinal ingredients for the survival of democracy. 

The committees have two weeks to report back to the House for further legislative action. 

Meanwhile, the Spiritual Director of Biafran Movement, Evangelist Ndubuisi Igwekani said God has endorsed the actualisation of Biafran state and no amount of killings, intimidation, and incarceration will stop it. He noted Biafra State had been concluded in the spiritual realm  and must come to pass whether the Nigeria government likes or not, saying that it has been revealed to him and many other clergymen that in no distant time it will be declared.

Igwekani spoke with Daily Sun yesterday in Onitsha and condemned Monday’s killings of members of IPOB by security agents in Anambra and other states.

Also, former member of the House of Representatives, Chief USA Igwesi has condemned killing of some youths protesting in some states in the South East and South South on Biafra Day. Igwesi, in a statement, said Nigerians, especially the youths, now die faster than animals and called for caution and restraint by security agents in confronting protesters who engage in peaceful demonstrations.

He observed that the way Nigerian youths were being killed at the slightest demonstration suggests total lack of respect and value for human lives and implored security agents to always learn to use intelligence and caution in dealing with such situations.

Igwesi decried the use of force and dangerous weapons in dousing riots in the country.

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…As group praises Fayose for support      

•Biafra must be realised –MASSOB, BIM

From Chuks Onuoha, Umuahia

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged South East governors and politicians to emulate Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State for his support and being outspoken against the killing of Biafran agitators. IPOB said it has high esteem for Fayose, who has shown that he is the only detribalised politician after the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

    “We are telling the people of Ekiti that they have a son in whom the Biafrans and IPOB and other Biafra agitators are well pleased. 

Meanwhile, Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) have said  the huge success recorded in this year’s anniversary  in Abia North  and other parts of the country is an indication that Biafra  must succeed.

Zonal leader of BIM and MASSOB  in Abia North Senatorial Zone, Pastor Evan I. Okoronkwo stated this in Umuahia while speaking to Daily Sun on the huge success archived during the celebration.

He said   thousands of Biafra faithful turned out to mark the annual Biafran Independence anniversary day, a programme they hold every  May 30, a sign that shows there is light at the end of the tunnel  as far as the Biafran struggle is concerned.

“Biafran people, both young and old trooped out in their thousands, defying the threats of security agencies to march along the major Arochukwu Road, within Arochukwu Local Government Area headquarters, chanting praises to God for giving them victory over powers of darkness  in the face of stiff opposition.”

Okoronkwo described the exercise as one ordained, stating that as God did not disappoint Joshua during the Israelite’s struggle, God would not disappoint Chief Uwazuruike, who started this struggle.

A member of Biafran Elders Council in the zone, Dr Egwu Arua  commended Uwazuruike for standing out to liberate Ndigbo from slavery.

He described Uwazuruike as a man of their own time and thanked God for sustaining the struggle so far.