MASSOB expels Uwazuruike, appoints new leader

The leadership crisis rocking the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereignty State of Biafra (MASSOB) has taken a new dimension as the group on Monday expelled its leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, over alleged corruption and deceit. This is even as members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has warned traders across markets in Aba, Abia State not to open for business today (Tuesday) as they continue their protest calling for the release of the detained leader of the IPOB and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

It was gathered that IPOB members visited Ariaria International, Ngwa road, Cemetery and Ekeoha markets with public address system announcing to the traders to shut their shops. Meanwhile, announcing the expulsion of Uwazuruike, MASSOB alleged that since 1999 to 2014, members of the separatist group had contributed over N300 million cash to his account and N200 million also allegedly paid into Zenith Bank Accounts of Confidence Uwazuruike. According to them, the MASSOB leader bought houses in various locations in Owerri, the Imo State capital, as well as 28 plots being part of money contributed by MASSOB members. The group also further alleged that MASSOB members had contributed over N4 billion since its inception 16 years ago which the group alleged that Uwazuruike has converted into personal use.

In a communiqué read by newly elected National Secretary, Mr. Ugwuoke Ibem Ugwoke, at Okigwe, the MASSOB headquarters, the group said the vote of no confidence and total rejection has been passed on Uwazuruike and his leadership of MASSOB. Ugwuoke said Uwazuruike’s inability to maintain Ojukwu’s dream of Biafra Actualisation, deviation into mainstream of Nigeria politics, abandonment of Biafra struggle, using the struggle to enrich himself were some of the reasons for his expulsion from MASSOB.

He said: “The introduction of Biafra International passport was a gross and dubious means he generated about N100 million to himself. The existence of the passport without Biafra sovereignty is illegal, as many who attempted using them were landed into trouble. Today, this passport is useless to thousands of holders even Uwazuruike does not see it”. The MASSOB National Secretary noted that Uwazuruike had continued to romance with some enemies of Ndigbo which posed serious danger to the actualization of Biafra.

Source: http://dailytimes.com.ng/massob-expels-uwazuruike-appoints-new-leader/

Posted by Ike Onwubuya