The declaration of civil disobedience of the Nigerian government, called by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to protest alleged marginalisation of Igbos, appeared this morning to have deeply taken root, if reports reaching PMNews from all parts of Eastern Nigeria are anything to go by.
The Ralph Uwazuruike-led MASSOB had urged "Biafrans" to stay indoors today to demonstrate "their anger in the face of intimidation, marginalisation and occupation of the Biafran territory by Nigeria for 37 years." PMNews correspondent in Port Harcourt reports that there was considerable response to the MASSOB directive in the city, as residents stayed indoors, while major markets in the city remained shut to business. Traffic was unusually light on the streets of the Garden City.
The Ikoku Spare Parts Market, the largest in the city, the Ojoto second-hard tyres market, as well as markets located along Ikwere Road, were shut by traders who preferred to stay indoors to monitor events. Importers of generating sets along Mile 3, as well as Mouka Foam dealers in Emenike also closed shop.
From Mile One to Rumuokuta, Waterline and Olu Obasanjo road, traffic was unusually light, as all the electronic shops in Mile 3 and Mile 1 areas of the city were closed.
Reports from Enugu, Awka (Anambra) Abakaliki (Ebonyi) Owerri (Imo) Aba (Abia) revealed that majority of Igbo traders in the towns complied with the MASSOB directive.
The largest market in Enugu, the Ogbete Main Market, was closed. There was, indeed no sign of trading activities there.
All the shops in Obiagwu Road, one of the busiest roads in Enugu, were closed. The situation was the same in New Haven and Edinburg roads.
Trading activities at many suburban markets in Abakpa-Nike and Emene were also suspended.
P.M.News gathered that there was a high degree of mobilisation by MASSOB. The leaders were sighted on okada with megaphones yesterday going round the city and appealing to residents to stay at home. Some of them, armed with pistols, were also seen on the streets this morning monitoring compliance and warning stubborn traders to close shop and go home.
Most civil servants could not go to work, as there were no vehicles on the roads.
Some policemen were also seen at some road intersections, but they made no attempt to stop MASSOB men going round the city.
In Anambra, Eke-Awka, the largest market in the state, was also shut. MASSOB members, it was learnt, held a meeting with the leaders of the market yesterday, where it was agreed that there would be no trading today.
Commercial motorcyclists who operated in the morning had, by noon, stopped operation.
All motor parks in the state were also deserted. Residents were seen gathering in groups discussing Biafra.
The largest market in Onitsha, Onitsha Main Market, was also shut. So were the bridgehead and Onitsha Relief markets.
Fierce-looking mobile policemen were seen at some check points in Onitsha and Awka, but they did not arrest anybody.
In Ebonyi, most markets were also shut, while motor parks were deserted. The state Commissioner of Police, PM News noted, had been calling on residents to disregard the MASSOB directive.
_____________________________________ Title edited (letter "s" removed).
___________________ He likened the second coming of Christ to the realisation of the Biafran dream, stating that at a time people least expect, the much sought Biafra would be a reality..Rev. Fr. Cornelius Ezeiloaku Posts: 622 | From: santiago, chile | Registered: Jan 2002
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Biafrans answered the call and all attempts to intimidate the people by the Obasanjo police failed. Where were all the emergency Igbo organizations set up by the Abuja efulefus to sabotage MASSOB ?
[ August 27, 2004, 05:34 AM: Message edited by: chiboy ]
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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I made the call to Biafranigeria per your suggestion. My brother-in-law who resides in Lagos confirmed what you stated above.
He told me that the sit-in was more widespread than the media would ever let the masses and outside world know. He further comfirmed that there were attempts by the Ape of a man Obasanjo to use the police to intimidate people but it failed to scare anyone.
I know the Biafranigeria media will attempt to down play the extent and the effectiveness of this protest however, my brother-in-law warned me to disregard any such news as yoruba propaganda.
I'm really happy that Massob is stepping up the pressure on the Biafranigeria govt. of Obasanjo. We do need more of this kind of protest to call the attention of the world to the unhumane treatment and killing of Igbo in that death country nigeria.
I was just awakened by phone calls from MASSOB members in Onitsha. Even they could not believe how successful the Stay at Home Campaign turned out. They will post the reports directly in the Biafrans Only forums at Biafra Net.
MASSOB's field operators indicate that the protest was a massive success throughout Igboland and Biafra. Even the Ngwati press is confirming it. The protest was equally successful in other parts of BiafraNigeria.
One thing is certain; the organized Igbo efulefu represented by WIC and Ohanaeze should read the handwriting on the wall. Ohanaeze and WIC are agencies of the Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba; they speak to the Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba, not for Nd'Igbo or Biafrans.
___________________ No Biafran will be permitted to play Mother Theresa to the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani, but play Osama Bin Laden to the Igbo or Biafrans! Posts: 1182 | Registered: Mar 2001
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A friend just called and told me that Achike udenwa was at the 32 Field artilary Brigade in obinze Owerri as Owerri ground to a complete halt.
congrats to all our steadfast comrades in the struggle.
___________________ Awo's political idea was based on the assumption that any town beyond Owo was Igbo or Hausa. Awo was not socialised; he was not a good mixer because he did not have the opportunity, which the secondary school offered. ~TOS Benson, Baba Oba of Lagos Posts: 2644 | From: United Kingdom | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
I read a chain email forwarded by Okenwa Nwosu about Igbo Youths disowning MASSOB:
quote: A group known as the Igbo Youth Consultative Assembly (IYCA) has >described Chief Ralph Uwazurike, the leader of the Movement for the >Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) as an >embarrassment to the Igbo race particularly at the time when the Igbos >are seeking to produce the next president of Nigeria.
Before that, there was another email also forwarded by Okenwa Nwosu from a man who visited Igboland and found Biafran flag flying. Okenwa's man from America was allegedly annoyed and so was his taxi driver.
I merely note that unrecognisable Igbo groups crop up at the very crucial times and disappear afterwards. This is not the case with MASSOB.
The likes of WIC and Okenwa Nwosu should probably wake up and face the reality that majority of Igbos don't want Nigeria.
Posts: 621 | Registered: Mar 2001
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Your point is noted. However, in Port Harcourt, 99.9% of the population is Igbo. The government is Igbo, the environment is Igbo etc. PH is MASSOB territory. So the presentetion of the report is consciously skewed to present the Igbo as settlers found only in parts of the city in the same way as Warri or Jos. Now that is a piece of rubbish.
The fact is this: Port Harcourt is the Igbo city that has the oil business which the Yoruba covet. The only way they feel secure enough in PH is to pretend that the city is not Igbo and this is the underlying tone of their reports.
Also notice that since MASSOB has successfuly staged the Biafran Day Holiday, the Mgbati press have taken the issue out of their headlines. Those people are very cunning but cunny man die, cunny man burry am. Read the reports by other Yoruba newspapers and draw your own conclusions.
Mz Ani
___________________ achieve Biafra and show the difference Posts: 642 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
Again Orji Kalu have choose to be on the wrong side, just like he apologized for something he knew nothing about. Today Biafrans have spoken loud and clear. As for Efulefus like Okenwa Nwosu and his rented youths. Their credibility is now zero since umigbo have spoken. People Remember that Biafra actualization stated barely 3 years ago, The Ape Obasanjo better get it through his thick skull that this for real and we are not going anywhere until we get Biafra.
posted
Yeye people! Na wetin be " Biafrans stops Nigeria" ? Na so una go dey blow bad grama for Biafra? If una no want sell una second-hand goods from Taiwan, make una pack una shop and comot for Lagos. Me sef, I wan make una dey shut down every day. That one be una problem. Hahaha! Posts: 213 | Registered: May 2001
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posted
Once again, we have seen that MASSOB is at its best when it keeps its distance from 419 groups such as Oguchi Nkwocha's BF and the crooks that lead it. The bad fortune of Uwazuruike began in 2001, when MASSOB got itself entangled with BF and the fake "Biafra House/Embassy scam." Not too long ago, Uwazuruike dissociated MASSOB from BF. That was the only reason that yesterday's success was possible. We certainly don't want MASSOB to become entangled in the type of IRS tax evasion problems that will eventually plague BF.
Up MASSOB!
Down BF and Nigeria.
Posts: 113 | From: USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
The most remarkable thing about the "Freedom/Biafra Day" was that practically no violence was observed in the East. It is very essential that Igbo/Biafra masses are not turned against any Igbo/Biafra Organization such as MASSOB.
I read that MASSOB members convinced many traders by communicating with them. It was the right move. It also shows that we can integrate as many people as possible if we are tolerant enough and most important respect their right to divergent views. To proceed with any Igbo/Biafra project, what we need is the support of majority of Nd'Igbo/Biafrans and not 100% of the population.
The above remark applies equally to Okenwa Nwosu's posting. We shoulld be able to accommodate divergent opinions. It is democratic and the only way of not turning ala Igbo/Biafra into another Somalia. If we want to comment on e-mails such as Dr Nwosu's, we better use the same channel as his initial post, to enable him eventually correct any misunderstandings.
___________________ 1) Everything you can imagine is real->Picasso
2) They taught you the praises of their God, and these hosannas, when tuned into your sorrows, gave you the hope of a better world to come-->Patrice Lumumba Posts: 379 | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
More grease to their elbows. May the spirits of all compatriots who fell in that unfortunate war continue to provide needed filip and soft landing for this quest for the Nigerian Government to do the right thing. I also take this opportunity to wish the Kenule Saro Wiwas and Arthur Pepples of that unfortunate contraption; success in their fight for equality in the polity. May all the hatred come to an end, and when eventually a Biafran Republic is born, May He grant their leaders the equanimity to realize that a strong forest does not a tree make. And when the proud tribe of Yoruba eventually find their peace, away from all the unwarranted attacks from the freedom fighters, may we all live long to enjoy the fruits of our labor, may we all continue to exist both as competitors, compatriots, and good neighbors. This is of course a good beginning in the molds of the Yoruba nation`s continued quest for equal treatment of all peoples.
quote: It was the right move. It also shows that we can integrate as many people as possible if we are tolerant enough and most important respect their right to divergent views .....Sylva
posted
I am simply overjoyed by this news. I personally got in contact with acquaintances in Lagos, Nnewi, Onitsha and Aba and they confirmed that the stay-at-home protest was a massive success. Imagine that towns like Onitsha or Nnewi, perennially bustling with activity as they always are, (if you have been to these towns before you would appreciate what I am saying), heeded MASSOB’s call for a non-violent, stay-at-home protest. Earlier on, in one of our discussions here, I spoke of a grassroots campaign to sensitize our people and I am glad that such sensitization campaigns have yielded (and are yielding) some positive results judging by the fact that Igbos spoke thunderously in unison on this matter of profound import.
Folks, we have seen how that MASSOB has repeatedly maintained a personal code of non-violence in pursuing these august goals. One can only hope therefore, that over the course of the next few months, we SHALL NOT be privy to news coming from the dungeon of lawlessness called Nigeria, to the effect that these hitherto peaceful MASSOB activities have mysteriously drawn the umbrage and histrionics of that most intemperate Nigerian potentate warranting the usual form of police brutality and intimidation that we are all too familiar with. What other proof do folks need who constantly hide behind self-imposed curtains to perpetuate a facile belief that a majority of the good people of the South-East are not overwhelmingly disgusted with the status quo? What portentously staggering revelation are they awaiting to realize that merely stigmatizing the courageous men and women of that self-deterministic wing of the Igbo Consciousness does not and cannot diminish the appeal of the message?
Obasanjo’s terror outfit popularly known as the Nigerian Police Force may unleash physical violence on MASSOB and break bones with their batons (as they have been documented to have done in times past) or even spill the blood of these innocent men and women in their inordinate quest to crush that voice of Liberation, but they cannot by force of arms quench the human spirit nor cause to cease that sacred longing which doth stir the heart. Though beaten down, imprisoned or executed, voices of this Reality Which Will Not Die will out!
Hired anti-Igbo establishments claiming to represent Igbo interests would be well-advised not to stand in the way of such peaceful and passionate expression of the wishes and determination of the people.
posted
Sylva I am sick and tired of you going from forum to forum trying to start something and preaching to be holier than thou. This forum is a public forum nobody forced you to register as part of this magnificient forum. If your commrade Okenwa Nwosu feel like his opinion is not respected nobody is stopping him from cvoming here to defend himself. I am getting tired of your antics around the internet.
Must you always try to spread your cancer everywhere that you hear the word Biafra?, This forum is called Biafranigeriaworld, what that means is that other people other than Biafrans can express their opinion here. Which is how people like you, who are one Nigeria advocates are allowed to voice their opinion here, No body stops Okenwa Nwosu from Coming here to do the same.
I think it's time now to start a fund-raising campaign to fully fund MASSOB's operations, including the procurement of arms to prepare for a gunbattle in case the nigerians so desire.
MASSOB has awaken the fearless spirit of Biafra; from this point on, there will be no going back.
[ August 29, 2004, 05:19 AM: Message edited by: Amadi O. ]
___________________ achieve Biafra and show the difference Posts: 642 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
Greetings all, I've been away for personal reasons still unfolding, I'm coming out of self imposed ROM to echo the word: Amazing!!!
Its a pity News organizations chose to provide "too little too late" coverage to the implications of this victory by the Igbo Biafran masses who have spoken our feelings with a resounding and united voice.
Here is a serving of what I was able to glean of what coverage this thing has gotten through the different stages:
MASSOB, you have lifted our spirits high. You have mobilized our collective and united sense of indignation. Well done! May God remain with us In Christ Jesus Name. Amen.
Needless to say, to consider the magnitude of what was attained through this act of peaceful civil disobedience has given me no end of giddy upliftment. May we celebrate this great achievement (i.e the August demonstration of Igbo grassroot unity through MASSOB’S efforts ) with measured exuberance (to borrow a phraseology from Alan Greenspan), and an enhanced resolve, mindful that the battle and persecution is still in infancy.
Well done MASSOB. Well done Uwazurike and your decentralized and effective leadership Well done Igbo traders and youths You have done us proud. Thank you!
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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"With the MASSOB protest coming one year after the general elections, something must therefore be wrong with those who claim to have legitimately secured the mandate of the people and at the same time could not rally them when the need arose."
The resilience of the youths is just admirable and their courage outstanding.
" He would say he has seen comrades shot to death and their bodies hidden, not to be discovered. He would remind you that he has seen comrades after a torture experience in the hands of the police deformed, and not able to use parts of their bodies effectively again. MASSOB member from his body language leaves the impression that death does not frighten him any more. Their experience with the police and other security agencies seem to have hardened them"
"They are showing signs of tough revolutionists. Yet, this is a group made up mostly of very young people, many of whom are actively engaged in nothing more than the struggle to actualize the Biafran dream. They do not have the financial resources, but somehow they do not seem overly burdened by that reality. According to a Polish writer, Ryszard Kapuscinski, who wrote in Shah of Shahs his book about the Iranian revolution that eviscerated the Shah State, noted: “... Revolutions precisely begin when the man has stopped being afraid. He gets rid of his fear and feels free, without that there would be no revolution"Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Images of the moment captured very early morning on August 29 2004, before the news of the day. The news for August 29 2004 is not yet online. But, from the residue of the news from the day before, we can tell the priorities of the different news sources.
From the BNW homepage, we see the joy of MASSOB's triumph over evil Nigeria:
quote:
From egbeomooduduwa.com, the mouthpiece of Yoruba/Hausa-Fulani/Minority Igbophobia, the cyber HQ of Igbo self-loathing, masochism, and gluttonism for punishment:
quote:
The march to Biafra continues!
Posts: 253 | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Sylva, May I draw your attention to the following facts: 1.Okenwa Nwosu did not write any of the two articles he forwarded. 2. I suggest that he wanted the most possible exposure for them. That tells me he understands that an average busy man will not go hunting whichever websites they were originally published. 3.That leaves me wondering what you are not happy about. Couldn't you just do Okenwa Nwosu a favour and forward to him my very mild and considered criticism of his 'message forwarding service'? 4.Since when has my criticism of OKenwa Nwosu's pro-nigeria agenda become intolerance of divergent views?
Posts: 621 | Registered: Mar 2001
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