Struggle to revalidate Biafra: MASSOB'll swith to violence -Uwazurike
Raphael Uwazurike
Leader of Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Raphael Uwazuruike has said that his group has jettisoned its non-violent posture.
According to him, MASSOB would now adopt a violent approach to achieving the revalidation of the Republic of Biafra.
Speaking to newsmen in Obingwu, Orlu LGA, Imo State last weekend, Chief Uwazuruike told Nigerians to be ready to contend with the spate of violence his group would unleash henceforth on the country.
Chief Uwazuruike spoke on the occasion of the New Yam festival of the Obinugwu Community. He noted that violence is the only language which the Nigerian authorities understand better and therefore it was better they get a big dose of violence.
He spoke against the backdrop of the respect and adoration being accorded the Islamic sect, Boko Haram which has been unleashing mayhem on the country since the turn of the year.
Uwazuruike disagreed that the Boko Haram 's agitation has religious undertone. According to him, the Islamic terrorists are seeking for the Republic of Arewa.
' Boko Haram is asking for a republic in the North, Arewa Republic. There's no religious undertone to their agitation. They said they want 12 Northern states to be Islamized. When they are Islamized, they become a republic', he submitted.
Said he:' We used to adopt a peaceful approach to our struggle but now that we have realised that violence is the easier way, we will adopt it. Change is the only thing that is permanent in the whole world'.
Uwazuruike expressed displeasure at the removal of HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya as the chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and demanded for his reinstatement.
He said his presence at the community's Iri-Ji festival was in solidarity with the Obinugwu monarch and urged state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to restore the monarch to his legal position.
In an interview, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya urged Imo people to support the administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha to enable it to succeed.
He maintained that Okorocha was anointed by God to lead Imo State at the moment.
The monarch said his removal as the chairman of the state council of traditional rulers was not weighing him down because as he puts it: it is part of the vicissitudes in a man's life.
He listed his achievements as chairman to include raising the status of Igbo traditional rulers. 'We want Igbo progress. We want dignity for Igbo traditional rulers. Before I became chairman, our traditional rulers were addressed as chiefs, but today, we are royal majesties.
He explained the Iri-Ji festival was to celebrate the agrarian gift of his community.