Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra
Nigerian political party / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) is a secessionist movement in Nigeria, associated with Igbo nationalism, which supports the recreation of an independent state of Biafra. It was founded in 1999[1] and is led by an Indian-trained lawyer Ralph Uwazuruike, with headquarters in Okwe, in the Okigwe district of Imo State.
Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra | |
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Abbreviation | MASSOB |
Leader | Ralph Uwazuruike |
Founded | 1999 (1999) |
Ideology | Igbo nationalism Nonviolent resistance Separatism |
Website | |
http://massob.biafranet.com/ | |
MASSOB's leaders say it is a peaceful group and advertise a 25-stage plan to achieve its goal peacefully.[2] There are two arms to the government, the Biafra Government in Exile and Biafra Shadow Government.[3]
The Nigerian government accuses MASSOB of violence; MASSOB's leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, was arrested in 2005 and detained on treason charges; he was released in 2007. MASSOB also championed the release of oil militant Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, who faced similar charges at the time.[4] In 2009, MASSOB launched "the Biafran International Passport" in response to persistent demand by Biafrans in the diaspora.[5]