070509-AbdulWahab Addullah-Vanguard

IN what appears as a reaction to the recent declaration of self determination by members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, police authorities may have moved to nip the secession plan.


MASSOB had, on Tuesday, in Okwe, Onuimo, Imo State declared self determination and launched its international passport which it said; “could be used by its members to travel to any part of the world, including Abuja and Lagos.”
According to a reliable source within the police high command, the authorities may have began underground moves against some MASSOB members, saying government cannot fold its hands and allow some individuals to cause disaffection within the country.
The source further said that the Federal Government may have termed the launch of the international passport by MASSOB as a confrontation on the sovereignty of the nation.
Aware of reactions that may follow an open arrest of MASSOB members, the source said much of the crack down may be done discreetly.
The source revealed that government is aware that those allegedly sponsoring activities of the group were among those who allegedly escaped arrest in May 2001 in a clash between police and MASSOB supporters, who had been trying to enforce official prices of petrol in filling stations in Okigwe, Imo State.
About 22 MASSOB members were then arrested by police but among those who allegedly escaped were one Michael Chukwuemeka Okoro, Ben Obi, Ikechukwu Okafor and some others who were allegedly now working for the actualization of the Biafra dream from outside the country.