The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Sunday reacted to a recent comment credited to Enugu-based fire-brand Catholic priest, Rev Father Ejike Mbaka.
The Priest, in charge of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria, had called on the pro-Biafran youths protesting for the immediate release of Radio Biafra Director and Leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, to go back to their businesses as the protests could lead to their death.
During a sermon at his weekly Adoration Ministry, Mbaka was said to have criticised Biafra supporters who embarked on the massive protests across South-East and South-South states, to demand Kanu’s immediate release.
Mbaka had said: “Locking up your shops and disrupting economic activities will not add any naira to your pocket, whatever grievance you have could be resolved through dialogue,’’ he said.
However, responding to Mbaka, in a broadcast on Biafra Radio, IPOB denounced him as a compromised priest speaking from both sides of his mouth.
Deputy Leader of IPOB, Uche Mefor, who fired back at the cleric, stressed that “Biafra is more than money!”
Mefor was quoted by Vanguard as stating that the youths are protesting against injustice, oppression and subjugation, which is motivating them to seek their freedom.
The deputy leader further wondered why Mbaka who is is a priest could not find courage to condemn Nigeria government’s extrajudicial detention of Kanu.
He also advised him to refute his statement immediately if he was misquoted.
According to Mefor, Biafran youths have seen the truth having been enlightened on the need to restore Biafra, and nothing can stop them from demanding their rights.
Similarly, Director of Information, Factional MASSOB, Mr. Uchenna Madu has regretted Fr. Mbaka’s condemnation of Biafra struggle.
He said, “How can a revered Igbo clergy man descend so low in making such a condemnable statement few days after President’s Buhari’s wife visited him?
“Mr President should be aware that no money given to Mbaka, persuasion, personal friendship with him can ever frustrate or diminish the rising status, consciousness and global reawakening/acceptance of Biafra. A man who speaks with both sides of the mouth at a time is a hypocrite and is not worth to be trusted.
“The Igbo christians, catholics and even the Pope will prove Mbaka wrong. Many Igbo clergymen including the Catholic priests are not in support of Mbaka’s government paid anti-Biafran comment.
“This why the Igbo youth and other citizens have lost confidence/trust on many Igbo leaders in Nigeria. Biafra agitators are more determined to sacrifice our shops, businesses, jobs, comfort and even the supreme price for the sake of our freedom.
“Mbaka should be aware that even during our peaceful/non violence demonstrations, the agitators, sympathizers and Biafran patronized his products including his sachet water and yogurts. Mbaka’s business boomed as the protests lasted.”
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