MASSOB: Ojukwu's Blackmail Cheap, Says SSS
Afenifere sues for caution, demands investigation
By Tokunbo Adedoja, Olawale Olaleye in Lagos and Emmanuel Ugwu in Enugu
The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday reacted to the claim by All Progressive Grand Allia-nce (APGA) presidential candidate in 2003 election, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu's allegation that the Federal Government was plotting to assassinate him. The service described it as a cheap blackmail.
In a five-paragraph statement signed by one Ezra Tobechukwu on behalf of its Director-General, the state security outfit said its interaction with Ojukwu has been turned into "an object of public drama and cheap blackmail."
The State Security Service (SSS) had invited Ojukwu, former Biafran warlord, for a meeting with its Director in Abuja, apparently in connection with the recent activities of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). Ojukwu had expressed support for MASSOB's activities.
But Ojukwu, who declined the invitation, at a press conference on Monday, hinged his refusal to honour it on the fact that he had been notified that the Federal Government had detailed some operatives of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) to assassinate him and MASSOB leader, Mr. Raphael Uwazurike.
Reacting to the claim, the service, said the invitation was for an interaction but that Ojukwu misunderstood the gesture and became frightened because of his concern for personal comfort.
It argued that if its intention was to arrest Ojukwu, it would have done it through due process without hesitation and that since the APGA chieftain has rejected the option of dialogue, other courses of lawful action open to the service would be pursued to address the issue at stake.
The statement issued by the service reads: "The Department of State Services, wishes in the public interest to clarify its interaction with Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, which has been turned into an object of public drama and cheap blackmail.
"As far as security is concerned, the corporate existence of Nigeria is a matter which is beyond politics. The reality today is that while some leaders are striving assiduously to build a better Nigeria for all, some are committed to dismembering the country, through violent or non-violent means and disturbing the peace which all enjoy.
"In accordance with the mandate of the service as enshrined in the laws of the federation of Nigeria, if for any reason, the conduct of any individual is inimical to peace and stability, the service has a duty to call that person or group to order through lawful means.
"It was in recognition of the delicate nature of the issue at hand that a senior member of the service invited Chief Ojukwu for dialogue. Chief Ojukwu was accorded all the courtesies and respect due to an elder and statesman. He was even encouraged to come along with his lawyer and any other person he wishes to be present during the planned interaction. Apparently, Chief Ojukwu misunderstood the gesture and took fright, out of concern for his personal comfort, which unfortunately is consonant with his character, over the years.
"The service would not join issues with Chief Ojukwu, but having rejected the option of dialogue, other courses of lawful action open to the service would be pursued to their logical end in addressing the matter clearly. If the intention was to arrest the Chief, that would have been done through due process without hesitation."
Meanwhile, the pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere has called for a thorough investigation of the allegation levelled by Ojukwu against the federal government.
In a telephone chat with THISDAY, Afenifere's Administrative Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin while suing for caution in the handling of the issue because of the delicate state of the South-east, said it appears Ojukwu's fears are genuine because of the series of high profile assassinations whose perpetrators have not been unmasked.
Afenifere maintained that if the SSS had reasons to meet with Ojukwu, a proper invitation letter should be sent to him stating the basis for the meeting and also assuring him of his safety.
Also, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, yesterday advised the Federal Government to handle Ojukwu's invitation by the SSS with care in view of what he represents in the South-east zone.
Chukwuma noted that Ojukwu as a free citizen has freedom of speech and should not be harassed for exercising his freedom, like any other vocal individuals from other geo-political zones of the country.
"As far as I'm concerned, I don't think the Ikemba has done anything to warrant being harassed. I've always said it, no Igbo man should be intimidated because there are other people everywhere making careless statements. Wole Soyinka is there, nobody has called him," he said.
He added that the Federal Government should not forget that Ojukwu was the head of state of the seccessionist Republic of Biafra and if there are people romanticizing with the Biafran ideals he has a right to support them.
According to him, MASSOB's activities were borne out of the frustration of Ndigbo with the Nigerian state that has denied them a sense of belonging.
"As a Bishop, I don't support violence, I don't support disintegration, but the thing is that Igbos are not having their place in this country. We must have a sense of belonging in a country where we belong. MASSOB is doing what they are doing because they want the attention of the government focused on the problems of Igbo marginalisation", he stated.
The Anglican Bishop of Enugu stated that rather than being harassed and vilified, the Ikemba Nnewi should be commended for speaking out his mind instead of being cowardly.
He further advised government to meet Ojukwu privately to find out his motive for supporting MASSOB instead of reading meanings into his statements and harassing him in the process.
Meanwhile, members of MASSOB who converged at the gate of Ojukwu's Hill View residence on Monday have dispersed after concluding that there was no immediate threat from the authorities to forcibly take the former warlord to Abuja.
A source at the Ojukwu residence told our correspondent Tuesday morning that, "nothing has happened since yesterday (Monday)" after Ojukwu, for the second time, declined to honour the SSS invitation.
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