The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has blamed the South East leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ongoing impasse in Abia State between Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah over the governorship seat, saying the party ought to have waded into the matter with a view to resolving it.

In a statement made available to Journalists in Awka, MASSOB director of social welfare, Mr. Chima Umunna said that following the failure of PDP leadership to resolve the crisis, the organisation has concluded plans to wade into the matter.

The statement read: “While other groups, individuals, supporters and loyalists of Uchechukwu Ogah and Okezie Ikpeazu are spoiling and calling for political war in Abia State, MASSOB calls for dialogue and mutual understanding, which Ndi Abia need most.

“We cannot continue to expose and throw Igboland into the theatre of political war because of group or personal interest, which creates an indirect opportunity for our political, tribal and religious enemies to rubbish the integrity and uniqueness of Ndigbo.

“Ndigbo had lost many people before now and would not want to lose additional lives in the name of politics and that is why we are calling on the gladiators to sheathe their swords.

“We don't want another set of Igbo youths or elderly ones to be killed on the altar of showing political supremacy in Abia State.

“For the sake of Abia State and Ndigbo, Okezie Ikpeazu and Uchechukwu Ogah must embrace peace and MASSOB is prepared to engage patriotic, credible and non partisan Igbo leaders to assist in establishing a lasting peaceful atmosphere in that state.”

Umunna further stressed that there was no justification for the PDP leadership in the South East to keep silent over “a political time bomb” in Abia State, warning that the Igbo nation would not tolerate any blood-letting.