ABUJA — Oil magnate and Chairman of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Arthur Eze, has praised President Bola Tinubu as “God’s gift to Nigeria,” urging the South-East to unite behind him for national progress. However, his remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), which accused Igbo political elites of misrepresenting the region’s true sentiments.
In a forthcoming State House documentary marking Tinubu’s second year in office, Eze described the President as a humble and visionary leader divinely chosen to lead Nigeria through challenging times.
“God doesn’t make mistakes. Tinubu was created for a purpose,” Eze said. “He has no enemies. He is a unifier. He speaks with humility and honesty — that’s why we admire him.”
Drawing on his experience from the Nigerian Civil War and ties to the region, Eze highlighted Tinubu’s alleged strides in promoting inclusivity and development in the South-East.
However, MASSOB dismissed the support of what it termed “self-acclaimed Igbo leaders,” cautioning Tinubu not to mistake elite endorsements for grassroots backing.
In a statement issued in Enugu, MASSOB leader Uchenna Madu said: “These individuals do not represent the true will of the Igbo people. Their influence will not translate into genuine voter support.”
The group criticised recent expressions of support from Governor Charles Soludo and others, warning that such pledges are politically motivated and detached from the region’s realities.
“There is an ongoing dialogue about representation and political strategy within the South-East,” Madu noted. “But MASSOB is reminding President Tinubu that the South-East will not support his 2027 re-election bid due to the administration’s neglect and the pain and marginalisation it has caused our people.”
MASSOB accused the Tinubu government of failing to meet the expectations of Ndigbo, adding that the region continues to experience underrepresentation and federal neglect.
The group also condemned what it described as “blatant arrogance” by Soludo during Tinubu’s recent visit to Anambra State, calling his quick endorsements a desperate attempt to curry favour for political survival.
As 2027 approaches, the political landscape in the South-East appears fraught with tension between established elites and pro-Biafra groups, reflecting deeper frustrations over representation and federal engagement.
