11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Anambra State: Massob initiated violent clashes with government; 69 Massob members arrested and detained since June 2006 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22909]

"Members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), a separatist group espousing Igbo unity and the secession of Igbo states, initiated frequent violent clashes with the government, particularly in Onitsha, Anambra State. Police sometimes reacted by arresting large numbers of MASSOB members. Most of the 69 members arrested in a June 2006 sweep remained in detention at year's end."

Document(s): Open document

07.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Anambra state: Information on election fraud 2003 ("Countries at the Crossroads 2006") [ID 18280]

"The bitter fruits of Nigeria's flawed 2003 elections came to harvest throughout 2004 and 2005. The drama of the July 2003 coup in Anambra state, where the governor was arrested by what seem to have been rogue police on behalf of an estranged godfather, continued with a string of stunning revelations regarding the extent of election fraud in 2003. While mediating between the governor and the godfather, President Obasanjo (who has close ties to the godfather) told the media that both men admitted to rigging elections in their state. They were both subsequently suspended from the ruling party, and in 2005 an election tribunal overturned the governor's election. As of late 2005, however, the governor remains in office awaiting an appellate court decision on his case, and the former godfather in question has been readmitted to the ruling party."

Document(s): Open document