AGITATION FOR BIAFRA REPUBLIC- AN ILLUSIONARY ADVENTUTRE

The Nigerian media and the political landscape had been awash with scenes of placard carrying youths of Ibo extraction either in the name of indigenous peoples of Biafra [IPOB] or movement for actualization of sovereign state of Biafra [MASSOB] calling for Biafra Republic. These scenes are not new in our political landscape, neither is the agitation for self governance or self determination a new phenomenon in Nigeria.  This agitation started by MASSOB some years back based on perception of alienation of people of Igbo extraction from the mainstream political and economic institutions since after the Nigerian civil war. There is indeed empirical evidence that the southeast geo-political zone has the least presence of federal infrastructure such as roads, schools etc despite its enormous economic contributions to the nation. However, the leadership of MASSOB represented by Ralph Uwazurike & Co failed to articulate their views in a civilised and peaceful means but rather choose deceptive propaganda and violence, preying on vulnerable unemployed or ignorant youths in the society.   The agitation for Biafra Republic led by Uwazurike and his MASSOB gladiators are for wrong reasons and for personal gains and was evident in struggle for power and fractionalization which led to emergence of faction led by Mr Uchenna  Madu that have now aligned with Kanu’s indigenous people of Biafra IPOB.  However, it is on record that the Igbo leaders and elites including our revered late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu never accorded any recognition to the illusionary demands of these groups

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The Nigerian constitution guarantees the rights to freedom of expression and assembly to all citizens. This informed the reasons why these Biafra agitators have continued to trample upon the rights of other citizens of the country for free movement and search for means of livelihood in the guise of self determination.  These Biafra agitators (protesters) must be reminded that their rights to freedom of expression should not infringe on the rights of other citizens or harm the continued co-existence of the Nigerian nation to which we have all subscribed to through the sacrifices of our heroes past.  The actions of these illusionary Biafra agitators in the southeast zone of Nigeria had demonstrated complete disdain for true human freedom as emphasized in these quotes. “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” Nelson Mandela. In same vein, Abraham Lincoln stressed in his famous statement on freedom, I quote, “those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves”.  Contrary to these popular opinions by the respectable leaders, these Biafra protagonists have continued to deprive people their freedom of movement and forcing businesses to close-up for fear of violence and looting. Therefore, these ethnic jingoists should be reminded that their demands and actions are antithetical to our collective freedom charter and harms our collective co-existence as a nation.

With the outcome of the recent 2015 elections which showed that the favoured candidate of the Ibos did not win the presidential election, the political undertone of the current agitation may not be ruled out.  A cursory look at the youths involved in the so called Biafra protests across the eastern part of Nigeria showed that they are bunch of motor park touts, street/petty traders and artisans who have no reasonable means of livelihood hence are vulnerable to manipulation through deceptive propaganda used by the Biafra charlatans.  As an ardent believer in the Nigerian project and someone from Ibo extraction, I will advocate that Igbo leaders should speak out more prominently against the divisive tendencies of these charlatans who have made themselves willing tools in the hands of agents of destruction as they do not mean well for corporate existence of Nigeria.  It is important to emphasize here that those advocating for secession in the name of Biafra do not speak for the entire Ibo race as they lack understanding of basic rudiments of governance and the Nigerian project as a whole.  As a Nigerian, I would like to advocate that everyone should embrace the popular Nigeria slogan of unity in diversity.  This is a slogan which seeks to celebrate how a nation can be stronger by welcoming different cultural, social and ethnic elements. This unity in diversity seeks to transcend the notion that an ideal nation should be composed of a certain ideology or ethnic group. It suggests that far from being weakened by different cultural strands, a nation is made stronger by acceptance of the many different contributions made by its constituent parts.  It seeks to move beyond mere tolerance of other ethnic, cultural and religious divisions, but seeks to promote the idea that each distinct constituent part plays a valid contribution which strengthens the whole.  The essence of our living together as a nation is epitomised in the philosophical statement by John Hume, 1998 Noble Prize Winner, I quote “Difference is of essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should not therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. There lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity”

It is important to acknowledge that the underlying factors behind the agitations for self-governance or self-determination by different components that made up Nigeria [Niger Delta/MOSSOP,  Afenifere/OPC or MASSOB] could be attributed to years of mis-rule by the political class, unemployment of our teaming youths and absence of social security system. To stop this, those in authority must return to the drawing board and address all the reoccurring issues at the centre of agitations and the underlying factors. Our security forces should live up to expectation by providing adequate security for other Nigerians to go about their normal businesses without threat to their safety. The security forces must ensure these protests are done in a peaceful and civilised manner as enshrined in our constitution without encroaching on the rights of others.  The use of excessive force or clampdown must only be an option where there are evidence of threats to lives of others or corporate existence of Nigeria.  Our country has undergone important milestones in developmental process, hence our unity is non-negotiable.  Any section of Nigeria, East, West, North, South or any group by whatever name, Biafrans inclusive advocating for separation must be wallowing in an illusionary adventure.

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Mr Christian Obi Uchenna

Writes from United Kingdom: Email: [email protected]

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