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| Group of IPOB protesters in Enugu |
September 21, 2016
By Chinedu Solomon
Engulfed in awe of astonishment while browsing the internet on September 18th, 2016 I came across an article titled "Tweaking the Biafra Script" published by the Nation Online, a propaganda wing of APC led federal government owned by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC national leader.
In that article, the writer tried to relegate Biafran agitations as a product of bad governance, underdevelopment and unemployment.
Let us assume the writer's opinion served him best.
From the inception of Nigeria as a lugardian enterprise, what has government done to alleviate the poverty and living standards of Biafrans? In Biafra land (SE/SS) you can hardly locate federal government presence, no motorable roads, good hospital, drinkable water, and any social amenity you happen to come across must be in deplorable state.
How then do a sane human being thinks that inhabitants of this geographical location will seat and watch vindictive oppressive government to continue to maim, rape and abuse their human rights?
In an attempt to proffer solution to Nigeria government concerning Biafra swooping breeze, the writer wrote and I quote "for instance, the government could make one or two notable appointments and set about one or two key projects in the region.
Concerning the detained leader of the so-called Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), insisting on the matter going through the whole gamut of legal proceedings does government no good. Indeed, it only helps to lionise a hitherto insignificant group and win it more sympathy. Mediation and political solutions are allowed in national crisis".
This writer portrayed the mindset of "one Nigeria" chanters, the only solution he could proffer to Nigeria government is giving an appointment to one potbelly politician who will come and start singing Buhari's praise to the Biafran youths as in the case of Senator Chris Ngige and Mr. Osita Okechukwu who is regarded non person grata in Igbo land.
Another solution he could proffer is setting of one or two key projects; what a devilish and treacherous people? In his shattered skull, setting key project will calm the nerves of beleaguered Indigenous Biafrans?
He tried admonishing Nigeria government concerning the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, "insisting on the matter going through the whole gamut of legal proceedings does government no good".
We have been saying that, Nigeria government has no case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, two courts of competent jurisdiction one headed by Justice Ademola of Abuja federal high Court found Mazi Nnamdi Kanu innocent on all frivolous charges manufactured and levy against him by the DSS.
We thank God, International Society for Civil Liberties and rule of law, on September 19th, 2016 has written an open letter asking for Kanu's release. The letter was addressed to The Honourable British Prime Minister, Distinguished British Parliamentarians, Distinguished European Union Leaders, Distinguished American Congressmen & Women, Distinguished US Political Leaders, Distinguished Canadian Leaders & Parliamentarians and Other Internationally Distinguished Personalities (i.e. top UN officials). We pray this swooping breeze will blow beyond the ends of the earth.
Another captivating paragraph I wouldn't mind to touch is "While we condemn treasonable acts and disturbance of public peace in the name of agitation no matter how peaceful, we urge government to be proactive and lead the dialogue instead of waiting to react. This is especially crucial because there's no evidence to show that majority of Igbos are for the creation of a new Biafra or break-up of Nigeria".
The question I would like to ask this dubious writer is "does Rights to Self-determination domesticated in Nigeria constitution tantamount to treason?"
These rights are fully guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution in its Chapter Four (Fundamental Human Rights) as well as by various international human rights treaties particularly the African Charter on Human & Peoples Right of 1981, ratified and domesticated by Nigeria in 1983 and The International Conventionally exercisable by all citizens including Indigenous People of Biafra provided they are exercised peacefully and nonviolently.
Considering his assertion on the number of people that supports Biafra restoration, putting the record straight, Igbo is a clan of Biafra, and to ascertain the population that is for or against Biafra, it would be determined by referendum. Time has gone when propaganda and "divide & rule" tactics is used against Biafrans. The only people against Biafra restoration is the elites who feeds on Biafran Blood, who wants the status quo to their self-aggrandisement and embezzlement.
I also joined the so-called writer in urging Nigeria government to take another look at its Biafra template. Biafra is peace and not war.
Editor/publisher: Uchechi Collins
Reporting for IPOB writers
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