Tuesday 30 May 2017

Biafra: 50 Years Later


History has it that on May 30, 1967, the Republic of Biafra was declared in the midst of the massacre of Southerners that was going on at the time in Nigeria, especially against the Igbos. Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the defunct republic, and Igbos around the country and the world have decided to honour the soldiers and loved ones who died during the bloody civil war that ensued.


The issue of Biafra and the secessionist movement is a very touchy one among the Igbos, with most of us in support of it, some people against it, and few still sitting on the fence (the people we call 'anywhere belle face'). Among those in support of the secession however, there are also opposing views as regards how we go about it. Countries have had reasons to secede in the past, reasons ranging from population, natural resources, to a feeling of marginalisation (which is mainly the grouse of Igbos).

Now, I wasn't born during that period, so this is not a history lesson; you can read all you want to on this topic and form your own view and opinion on this. My concern is, how do we go about the actualisation of the Biafran Republic? What happens when we do get it? How do we move past the selfishness plaguing our people in the South-Eastern part of the country and unite to fight this cause?

The various Biafra groups have ordered that everybody in Igbo land should stay at home today in honour of the fallen heroes who died 50 years ago. My friends in the East have informed me that everywhere is like a ghost town, few buses and cars on the streets. I am pleased, why? I was afraid that there'd be a demonstration or rally which will force the military to react in the only way they know how, shoot and kill people. It'd be unwise to lose more lives when we are still mourning the pogrom that took place against our people.

The travails of war is not what we'd wish on anyone. My grandfather told me stories of what they went through during the war, and honestly speaking, I do not want to experience it. This is why I am of the opinion that force is not the way to go about it this time around. I saw a video where the Late Ikemba, Ojukwu himself cautioned against leading people to war again in an effort to actualise the Biafran dream. He did it once, and saw the problems and losses it caused, and I believe he would be of the opinion that dialogue is the way forward.

I am of the opinion that the Nigerian Government will take the issue of Biafra seriously when our Igbo Elder statesmen and other prominent Igbo men and women wade into the matter. That makes me ask, why are they not interested in the actualisation of the dream? Do they not want to secede from Nigeria? Are they happy with the treatment the Igbo race have received from the government in the past 4 decades?  Are they only after their selfish interests, which they believe are secured by their loyalty to the Nigerian government? 

Secession can either make or mar a nation, and I believe we should have a plan for when we eventually secede, or we might end up like South Sudan (even they separated from Sudan through a referendum). The Igbo race needs to be united first and foremost, then we can fight for a common cause. We cannot have violent people or charlatans fighting our cause for us. We cannot win this war with arms, rather more lives will be lost in vain. Millions have died already, we do not need to add to that statistics. As my big brother, Mmor Fadafranklin said, we need to appreciate the efforts of our forefathers, learn from their mistakes and make necessary corrections as we move forward in this struggle. 

I will advice my people in the East to stay at home, not because MASSOB, IPOB, Uwazuruike or Nnamdi Kanu said so, today is not about them. It is about the dead heroes who fought for our interest in the best way they knew how. Also, let nobody fall victim to some trigger-happy policeman or military who are already geared to employ any means necessary to maintain peace and stability. 

Never again.
Peace...

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