The Jews go far as to compare the tongue with an arrow. That if you threaten to kill your friend with a sword, he might beg you and the sword gets into a sheath. But when an arrow leaves the bow, it does not return, like the tongue. Before the April 11, 2015 governorship elections, King of Lagos, Akiolu, a former Senior Police Officer, said Igbos would drown in the lagoon if Ambode did not win. That is, the Igbos must avoid Jimmy Agbaje. In their own drowning interest. Mr Akiolu has since apologised, but Agbaje lost.
In the Southwest of Nigeria, citizens that are not housed are "Omo ibo" Which means Igbos people: Edo, Efik, ibibios, Igbos. In fact, one will run out of fingers and toes if the tribes that makeup "Omo Ibos" are counted. Then, as the then-new president tried to find his grip on the Omnibus that Nigeria is, he appointed a retired army colonel as head of the Customs Service among a litany of other Invidious sacks and appointments. What's more, Mr Buhari's economic policy or a lack of an economic policy is perceived as anti-business. The Igbos are the "business people" in Nigeria.
Then Radio Biafra. In an article in October, I said the government would help itself by leaving Nnamdi alone. I remarked that his arrest would only make him and his movement popular, the rest is turbulent history. There have been demonstrations across the South East for self-determination. Today, November 22, all the governors from the region are meeting at a hotel in Enugu. Plus all "elected officials". That would mean Senators, and House Rep. Members, with other 43 groups attending. There has been no such meeting. They didn't even have South Eastern Governor's forum when it was the rave.
Well, reports say Mrs Buhari visited controversial Rev Mbaka who would last Sunday, November 17, denounce Biafra as "evil" prompting people to call for several parts of his body. He too, like King Akiolu, has apologised. Pretending that something does not exist makes the thing festoon. Like a sore. Of course, the Biafra that Massop and its many splinters want will not happen. Igbos are notoriously not united. The rich ones, those that call the shots are outside the South East. They are everywhere. However, the sore will not heal until the government changes tactics. Lest the sore leads to armed robbery and allied violence. Sometimes, silence is golden.
Historical ContextThe Biafra movement, originating from the southeastern region of Nigeria, has remained a contentious and polarizing topic in Nigerian politics and society. While often dismissed by some as mere noise, the movement's persistence and the loudness of its advocacy continue to draw significant attention and provoke debate both within Nigeria and internationally.
The Biafran secessionist movement dates back to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), also known as the Biafran War, when the southeastern region attempted to secede from Nigeria to form the Republic of Biafra. The war resulted in immense loss of life, economic disruption, and deep-seated animosities. Despite the official end of the conflict and the reintegration of the region into Nigeria, the sentiments driving the initial secession have lingered.
Public Perception and Impact
Opinions on Biafra vary widely among Nigerians. In the southeastern states, there is significant support for the movement, fueled by perceptions of marginalization and economic neglect by the central government. However, in other parts of Nigeria, the movement is often viewed with skepticism or outright hostility, seen as a disruptive force that hinders national cohesion.
Despite often being dismissed as “just noise” by critics, the Biafra movement's impact is undeniably loud. It highlights ongoing ethnic and regional tensions, economic disparities, and the struggle for political recognition. The movement’s ability to mobilize large numbers of people and draw international attention underscores its significance in Nigeria's socio-political landscape.
Internationally, the Biafra issue has garnered attention from human rights organizations and the diaspora community. Reports of human rights abuses against IPOB members and protesters have prompted calls for investigations and interventions by international bodies. The Biafran struggle resonates with other secessionist movements worldwide, adding a layer of global solidarity to their cause.
The Biafra movement, while often labelled as mere noise, has proven to be a persistent and loud force in Nigerian politics. Its continued advocacy underscores deep-rooted issues of ethnic identity, regional autonomy, and economic justice in Nigeria. Addressing the underlying grievances that fuel the Biafra movement requires a nuanced and inclusive approach to governance, one that acknowledges and addresses the historical and contemporary realities faced by the southeastern region of Nigeria.
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