A good student of history need not be told about the Nigerian civil war between the government of Nigeria and the secessionist state of Biafra. The war which spanned three good years, from 6th July 1967 to 15th January 1970 was lead by the formal governor general of the eastern region, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. It ensued when the Igbo people felt shortchanged by the then northern-dominated federal government.
Fifty years down the line, the aspirations of the Igbo people remain a mirage. In this piece, I will swiftly walk you through why the Biafra nation might not be independent anytime soon.
It is a known fact that there are host of pro-Biafra groups which are not aligned. From the Biafra Independence Organization (BIO), Biafra Clergy Network (BCN), Biafra Zionist Movement to Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), you name it.
There’s a popular adage that says, a house divided against itself cannot stand. Unless, one is treading on the path of self-deception.
A lot of region and tribes have made their stand known, not being a party to the Biafran struggle. Noticeably is the Niger-Delta region. Another reason the agitation for Biafra Independence might remain illusory is the forceful inclusion of these regions and tribes. Two has to agree before embarking on a journey.
Among the pro-Biafra groups, the most popular is the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) lead by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Accompanied with a lot of frenzies, one would think it will bring the Biafra dream to reality. Far from it. The conduct of its leader says otherwise. Kanu undiplomatic approach to crucial issues, especially as pertaining to the tribes and regions who do not want to associate with the struggle is a validation. His unguarded utterances also makes the group to be seen as a comic one by many.
With all these lingering issues, one would not be totally wrong to assert that the current struggle for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra, might not see the light of the day.
What’s your opinion?
– Egbunu Adejoh Jonathan is an advocate for a better world advocate.
Email: geniusadejoh@gmail.com
Twitter: @Adejohspeaks
