LOOKING at the level of neglect in Igbo land since the end of the Civil War, and the continued humiliation, harassment, hatred and even killings of Igbos in the slightest provocation especially in the North, one can understand while those who are agitating for the state of Biafra are doing so.
A united Nigeria will benefit us all, but it only can thrive when there’s mutual respect among its component ethnic groups. To address Biafra agitation, the government should focus on bridging infrastructure gaps and addressing historical injustices against the Igbo nation.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction won’t resolve the underlying injustices or address the infrastructure deficit and neglect in Igbo land. It also won’t hold accountable those responsible for the violence. Instead, it may be seen as a sign of government indifference to the Igbo people’s plight.
The post-war policies, such as General Gowon’s “3 Rs” (Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction), fell short of expectations. This unaddressed gap has contributed to current separatist sentiments.
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Having followed the Biafra agitation and its debates, it’s clear that successive governments, regardless of party, have mishandled the issue. What may have started as a manageable concern has become complex due to the government’s hostile and dismissive approach.
The Biafra agitation aimed to highlight the historical marginalisation of the Igbo people since the civil war. Similarly, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) emerged to draw attention to the injustices surrounding the annulment of the June 12th presidential election, which led to increased demands for equity and justice for the Yoruba people.
The OPC’s efforts contributed to the eventual transition to democracy in 1999 and the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
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A similar agitation emerged in the Niger Delta, where youths took up arms to express frustration over environmental degradation and economic neglect by the state and oil companies. However, the situation improved following late President Musa Yar’Adua’s intervention through peaceful negotiations and an amnesty program, which brought relative calm to the region.
Why is Biafra not handled the same way? Igbos are not unreasonable. Nobody is looking for another crisis in Igbo land.
Why has the Nigerian government refused to engage with Igbo youths who are dissatisfied with the neglect and poor conditions in Igbo land? The inconsistency in approach raises questions. Notably, the Biafran agitation was peaceful, lacking a military wing unlike some other ethnic groups. Yet, it was heavily criticised.
A political solution to the Biafra agitation and Nnamdi Kanu’s case is feasible and desirable. President Tinubu, with his experience, is well-positioned to handle it effectively. A peaceful Igbo land would benefit everyone, particularly the president.
Igbo land has historically been a peaceful political space, reflecting the Igbo people’s inherent nature of peacefulness. The civil war was imposed upon them, and their response was largely reactive.
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Notably, Igbos are among the most widespread Nigerian groups, and despite feeling marginalised, they remain committed to the Nigerian project.
It is unthinkable that the Igbos will migrate to leave in the midst of people they hate. Igbos do not hate any tribe in Nigeria because Igbos have a saying that: ‘Ojemba enter ilo’; which means; ‘a sojourner does not keep enemies.’
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction won’t resolve the underlying injustices or address the infrastructure deficit and neglect in Igbo land. It also won’t hold accountable those responsible for the violence. Instead, it may be seen as a sign of government indifference to the Igbo people’s plight.
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Past governments’ mishandling of the agitation doesn’t mean the Tinubu administration should follow suit. As a seasoned politician, President Tinubu understands the complexities of politics and the role of emotions. His experience and expertise position him to address the issues effectively.
A political solution to the Biafra agitation and Nnamdi Kanu’s case is feasible and desirable. President Tinubu, with his experience, is well-positioned to handle it effectively. A peaceful Igbo land would benefit everyone, particularly the president.
To achieve this, government and citizens must work together towards a more just and equitable Nigeria, where peace and unity thrive.
