Jonathan’s Men Sponsoring Pro-Biafran Protests–Group
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Nigerian Punch
Pro-Biafran supporters marching through a street in Aba, Abia State...on Wednesday
Eniola Akinkuotu
A pan-Igbo group, The Igbo Conscience, says some former political office holders who served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan were behind the Biafran revolt.
The TIC said this was why the protests gained momentum immediately after Jonathan was defeated at the poll.
The leader of the group, Mr. Monday Ubani, who is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, said this at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday.
Ubani noted that during Jonathan’s administration, many Igbo politicians were given juicy appointments.
He, however, added that the appointments did not improve the standard of living of the people of the South-East.
He said, “As recently as six months ago, the Igbo occupied and boasted of occupying prime positions in the country during the six years of President Jonathan’s rule. Why is it that immediately after the defeat of the past regime in March, the cries of Igbo marginalisation rose to high heavens with slanderous allegations against the President-elect?
“What were the merits the Ndigbo derived from this much-vaunted strategic placing in critical positions for six years? Should the Igbo be crying of marginalisation just a few months after sitting on the upper echelons of the country’s political and economic spheres if these political beneficiaries benefitted the Ndigbo with their positions?
“Should roads and other facilities in the South-East be as dilapidated as they are today if we benefitted from these former office holders, some of whom are sponsoring the present agitations?”
Ubani said many Igbo youths had been brainwashed into believing that secession was the only way to address national problems.
He said even the late leader of the defunct Republic of Biafra, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said that the Biafran struggle was a “struggle of the mind and not a physical one.”
He noted that countries like Pakistan and South Sudan, which seceded from India and Sudan respectively, had not fared better even after attaining independence.
He, therefore, urged the protesting youths to have a rethink.
Ubani said the philosophy of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra was at variance with Ojukwu’s and that was why the late Igbo leader never identified with MASSOB.
He said the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, was an impostor and did not have the interests of the Igbo at heart.
I’ll be alive to actualize Biafra —Uwazuruike
November 17, 2015
Nigerian Vanguard
ONITSHA —Leader of the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, yesterday, charged members of the movement to remain steadfast and focused in the revolutionary struggle, saying that the non-violent method adopted by MASSOB had become a source of worry to the so-called northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Nigerian military.
Uwazuruike insisted that there was no going back in his bid to actualize Biafra now or never, stressing that he was in the struggle for freedom not for any other person but for his own children, who, he said, desire a free country where the security of their lives and properties can be guaranteed.
Special meeting
The MASSOB leader, who spoke through the Deputy National Director for Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, weekend, at a special meeting of Enugu West Senatorial District, in Nachi, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, lamented that since Nigeria got her independence in 1960, it had never guaranteed security of lives and properties of Ndigbo, a situation, which he claimed, persuaded him to seek independence of Biafra.
He frowned that some Igbo elite had become stooges to our oppressors, who often used them to do odd jobs and also sponsor them to make blatant comments to discredit Biafra in order to win contracts from their masters in Abuja.
He regretted that such elite, because of the peanuts they were getting from the oppressors, would accept to sabotage the Biafra struggle without knowing how much MASSOB had laboured in the past 16 years, insisting that their plans were bound to fail.
According to Uwazuruike, “ACF had asked Allah to give them Boko Haram, he gave to them and they became comfortable with its outcome. Afenifere elders had Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, fighting for social justice in Yoruba land.
“I am very happy that Biafra is being talked about all over the world and people are being killed and detained for the sake of Biafra. So, if I fail to get Biafra, then I would have failed to do what Ndigbo expected of me and if I also die for the sake of Biafra, I will be fulfilled.”
I don’t want another country
November 16, 2015
By Owei Lakemfa
Nigerian Vanguard
SOME days ago, I woke up to find that someone, or group had decided to change my country. It was there on Facebook; a supposed map of a new country called Biafra. I was neither consulted nor my opinion sought. I am not also aware that the Ijaws, who are my parents, our neigbours the Isokos, Itsekiris, Urhobos, Efiks, Ibibios, Orons etcetera, were consulted. Some fellow Nigerians in demonstrating their right to self-determination, decided that I do not have the right to be consulted.
If I were to reincarnate and have power of choice, I would ordinarily, not decide to be a Nigerian. I would prefer to be an African, in that united continent Kwame Nkrumah prophesied, with a single government, currency, economy and citizenship. I will not trade a continent for another small enclave, while industrialised Europe has almost evolved into one entity. That will not be strategic thinking, it will be collective backwardness.
I understand why the agitators need the Southern nationalities; they require their oil and gas resources, and access to the sea. But they are being quixotic by forcing these peoples into a map. They need to consult and persuade. But this will be difficult as the advocates of a new Biafra have not made public any known philosophy, ideology, vision, road map, socio-economic programme or policy, including on peoples and minority rights.
I have read some juvenile Boko Haram Shekarau-like outbursts by the new kid on the bloc, Nnamdi Kalu of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) who vomits words like “If they don’t give us Biafra, no human being will remain alone in Nigeria by that time; we shall turn everybody into corpses; you better go and buy your coffin.” He reminds me of the quixotic ‘uprising’ by the Biafra Zionist Federation led by Benjamin Igwe Onwuka who on June 5, 2014 tried to seize the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) ostensibly to declare a Biafra Republic.
Apart from these, I have seen photographs of people in camouflage doing drills in alleged preparation for war to actualise Biafra. I am not sure they know what they are doing. I was six when the civil war broke out. Until this day, I still recall the faces of my play mates like Ngozi Eze, who left for the East and never came back when their families returned. You imagine the trauma the rest of their families went through. I also, still recall the faces of my uncles; Anusi, and Wisdom Fakrogha, who went to that war, and never returned. It is not just about the massive destruction, starvation and early graves. It included injuries that never healed, scars that people carry in their hearts. Like John Pepper Clarke wrote, in his poem, The Casualties. “The casualties are not only those who are dead… The casualties are not only those who started A fire and now cannot put out. Thousands are burning that have no say in the matter…We are all casualties”
I read about people on both sides, glorifying the civil war. Yes, it was a glorious war; but not for the two million who lost their lives. It was a heroic war; but not for the children taken to Gabon who never returned. War can be glamorous, but not for the dead. Not for those who become invalid, the widowed and the orphaned. For the true victims, the pain never really go away.
For Kalu and his group who argue that the Igbos are a conquered people in bondage, needing to be free, I say the conquered are not necessarily those who are said to have lost the civil war forty five years ago, but those on either side who lost their lives, income, property and loved ones. The victors are not necessarily those who sing victory songs; but those who smile to the banks having made fortunes selling arms and rice, boots and aircraft, bombs and relief materials to all sides in the conflict.
When during the 1962 Missile Crisis over Cuba, and American President, John .F. Kennedy was toying with the idea of going to war, then Soviet Union leader, Nikita Khrushchev wrote him, warning “I have participated in two world wars and know that war ends only when it has rolled through cities and villages, everywhere sowing death and destruction. For such is the logic of war. If people do not display wisdom, they will clash like blind moles and then, mutual annihilation will commence.”
But if we want to persuade our angry compatriots to remain, we must understand why they want out. I turn to Kalu to understand him. First he claims that the operation of the Federal Character provision and development, is lopsided. In other words, Igbos are marginalised. But interestingly, most or all nationalities in the country feel the same way. He says Igbos are killed in parts of the country. Ironically, the ‘killing fields’ today are in the North East, and Middle Belt where all Nigerians are victims. He argues that Nigeria is an artificial creation. I agree fully with him; but which country is not? Even the Biafra, his group wants to create will also be an artificial one. He laments that while the soldiers on the Federal side were paid, those who fought for Biafra were not. Whatever the arguments; this appears more an administrative issue, and less a reason for secession.
He pointed at corruption, mass unemployment and injustice in what he calls the “Zoological Republic of Nigeria” Doubtlessly, there is injustice; to the poor and powerless; the voiceless and the vulnerable. But the solution cannot be the balkanization of the country; rather, it is to fight these ills.
Even if I am left out of Biafra as I desire, I don’t want a passport to go drink from the knowledge of Arthur Nwankwo in Enugu, visit Maxim Uzotu, ‘the god of poetry’ or share a drink with Anaele Ihuoma in Owerri.
We cannot deny those who clamour for a new country, but the rest of us have the duty and right to propagate our desire for a united Nigeria, and an integrated Africa.
Urhobo denounces inclusion in map of Biafra
November 14, 2015
By Perez Brisibe
Nigerian Vanguard
THE Urhobo nation yesterday denounced its membership in the proposed map of Biafra by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Making the position known yesterday in a statement, National Publicity Secretary of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Alhaji Mumakai-Unagha, warned that Urhobo and its territories should be counted out from any IPOB plan.
“IPOB have their rights of agitation for freedom of self determination as enshrined in the united nation declaration stressing that other ethnic groups should not be dragged along to avoid the mistake that led to the civil war.
“The magnanimity of Urhobos in allowing Igbos celebrate the Igbo Cultural Day should not be taken for granted as we urge IPOB to delist Urhobo from its proposed map.”
Rifts in Ohanaeze, Govs’ Forum stall discussions on Biafra agitations
November 12, 2015
Nigerian Vanguard
No successful dialogue with Kanu in detention –MASSOB
Rivers govt bans pro Biafra protest
Njiko Igbo urges Buhari to release detained Biafran agitators
Ohanaeze disowns Radio Biafra Director, condemns medium’s hate speeches
By Emeka Mamah, Jimitota Onoyume, Vincent Ujumadu & Chimaobi Nwaiwu
There were indications yesterday that lingering rift within the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and that of the South-East Governors’ Forum may be hampering opportunities for Igbo leaders to take a collective position on the recent wave of pro-Biafra protests taking place in parts of the area.
Moreover, according to competent sources, Igbo leaders are also said to be in a fix on what to do about millions of the youths from the South-East agitating for a sovereign state of Biafra following what they described as marginalization and discrimination by “the owners of Nigeria.”
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is enmeshed in crises, with Enwo Igariway and Ralph Obioha leading different factions of the group.
Also, the South-East Governors’ Forum, which met frequently when Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Theodore Orji, former governors of Anambra and Abia states held sway as chairmen at different periods, appear to be in limbo.
The governors, who had been at logger-heads over where the forum should hold its meetings, with Okorocha insisting on Owerri while his colleagues argue that Enugu remains the headquarters of the South-East and should serve as venue.
It was also gathered that the governors with the exception of Willie Obiano of Anambra State, had been bogged down with court cases challenging the validity of their elections, thus preventing them from taking special interest in the affairs of the forum and Ndigbo in general.
Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Joe Nwaorgu, declined comments on the issue when Vanguard cornered him at the national secretariat of the association in Enugu, yesterday.
However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has not met for a long time to discuss issues of marginalization, appointment of ministers and other officials of the Federal Government, among others, as Igariway, from Ebonyi State, who had since completed his tenure, was accused of still clinging to the position instead of giving way for Enugu State to produce the next president of the association, based on the group’s rotation of offices sharing formula.
In an apparent move to give a semblance of existence of leadership for the Igbo, a former National Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Professor Ben Nwabueze, had since formed the Igbo Leaders of Thought, who met in Enugu recently.
Some members of the Nwabueze- led Leaders of Thought include Professor Lawrence Ocho, Col. Hyacinth Chukwuka (rtd), Major Goddy Onyefuru, Chief N. O. Izuako and Col. Ben Gbulie (rtd).
Others include Chief Chris Okoye, Professor Ike Oluka, Bishop Obi Onubogu, Professor Chiweyite Ejike, Justice G. U. Oniniba, Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, Senator Anyim Ude, Evangelist Elliot Uko, Prince Emeka Onyesoh and Chief Enechi Onyia, SAN, among others.
Nwabueze’s group blames the crises facing the country on lack of what he described as true federalism and marginalization, and not corruption or Boko Haram, among others.
A former Minister from the South-East, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described marginalization of Ndigbo in the security forces, Police, Customs and Immigration, among others, as main reasons for the agitation.
However, the President of Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, Evangelist Elliot Ukoh, who spoke on the issue, attributed agitation for Biafra to what he called unfair treatment of Ndigbo.
According to him, “the feeling among our youths is that Nigeria has been unfair to the Igbo and Ndigbo believe that they will never get justice in Nigeria.
“They believe for example that the JAMB cut-off marks are skewed against them because they get higher marks and, get dropped for northerners who score lower grades in the name of federal character.
“They have no jobs because of quota system which ensures that people are given jobs because of where they come from and not based on merit or competence.
“They are frustrated and therefore, the agitation for Biafra becomes an option. The older ones are more cautious.
“The military leaders like Generals Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, among others, who designed Nigeria want the country to remain the same.
… No successful dialogue with Kanu in detention —MASSOB
A faction of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, said yesterday that the much- publicized meeting scheduled to take place in Owerri, Imo State, could not hold because of the continued detention of the director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
Director of information of the faction, Mr. Uchenna Madu, in a statement, yesterday, said the continued protests by pro-Biafra groups in some cities in the South East and South –South did not create a conducive atmosphere for such a meeting to take place.
Madu’s statement read: “We support the meeting of the South East governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with pro-Biafra groups to douse the tension, but we believe that such a meeting cannot take place while Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention.
…Rivers govt bans pro-Biafra protests, gatherings
Meantime,Governor Nyesom Wike in a state wide broadcast, Tuesday night, said the state cannot continue to remain a ground for the illegitimate demand by the pro-Biafra agitators, stressing that he took an oath to defend the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria, which he will not compromise.
The governor also alleged in his broadcast that most of those that protested in the state under the aegis of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, were mainly from neighbouring states.
“While individuals and groups are free to exercise their freedom of expression, they must do so peacefully and strictly within the bounds of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No individual or group has the right, whatsoever, to disturb public peace and order, threaten the safety of the public and create fear and an atmosphere of insecurity in the state or any part thereof.
“Consequently, after due consultations with the members of the State Security Council, and in exercise of my constitutional responsibility to preserve the safety, security and corporate integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is hereby ordered that all forms of street protests, demonstrations, rallies or unlawful gatherings associated with the agitations for the secession of any group from the Federal Republic of Nigeria are banned in Rivers State.”, he said,
…Army/Police take over Gambia Bus Stop Area of Mile Two
To drive home his point, soldiers were deployed yesterday morning to maintain peace around Gambia Bus stop area of Ikwerre Road.
At about 10a.m. the fierce looking soldiers positioned their patrol vehicles on Gambia street and other streets connecting Ikwerre road in the area. Vehicles were seen driving slowly through the Gambia Bus stop portion of Ikwerre road while pedestrians raised their hands in surrendering position as they walked past the soldiers.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP, Ahmad Muhammad had not been responded to the text message sent to him at the time of filing this report.
But the Chairman of Arewa Consultstive Forum in the state, Usman Ibrahim Tudawanda alleged yesterday that the pro- Biafra protesters attacked Hausa in Eleme and Gambia Street in Diobu area of the state.
…Group calls on Buhari to release detained Biafra agitators
In another development, Igbo leaders under the aegis of Njiko Igbo Forum, NIF, yesterday, asked the Federal Government to release all detained Biafran agitators including Nnamdi Kanu and Benjamoin Onwuka immediately and unconditionally.
However, former Chief Judge of Enugu State and one time President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who is also being presumed to be the founder of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Justice Eze Ozobu has denied knowing or ever seeing the Director of Radion Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
Eze Ozobu who was reacting to the IPOB constant protest in the South East and South South Geo-political zones said that the incarcerated Radio Biafra Director is not known to him.
Also reacting, the Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress, IMC, Rev Obinna Akukwe,condemned the hate speeches associated with Radio Biafra, saying it promotes hatred and is not good for a developing nation like Nigeria.
BIAFRA: Ohanaeze to meet with protesting youths
November 11, 2015
South-East govs to meet in Enugu, Friday Protests continue in Port Harcourt, cause gridlock
Opportunity to restructure Nigeria –Ohanaeze youths ….Igbo leaders agree —Ikokwu
By Clifford Ndujihe, Jimitota Onoyume & Ugochukwu Alaribe
Nigerian Vanguard
WORRIED by the increasing and dangerous dimension that the pro-Republic of Biafra protests are assuming, the umbrella body of Igbo socio-cultural organizations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will meet with leaders of the protesting groups soon.
A leader of the Ohanaeze told Vanguard, yesterday, that an all-inclusive meeting is being worked out, adding that the meeting would be a follow-up to the one being organized by South-East governors.
The South East governors’ meeting, Vanguard gathered, will now hold in Enugu, the regional headquarters of the zone, on Friday, and not in Owerri as earlier permuted.
For about two weeks, members and supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and a faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, have been protesting in several cities of the South East and South-South geo-political zones over the continued detention of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra, by the Federal Government.
Indeed, pro-Biafra protesters, yesterday, again disrupted economic life in several parts of Port Harcourt and adjoining local councils in Rivers State as they continued their protest.
This is as Second Republic politician, Chief Guy Ikokwu, who called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, said Igbo leaders are unanimous on the call for urgent restructuring of the country.
Protest in Port Harcourt…
The Rumuola portion of the ever busy Aba Road was shut down by the protesters as their activities disrupted free flow of traffic for several hours.
Adjoining roads were also affected as motorists had hectic time on long queues for hours.
The protesters, who stormed the streets under the aegis of IPOB, reportedly broke into about four groups with each chanting pro-Biafra songs.
Residents said one of the groups was around Rumuokwuta area of Ikwerre Road while the others were spread along Aba Road down to Obigbo local council.
The protesters had been carrying on in the state since Saturday, demanding the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
Activist wants IGP to effect mass transfer of policemen in Aba
Meawhile, Convener of Save Aba Group, St. Moses Ogbonna has called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to effect a massive transfer of policemen serving in Aba, Abia State over the closure of markets in the city by IPOB, on Monday.
Ogbonna, in a chat with Vanguard in Aba, said the Police in the city failed in their duties to protect lives and properties by allowing protesters to shut down markets which caused untold hardship to residents.
‘’Police terrorize residents including mounting of road blocks and checkpoints against the directive of the IGP as exemplified with what is happening at the Ogbor Hill Waterside Bridge and several locations on the old Aba – Umuahia highway,” he said, and hoped that the transfers would inject new blood in the system with fresh ideas to fight insecurity in the city.
Opportunity to restructure Nigeria –Ohanaeze youth
The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use the opportunity of the protests embarked by members of IPOB to address injustice meted out on Ndigbo and restructure the country.
National President of the group, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who stated this in an interview with journalists in Aba, said Buhari would write his name in gold, if he frees Nnamdi Kanu, dialogue with Ndigbo and address their grievances.
“We advise that this is the time for President Buhari to do the needful and release Nnamdi Kanu. We make bold to warn that Nigeria is treading a dangerous path, which must be halted without further delay. Ohanaeze is appealing to IPOB to cease further protest to give room for dialogue. Having brought attention to the marginalization and untold hardship caused by several years of neglect, they should sheathe their swords.
“We call on the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the South East to wade in. We know President Buhari as a man of honour and conscience, who would give ears to the grievances of the group. All hands should be on deck to stop this raging fire,” he said
Isiguzoro continued: “Let President Buhari emulate the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s magic in resolving the militancy problem in the Niger Delta. If President Buhari can free Nnamdi Kanu, start rehabilitating federal roads and the Second Niger Bridge in the South East, accommodate more Igbo people and allay their fears that they are endangered species in Nigeria, the yearnings of the Ndigbo would have been met.’’
….Igbo leaders united on restructuring of Nigeria
— Ikokwu
Speaking on the protests, Ikokwu said restructuring the country and implementing the 2014 National Conference report will go a long way in ending the protests because apart from Igbo leaders, the South-South, North-Central and South-West zones are in a favour of restructuring Nigeria.
His words: ‘’The founding fathers of our nation’s two protectorates of the North and the South preferred the chant of “unity in diversity.” They opted for a federal rather than a unitary structure politically. They were such leaders as Engr. Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Mr. Herbert Endeley, Chief Dennis Osadebe, Dr. Michael Opara, Mallam Aminu Kano, Hon. J. S. Tarka, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim and many other notable leaders.
‘’Most of the above leaders made innumerable sacrifices for Nigeria to remain united as one country, but events of the past 55 years had left Nigeria depleted of its vital economic potential, political will, aggravated poverty, malnourished populace, high level illiteracy and Almajirism, hypocritical leadership, abject colonial mentality and inferiority complex;, religious fanaticism, criminal tendencies, drug abuse, anti-social behaviours and the myopic anti-national and anti-development strategies.
‘’Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, former military governor of Imo and Lagos states (and a notable pro-democracy activist) stated thus at a public lecture: ‘…only someone foolish would have failed to realize that no matter the time spent on travelling on a wrong road, and the distance covered along this road, the only remedy is to turn back and begin on the right road. Otherwise, the intended destination will never be achieved…’
‘’It was the result of the activities of the various pressure groups from the South and Middle Belt and in some parts of the upper North that led the last President, Goodluck Jonathan to convoke a National Conference in 2014 aimed at finding acceptable formula for our constitutional amendments and restructuring.
The report of this confab was endorsed by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and handed over to our new President Buhari and the 7th Senate President David Mark for an exercise that will boost our development stride and ensure more justice, equity and development. It is necessary at this point of the increase of the call of true federalism and proper fiscal federalism, to implement it.
‘’Within the last three months, our South East and South South geo political zones have witnessed our youths strategizing their own ways for a restructured Nigeria and some of their engaging techniques have become technological aparati. Such an incidence is that of the so called radio Biafra which some Nigerian authorities have resorted to very strong measures of suppression. In some cases, people have threatened such digital engagements as treasonable.
‘’In the North-East, the Boko Haram insurgency has made government and a lot of people to bring $3billion for the rescue, restoration and repair of property destroyed. In the South-East and parts of South-South, after the civil war, which claimed about three million lives, there has been no reparation and rebuilding. The Igbo apex body claims they are owed over N3 trillion in reparation. The non-creation of an additional state in the South East since 10 years now has cost them over N1 trillion revenue from the federal coffers!
‘’We will find that the Afenifere, Ohanaze Ndigbo, Ijaw National Conference, Middle Belt socio cultural pressure groups, even the far North social cultural pressure groups have a lot in common in their effort and to bring about justice, equity and more developmental strides across the nation”.
Nigerian Punch
Pro-Biafran supporters marching through a street in Aba, Abia State...on Wednesday
Eniola Akinkuotu
A pan-Igbo group, The Igbo Conscience, says some former political office holders who served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan were behind the Biafran revolt.
The TIC said this was why the protests gained momentum immediately after Jonathan was defeated at the poll.
The leader of the group, Mr. Monday Ubani, who is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, said this at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday.
Ubani noted that during Jonathan’s administration, many Igbo politicians were given juicy appointments.
He, however, added that the appointments did not improve the standard of living of the people of the South-East.
He said, “As recently as six months ago, the Igbo occupied and boasted of occupying prime positions in the country during the six years of President Jonathan’s rule. Why is it that immediately after the defeat of the past regime in March, the cries of Igbo marginalisation rose to high heavens with slanderous allegations against the President-elect?
“What were the merits the Ndigbo derived from this much-vaunted strategic placing in critical positions for six years? Should the Igbo be crying of marginalisation just a few months after sitting on the upper echelons of the country’s political and economic spheres if these political beneficiaries benefitted the Ndigbo with their positions?
“Should roads and other facilities in the South-East be as dilapidated as they are today if we benefitted from these former office holders, some of whom are sponsoring the present agitations?”
Ubani said many Igbo youths had been brainwashed into believing that secession was the only way to address national problems.
He said even the late leader of the defunct Republic of Biafra, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said that the Biafran struggle was a “struggle of the mind and not a physical one.”
He noted that countries like Pakistan and South Sudan, which seceded from India and Sudan respectively, had not fared better even after attaining independence.
He, therefore, urged the protesting youths to have a rethink.
Ubani said the philosophy of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra was at variance with Ojukwu’s and that was why the late Igbo leader never identified with MASSOB.
He said the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, was an impostor and did not have the interests of the Igbo at heart.
I’ll be alive to actualize Biafra —Uwazuruike
November 17, 2015
Nigerian Vanguard
ONITSHA —Leader of the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, yesterday, charged members of the movement to remain steadfast and focused in the revolutionary struggle, saying that the non-violent method adopted by MASSOB had become a source of worry to the so-called northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Nigerian military.
Uwazuruike insisted that there was no going back in his bid to actualize Biafra now or never, stressing that he was in the struggle for freedom not for any other person but for his own children, who, he said, desire a free country where the security of their lives and properties can be guaranteed.
Special meeting
The MASSOB leader, who spoke through the Deputy National Director for Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, weekend, at a special meeting of Enugu West Senatorial District, in Nachi, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, lamented that since Nigeria got her independence in 1960, it had never guaranteed security of lives and properties of Ndigbo, a situation, which he claimed, persuaded him to seek independence of Biafra.
He frowned that some Igbo elite had become stooges to our oppressors, who often used them to do odd jobs and also sponsor them to make blatant comments to discredit Biafra in order to win contracts from their masters in Abuja.
He regretted that such elite, because of the peanuts they were getting from the oppressors, would accept to sabotage the Biafra struggle without knowing how much MASSOB had laboured in the past 16 years, insisting that their plans were bound to fail.
According to Uwazuruike, “ACF had asked Allah to give them Boko Haram, he gave to them and they became comfortable with its outcome. Afenifere elders had Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, fighting for social justice in Yoruba land.
“I am very happy that Biafra is being talked about all over the world and people are being killed and detained for the sake of Biafra. So, if I fail to get Biafra, then I would have failed to do what Ndigbo expected of me and if I also die for the sake of Biafra, I will be fulfilled.”
I don’t want another country
November 16, 2015
By Owei Lakemfa
Nigerian Vanguard
SOME days ago, I woke up to find that someone, or group had decided to change my country. It was there on Facebook; a supposed map of a new country called Biafra. I was neither consulted nor my opinion sought. I am not also aware that the Ijaws, who are my parents, our neigbours the Isokos, Itsekiris, Urhobos, Efiks, Ibibios, Orons etcetera, were consulted. Some fellow Nigerians in demonstrating their right to self-determination, decided that I do not have the right to be consulted.
If I were to reincarnate and have power of choice, I would ordinarily, not decide to be a Nigerian. I would prefer to be an African, in that united continent Kwame Nkrumah prophesied, with a single government, currency, economy and citizenship. I will not trade a continent for another small enclave, while industrialised Europe has almost evolved into one entity. That will not be strategic thinking, it will be collective backwardness.
I understand why the agitators need the Southern nationalities; they require their oil and gas resources, and access to the sea. But they are being quixotic by forcing these peoples into a map. They need to consult and persuade. But this will be difficult as the advocates of a new Biafra have not made public any known philosophy, ideology, vision, road map, socio-economic programme or policy, including on peoples and minority rights.
I have read some juvenile Boko Haram Shekarau-like outbursts by the new kid on the bloc, Nnamdi Kalu of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) who vomits words like “If they don’t give us Biafra, no human being will remain alone in Nigeria by that time; we shall turn everybody into corpses; you better go and buy your coffin.” He reminds me of the quixotic ‘uprising’ by the Biafra Zionist Federation led by Benjamin Igwe Onwuka who on June 5, 2014 tried to seize the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) ostensibly to declare a Biafra Republic.
Apart from these, I have seen photographs of people in camouflage doing drills in alleged preparation for war to actualise Biafra. I am not sure they know what they are doing. I was six when the civil war broke out. Until this day, I still recall the faces of my play mates like Ngozi Eze, who left for the East and never came back when their families returned. You imagine the trauma the rest of their families went through. I also, still recall the faces of my uncles; Anusi, and Wisdom Fakrogha, who went to that war, and never returned. It is not just about the massive destruction, starvation and early graves. It included injuries that never healed, scars that people carry in their hearts. Like John Pepper Clarke wrote, in his poem, The Casualties. “The casualties are not only those who are dead… The casualties are not only those who started A fire and now cannot put out. Thousands are burning that have no say in the matter…We are all casualties”
I read about people on both sides, glorifying the civil war. Yes, it was a glorious war; but not for the two million who lost their lives. It was a heroic war; but not for the children taken to Gabon who never returned. War can be glamorous, but not for the dead. Not for those who become invalid, the widowed and the orphaned. For the true victims, the pain never really go away.
For Kalu and his group who argue that the Igbos are a conquered people in bondage, needing to be free, I say the conquered are not necessarily those who are said to have lost the civil war forty five years ago, but those on either side who lost their lives, income, property and loved ones. The victors are not necessarily those who sing victory songs; but those who smile to the banks having made fortunes selling arms and rice, boots and aircraft, bombs and relief materials to all sides in the conflict.
When during the 1962 Missile Crisis over Cuba, and American President, John .F. Kennedy was toying with the idea of going to war, then Soviet Union leader, Nikita Khrushchev wrote him, warning “I have participated in two world wars and know that war ends only when it has rolled through cities and villages, everywhere sowing death and destruction. For such is the logic of war. If people do not display wisdom, they will clash like blind moles and then, mutual annihilation will commence.”
But if we want to persuade our angry compatriots to remain, we must understand why they want out. I turn to Kalu to understand him. First he claims that the operation of the Federal Character provision and development, is lopsided. In other words, Igbos are marginalised. But interestingly, most or all nationalities in the country feel the same way. He says Igbos are killed in parts of the country. Ironically, the ‘killing fields’ today are in the North East, and Middle Belt where all Nigerians are victims. He argues that Nigeria is an artificial creation. I agree fully with him; but which country is not? Even the Biafra, his group wants to create will also be an artificial one. He laments that while the soldiers on the Federal side were paid, those who fought for Biafra were not. Whatever the arguments; this appears more an administrative issue, and less a reason for secession.
He pointed at corruption, mass unemployment and injustice in what he calls the “Zoological Republic of Nigeria” Doubtlessly, there is injustice; to the poor and powerless; the voiceless and the vulnerable. But the solution cannot be the balkanization of the country; rather, it is to fight these ills.
Even if I am left out of Biafra as I desire, I don’t want a passport to go drink from the knowledge of Arthur Nwankwo in Enugu, visit Maxim Uzotu, ‘the god of poetry’ or share a drink with Anaele Ihuoma in Owerri.
We cannot deny those who clamour for a new country, but the rest of us have the duty and right to propagate our desire for a united Nigeria, and an integrated Africa.
Urhobo denounces inclusion in map of Biafra
November 14, 2015
By Perez Brisibe
Nigerian Vanguard
THE Urhobo nation yesterday denounced its membership in the proposed map of Biafra by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Making the position known yesterday in a statement, National Publicity Secretary of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Alhaji Mumakai-Unagha, warned that Urhobo and its territories should be counted out from any IPOB plan.
“IPOB have their rights of agitation for freedom of self determination as enshrined in the united nation declaration stressing that other ethnic groups should not be dragged along to avoid the mistake that led to the civil war.
“The magnanimity of Urhobos in allowing Igbos celebrate the Igbo Cultural Day should not be taken for granted as we urge IPOB to delist Urhobo from its proposed map.”
Rifts in Ohanaeze, Govs’ Forum stall discussions on Biafra agitations
November 12, 2015
Nigerian Vanguard
No successful dialogue with Kanu in detention –MASSOB
Rivers govt bans pro Biafra protest
Njiko Igbo urges Buhari to release detained Biafran agitators
Ohanaeze disowns Radio Biafra Director, condemns medium’s hate speeches
By Emeka Mamah, Jimitota Onoyume, Vincent Ujumadu & Chimaobi Nwaiwu
There were indications yesterday that lingering rift within the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and that of the South-East Governors’ Forum may be hampering opportunities for Igbo leaders to take a collective position on the recent wave of pro-Biafra protests taking place in parts of the area.
Moreover, according to competent sources, Igbo leaders are also said to be in a fix on what to do about millions of the youths from the South-East agitating for a sovereign state of Biafra following what they described as marginalization and discrimination by “the owners of Nigeria.”
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is enmeshed in crises, with Enwo Igariway and Ralph Obioha leading different factions of the group.
Also, the South-East Governors’ Forum, which met frequently when Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Theodore Orji, former governors of Anambra and Abia states held sway as chairmen at different periods, appear to be in limbo.
The governors, who had been at logger-heads over where the forum should hold its meetings, with Okorocha insisting on Owerri while his colleagues argue that Enugu remains the headquarters of the South-East and should serve as venue.
It was also gathered that the governors with the exception of Willie Obiano of Anambra State, had been bogged down with court cases challenging the validity of their elections, thus preventing them from taking special interest in the affairs of the forum and Ndigbo in general.
Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Joe Nwaorgu, declined comments on the issue when Vanguard cornered him at the national secretariat of the association in Enugu, yesterday.
However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has not met for a long time to discuss issues of marginalization, appointment of ministers and other officials of the Federal Government, among others, as Igariway, from Ebonyi State, who had since completed his tenure, was accused of still clinging to the position instead of giving way for Enugu State to produce the next president of the association, based on the group’s rotation of offices sharing formula.
In an apparent move to give a semblance of existence of leadership for the Igbo, a former National Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Professor Ben Nwabueze, had since formed the Igbo Leaders of Thought, who met in Enugu recently.
Some members of the Nwabueze- led Leaders of Thought include Professor Lawrence Ocho, Col. Hyacinth Chukwuka (rtd), Major Goddy Onyefuru, Chief N. O. Izuako and Col. Ben Gbulie (rtd).
Others include Chief Chris Okoye, Professor Ike Oluka, Bishop Obi Onubogu, Professor Chiweyite Ejike, Justice G. U. Oniniba, Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, Senator Anyim Ude, Evangelist Elliot Uko, Prince Emeka Onyesoh and Chief Enechi Onyia, SAN, among others.
Nwabueze’s group blames the crises facing the country on lack of what he described as true federalism and marginalization, and not corruption or Boko Haram, among others.
A former Minister from the South-East, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described marginalization of Ndigbo in the security forces, Police, Customs and Immigration, among others, as main reasons for the agitation.
However, the President of Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, Evangelist Elliot Ukoh, who spoke on the issue, attributed agitation for Biafra to what he called unfair treatment of Ndigbo.
According to him, “the feeling among our youths is that Nigeria has been unfair to the Igbo and Ndigbo believe that they will never get justice in Nigeria.
“They believe for example that the JAMB cut-off marks are skewed against them because they get higher marks and, get dropped for northerners who score lower grades in the name of federal character.
“They have no jobs because of quota system which ensures that people are given jobs because of where they come from and not based on merit or competence.
“They are frustrated and therefore, the agitation for Biafra becomes an option. The older ones are more cautious.
“The military leaders like Generals Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, among others, who designed Nigeria want the country to remain the same.
… No successful dialogue with Kanu in detention —MASSOB
A faction of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, said yesterday that the much- publicized meeting scheduled to take place in Owerri, Imo State, could not hold because of the continued detention of the director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
Director of information of the faction, Mr. Uchenna Madu, in a statement, yesterday, said the continued protests by pro-Biafra groups in some cities in the South East and South –South did not create a conducive atmosphere for such a meeting to take place.
Madu’s statement read: “We support the meeting of the South East governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with pro-Biafra groups to douse the tension, but we believe that such a meeting cannot take place while Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention.
…Rivers govt bans pro-Biafra protests, gatherings
Meantime,Governor Nyesom Wike in a state wide broadcast, Tuesday night, said the state cannot continue to remain a ground for the illegitimate demand by the pro-Biafra agitators, stressing that he took an oath to defend the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria, which he will not compromise.
The governor also alleged in his broadcast that most of those that protested in the state under the aegis of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, were mainly from neighbouring states.
“While individuals and groups are free to exercise their freedom of expression, they must do so peacefully and strictly within the bounds of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No individual or group has the right, whatsoever, to disturb public peace and order, threaten the safety of the public and create fear and an atmosphere of insecurity in the state or any part thereof.
“Consequently, after due consultations with the members of the State Security Council, and in exercise of my constitutional responsibility to preserve the safety, security and corporate integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is hereby ordered that all forms of street protests, demonstrations, rallies or unlawful gatherings associated with the agitations for the secession of any group from the Federal Republic of Nigeria are banned in Rivers State.”, he said,
…Army/Police take over Gambia Bus Stop Area of Mile Two
To drive home his point, soldiers were deployed yesterday morning to maintain peace around Gambia Bus stop area of Ikwerre Road.
At about 10a.m. the fierce looking soldiers positioned their patrol vehicles on Gambia street and other streets connecting Ikwerre road in the area. Vehicles were seen driving slowly through the Gambia Bus stop portion of Ikwerre road while pedestrians raised their hands in surrendering position as they walked past the soldiers.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP, Ahmad Muhammad had not been responded to the text message sent to him at the time of filing this report.
But the Chairman of Arewa Consultstive Forum in the state, Usman Ibrahim Tudawanda alleged yesterday that the pro- Biafra protesters attacked Hausa in Eleme and Gambia Street in Diobu area of the state.
…Group calls on Buhari to release detained Biafra agitators
In another development, Igbo leaders under the aegis of Njiko Igbo Forum, NIF, yesterday, asked the Federal Government to release all detained Biafran agitators including Nnamdi Kanu and Benjamoin Onwuka immediately and unconditionally.
However, former Chief Judge of Enugu State and one time President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who is also being presumed to be the founder of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Justice Eze Ozobu has denied knowing or ever seeing the Director of Radion Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
Eze Ozobu who was reacting to the IPOB constant protest in the South East and South South Geo-political zones said that the incarcerated Radio Biafra Director is not known to him.
Also reacting, the Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress, IMC, Rev Obinna Akukwe,condemned the hate speeches associated with Radio Biafra, saying it promotes hatred and is not good for a developing nation like Nigeria.
BIAFRA: Ohanaeze to meet with protesting youths
November 11, 2015
South-East govs to meet in Enugu, Friday Protests continue in Port Harcourt, cause gridlock
Opportunity to restructure Nigeria –Ohanaeze youths ….Igbo leaders agree —Ikokwu
By Clifford Ndujihe, Jimitota Onoyume & Ugochukwu Alaribe
Nigerian Vanguard
WORRIED by the increasing and dangerous dimension that the pro-Republic of Biafra protests are assuming, the umbrella body of Igbo socio-cultural organizations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will meet with leaders of the protesting groups soon.
A leader of the Ohanaeze told Vanguard, yesterday, that an all-inclusive meeting is being worked out, adding that the meeting would be a follow-up to the one being organized by South-East governors.
The South East governors’ meeting, Vanguard gathered, will now hold in Enugu, the regional headquarters of the zone, on Friday, and not in Owerri as earlier permuted.
For about two weeks, members and supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and a faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, have been protesting in several cities of the South East and South-South geo-political zones over the continued detention of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra, by the Federal Government.
Indeed, pro-Biafra protesters, yesterday, again disrupted economic life in several parts of Port Harcourt and adjoining local councils in Rivers State as they continued their protest.
This is as Second Republic politician, Chief Guy Ikokwu, who called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, said Igbo leaders are unanimous on the call for urgent restructuring of the country.
Protest in Port Harcourt…
The Rumuola portion of the ever busy Aba Road was shut down by the protesters as their activities disrupted free flow of traffic for several hours.
Adjoining roads were also affected as motorists had hectic time on long queues for hours.
The protesters, who stormed the streets under the aegis of IPOB, reportedly broke into about four groups with each chanting pro-Biafra songs.
Residents said one of the groups was around Rumuokwuta area of Ikwerre Road while the others were spread along Aba Road down to Obigbo local council.
The protesters had been carrying on in the state since Saturday, demanding the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
Activist wants IGP to effect mass transfer of policemen in Aba
Meawhile, Convener of Save Aba Group, St. Moses Ogbonna has called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to effect a massive transfer of policemen serving in Aba, Abia State over the closure of markets in the city by IPOB, on Monday.
Ogbonna, in a chat with Vanguard in Aba, said the Police in the city failed in their duties to protect lives and properties by allowing protesters to shut down markets which caused untold hardship to residents.
‘’Police terrorize residents including mounting of road blocks and checkpoints against the directive of the IGP as exemplified with what is happening at the Ogbor Hill Waterside Bridge and several locations on the old Aba – Umuahia highway,” he said, and hoped that the transfers would inject new blood in the system with fresh ideas to fight insecurity in the city.
Opportunity to restructure Nigeria –Ohanaeze youth
The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use the opportunity of the protests embarked by members of IPOB to address injustice meted out on Ndigbo and restructure the country.
National President of the group, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who stated this in an interview with journalists in Aba, said Buhari would write his name in gold, if he frees Nnamdi Kanu, dialogue with Ndigbo and address their grievances.
“We advise that this is the time for President Buhari to do the needful and release Nnamdi Kanu. We make bold to warn that Nigeria is treading a dangerous path, which must be halted without further delay. Ohanaeze is appealing to IPOB to cease further protest to give room for dialogue. Having brought attention to the marginalization and untold hardship caused by several years of neglect, they should sheathe their swords.
“We call on the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the South East to wade in. We know President Buhari as a man of honour and conscience, who would give ears to the grievances of the group. All hands should be on deck to stop this raging fire,” he said
Isiguzoro continued: “Let President Buhari emulate the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s magic in resolving the militancy problem in the Niger Delta. If President Buhari can free Nnamdi Kanu, start rehabilitating federal roads and the Second Niger Bridge in the South East, accommodate more Igbo people and allay their fears that they are endangered species in Nigeria, the yearnings of the Ndigbo would have been met.’’
….Igbo leaders united on restructuring of Nigeria
— Ikokwu
Speaking on the protests, Ikokwu said restructuring the country and implementing the 2014 National Conference report will go a long way in ending the protests because apart from Igbo leaders, the South-South, North-Central and South-West zones are in a favour of restructuring Nigeria.
His words: ‘’The founding fathers of our nation’s two protectorates of the North and the South preferred the chant of “unity in diversity.” They opted for a federal rather than a unitary structure politically. They were such leaders as Engr. Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Mr. Herbert Endeley, Chief Dennis Osadebe, Dr. Michael Opara, Mallam Aminu Kano, Hon. J. S. Tarka, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim and many other notable leaders.
‘’Most of the above leaders made innumerable sacrifices for Nigeria to remain united as one country, but events of the past 55 years had left Nigeria depleted of its vital economic potential, political will, aggravated poverty, malnourished populace, high level illiteracy and Almajirism, hypocritical leadership, abject colonial mentality and inferiority complex;, religious fanaticism, criminal tendencies, drug abuse, anti-social behaviours and the myopic anti-national and anti-development strategies.
‘’Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, former military governor of Imo and Lagos states (and a notable pro-democracy activist) stated thus at a public lecture: ‘…only someone foolish would have failed to realize that no matter the time spent on travelling on a wrong road, and the distance covered along this road, the only remedy is to turn back and begin on the right road. Otherwise, the intended destination will never be achieved…’
‘’It was the result of the activities of the various pressure groups from the South and Middle Belt and in some parts of the upper North that led the last President, Goodluck Jonathan to convoke a National Conference in 2014 aimed at finding acceptable formula for our constitutional amendments and restructuring.
The report of this confab was endorsed by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and handed over to our new President Buhari and the 7th Senate President David Mark for an exercise that will boost our development stride and ensure more justice, equity and development. It is necessary at this point of the increase of the call of true federalism and proper fiscal federalism, to implement it.
‘’Within the last three months, our South East and South South geo political zones have witnessed our youths strategizing their own ways for a restructured Nigeria and some of their engaging techniques have become technological aparati. Such an incidence is that of the so called radio Biafra which some Nigerian authorities have resorted to very strong measures of suppression. In some cases, people have threatened such digital engagements as treasonable.
‘’In the North-East, the Boko Haram insurgency has made government and a lot of people to bring $3billion for the rescue, restoration and repair of property destroyed. In the South-East and parts of South-South, after the civil war, which claimed about three million lives, there has been no reparation and rebuilding. The Igbo apex body claims they are owed over N3 trillion in reparation. The non-creation of an additional state in the South East since 10 years now has cost them over N1 trillion revenue from the federal coffers!
‘’We will find that the Afenifere, Ohanaze Ndigbo, Ijaw National Conference, Middle Belt socio cultural pressure groups, even the far North social cultural pressure groups have a lot in common in their effort and to bring about justice, equity and more developmental strides across the nation”.
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