Why Biafra Is a Movement That Can't Be Stopped, By Nnaemeka Ikerionwu

Nnaemeka Ikerionwu

So, yesterday, May 25th, Twitter notified me that Biafra at 50 was trending on its platform. When I got there, I marveled at people's reactions and contributions. After 50 years, Biafra which was initially claimed to be "dead and buried" by Nigerian government, suddenly resurrected at the national level. That's not unbelievable anyway.

The fact remains that, every South Easterner has an atom of Biafra in him, even our 'Lagos brother' Joe Igbokwe.

I've said severally that one indivisible Nigeria would be better for Ndigbo because of our diverse nature, but it can never be achieved because the nations that made up Nigeria have different cultural, traditional, religious and other numerous practices; and that was the case of northern and southern Sudan. In other words, Nigeria can never be united, psychologically and otherwise. Even former President Obasanjo is aware. Yesterday, at Biafra conference organized by Musa Yaradua foundation in Abuja, he said, "At Independence, we had 3 nations in one, that problem was never resolved till today." Oh yes! Obasanjo is aware of the problems bedevilling the country. They're all aware!

IPOB demonstrators recently in Anambra State.
Photo Credit: cfrmagazine.com

Like I said earlier, every South Easterner is sympathetic to Biafran cause, but sometimes, because of our diversity in areas like business, politics etc, some always try to disassociate themselves from the issue in other not to hamper their means of livelihood. Take away those things and watch them dance to the 'tune'

Same yesterday, I witnessed and IPOB demonstration. I saw just few members with Biafran flags and other kits. In a twinkle of an eye, they grew into an army of demonstrators and later turned into a rally. Those 'bystanders' were sympathetic to the cause but were at the same time, watching to see who'll take the first step.

My friend used to be deeply involved in Biafra activities until the tenure of former president Jonathan when he got a contract in Abuja through an old friend, and when Jonathan left, it didn't affect his contractual terms with the present government. To cut the story very short, he doesn't talk about Biafra anymore. As a matter of fact, you don't dare mention it to him again. This was a high rank member of the then Uwazurike-led-MASSOB. Right now he's married with kids. He even has a house in Abuja. There are so many Igbos like that in every corner of this country.

A successful Igbo man that has a very big warehouse in Trade Fair complex, Lagos, Alaba international market, Ladipo Auto Spare parts, Sabon Gari electrical market Kano, and so many others won't join you to talk deeply about Biafra openly but that doesn't mean he hates the cause. You already know the obvious.

Protesting IPOB members

A marginalized Igbo would always talk about Biafra, even paying the ultimate price when the need arises as it had happened in various States in South Eastern Nigeria.

Do you really think people like Ateke Tom, Asari Dokubo, and other "pacified" ex militant leaders would ever go back to the creeks again? No! Not until you see Ateke Tom's recent mansion he built in his hometown, Okirika, Rivers State. The interior of the house is 'gold plated', and I'm very sure nobody in their right mind would abandon such comfort to go and be misbehaving in the creeks of Niger Delta in the name of militant. Their long time agitation is consequently put to the end. Maybe for now, though.

Biafra is a movement that can't be stopped because what made the soldiers from the South East origin to abandon "one Nigeria" and began to clamour for Biafra which eventually led to the civil war, has not been discussed and would never be addressed as long as this entity called Nigeria exists, until MOSES arrives.

Those that claim the ownership of the country will definitely not let those issues discussed, hence, the circus continues

To Be Continued.........


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