Opinion
The World Ridicules Buhari On Biafra
By SKC Ogbonnia
An Igbo proverb goes that, Ijiji ne nweghi onye ndumodu n’eso ozu ana. (The fly that ignores wise counsel always ends up at the grave with the corpse). That is where Nigeria finds itself today with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Rather than embrace simple dialogue, as canvassed by well-meaning Nigerians, Buhari chose to attend to the current Biafran crisis by brute force. Not unexpectedly, human casualties ensued, thereby swelling global sympathy for Biafra. To douse the current, Buhari quickly proscribed the Biafran youths as terrorists. As if that singular act lacks in folly, the Nigerian government listed the sponsors of the terrorists as the leading opposition party in the country, the People Democratic Party of Nigeria (PDP), France, Britain, and the Nigerians in the Diaspora, et cetera.
Not surprisingly, the inane attempt has turned Buhari into a ridicule home and abroad.
From the home front, the PDP has already done a return-to-sender, admonishing the president to look within. Without much incertitude, the opposition party inferred that if indeed it is the sponsor of the Nigerian terrorists, Buhari is then the Osama Bin Laden proper.
But the opposition party is no longer alone. Even notable members of Buhari’s own party, the leadership of the Nigerian Senate, Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Labour Congress, religious groups, the crème of the Nigerian civil society, and well-informed Nigerian masses—all beg to differ with the president on his approach to the Biafran crisis. To the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a group most credited to the country’s return to democracy, Buhari’s action is “inconsistent with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and may be the beginning, if not checked, of the unwitting or witting subversion of democracy in Nigeria.”
On the international scene, Buhari is being roundly rebuked. The Great Britain, France, and the United States of America, for instance, have quickly reminded him that the activities of the Independence People Of Biafra (IPOB) in their respective countries are within the ambit of the law. The US added that while it stands for a united Nigeria, the country should explore dialogue in resolving the Biafran crisis and devising lasting ways for equity and fairness. The European Union, as a body, also weighed in, charging that labeling the Biafran activists as terrorists is a naked rape on democracy and human rights.
But the crescendo of the mockery brimmed when Buhari was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The first sign was the use of his speech to plead for dialogue to contain the North Korea dictator Kim Jong-un while at same time employing the use of force to resolve the Biafran crisis back in Nigeria. The second sign was when the president eked out time at the UN—to proclaim the Biafran activists as terrorists. Yet, the president could not muster the courage to introduce the matter in his speech at the assembly, especially considering that his brand of the Nigerian terrorists are of international dimension. After all, the leading UN security nations, particularly the Great Britain, France, and the United States were fingered as the Buhari’s “axis of evil.”
To rob salt into the open injury, thousands of Diaspora Nigerians, most of whom are card-carrying members of IPOB or, rather, the Nigerian terrorists, were openly protesting against Buhari’s dictatorship in in the front of the UN Assembly and in all major cities across the United States. Can you imagine members of terrorist Al Qaeda or ISIS resident in the US protesting at the UN? The answer alone ought to make Buhari to have a re-think. But he may still not get it.
But how far can this ridicule go? How much more, please? Is Buhari’s government saying things for saying sake to keep the sinking ship afloat? If not, when is Nigeria going to severe diplomatic relations with the UK, France, and the United States for sponsoring or harboring the terrorists? Why did Buhari journey back to London from the UN for another round of medical vacation if indeed Great Britain is sympathetic to those terrorizing our country, Nigeria?
More, if the PDP is truly funding the Nigerian terrorists, as accused, what is the delay in arresting or at least quizzing the chairman of party, Ahmed Makarfi? If the Biafran activists are terrorists, as proclaimed, when is Buhari going to arrest their prominent echo chambers, particularly Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Femi Fani-Kayode or Governor Ayo Fayose? Or, could it be that the Biafran activists are terrorists only if they are Nigerians of Igbo descent—and, more specifically, those who hail from the Southeast?
Without any iota of doubt, the logical answer to the last question sufficiently addresses all the other questions. That answer is Buhari’s seemingly Igbo problem. But this where I pity the president as well as myself. For there is no aspect of the man’s misery with Biafra today that I did not labour to forewarn.
But we have all come to find out the hard way: Muhammadu Buhari does not listen. He does not.
Fortunately, however, he has nowhere to go this time but to listen. In short, unless the former First Lady Patience Jonathan was right all along about the state of Buhari’s brain, it is about time nonsense paves way to common sense. The president should recognize that his current campaign against Biafra outside the shores of Nigeria is mere talk-n-go. He must recognize that the Nigerians in the Diaspora have become the country’s Biblical Joseph in terms of relationships with the outside world. Faced with injustice at home, most of these Diaspora Nigerians—the Igbo obviously not marginalized this time—have found favour in the foreign land, gaining profound prominence in all facets of global economy as well as politics.
Thus, if Biafra is synonymic with the Igbo, crushing IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu at the local front is no longer enough. For example, besides other Biafran groups in Nigeria, how about the many more in the Diaspora? Are such other Biafran organizations and their leaders in different countries, most of whom are distinguished in their chosen careers, including, high-ranking members of the armed forces, professors, doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, and business leaders also terrorists?
Similar questions might have been hovering in the mind of the veteran Nigerian philosopher, Benjamin Obiajulu Aduba, where he wrote that, “Biafra is not a Person. It Cannot be Killed by a Bullet.” Mazi Aduba noted that the growing popularity of Biafra has nothing to do with IPOB or Nnamdi Kanu but gross injustice in the land.
President Muhammadu Buhari needs help. He must be encouraged to listen—for a change. The current Biafran explosion is self-inflicted wound and only him can heal it. He must also admit that his hope of using the teetering exigency of terrorism to curry sympathy from international community is the height of hypocrisy. Unlike Buhari, the world knows that the true problem with Biafra is far from terrorism but the quest for equity and fairness which are vitally essential for a truly united Nigeria.
Be that as it may, so much is at stake. The masses, including this writer, invested so much hope on the current attempt for change in Nigeria. We truly want our president to have a successful tenure before he bids farewell at Yar’Adua Square in May 2019. The worst thing that can happen to Nigeria is neither the fear of IPOB nor Nnamdi Kanu. It is a failed Buhari presidency which can potentially signal the return—so soon—of the virally corrupt empire in the name of People Democratic Party of Nigeria. True.
Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Oriental Times
SKC Ogbonnia writes from Houston, Texas, and can be reached via: SKCOgbonnia1@aol.com
kuba j ebo
December 20, 2018 at 6:23 pm
It is a shame that housa Fulani arestill talking about one Nigeria.
The mutual hatred us not going anywhere soon and indeed the best thing is for nigeria to split. You can not hold your enemy down indefinitely with guns.
The longer this state of affairs lasts the worse the outcome.
The bitterness has been ongoing since 1967….for the Fulani to continue to hope that it will change us waste of time.
You may think that you are benefitting from oil in the south ,this is only stopping you from looking for alternative livelyhood. The oil will soon become irrelevant and you will get stuck. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Obinna Ibeawuchi
February 21, 2018 at 11:08 am
It is Biafra or nothing, there will be no more zoo Nigeria elections in Biafra land.
Audu Sunnie
September 28, 2017 at 7:19 am
He is a tot of President, a complete idiot he is..
Paschal Nwankwo
September 28, 2017 at 6:29 am
Buhari is a pharaoh of our contemporary generation
Wisdom K.Mba
September 27, 2017 at 11:55 pm
I want the Hausa foolanis to comment here. Where are they?
Jontor Way
September 27, 2017 at 11:23 pm
Buhari and Apc clowns are disgraced to the world
Patrick Don
September 27, 2017 at 10:47 pm
Nice article
Prince Chiedozie
September 27, 2017 at 9:49 pm
Fulani robot – Jubril from Sudan
Adim Good
September 27, 2017 at 9:38 pm
Ewu Hausa kastina
JOHNSON IKECHUKWU
September 27, 2017 at 10:22 pm
Biafra must be actualize joor the only thing I can’t explain is how long it will take
Anyanwu Emmanuel
September 27, 2017 at 9:14 pm
Let him begin to save his dirty face quick before it is too late!!!!!!!
Anyanwu Emmanuel
September 27, 2017 at 9:13 pm
Thats what you get when you do not lsten. He is a cofirmed DICTATOR !!!!!!!!! Nnamdi Kanu finished him for ever !!!!!!!! Including BRUTAL BRUTAI !!!!!!! A REPLAY OF BIBLICAL DAVID AND GOLIATH AND ISRAEL SIX DAYS WAR
Obinna Obiakor
September 27, 2017 at 9:11 pm
Iseeeee
Freeman Freeman
September 27, 2017 at 8:46 pm
Buhari of Nigeria is a big fool the stupid old man thinks by killing innocent youths the greats leaders of tomorrow will stop freedom of Biafra
Ken King
September 27, 2017 at 8:36 pm
The fear of nnamdi kanu is the beginning of wisdom for buhari and his fellow northerners. The guy is a nightmare to the lawless country. They have failed into his trap
Anyanwu Emmanuel
September 27, 2017 at 9:16 pm
Nanmdi Kanu trapped the lion.
Chukwuebuka Ofoma
September 27, 2017 at 8:29 pm
U can’t stop the spirit of agitation said by prof Soyinka
Dialogue now before it’s too late by pastors, prophets and educated politicians
Let’s stop deceiving ourselves for selfish reasons, Nigeria have already expired totally, too much of patching won’t solve anything because it will still be leaking from one way or another
I support Biafra( USB )
Ignatius Igidi
September 27, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Buhari can only give bullet.
Vincent Akunne
September 27, 2017 at 8:07 pm
BIAFRA IS HERE
Chris Bonethrust
September 27, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Buhari the vampire… Biafra is great again
Alkali Dogo
September 27, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Useless media continue with your propaganda if that is the best way for you as a media company.
Honourable Mechie
September 27, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Where is your stupid and fearful Nnamdi Kalu? Why is he hiding, i thought he said he is the Supreme leader of Biafra?
BiafraUnited
September 30, 2017 at 6:19 am
Honourable Mechie, your write up makes no sense at all. If you have brain, then your “fearful” should read fearless. By the way, Nnamdi Kanu is not stupid at all. What Kanu has achieved in about 2 years you cannot achieve in about 100 years.
Honourable Mechie
September 27, 2017 at 7:47 pm
This write up from Oriental Times has no meaning and makes no sense.
Christopher Ochini
September 27, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Good
Humphrey Umanu
September 27, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Wow, round of applaud for the writer, kudos to you, your handwriting is in heaven. The succession of Biafra will erase the Name Nigeria on Earth. Biafra is a spirit and nobody can stop her. Am happy a Biafrans.
Enoch Ola
September 27, 2017 at 7:46 pm
Will U Stop Fooling Ur Self
Humphrey Umanu
September 27, 2017 at 7:57 pm
How, do I hear you call it fooling?
Ada Biafra Zioner
September 27, 2017 at 7:38 pm
He will see shege.
Cassidy Aniede
September 27, 2017 at 7:27 pm
All hail Biafra
Enoch Ola
September 27, 2017 at 7:41 pm
So U Av Not Wise Up, I Pity Ur Condition
Ekeh Donald
September 27, 2017 at 7:25 pm
One day we will sleep in nigeria an wake up in biafra
Enoch Ola
September 27, 2017 at 7:43 pm
For Ur Mind
Benson Temple
September 27, 2017 at 7:15 pm
Our president is a goat
Cornelius Essien
September 27, 2017 at 7:15 pm
that was why Buhari ran away frm UN meetings.
GodGift Lucky
September 27, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Mumu president
Bennedict Benzou
September 27, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Aguchukwu Prophet your head get oil for that comment.
Obaino D Tempoka
September 27, 2017 at 7:04 pm
This is what you can hear from that COUNTRY CALL ZOO where Animal rules human being and those human being are enjoying the readership of that ANIMAL.
Benson Temple
September 27, 2017 at 7:14 pm
No be lie bros
Angela E Momoh
September 27, 2017 at 7:02 pm
I’m having 0.014 bitcoins for sale, inbox me if interested
Oguzie Jude Ama
September 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm
Correct
Lawrence Ayobami Akanni
September 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm
nice one for him
Aguchukwu Prophet
September 27, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Buhari let death wipe out your household now
Onuoha Chinaetugo Paschal
September 27, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Gwagam!
In the spirit of one indivisible Nigeria and abundant security of lives and properties therein!
My Lord Bishop please transfer Rev Fr . Mbaka to Kastina or Borno Diocese !
We need gospel to spread beyond Eastern region, don’t we ?
Paul Achalla
MB Yazeed Abbare
September 27, 2017 at 6:50 pm
those yarning dead biafra are disgrace to nigeria!
Onuoha Chinaetugo Paschal
September 27, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Go school you no gree, peddle down a simple understandable article you cant.
Ewu Awusa.
Ecj Emma
September 27, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Kelechi Nwachineke Ipob
September 27, 2017 at 6:44 pm
Election is coming but one funny thing is that I don’t know who is contesting, I have never seen an election campaign poster or bill board anywhere, so if you’ve seen any let me know.
if you paste it on the streets it’s taking out within some minutes and I also heard any one pasting it could be beaten to pulp till he faint
biko what those that mean biafrans
Onu Uwa Onu Uwa
September 27, 2017 at 7:06 pm
hmm is trueoo
jon
September 28, 2017 at 4:16 am
Buhari’s alleged illegality has reached a point where impeachment proceedings should be commenced. Civilized Western world has now issued a pronouncement that IPOB is not a terrorist organization. Hausa/Fulani terrorists’ herdsmen that have been killing and raping women all over Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt are all walking freely.
Buhari’s alleged attempt to stop Restructuring will not succeed. The South and Middle Belt cannot wait until Buhari and his parasitic Hausa/Fulani invaders find oil in the desert of Arewa sharia Republic to commence restructuring.
Those who refuse to restructure in accordance with 1963 independence constitution as agreed upon by our founding fathers, make de-amalgamation or disintegration inevitable.