Opinion
Does IPOB Really Want Biafra?
By Tochukwu Ezukanma
At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus saw a man that had been sick for thirty eight years, and asked him, “Do you want to be made whole”? It was a question that seemed irrelevant and insensitivity. But then, some are sick but do not want to be healed. Many are in school but do not want to learn. The Buhari administration is fighting Boko Haram but does not want to defeat Boko Haram. So, that seemingly irrelevant question of Jesus was actually pertinent.
Ralph Uwazurike of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) once said that, “When I started talking about Biafra, I did not know what I was doing. But, as democracy allowed me the right to express myself, I started talking about it, and as, people started listening to me, I continued”. That is, by his own admission, he started talking about Biafra not because he desired Biafra or had a strategy on how to actualize Biafra, but because democracy guaranteed his right to free speech. With time, he became wealthy and renowned from talking about Biafra. Finally, he fizzled out; nobody hears of him lately. It is therefore possible to be talking about Biafra without wanting Biafra.
Nnamdi Kanu is significantly different from Ralph Uwazurike. Unlike Uwazurike, he is media savvy, colorful and flamboyant. He is dashy, with a streak of showmanship and histrionics. He is a rabble-rouser that has successfully incited the passion of an impressive number of Igbo that now constitute a formidable (committed, fanatical, and almost, suicidal) following. His incongruent followers consist of the ignorant, youthful, adventurous and idealistic, with a fair sprinkling of the educated, elderly and realistic. Although his organization has more than its fair share of the ignorant and roughnecks, even, within the ranks of its leaders, it is somewhat well disciplined and structured. But, as you listen to the pronouncements of Nnamdi Kanu and observe the activities of the members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), you wonder if they really want Biafra.
Nnamdi Kanu’s demand for a referendum to determine if the people of his “Biafra Land” want to remain in, or secede from, Nigeria is reasonable. After all, there had been a number of similar referendums in different parts of the world: Spain for the people of Catalonia; Canada over Quebec’s independence, United Kingdom on Scotland’s independence, etc. However, the Nigeria government has made it very clear that it cannot, on the short run, hold such a referendum because the Nigerian constitution has no provision for it. Therefore, a referendum on Biafra is contingent on a constitutional amendment.
The Nigerian Constitutions can only be amended by the Nigerian legislature. First of all, 2/3 of the federal legislators both in the senate and House must approve of such an amendment. After which it will require the approval of 2/3 of the state legislatures across the country. The governors have significant influence on the legislators. Therefore the future of the Biafra referendum, and by extension, the emergence of Biafra hinges on the Nigerian legislators and their gubernatorial mentors. All these political office holders come into office through elections. IPOB should then be advocating elections, and campaigning for the election of “progressive” legislators across Nigeria that are sympathetic to the IPOB cause; and will amend the constitution to provide for a referendum. Paradoxically, IPOB is opposed to elections in Nigeria; it is doggedly campaigning for an election boycott, especially in “Biafra Land”.
There cannot be a referendum in the South East, the kernel of Biafra, without the consent, or at least, the acquiescence of Igbo political and traditional leaders. Therefore, an understanding between IPOB and Igbo leaders is a sine qua non to a referendum. Secondly, not all Igbo are pro-Biafra. Before the referendum, it will be expedient to inform, persuade and convince these Igbo that are not pro-Biafra on the need to vote for Biafran independence. In educating and convincing them on the necessity of Biafran independence, Igbo political and traditional leaders with their power base and mass following will play pivotal roles. Their power structure and existing channels of influence on the masses will be very vital in this process. Therefore, IPOB should have been in working partnership with Igbo kings and political leaders in the bid to prepare and mobilize the “Biafran” masses for the referendum. Ironically, IPOB is antagonistic of the Igbo political class and traditional rulers. It characterizes most of them as saboteurs, sellouts and slaves of the Hausa/Fulani.
Some Igbo are passionately pro-Biafra. Some others are pro-Biafra but with some reservations. There are also many that are fervently anti-Biafra. Presently, it is unlikely, but not impossible, that the pro-Biafra Igbo will win in a referendum on Biafra. The IPOB is insisting on the inclusion of the Ijaws, Efik/Ibibibo, Idoma, Urhohobo, etc into Biafra. These are groups that want to remain in Nigeria, and have repeatedly stated their refusal to be part of Biafra. Their inclusion in Biafra, and consequent, participation in a referendum will invariably increase the number of people voting against Biafran self-determination; thus making the defeat of the referendum inevitable.
IPOB has no military option; its only viable option is a referendum. To get the Nigerian government to agree to a referendum on Biafra will be herculean. It will demand exceptional international credibility and adroit diplomacy on the part of IPOB. IPOB will have to rouse the world conscience against the Nigerian government on a scale comparable to what the African National Congress (ANC) did to Apartheid South Africa. Over a period of more than two decades, the ANC effectively startled the world conscience with the evils of Apartheid and orchestrated an encircling global diplomatic alliance against South Africa. It was diplomatic isolation and international economic pressure that brought down the Apartheid system.
Kanu’s speeches are not strategic, and do not betray any knowledge of global geo-political dynamics. They are jumbles of inflammatory statements directed at his followers, and insults and threats against the Buhari administration and Igbo leaders. His farrago of incendiary statements, insults and threats cannot bring about Biafra. It is planned out, mapped out strategic steps towards a referendum that will bring about Biafran independence. Why is Kanu ignoring this reality and dissipating IPOB’s resources on activities that are essentially undermining the prospects of a referendum?
Tochukwu Ezukanma writes from Lagos, Nigeria
david ollson
January 31, 2019 at 8:51 pm
Any body that said Biafra will not come, I will pray for that person to remain a Nigerian for ever with hardship and hunger every passing month killing and blood shared will be their passion. They will be hearing big amount of money taking away by government and poorvarty will be their first name, their home will be called the home of hardship of the world, phero let my people go, it most come to pass Biafra will be free just watch
Pat
January 10, 2019 at 3:09 am
Charles Ogbu, your open letter is nonsense we don’t want Biafra we are Biafrans and we are few mile away from our freedom, you stupid Igbos should not come here making useless statement.
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 8:42 am
Yes
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 8:36 am
NEVER NEVER
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 8:35 am
What a stupid question
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 8:26 am
Stupid question from a useless platform
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 8:23 am
your question dont have answer.
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 8:02 am
Crazy question.
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 7:26 am
What Stupid Question Is This?
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 7:22 am
Biafra is our last hope
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 7:07 am
yes
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 7:02 am
Yes
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 6:46 am
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Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 6:37 am
Yes
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 6:04 am
silly question
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 6:01 am
Question,No, They want Libya
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 5:50 am
Yes
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 5:44 am
Foolish question
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 5:23 am
Yes
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 5:09 am
Yes
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 5:06 am
No going back
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 5:03 am
you are very stupid by asking that useless question. is Nigeria a place to leave and call a country zoo country grave yard a useless country i must say
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January 9, 2019 at 5:54 am
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Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 4:53 am
There is a no laid down rule for self actualization, you just voiced your opinion be it as it may OPINION IS THE CHEAPEST COMMODITY. Do you know why ?because when you don’t ask for it Can be wished on you like in this case
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 4:52 am
Nothing like election in Biafra land
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 4:21 am
Yes oo
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 2:13 am
200% with referendum
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 1:24 am
Yes
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 1:06 am
Crashes question
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 12:53 am
Absolutely. We want nothing but Biafra.
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:55 pm
No,IPOB wants your black ass
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:53 pm
Many of those nonsense you see in the media with igbo biafra Name are not igbo biafra man or woman Write it,is yorubas, here I am in Holland I have a yoruba man who always write things and post as an igbo biafra man,so those things are the hand work of yoruba people
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:52 pm
Ur cowards asking stupid questions
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:51 pm
100%
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:34 pm
YES OO
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:14 pm
This is one of sellout and saboteurs that answering igbo name
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:11 pm
Stupid question from Oriental news..i think it’s time for Biafrans to boycott ur senseless news
Anonymous
January 9, 2019 at 2:11 am
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:07 pm
It’s better you make your case clear to any one who cares to understand than, to insulting any one who doesn’t see things the way you do.
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:07 pm
Boycott every election till referendum is granted
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 11:07 pm
Boycott every election till referendum is granted
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:59 pm
Yes
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:39 pm
Ogogoro media
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Before is it Arewa they want? Grant us a referendum, after which you will surely get the answer you seek.
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Nonsense question,no na buhari head they need
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:27 pm
go and ask ur mama pussy… Are u blind to ask that?
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:20 pm
oriental please tell the young man that Nigeria is not a nation and is not a country the problem of Nigeria is irredeemable. Nigeria has never worked for the past 50years my question is simple when is it going to work?
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:16 pm
Mr poster if not Biafra na wetin ipob gain?
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:15 pm
I have seen the most stupid and silly question of the year
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 10:02 pm
This is a stupid question that doesn’t need answer. Why did you ask if IPOB really need food on their table.
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 9:56 pm
You are as stupid as this your question. Idiot
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 9:55 pm
When did it concerns Nigeria media?
IPOB have gone ahead.
You should ask Nigerians if they still have a country?
Those dying for Biafra are dying for something but those dying in Nigeria what are dying for? Nothing.
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 9:51 pm
No, they want fraBia. See question ooooo
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 9:44 pm
Laugh nearly remove my cloth, after all the rubbish he spill out he didn’t stop rather amused me the more by saying Tochukwu writer from Lagos hahahahahaahha
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 9:25 pm
Well, i have been able to go through your observations and i found out, that you do not know or understand that nothing will ever make these governors or those who are benefiting from one Nigeria to support IPOB. And another thing i want you to know is that election has never worked in Nigeria. So if you believe that Biafra can only be achieved by convincing IPOB to join politics, you are mistaking. They must be a way out, we only need international community and UN support. No help will ever come from Nationa Assembly because Nigeria system makes it very difficult for such vote to hold.
Theerefore, if you are waiting for such opportunity, Biafra may never be achieved but thank GOD for his mercies and love for his children. Biafra will come without these protocols.
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 9:04 pm
Stupid question what else do ipop need if not biafra
Anonymous
January 8, 2019 at 8:59 pm
Yes we need Biafra, Nigeria can never work, we believe in the name of CHUKWU OKIKE ABIAMA that will must be free