If the prevalent political situation in the South East is sustained there are signs that the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, now under incarceration may still hold sway for a long time to come.
This view was arrived at after an investigation on the political roles of the various stakeholders within the region in relation to its emancipation. Kanu, whose popularity rating in Igbo land keeps soaring on daily basis, appears to be a torn in the flesh of the federal government following his persistent agitation for a separatist state of Biafra.
The reason for the above assertion stems from the perceived gap in leadership of who is in charge in the region. Since the sit-at-home order was instituted by the IPOB following protest over the federal government’s refusal to bring Nnamdi Kanu to trial every other instruction issued by the group is observed to the letter.
It would be recalled that the Biafra protagonist was picked from Kenya in June and bundled back to Nigeria on the mutual actions of the Nigerian authorities and Kenyan government. Since two court dates for which the matter was slated the Directorate of State Services have refused to bring him to court.
In protest the IPOB ruled that every Monday until their leader is released all South Easterners are to observe a sit-at-home order. Commencing August 9, this was observed the whole of the Igbo nation 100% as if it was a legitimate government directive. Even when IPOB itself had called off the protest except Imo other states are still in compliance either fully or partially.
The visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Imo State on September 9, also attracted what a civil servant described as the mother of all sit-at-home protest. Some commentators allude Buhari’s comment that “I would be more careful with your future invitation’’ to the absence of the traditional hospitality of seeing the hosts communities mass round to receive, wave and dance in honour of the very important person (VIP) like PMB.
The government and its officials were also in compliance including civil servants. It caused many to note that there was a parallel government, the official and unofficial one, they made joke of. Sadly, the South East governors have made frantic efforts including threats to stop the protest action but it seems that they are overwhelmed as Ndigbo have kept their loyalty to IPOB.
On the 61st independence anniversary, IPOB again ordered another sit-at-home action including asking business organizations in the region to remove or lower their flags. There was compliance again across the South East region. Both the banks and hotels obeyed.
What could possibly be the reason the Igbo have been giving full support to the 1POB directives as against the South East governors. IPOB it would be recalled in 2017 was branded a terrorist organization after its leader was incarcerated for two years. What is its staying power that it could dare all actions by the federal government? How sustainable is this struggle for an independent Biafra State.
News Echo surveyed opinions across the length and breadth of the Igbo nation across a wide spectrum of people with various callings. We capture here below a summary of the facts which are likely to keep the Biafra boys in the trench for as long as they desire if the situations warranting their agitations are not reversed.
Injustice:
A political science lecturer, at the Imo State University who exhibits traits of activism but who does not want his name in print fired back at the reporter thus, “why would IPOB boys not continue the struggle, are the issues that precipitated the struggle over”. Waxing historical, he traced the struggles to the issues that culminated in the civil wars.
According to him, “the IPOB fight for me is a vindication of the war lord Odumegwu Ojukwu who led the Igbo to a 30 months gruesome battle during which over 3 million Igbo lost their lives. Some people who do not understand fault Ojukwu for the pogrom. The reason for that war is far from over and has in fact taken an upward provocative swing since the government of President Buhari. The injustice against Ndigbo has accentuated and executed with such brazen effrontery. Mr. Journalist, are you not seeing the injustices conspicuously manifested everywhere you go.
“So long these acts of injustices are not addressed the issues of agitation will continue to rear its head. Who loves injustice, do you? There can never be peace except there is justice because an aggrieved person must express his disposition on issues and he is free to express his dissent as he likes. You cannot beat a child and insist he must not cry, ventilate his emotion, who does that?
“Even if IPOB goes, another agitating group would rise up again to continue the fight. This struggle did not start with Kanu, you remember and it may not end with him except the issues are laid to rest. Are you surprised that MNK and the bulk of his group are young men who never saw the war but today they are making huge sacrifices laying down their lives like those before them.
“I may not fully subscribe to the style of Nnamdi Kanu completely because there is a huge gap in his strategies but it appears the IPOB remains the only credible voice speaking for Ndigbo. Address the injustices and kill all forms of agitations in the land.’’
Leadership Gap:
There are various leadership groups in the South East but it would appear that there is none with such courage to address the issues frontally against the authorities in whose power it lies to resolve some of the challenges. It is yet to be identified which group that is not pussy footing, that is bold addressing the matters leading to the agitations. This gap is a huge one and unless it is reversed the agitations appear unending. Let us see where the gaps are located
Role of South East Governors forum:
The role of the South East governors in the emancipation of the region is anything but impressive. Aside their poor governance which has denied the people a breath of fresh air especially in the Imo and Abia States, the governors lack courage to present the challenges the IPOB boys are talking about to Abuja. Perhaps it was this lack of a compelling voice to advocate for Ndigbo and voice out their frustration that the IPOB seems to be exploiting.
Commenting on the matter, a retired top civil servant from Ihiala, Anambra State who gave his name as Edwin Madu accused the South East governors as selfishness, lacking interest in the problems bedeviling their subjects and more interested in seeking favours from Abuja.
Said he, “my son, governors in Igbo land have no interest in their people. They have failed to protect their own. They are just self serving. It was their behind the scene endorsement and support that made the federal government to proscribe the IPOB. What was their reaction when scores of Igbo boys were slaughtered during the military invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s Afara Ukwu country home, Umuahia, which made him to flee?
“If the Abia governor meant well what stopped him from suing the military or at least ask for a judicial commission of inquiry over the killings. About two years ago or so some IPOB boys were killed at Emene, Enugu by the joint attack of the military, police and the DSS while the Enugu governor Ugwuanyi also kept mute. The South East governors never uttered a word in condemnation. Do you think that people are not taking notice of all these? Ndigbo have no confidence in their governors.
Continuing, he lamented that, “it seems Igbo governors enjoy the killing of their own youths. Was it not Gov Hope Uzodimma that boastfully invited the military to attack Orlu town in what he called operation flush out the hoodlums. Since then has Imo known any peace? Was it not in Enugu that an IGP in the full glare of the public under camera instructed that they should shoot at sight any suspected hoodlum boasting that nothing would happen asking if he would not be the one to investigate it?
‘’How do you think Igbo youths would not seek to protest the deaths of their brothers. Look at Uzodimma again; while the world is shouting against open grazing, Imo governor is drumming support for it. He has never attended any of the meetings of the Southern governors’ forum. He is against restructuring which Ndigbo are clamoring against. He keeps swimming against the current so whose interest is he representing?
“The other time while Ndigbo are crying against deep seated marginalization it was shocking to hear Umahi pray that Nigerians need another president like Buhari for another four years. You begin to wonder if these governors are actually of Igbo descent. Do you see why people roots for the young man who suddenly become their saviour because he speaks truth to power in very raw form and the authorities loathes the truth? Can anybody sincerely fault reasons for his agitation?
In Enugu State, Mr. Canice Nnamani, an ardent Catholic faithful who trained as civil engineer never stopped to lament and curse those behind the death of a catholic priest, seminarian and other farmers slaughtered by the herders in their farms. He also faulted the South East governors for their failure to rise to the challenge in protecting the citizens. He expressed gratitude to the Eastern Security Network for taking steps to protect Ndigbo.
In his words, he volunteered, “do you know that if not for the ESN who put up some resistance the herders would have over ran ala Igbo by now while the so called governors looked the other way. Their only action was to make noise. Even when they claim to have set up Ebubeagu, where do you see it work? Is it actually in existence, you need to tell us, go and investigate. It looks to me that the people are more comfortable with ESN than the government outfit
“Why would people people not tilt support for the group that is protecting their interest whether or not they have official authority to so do? At the Southern governors forum meeting held in Enugu, only one governor (host) was in attendance while others sent their deputies, with Obiano absent and no representative.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo:
This is an apex socio-cultural group of all Igbo in the country including Igbo outside the five South East states. It is supposed to be championing Igbo interest and emerged in 1976 after the civil war. Not so much has been seen by the group in confronting the issues raised by IPOB beyond rhetoric.
The inability of the group to rise to the challenge according to Mrs Ekwugha, a keen political observer, is their dependence on the South East governors for funding. They say that he who pays the piper dictates the tune and this was the reason Hope Uzodimma threw his weight behind Prof George Obiozor and even against the cries of others condemning a flawed process they manipulated the system to produce the Orlu born professor. The group’s loyalty is not in doubt first to the governors to avoid rocking the boat for themselves.
However, in a recent release from the group, it appears it is beginning to find its courage to speak out when it issued a threat on what will happen if the South East is denied the presidential seat as plans are afoot in that direction. Nnabuenyi Dirigbo, an APC councilor in Imo holds the view that they should be more vocal and combative (without violence) in their agitations to drum home their needs.
Traditional Rulers:
If there is any group that that has been muter on the issues of IPOB agitation they are the traditional rulers. It is shocking to many given the positions they occupy as natural rulers who are supposed to be protecting the interests of their subjects. All of the people murdered here and there come from a community an Eze presides, but you will never hear a word from any of them. All the insecurity issues perpetrated by the government and none state actors happen in their domain but you will never hear a voice.
According to an Abakaliki based architect, David Ugwu, “this is where the crux of the matter lies, where no traditional ruler can boldly rebuke evil in the land. This is the reason they have lost the confidence of the people. They are just mere stooges of the government, afraid to speak because they might be de-stooled or have their allowance withdrawn. Most of the traditional rulers are creations of the government, so how do you expect them to challenge the same people that put them there.
“This is the damage politicians have done to our traditional institution. Today, an Eze in Igbo is so cowed that he has lost his voice. They all lack integrity and dance to government instructions. These Eze’s have the capacity to rein in the politicians destroying the land because ethey are their subjects but have no courage because they are all compromised. This is the reason IPOB has continued to enjoy the massive support you see because they are fighting for the people.”
Politicians-NASS members:
This group is expected to be the mouth piece of the people but disappointingly they represent the opposite. Many had thought that the national assembly legislators would use their position to bring pressure on the authorities to reverse the acts of injustices that Ndigbo are crying against.
News Echo investigations that some of these politicians are carrying some baggage and dare not open their mouth else they will unleash security operatives on them. Besides, some of them are eyeing second term ticket and would like to remain in the good books of those who can influence matters in their favours. They rather chose to remain good boys by remaining silent. Only legislator who speaks the mind of the agitators, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has also been described as a rabble rouser, an attention seeker, who can only talk but cannot walk his talk. They don’t seem to be at home with the electorates who put them there.
Kanu’s uncompromising stance:
Kanu himself was born after the civil war. Questions are being asked what is his motivation in fighting a selfless war that can consume his life at the slightest attempt. Many Igbo intelligentsia and professionals do not seem to identify with him and his style but he has carried on with his struggle gaining global attention. He is undaunted and refused to be compromised. So many issues are leveled against him especially the manner he hauls abuses against superiors which traditionally speaking is abhorred in Igbo land.
He was incarcerated for two years 2015-2017, and an attempt made on his life when the Nigerian authorities invaded his house but he narrowly escaped and about 28 Igbo boys paid the supreme price with their lives. There are pockets of incidents where he has lost his members but he remains undaunted. His never say die spirit has continued to win more support proving him a leader the people need. Presently in the DSS custody from where he is expected to face trials, he has continued to run his IPOB business in spite of alleged government actions to weaken him.
There is yet to be identified among the other Igbo leaders anyone with the qualities of doggedness, passion, selflessness and boldness to confront and speak truth to power. It has been revealed though that MNK secretly enjoys the support of top Igbo people behind the scene. According to one Igbo youth and die-hard fan of MNK who gave his name as Aluka Obiora from Onitsha, “can you tell me one Igbo leader who can boldly speak the truth like our leader and would not sell out? Do you like what they are doing to us?
Continuing he said, Igbo are the people holding this country. Can you compare their contribution to nation building in every sphere of life yet we are treated as second class citizens. Chukwu aju (God forbid).
Other issues:
During the investigation it was also revealed that youth unemployment is one factor that has fueled the support Nnamdi Kanu is receiving. Rather than follow deceitful politicians the youths have resolved to follow one of their own with the hope that victory at last would be theirs, so declared Nnamdi Ewurum. There is no denying the fact that the discriminatory tendencies of the federal government and other ethnic groups against the Igbo are critical factors that must not be glossed over.
Again, the survey revealed that the inability of the authorities to bring the boys to a round table for discussion and negotiation is a solution overlooked which will continue to hunt the government. There is the thinking that they can be overran by use of force as was exhibited by Hope Uzodimma of Imo Sate but that action only succeeded in escalating issues. A million dollar question is, with its hands full has the federal government the capacity to contain the guerilla warfare of the IPOB? Should it not explore other openings to end this carnage?
The once peaceful South East region suddenly turned a killing field. The boys appear to have vowed to die for a cause. The more they are exterminated the harder they come or so it seems.
Conclusion:
Consciously or unconsciously the name MNK which is now playing on the lips of Igbo citizens in the South East region it appears has become a house hold name popularized by the Biafra struggle. Kanu represents many things to different people. To the youths of Igbo land he is a saviour, God-sent redeemer who will bring justice to them one day.
To the politicians, he is a spoiler, an upstart, a non-conformer who is out to expose their ills and spare them no breathing space. Nobody gave him a chance to go this far as he has continued to rock their vote. The revelation is Kanu would continue to enjoy mass support of Ndigbo and has become the unofficial leader of the people by standing up to fight for their cause. Except the issues leading to the agitations are reversed, he would continue to lead the way.
“According to him, “the IPOB fight for me is a vindication of the war lord Odumegwu Ojukwu who led the Igbo to a 30 months gruesome battle during which over 3 million Igbo lost their lives. Some people who do not understand fault Ojukwu for the pogrom. The reason for that war is far from over and has in fact taken an upward provocative swing since the government of President Buhari. The injustice against Ndigbo has accentuated and executed with such brazen effrontery. Mr. Journalist, are you not seeing the injustices conspicuously manifested everywhere you go.
“So long these acts of injustices are not addressed the issues of agitation will continue to rear its head. Who loves injustice, do you? There can never be peace except there is justice because an aggrieved person must express his disposition on issues and he is free to express his dissent as he likes. You cannot beat a child and insist he must not cry, ventilate his emotion, who does that?”
“What was their reaction when scores of Igbo boys were slaughtered during the military invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s Afara Ukwu country home, Umuahia, which made him to flee?
“If the Abia governor meant well what stopped him from suing the military or at least ask for a judicial commission of inquiry over the killings. About two years ago or so some IPOB boys were killed at Emene, Enugu by the joint attack of the military, police and the DSS while the Enugu governor Ugwuanyi also kept mute. The South East governors never uttered a word in condemnation. Do you think that people are not taking notice of all these?
Ndigbo have no confidence in their governors. Continuing, he lamented that, “it seems Igbo governors enjoy the killing of their own youths. Was it not Gov Hope Uzodimma that boastfully invited the military to attack Orlu town in what he called operation flush out the hoodlums. Since then has Imo known any peace? Was it not in Enugu that an IGP in the full glare of the public under camera instructed that they should shoot at sight any suspected hoodlum boasting that nothing would happen asking if he would not be the one to investigate it?”
“There is yet to be identified among the other Igbo leaders anyone with the qualities of doggedness, passion, selflessness and boldness to confront and speak truth to power. It has been revealed though that MNK secretly enjoys the support of top Igbo people behind the scene.
According to one Igbo youth and die-hard fan of MNK who gave his name as Aluka Obiora from Onitsha, “can you tell me one Igbo leader who can boldly speak the truth like our leader and would not sell out? Do you like what they are doing to us? Continuing he said, Igbo are the people holding this country. Can you compare their contribution to nation building in every sphere of life yet we are treated as second class citizens. Chukwu aju (God forbid).“
