BIAFRA IS NOT IGBO
By Chima Onyekachi
(For Family Writers)
Since the outset of "Radio Biafra" fm transmission signal in most parts of Biafraland and parts of Lugard's invention called Nigeria. I have observed keenly that every nonentity and self-centered Igbo speaking Nigerian that wants to get attention for government appointments or contracts tends to speak about Biafra and Radio Biafra. These people in collaboration with most Nigeria media outlets have always described Biafra as "an Igbo affair" in other to cause confusion and division.
I want to enlighten those who wish to get enlightened that Igbo is just one of the many clans in Biafraland. First, the name BIAFRA was suggested by Chief Frank Opigo of blessed memory, an Izon (Ijaw) speaking Biafran who also served as an administrator for Biafra. It is also noteworthy that the second in command during the Biafra war and the last President of Biafra was Obong Philip Efiong who is an Ibibio speaking Biafra and never had any dealings with Nigeria until his death. Biafra is made up of Idoma, Igbanke, Ibibio, Igbo, Isobo(Urohobo), Itsekiri, Efik,Igede; In fact if your mother ties a two piece wrapper complemented with a blouse and you practice the four market days in your homeland, you are a Biafran.
If any person wishes to be exempted,it is their choice and their dissociation is highly acceptable. BIAFRA literally means "come and join" and no person is been forced to be part of it. Joe Igbokwe, who has spent all his life in Lagos since after the 1967-1970 Biafra Genocide and has forgotten the deplorable state of his hometown in Nnewi is shamelessly the most vocal against the restoration of Biafra. I will advise him to concentrate on speaking for the Islamic party-APC as the publicity person he is and leave the Biafra issue out of his discussion. Let him keep silent and indulge in his political appointment as the Chairman of revenue collectors in Apapa Wharf as appointed by Governor Ambode of Lagos State. The same advice goes to the unknown Ndi Eze Ndigbo in Adamawa State. Chief Nduka Eya, a former Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and a supposed Biafra war veteran has tasted the "national cake" and has forgotten the reason he was part of those that stood up against Yakubu Gowon.
It is appalling as a veteran he is against the age grade of those involved in the agitation for restoration of Biafra. I humbly ask him; How old was he and most Biafran soldiers when they took up arms to protect themselves and their fatherland from extermination? Only if his senility will allow him to reason and talk about the issues been raised and not the age grade of the agitators. Chief Tahil Ochi the President of Enugu Unity Forum (EUF) and Chief Chekwas Okorie of APGA also spoke but with both sides of their mouth, showing clearly their attitude of greed and cowardice. I want Tahil Ochi to specifically point out where the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have acted against the constitution in exercising their rights as indigenous people to self-determination? I appeal to him to get enlightened on issues bothering on self-determination as related to universal law before he talks about treasonable offenses.
Chekwas Okorie in an effort to appease Buhari advocated for more time for him but has forgotten so soon how his proposal for "peaceful means of breakup" to be ingrained in the Nigeria constitution was wholly rejected in the last National Conference and its final report in the dustbin of Aso Rock. Finally, I want to address other Igbo person(s) that wish to remain in Nigeria and those that may want to use the cause of Biafra to seek relevance in future that they are not the first and will not be the last to disassociate themselves, Men like Ukpabi Asika and Nnamdi Azikiwe did same and are dead but the Spirit of Biafra is still as strong as ever.
By Chima Onyekachi
(For Family Writers)
Since the outset of "Radio Biafra" fm transmission signal in most parts of Biafraland and parts of Lugard's invention called Nigeria. I have observed keenly that every nonentity and self-centered Igbo speaking Nigerian that wants to get attention for government appointments or contracts tends to speak about Biafra and Radio Biafra. These people in collaboration with most Nigeria media outlets have always described Biafra as "an Igbo affair" in other to cause confusion and division.
I want to enlighten those who wish to get enlightened that Igbo is just one of the many clans in Biafraland. First, the name BIAFRA was suggested by Chief Frank Opigo of blessed memory, an Izon (Ijaw) speaking Biafran who also served as an administrator for Biafra. It is also noteworthy that the second in command during the Biafra war and the last President of Biafra was Obong Philip Efiong who is an Ibibio speaking Biafra and never had any dealings with Nigeria until his death. Biafra is made up of Idoma, Igbanke, Ibibio, Igbo, Isobo(Urohobo), Itsekiri, Efik,Igede; In fact if your mother ties a two piece wrapper complemented with a blouse and you practice the four market days in your homeland, you are a Biafran.
If any person wishes to be exempted,it is their choice and their dissociation is highly acceptable. BIAFRA literally means "come and join" and no person is been forced to be part of it. Joe Igbokwe, who has spent all his life in Lagos since after the 1967-1970 Biafra Genocide and has forgotten the deplorable state of his hometown in Nnewi is shamelessly the most vocal against the restoration of Biafra. I will advise him to concentrate on speaking for the Islamic party-APC as the publicity person he is and leave the Biafra issue out of his discussion. Let him keep silent and indulge in his political appointment as the Chairman of revenue collectors in Apapa Wharf as appointed by Governor Ambode of Lagos State. The same advice goes to the unknown Ndi Eze Ndigbo in Adamawa State. Chief Nduka Eya, a former Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and a supposed Biafra war veteran has tasted the "national cake" and has forgotten the reason he was part of those that stood up against Yakubu Gowon.
It is appalling as a veteran he is against the age grade of those involved in the agitation for restoration of Biafra. I humbly ask him; How old was he and most Biafran soldiers when they took up arms to protect themselves and their fatherland from extermination? Only if his senility will allow him to reason and talk about the issues been raised and not the age grade of the agitators. Chief Tahil Ochi the President of Enugu Unity Forum (EUF) and Chief Chekwas Okorie of APGA also spoke but with both sides of their mouth, showing clearly their attitude of greed and cowardice. I want Tahil Ochi to specifically point out where the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have acted against the constitution in exercising their rights as indigenous people to self-determination? I appeal to him to get enlightened on issues bothering on self-determination as related to universal law before he talks about treasonable offenses.
Chekwas Okorie in an effort to appease Buhari advocated for more time for him but has forgotten so soon how his proposal for "peaceful means of breakup" to be ingrained in the Nigeria constitution was wholly rejected in the last National Conference and its final report in the dustbin of Aso Rock. Finally, I want to address other Igbo person(s) that wish to remain in Nigeria and those that may want to use the cause of Biafra to seek relevance in future that they are not the first and will not be the last to disassociate themselves, Men like Ukpabi Asika and Nnamdi Azikiwe did same and are dead but the Spirit of Biafra is still as strong as ever.
Good analysis!!!
ReplyDeleteTo all true and great Biafrans:Be aware that some of our compromised sons& daughters are now conniving with d zoo gov. 2 forge ghost &creepy social ans political groups to criticise ans condenm our glorious agitation for Biafra and quest for freedom. Say NO to their cynicism and propaganda mechanism. All hail Biafra !!
ReplyDeleteBiafran!!! A lovely Republic Nation, wishing to see U again.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your afried of,to die by war or what, even if you denied Biafra you will be counted as Biafran if war come the Nigerian army will not seppar even you and south south or south east. So you better cry while other are crying that is advice to you.
ReplyDeleteGive us biafra or Al
ReplyDeleteThe zoo will not hear now,untill water done pass garri..useless like leaders..done full us for many years... Youth better come support ur father's land.
ReplyDeleteThe zoo will not hear now,untill water done pass garri..useless like leaders..done full us for many years... Youth better come support ur father's land.
ReplyDelete