IPOB And The Civic Path To Self-Determination: A Case For Dialogue And Democratic Engagement
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) began its agitation for Biafran self-determination under the clear principle of non-violence. Since inception, the movement has maintained a disciplined and peaceful approach in expressing the aspirations of the Biafran people, guided strictly by the rule of law and international conventions on the right to self-determination.
From the onset, IPOB opened every legitimate avenue for dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The movement consistently called for a civil and diplomatic process, in line with the United Nations Charter and Convention on the Right to Self-Determination, to allow for a UN-supervised referendum that would democratically determine the wishes of the Biafran people.
But, despite IPOB’s non-violent posture, the Nigerian state chose aggression over dialogue. Peaceful rallies in Aba, Enugu, Igweocha, Nkpor, Onitsha, and other parts of Biafraland were brutally attacked by security forces. Peaceful protesters; men and women holding nothing but flags were shot, abducted, and detained in unknown locations. Many never returned home.
The world watched as citizens exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly were treated worse than hardened criminals. Their only “crime” was asking for freedom, justice, and fairness in their homeland. These state-sponsored attacks were direct assaults on democracy and on the essence of civic engagement.
Civic engagement is the process through which citizens and groups participate in public life to protect shared values, address social issues, and strengthen democracy. It includes both political and non-political activities aimed at achieving the common good. A nation thrives when its citizens can freely voice their concerns, organise peacefully, and demand accountability from leaders.
By clamping down on peaceful protesters, the Nigerian government worked against this democratic ideal. The violent suppression of civic participation not only violates international human-rights standards but also destroys public trust and fuels deeper divisions.
IPOB has remained firm in its commitment to peaceful methods. Even in the face of intimidation, arrests, and killings, the movement has neither taken up arms nor abandoned its principles. The organisation continues to stand for peaceful separation through internationally recognised democratic procedures.
The call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the movement’s leader, is not only a demand by IPOB members but by millions of Nigerians of good conscience across regions and religions. These citizens have recognised the injustice of detaining a man whose only offence was advocating for self-determination through peaceful means.
Their campaign; #FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow, demonstrates that justice and fairness transcend ethnic or political boundaries. It is a collective cry for the rule of law to prevail in a country that claims to be democratic.
The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, despite several court orders, is a clear violation of both domestic and international law. It exposes the Nigerian government’s reluctance to uphold justice and equality before the law. No nation can claim unity while silencing those who peacefully demand fairness and accountability.
The present administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must understand that dialogue, not repression, is the pathway to peace. Every effort to suppress truth only strengthens the determination of the oppressed. The earlier Nigeria embraces genuine dialogue and civic engagement, the faster the nation can move toward lasting stability.
IPOB’s steadfastness remains a lesson in patience, discipline, and conviction. Despite years of persecution, intimidation, and blackmail, the movement has not abandoned its commitment to peaceful agitation. Its members continue to demand a future based on justice, equality, and mutual respect among all nations within the West African subregion.
Nigeria must now choose between force and fairness. History shows that nations built on truth and dialogue endure; those built on suppression eventually crumble. The government’s duty is not to silence its citizens but to listen to them.
The call remains clear and legitimate: Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, respect the principles of civic engagement, and embrace the path of dialogue and justice. Anything less is a betrayal of democracy and humanity.
#FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow
#FreeBiafra
By Family Writers Press International
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