Mr. Frank Amegor, I beg to disagree with big dissatisfaction with the position of your guest, the political analyst, on issues of self-determination in Nigeria. We cannot continue to pretend that being a Nigerian has been fair to anyone, especially to an Igbo man.
The analyst referenced numerous constitutional conferences aimed at fostering unity in Nigeria and suggested that the Nigerian government adequately addresses issues of self-determination. He pointed to the recognition of June 12 and the honor bestowed upon MKO Abiola by former President Mohammadu Buhari as evidence of such efforts. However, these assertions are far from the truth.
First, the 2005 and 2014 constitutional conferences amounted to nothing, as succeeding governments have continually ignored their reports. This disregard perpetuates the issues of unequal representation in the National Assembly. For instance, the recent offensive bill proposed by the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities (CIEN) to divide Nigeria into 8 geopolitical regions exemplifies the neglect of intelligentsia efforts and agreements from the 2014 national conference. This is a clear demonstration of how the Nigerian state is desperate to marginalize the Igbo people. Furthermore, the balkanization of Igbo-Biafra territories to favor the West and the Niger Delta regions underscores this marginalization, especially since the bill that attempted to decide the fate of the Ndigbo lacked the endorsement of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Moreover, the current proposal to create additional state(s) in the South East stems from the government’s failure to adopt the 2014 confab proposals. This has led to the South East becoming a permanent minority in terms of zonal structures and representation in the National Assembly. This underrepresentation translates to the South East receiving the least allocations, perpetuating economic and political disadvantages.
Regarding June 12, former President Mohammadu Buhari’s recognition of Abiola and Alhaji Babagana, while deliberately omitting Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the chairman of the National Electoral Commission who organized the most transparent and credible election in Nigeria’s history, further illustrates the systemic bias against the Igbo people. This exclusion shows a clear disregard for the contributions of an Igbo man to Nigeria’s democracy.
Additionally, Nigeria has continually ignored the tragic events of the Biafra Civil War. The promised reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation have never materialized. The absence of memorials or official recognition for this dark chapter in Nigeria’s history is a testament to the neglect and disdain faced by the Igbo people.
In conclusion, the narrative presented by the political analyst on your program is not only misleading but also fails to address the profound injustices and systemic discrimination faced by the Igbo people within Nigeria. The issues of self-determination and fair representation are far from being resolved and continue to demand serious and sincere attention.
Edoziuno Chukwunonso,
Spokesperson,
Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination
