Uche Mefor Convenor: Igbo Biafra Nationalists/Igbo Nationality Movement/Indigenous People of Igbo Nation
Subject: Self-Determination of the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation
The Igbo Biafra Nationalists are advocating and championing the cause of the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for self-determination, aiming for the ultimate survival Igbo race, and the emancipation of an independent Igbo nation-state known as Alaigbo. Their efforts aim to unite the Igbo race from the South East to the South South and the Middlebelt regions. It is their belief that former Biafran territories or nations that do not wish to join in the restoration of the Biafra of 1967-1970 should be allowed to pursue their own self-determination, political statuses, and economic and social development.
Recognizing the lack of willingness from some territories to join the restoration of Biafra, there may be a reduced territory of Biafra, referred to as the old Eastern Region of Nigeria. The Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination are steadfast in their pursuit of an autonomous Igbo Nation or an independent monolinguistic Igbo nation-state. The current map of the Igbo Biafra Nation primarily encompasses the South-East states, with the inclusion of Igbo communities in the South South and the Middlebelt if and when they express their agreement.
The Igbo people have a rich historical and cultural identity that distinguishes them from other ethnic groups in Nigeria. Their distinct language, traditions, and governance structures have been eroded over time due to colonization and the formation of the Nigerian nation.
The political marginalization of the Igbo people since Nigeria’s independence is a pressing concern. They have faced discrimination and targeted violence, and have been excluded from key positions of power and decision-making processes. This marginalization has hindered their region’s development and deprived them of opportunities. The Igbo people currently have the least number of local government councils, federal representatives, and states compared to other regions in Nigeria.
Economic inequality further exacerbates the challenges faced by the Igbo people. The deliberate policy of depriving the South East Region of federal infrastructure, development, and economic presence has weakened their economic fortunes. The minimal allocation of resources due to the region’s limited number of states and local government councils has effectively made them a minority within the Nigerian state.
Additionally, the Igbo people have experienced persecution, human rights abuses, and violence throughout their history. The Biafran War in the 1960s witnessed the massacre of Igbo civilians, and they continue to face human rights violations such as extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and torture.
Despite being one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Igbo people are significantly underrepresented in the government and other sectors. Their limited presence in the federal cabinet and key decision-making positions hampers their ability to have a voice in shaping the nation’s policies and direction.
In light of these concerns, the Igbo Biafra Nationalists and Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination call upon the Nigerian government, ECOWAS, the African Union, the European Union, the United Nations, and the global press to acknowledge the legitimate claims of the Igbo people to self-determination. It is crucial that these international bodies and the world press pay attention to the plight of the Igbo people and actively work towards ensuring their rights are respected, their voices heard, and their aspirations for self-determination and independence through a UN supervised referendum for the Igbo people are duly addressed.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Name: Uche Mefor
Convenor: Igbo Biafra Nationalists/Igbo Nationality Movement/Indigenous People of Igbo Nation
Email: contact@igbobiafranationalists.org
Phone/WhatsApp: +447916752059
