THE RESTORATION OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL OR THE ORIGINAL TERRITORY OF THE BIAFRA OF 1967-1970 IS NO LONGER VIABLE
Originally Published By Vanguard
The Igbo-Biafra nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination are at the forefront of reforming and repositioning the Biafra self-determination agenda to ensure its compliance with the international best standards and alignment with the requirements of international law on nationhood and the observance of human rights ethos or principles. We uphold that while the spirit of Biafra endures, the restoration of its original geographical territory from 1967-1970 is no longer feasible due to the unwillingness of the former component nations to commit to such a restoration.
The reality is stark: the Biafra of 1967-1970 is effectively dead unless its former component nations, particularly those from the present South-South region (Niger Delta), demonstrate the same level of commitment as their South-East region (Igbo Nation) counterparts (who have been bearing the brunt of the mass killings , and other monumental human rights violations unleashed by the murderous Nigerian security forces). However, this prospect remains increasingly remote, as the deliberate and intentional delay tactics employed by these the South-South region mean that generations of Igbo youths might perish without achieving any tangible progress waiting for them.
In light of these circumstances, the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination have undertaken a comprehensive appraisal of the Biafra Restoration Self-Determination project. We have recalibrated our approach and courageously arrived at the inexorable conclusion that while the spirit of Biafra lives on, the self-determination movement must be refined while remaining focused on the goal. The best way forward is for each former component nation of Biafra to pursue their individual quests for self-determination, whether internal or external, and to advance their political, economic, and social development independently at their own paces and their own rights.
This recalibration means that the original territory of Biafra, as it existed from 1967-1970, will be significantly reduced to reflect the current realities. We acknowledge the existence of Igbo-Biafrans, Ijaw-Biafrans, Efik-Biafrans, Anang-Biafrans, and others. For us, it is now about the Igbo-Biafra nationalism for the emancipation of an autonomous (regional or confederal) or as a last resort an outright independent mono-linguistic Igbo nation-state, Alaigbo, or any other name preferred by the Igbo people. Our undisputed ancestral homeland is the present South-East region, where the largest single concentration of Igbo people resides.
In making this declaration, we boldly recognise the plight of Igbo communities historically displaced, gerrymandered or transferred to other territories through the obnoxious state creation or boundary adjustments, and where they are currently subjugated and treated as minorities. We can not abandon them! However, it is also essential for these communities to decide willingly, through a democratic process of referendum or plebiscite, if and when they wish to join their kith and kin in the South-East region.
Uche Mefor is the Convenor of the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination
