A Narrative Of Neo-Biafra: A Quest For A Better Africa
October 01, 2020 654
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It is of utmost importance that the Igbo ensure that their narrative of the neo-Biafra
agitation/quest is that of a progressive Africa and not a WAR CRY. Those at the
forefront of the agitation must let it sink into the minds of the irate
youths.
Biafra is a cry for
an Africa in which brother would let brother thrive and chase his destiny
without malicious Interjections by means of political, social and economic
witch hunt. Biafra’s reach is like the sun - It stretches beyond the South-East of Nigeria. It is bigger than the Igbo
Nation.
I have always maintained that it is the cross of Ndi
Igbo to liberate Africa from backwardness (in all ramifications); with the help
of willing African Progressives. And along with that cross, the Igbo have
chosen to have their own independent state as an apparatus to show Africa and
the world that things can be done differently. That a nation in Africa can
become a first world country.
But if this quest to be the Messiah (of black Africa) will cost the Igbo much in human lives, then we must adjust the tone of our agitation. What am I saying in essence?
I mean that
any man who seeks the path to war as a means to getting Biafra is not on the
side of Ndị Igbo or the Black race in general. He is an enemy. Africa has seen
so much bloodshed in the last hundred years - A bloodshed that has not bettered
our region in any way.
Dialogue is what we
need at this point in our agitation. But what I have realized is that whenever
a Hausa or Yoruba man hears Biafra, they conclude that the Igbo man wants war.
A repeat of the genocide of 1967-1970. They have refused to renegotiate
Nigeria’s sovereignty with the Igbo, who feel discontented.
Biafra is not a WAR cry. It is an attempt by the
black man to free himself, and his neighbors, from backwardness. It is a hope
against all odds that we can achieve more as a people. Biafra does not belong
to the Igbo, Ijaw, Anioma, etc - it belongs to Africa, although very few know
this.
As it is in his
nature to abhor inhumane subjugation and acrimonious marginalization, the Igbo
man has once more taken the lead in the fight against organized leadership
tyranny. And as usual the leaders (both Igbo and Non-Igbo) have employed all
forms of evil machinations to reduce the agitation of the Igbo man to a mere
war cry.
Since the Biafran
ideology has been reduced to a war cry (by enemies of Nigerians and ndị Igbo)
then by all means let us make it a WAR against the corrupt leadership of
Nigeria. But again, how can we win this war? We must first move slightly apart
and let each man (region) clear the mess in his backyard. Only then can we
forge ahead in healthy competition.
At the end of the
day, those that cringe at the sound of Biafra will be happy we took the road
of uncertainty for the greater good of the black human. Our detractors will one
day drink with us at the same table, praising us for our bravery.
My ideology of
Biafra has always been one reaching beyond land demarcations, tribal hostility, and wealth sharing. My ideology of Biafra will always be a cry for a better
Africa, a better black race. And if by our revolution and resolve Nigeria
becomes a better place, then I can say that we have liberated ourselves and our
brothers from the shackles of "The powers that be."
Therefore, it is
wrong for our friends and brothers to look upon everyone who mentions Biafra as
one who seeks war - NO. Some of us are not troublesome. Some of us just want
what's best for our children's children and our people. And if that is not
attainable in a larger Nigeria, then by all means we should sit down and
negotiate. In war, nobody wins!!!
Article Was Written By Chuka Nduneseokwu