Awakened Courage vs. Sedated Citizenry: Serbia’s Lesson for a Fractured Nigeria

Awakened Courage vs. Sedated Citizenry:

 Serbia’s Lesson for a Fractured Nigeria

 

In the annals of modern history, Serbia’s citizens stand as a testament to the power of collective awakening. Emerging from the shadows of authoritarianism and ethnic strife in the early 2000s, Serbians united to dismantle a regime that thrived on division. Their story is one of courage, agency, and transcendence. Nigeria, however, presents a grim counter-narrative: a nation of citizens sedated by ethnic hatred and bigotry, tribal loyalties, and disunity so profound it renders them powerless against glaring systemic decay. The contrast between these two societies raises a piercing question: Can Nigeria’s artificial unity ever produce a mentally liberated citizenry—or is dissolution the only viable path to awakening? 

 

Serbia’s Awakening: The Triumph of Collective Will

Serbia’s revolution was not born of luck but of resolve. After a decade of wars, sanctions, and the toxic nationalism of Slobodan Milošević, ordinary Serbians—students, teachers, farmers, and artists—refused to be defined by their differences. Movements like Otpor! (Resistance) became symbols of defiance, uniting people across ethnic and ideological lines. Their weapon? A shared vision of freedom and simple human dignity. In 2000, this coalition toppled Milošević through mass protests, proving that even in fractured societies, unity of purpose can dismantle tyranny. 

 

Serbians awakened because they recognized a universal truth: Regimes that survive by stoking division collapse when citizens choose solidarity over sectarianism.

 

Nigeria’s Sedation: The Toxin and Opium of Ethnic Division:

Nigeria, by contrast, is a case study in civic sedation. Nigeria remains trapped in a colonial-era nightmare. The 1914 amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates created a nation without a soul, its people bound by geography but fractured by over 250 ethnic groups, devolved into a weaponized fragmentation and a political elite addicted to divide-and-rule tactics. Today, tribalism functions as a narcotic: it dulls the pain of corruption, poverty, and insecurity by redirecting rage toward “the other.” A Fulani-subdued Hausa man blames an Igbo trader for his poverty; a Yoruba politician incites hatred against Igbo to mask his own graft, and a Fulani herder blames the indigenous famer of the north and other parts of the contraption to justify his religious-inspired orchestrated ethnic cleansing. The result is a citizenry too sedated, too disoriented, to confront the real enemies: Kleptocracy, bad governance, and ethnic-cum-value incompatibility.

 

Nigeria’s sedation is not passive—it is engineered. Political and economic elites weaponize ethnicity to fragment resistance. The #EndSARS protests of 2020, which briefly united Nigerian youth across tribal lines, were crushed not just by bullets but by a resurgence of ethnic rhetoric. “Stay in your lane,” the powerful whispered. “Your enemy is not us—it’s them.”  This engineered disunity stifles collective action: corruption flourishes, infrastructure crumbles, and security collapses, yet citizens remain too fractured to seek the painful solution which is going our separate ways. 

The Serbian protests and the Nigerian Lekki Toll Gate incident demonstrate the difference in public response and government accountability and make the case for division. In Serbia, the collapse of a canopy at Novi Sad railway station led to widespread anti-corruption protests, resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. In contrast, the Lekki Toll Gate incident in Nigeria saw soldiers opening fire on unarmed protesters during the #EndSARS movement, resulting in multiple deaths. Despite the tragic loss of life, the response from the Nigerian citizenry was marked by ethnic tensions and mutual blame (bigotry) rather than sustained activism.

 

The Case for Dissolution: Breaking the Spell

Nigeria’s existential crisis lies in its refusal to confront a brutal truth: IT IS NOT A NATION. It is a colonial contraption, held together by inertia and the greed of those who profit from its dysfunction. Serbia’s awakening came through unity, but Nigeria’s paradoxically required disintegration. Balkanization, often feared as a descent into chaos, is in reality, the antidote to its sedation. 

Imagine a post-Nigeria landscape: 

- A Yoruba Nation rooted in its historic emphasis on education and commerce, free to innovate without the drag of a parasitic central government. 

- A Biafran Republic leveraging its entrepreneurial spirit to build a Singapore-like economic hub and channeling its oil wealth directly into environmental and social justice in its coastal regions.

- A Middle Belt Federation prioritizing agrarian reform and tourism potentials.

 

In these smaller, culturally cohesive states, citizens would eliminate the friction of competing identities. Freed from the toxic rhetoric of a “national unity” that benefits only the elite could shed the mental chains of “Nigerianness”—an identity synonymous with wasted potential—and forge new social contracts. In such states, the opioid of ethnic hatred loses potency, leaders would face sharper scrutiny; accountability would become unavoidable. Ethnicity, no longer a tool for manipulation, would evolve into a cultural asset rather than a political weapon.  

Critics will warn of Yugoslavia-style violence. But Nigeria is already a warzone—Boko Haram insurgencies, banditry, communal clashes kill thousands annually, security agents’ k*lling of peaceful protesters, and those exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to self-determination. The difference? These conflicts are fuelled by a centralized system that ignores local realities. The division would allow regions to address their unique crises without the bottleneck of a biased federal structure. 

 

Awakening Through Sovereignty 

Serbia’s citizens awakened by rejecting division. However, Nigeria needs to embrace division to reject sedation. The illusion of unity has stifled progress, perpetuating a cycle in which citizens blame one another while elites loot in plain sight. 

 

Balkanization is not a guarantee of utopia, but it is an acknowledgment of reality: Nigeria, as it stands, is a prison of the mind. Its citizens, like sedated patients, cling to the familiar pain of tribal hatred because the cure—true nationhood—requires courage they’ve been conditioned to fear. 

To awaken, the “peoples” trapped in Nigeria must first be free—free to fail, free to fight, free to govern themselves. Smaller nations may stumble, but in their struggle, citizens will rediscover agency.

Conclusion: 

The path forward is clear: dissolve the artifice. Let new nations emerge, not as fragments of failure, but as laboratories of renewal. The sedation will lift when the spell of “One Nigeria” breaks—and in its place, a thousand awakenings SHALL bloom.

 

By: ~S. C. Obasi~

The Plan To Annihilate The Biafran People Is Dead On Arrival.

 27th January 2025

 

The Plan To Annihilate The Biafran People Is Dead On Arrival.

 

The Directorate of state of the Indigenous People of Biafra (DOS) is not under any illusion about the plan of both internal and external forces working in cohesion to execute the age long agenda of exterminating the Indigenous People of Biafra and take over our ancestral land and resources. 

 

It is the pursuance of this age long agenda that has given rise to charlatans of all hue and shape such as the Islamic fundamentalist called Sheikh Ahmad Gumi the spokesperson of all the terror groups in Northern Nigeria be it Boko Haram, Fulani terrorists masquerading as herdsmen and those they call bandits, the audacity to openly call on the Nigerian establishment to set machineries in motion to commence their next mass killing of Biafran youths.

 

It is imperative to state here that the call on the Nigerian government by the notorious Islamic fundamentalist called Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to create anarchy in Biafraland as a smokescreen or a prelude to implementing their final solution to the Biafran question was not made in isolation. At the time Gumi the Jihadist was asking the government to create the enabling environment for internal insurrection by armingBiafran youths to Kill IPOB family members, the Director of the DSS in Imo state was also telling his men that gathered in Awo Idenmili that their primary assignment is to hunt down IPOB members and murder them.

 

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) formed the Eastern Security Network (The ESN) for a time like this. We already knew just few months after the genocidal war levied upon the Biafran people by the Nigerian government and the British government that our salvation and freedom will only be guaranteed by ourselves. On the 12th of December 2020 the ESN was set up to defend our land against the invading terrorists masquerading as Fulani Herdsmen. Before ESN came into being the Fulani had unrestrained and unchallenged access into our land through the complicity of some politicians, governors, traditional rulers and president generals of Town Unions. For the past four years, the operatives of the Eastern Security Network were able to change the narrative and made it possible for the Biafran people to go to their farms with little or no danger from the marauding fulani terrorists. The continuous increase in farming activities and the resultant increase in farm produce harvest from Biafraland attest to your starling working in keeping the marauding fulani terrorists in check. Keep on with your good work valiant men and women of the Eastern Security Network.

 

The Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra is glad to use this medium to congratulate our operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) on the conclusion of their 4th anniversary program. The DOS commend all the men and women of the Eastern Security Network who had the privilege to partake in the historic event of 12th December 2024. We are marvelled by your high level of discipline, we are encouraged by your dedication and devotion to the security of our land and forests, we are enthused by your commitment to the liberation and freedom of the Biafran people and ofBiafraland. The DOS also commend those operatives who were not selected to be part of the 4th anniversary’s final program.

 

The Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra want to assure the Biafran people that men and women of the ESN are willing and ready to take on their assignment of safeguarding our land from the evil plans and agenda of people like the Islamic fundamentalist and jihadist called Gumi and his backers. To the officers and men of the ESN Command, there are work ahead of us. The year 2025 will see the expansion of your core responsibility to include other very key areas in Biafraland that will strengthen the security of not only our forests and bushes but also our Villages, Cities and Towns to set the ground for the Economic take off of Biafraland. In this regard, the ESN operatives must continue to maintain the highest level of discipline and moral aptitude as they carry on their duty. Protecting Biafraland, and protecting Biafran people shall be your watchword at all times.

 

Our Actions Will Speak for Us

 

 

SHEIKH GUMI AND HIS MISGUIDED AND MALICIOUS PROPOSAL:

SHEIKH GUMI AND HIS MISGUIDED AND MALICIOUS PROPOSAL:

My attention has been drawn to an absurd statement by the prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, widely reported across online and print media. In his latest opinion, Sheikh Gumi proposed that the government should arm Igbo youths to counter IPOB, a suggestion that is both divisive and inflammatory. I categorically state as follows:

1. Sheikh Gumi's Complicity in Northern Insecurity: It is well-known that Sheikh Gumi, driven by a questionable obsession with monetary benefits, has played a significant role in exacerbating terrorism and banditry across Northern Nigeria. His actions have contributed to the region's dire state of insecurity.

2. Defender of Enemies of the State: Sheikh Gumi has gained notoriety for his defence of individuals and groups waging violent campaigns against Nigeria. Despite his open affiliations with such elements, he remains untouched, enjoying a troubling level of immunity.

3. Gumi's Accomplices Under Investigation: One of Gumi’s emissaries is currently in the custody of the State Security Service for his role in promoting banditry. It is difficult to ignore the likelihood that Sheikh Gumi covertly enables such activities while acting as their chief negotiator.

4. Misguided Advice on Arming the South East: Sheikh Gumi’s inability to address the rampant terrorism and insecurity in his region makes his advice to arm youths in the South East, not only hypocritical but also dangerous.

5. Manipulating the Narrative Against the South East: It is clear that the criminal activities in the South East are not the work of IPOB but rather, opportunistic criminals masquerading as freedom fighters. Sheikh Gumi’s suggestion would only serve to pit Igbo people against one another, plunging the region into chaos.

6. IPOB's Stance Against Criminals: IPOB has repeatedly distanced itself from these criminal elements and, in its recent press release, even offered to collaborate with local security outfits to eliminate such threats.

7. Gumi's Hidden Agenda: The ultimate goal of Sheikh Gumi appears to be the destabilization of Igbo land, creating a scenario where brothers turn against brothers, resulting in needless bloodshed and destruction.

8. Unity Against External Intruders: Despite the political conspiracies against the Igbos, the most marginalized ethnic group in Nigeria, we have resolved to take our destiny into our own hands. Together, we will fight the real intruders who wreak havoc in our land.

9. A Message to Sheikh Gumi - Let it be clear: Sheikh Gumi’s divisive mission is dead on arrival. The Igbo people have learned their lessons through hard and painful experiences and will not fall for such manipulative tactics.

Signed:

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)

January 27, 2025

 

The True Measure of Allegiance: Power and Its Absence 

Let us normalize reassignments, and see them for what they are—not demotion or promotion, as the case may be.

In this journey of ours as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), I do not consider power to be the greatest test of allegiance but to be bereft of it. This thought-provoking statement invites us to reflect on the nature of loyalty and the complexities of human behavior. In a world where power often dictates relationships and societal structures, the true essence of commitment and loyalty is revealed not in the presence of power, but in its absence, especially amongst those who once enjoyed it or appeared to have wielded it.

When individuals hold power, their actions and decisions may be influenced by the benefits and privileges that come with it. Power can create a facade of loyalty, where individuals align themselves with authority figures to gain favor, avoid repercussions, or secure their interests. In such scenarios, loyalty becomes transactional, driven by the perks of power rather than genuine allegiance.

However, the real test of loyalty emerges when power or relevance is stripped away or appears to have been stripped away by the nature of responsibilities taken or given. In moments of vulnerability and powerlessness, the true character of individuals is laid bare. It is in these instances that genuine allegiance is revealed. Those who remain steadfast in their commitments, even without the promise of rewards or the threat of consequences, demonstrate a loyalty rooted in principles and values rather than external incentives.

Moreover, in positions of service to the people that come without pay such as ours, no position should be considered higher or greater but simply an opportunity to serve where one’s skills are needed the most at or within a material time. This selfless approach to service underscores the essence of genuine allegiance. It emphasizes that the value of service lies not in the title or rank, but in the impact and dedication one brings to fulfilling a need.

History and literature are replete with examples that illustrate this concept. Consider the story of Odysseus from Homer's "The Odyssey." During his long and perilous journey home, Odysseus encounters numerous challenges that test his loyalty to his family and homeland. Stripped of his kingly power and status, his unwavering determination to return home exemplifies a deep-seated allegiance that transcends mere power.

This idea resonates with the dynamics of leadership and governance in contemporary contexts. Leaders who inspire loyalty through respect, empathy, and ethical conduct often foster a more authentic and enduring allegiance among their followers. In contrast, leaders who rely solely on authority and control may find their support dwindling when their power wanes.

The concept of allegiance being tested in the absence of power also extends to personal relationships. Friendships and partnerships built on mutual respect and trust are more resilient than those founded on convenience or shared interests. When adversity strikes and the superficial benefits of the relationship fade, the depth of true loyalty becomes evident.

In conclusion, the journey of life continuously challenges our understanding of allegiance. Power, with its allure and influence, can mask the authenticity of loyalty. It is in the absence of power, in moments of vulnerability and adversity, that the true measure of allegiance is revealed. As we navigate our own paths as IPOB family and principal officers, let us strive to cultivate loyalty that endures beyond the trappings of power, rooted in genuine commitment and unwavering principles. In any position of service, let us remember that it is not the rank that matters, but the willingness to serve where we are needed the most. 

Let us normalize reassignments, and see them for what they are—not demotion or promotion, as the case may be.

~MAZI OGBUEFI ©2025~

Still on the Landmark Nationwide Address and Policy Directives by IPOB Head of Directorate of States

On January 2, 2025, Mazi Chika Edoziem, the IPOB Head of the Directorate of States, delivered a powerful address, outlining critical directives as the Biafra restoration project moves into its final stages.

 

Mazi Edoziem began by reflecting on the IPOB's resilient journey since it was initiated by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, highlighting the challenges the movement has faced and overcame. He emphasized that the IPOB is not responsible for the recent criminal activities in Biafraland. He reaffirmed that IPOB's quest for Biafra's sovereignty is rooted in divine laws, the United Nations charters, and the Nigerian constitution. Commitment to peaceful agitation was highlighted as a cornerstone of the movement, ensuring that the Biafran quest championed by IPOB remains untarnished by violence. The struggle aims to bring justice to the Biafran people and preserve their cultural heritage.

 

Mazi Chika Edoziem stressed that the IPOB is exploring every legitimate non-violent means to achieve Biafra's freedom, questioning accusations that the movement is responsible for insecurity in the South East. He issued a stern warning to the political class in the South East to dismantle their militias or face IPOB intervention. He urged the sociocultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo to eliminate internal deep-state elements. He also warned against judicial and executive collusion in persecuting innocent citizens.

A strong message was sent to resist attempts to seize ancestral lands for cattle ranches under any guise, with a vow to defend Biafraland. The address emphasized the importance of focusing on the agricultural revolution and food security in the Biafra region as championed by IPOB. Entrepreneurs were advised to secure their assets in stable hard currencies and drive the region's economic development. Plans are in place to reclaim and renegotiate Biafra's mineral resources.

 

The IPOB's internal organs and the Eastern Security Network will be fortified to ensure a secure environment for the region. The HDOS Mazi Edoziem called for self-reliance, urging citizens to invest in their homeland without foreign aid. He addressed the need for criminals and cultists to abandon their activities and stressed the importance of maintaining discipline within the Eastern Security Network. Transparency in funding was highlighted, with the ESN operating without financial support from the Biafran political class.

 

The dedication and success of ESN operatives were acknowledged, and Mazi Edoziem issued warnings against the destruction of ancient holy sites and local collaborators aiding foreign tree loggers. The custodians of Biafran culture were directed to prepare for the new political system. Edoziem concluded by warning against the misuse of public office within IPOB, reinforcing the movement's integrity and assuring that the journey towards Biafra self-determination is nearing victory.

~MAZI OGBUEFI ©2025~

  

The Resilient Journey of IPOB: A Chronicle of Strength and Perseverance

 

11th January, 2025.

Since Mazi Nnamdi Kanu founded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2012, the movement has faced numerous challenges. Despite these obstacles, it has continued to stand tall, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination. This article recounts IPOB's journey, highlighting key events, dates, and names that showcase the movement's indestructibility.

As summarized in the 1^st point out of the 25 points deduced from THE LANDMARK NATIONWIDE ADDRESS AND POLICY DIRECTIVES BY THE HEAD OF DIRECTORATE OF STATES (HDOS) OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA (IPOB) ON JANUARY 1ST 2025. The IPOB Head of Directorate, Mazi Chika Edoziem recounted the journey of the IPOB movement starting from its inception by her currently incarcerated leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and the challenges, sabotage, and betrayals it has undergone over the years and still standing tall.”

This article is to bring as much as possible the significance of this point into some relatable perspective in such a manner that it will refresh the memory of the reader to truly understand the import of that statement and the reality, when our memory is refreshed it has the potential to bring about two major results. 1. It will remind the ready the indestructibility of IPOB in case the reader is contemplating any form of betrayal or sabotage and hoping to succeed. 2. To remind those who have lost faith in IPOB to understand the divinity and nobility of this course and the only chosen vehicle (IPOB) so they are aware that it is in their best interest to return while the window is still open.

 

1.     1. The Inception of IPOB:

IPOB was founded in 2012 by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a Biafran-British self-determination activist, to restore the Sovereign State of Biafra to its glory and beauty. The movement quickly gained traction, becoming the largest Biafran independence organization by membership and reach worldwide—indeed, the largest movement on Earth.

 

2.     2. Early Challenges and Sabotage: 

From its early days, IPOB faced significant challenges, including political crackdowns accusations of terrorism by the Nigerian government, and internal betrayal. Despite these setbacks, the movement continued to grow, driven by the unwavering commitment of its members.

3.     3. The Bilie Human Rights Initiative (BHRI)

If you think that the midget in Finland was the first to attempt usurping the authority of IPOB by creating a parallel movement unrelated to IPOB and its structure, then here was Emeka Emekesiri and his never-do-wells, who were the first to try but failed woefully. The detractors claimed that their assembly of vultures (BHRI) was authorized by the so-called “Supreme Council of Elders of the Indigenous People of Biafra” in 2014 to represent “the Biafrans in their national liberation struggle.” Where are they now?

4. The Arrest of Mazi David Nwawuisi, Benjamin Madubugwu, and Chidiebere Onwudiwe.

The enemies wanted to attack our means of transmitting the gospel of life that is destined to end their stranglehold on the Black race. These 3 Biafrans, Mr. David Nwawuisi, Benjamin Madubugwu, and Chidiebere Onwudiwe, were arrested and unjustly kept for years and later shamelessly admitted to bail in 2018. Long story short, is Radio Biafra still sounding and echoing in Biafra land and beyond or not since then?

 5. The first Incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu:

Mazi threw a bait, and the Nigerian government fell for it. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested on the 14th of October 2015 in Lagos on trumped-up charges of treasonable felony. He was released on bail on the 25th of April, 2017, after meeting stringent bail conditions. These conditions included producing three sureties, including a Jewish rabbi, a senior Igbo figure, and a respected resident of Abuja. These conditions though unjustified were promptly met and he was granted bail by this same Binta Nyako. This singular arrest was the best thing to happen to IPOB and the quest for the Biafran restoration as it announced the name of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu louder home and abroad. ‘U getti de point naw’?

 6. Betrayals and Internal Struggles:

IPOB has also faced internal betrayals and divisions. During this time of predestined ordeal, Mazi Uche Mefo hired a lawyer in the likeness of the ambulance-barrister Aloy Ejimakor in both incompetence and motive, Barrister Vincent Obetta; at least Ejimakor happens to be a practicing lawyer while Obetta turned out just a law lecturer. In the case of Uche Mefo, I refrain from name-calling because I have noticed that our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has deliberately refrained from using certain languages to address him. Obetta, who claimed to be working pro bono, later demanded a payment of N20M. Fast forward, Biafra Radio International was registered to counter the genuine voice. Long story short, many heads rolled, including that of Uche Mefo and other characters whose names I won’t bother to list; they were indeed of high standing. These so-called Irokos fell, and IPOB still forged ahead, weathered the storm, and blossomed like a desert rose. If these 'top brass' could try and not succeed, who the heck do you think you are really? If you survived all these, what does it tell you?

  7. The betrayal by the South East governors, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and Igbo Clergies.

After a meeting with the South East governors, Ohanaeze, and Igbo Clergies, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu escaped the first death when he declined to attend the third follow-up meeting with the bloodsuckers mentioned earlier. When they realized that their evil efforts to silence the “idea whose time has come”- as proclaimed by Mazi Chinwetalu Agu had failed, they decided to take the bull by the horns, on the 12th of September 2017 while obeying the ill-given stringent bail conditions in his father’s house the Nigerian combined armed forces attempted to invade the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, they failed, two days’ latter another futile attempt was made and they were once again resisted then finally on the 17th they quit the pretense and came openly with their true intention which was to eliminate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to put an end to the growing popularity and acceptability of IPOB across Biafran Land and beyond. For this, 38 Biafrans were murdered in cold blood, including Jack Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s dog; they all died in defense of the truth they held dear. Mazi Nnamdi escaped with a hair of breath. Let me ask you, has that voice been silenced? Has IPOB grown since then? Is MNK still alive?  

 

 8. In 2021, The Children of Jacob Sold Joseph:

This movie is still playing before our eyes. There is no need to spill the beans; the events of 2021 to date have an element of déjà vu. But one thing is certain: like a phoenix, IPOB will rise from these ashes.

 

Conclusion: Standing Tall Amidst Adversity:

Despite the numerous challenges, IPOB has continued to stand tall. The movement's ability to adapt and persevere in adversity is a testament to its indestructibility. The leadership has remained steadfast and laser-focused on priorities in navigating these challenges with resilience.

IPOB's journey is a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Biafran independence. As the movement faces challenges, it stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for its members. IPOB's indestructibility is a testament to its members' strength and unity.

 

Written by: Mazi Ogbuefi.

 

"WHEN EXPOSING A CRIME IS TREATED AS COMMITTING A CRIME, YOU ARE BEING RULED BY CRIMINALS," - Edward Snowden

This resonates deeply with the situation involving the #Nigerian government and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This quote underscores the paradox where those who reveal injustices are themselves branded as criminals, a scenario that perfectly reflects the #Nigerian government's stance on IPOB.

 

The IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, has been a vocal advocate for the independence of Biafra, a nation forced to be part of #Nigeria as the eastern region of Nigeria. The group's activities, including protests and calls for the exercise of a UN guaranteed rights of self-determination, have often been met with severe crackdowns by the #Nigerian government. In 2017, the Nigerian government through their corruption-imbedded kangaroo court obtained a fraudulent proscription order to designate IPOB as a terrorist organization. This move was heavily criticized by various human rights organizations and international observers and all people of good conscience who argued that the proscription was an attempt to stifle legitimate political dissent and the right to self-determination.

 

The Nigerian government's response to IPOB has been marked by allegations of human rights abuses. Reports have documented instances where security forces have used excessive force against IPOB members and supporters, leading to numerous casualties. These actions have been justified by the government as necessary to maintain national security and public order. However, the fact is that such measures are disproportionate and serve to criminalize legitimate political activism.

 

The situation is further complicated by the involvement of foreign interests. Some international actors have supported the Nigerian government's stance under the guise that the IPOB's activities are a threat to regional stability, when in fact, the coming of Biafra will ensure greater regional stability, not the other way around. This external support has bolstered the government's position, making it more challenging for IPOB to gain the desired international sympathy and support for its cause. It begs the question, why is the International community interested in this region?

 

In essence, Snowden's quote highlights a troubling reality: when governments criminalize those who expose or protest against injustices, it raises questions about the legitimacy and morality of those in power. The #Nigerian government's treatment of IPOB exemplifies this dynamic, where efforts to expose and address a well-pronounced injustice are met with criminalization and repression. This not only undermines the principles of democracy and human rights but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and mistrust between the government and its citizens.

Every individual who reads this and does nothing to stop such rape on justice and fairness is also ensuring the perpetuity of it and in the end, it will affect us all.

~MAZI OGBUEFI ©2025 ~