F W P I Editorial: The Juxtaposition Of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's Philosophy Of Nonviolence With That Of Mahathma Gandhi

Family Writers Press International Editorial: The Juxtaposition Of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's Philosophy Of Nonviolence With That Of Mahathma Ga...

Family Writers Press International Editorial: The Juxtaposition Of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's Philosophy Of Nonviolence With That Of Mahathma Gandhi

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's

Mahathma K. Gandhi's method was called satyagraha which means nonviolence. He said that satyagraha was essential weapon for truthfulness. Which means that the people have to observe satyagraha (nonviolence) in thought, word and deeds. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu started the struggle for Biafra independence with a strategy which was founded in truthfulness. He always say, "I will destroy Nigeria with the truth". This is in line with Mahandas Karamchand Gandhi's glorious symbol of truth or recognition of truth which he called satya. M. K. Gandhi said that truth is God (otherwise God is truth) and truth is the perfect name for God. He therefore considers God and truth as God. Just as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will always put God first in everything he does.

Non-violence is a way of taking positive action to resist oppression or bring about change. According to M. K. Gandhi, "the essence of non-violent technique is that it seeks to liquidate antagonisms but not the antagonists." An important element is often to make sure that the opponent is given a face-saving way of changing his/her mind. A non-violent protest seeks a 'win-win' solution whenever possible.

Among the techniques of non-violent protest are:

1. Peaceful demonstrations
2. Sit-at-home (sit-ins)
3. Picketing
4. Holding vigils
5. Fasting and hunger strikes
6. Blockades
7. Civil disobedience
8. Strikes

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the 21st century greatest nonviolence freedom fighter. He started by peaceably bringing greater equality to Biafrans and brought Biafrans together as never before. He brought together people from different provinces and cultures, under one umbrella as Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He brought many civil rights activists together and opened their eyes on what is happening in Nigeria, even behind the scene, through his normal Radio Biafra broadcast. Civil rights activists like Omoyele Sowore and the recent turn around of Adenyinka's grandson, from speaking against the Igbo race to looking into the real enemy of the African people and issues bordering on the existence of Nigeria as an entity. He equally went as far as bringing freedom fighters, human rights activists, freelance writers/jounalists together. An example of this is his meeting with Ambazonian freedom fighters in United States of America. He brought publicity to major civil rights activities, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent protests. In doing so, he modeled sound leadership to the Biafran people all over the globe. Based on this, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have won the recognition as the world's nonviolent activists due to their nonviolent activities like protests, boycotts amongst others in more than eighty countries accross the globe.

In other to progress the nonviolent activism, he stood as a pillar of hope and a model to many. He has been standing for the truth and if not for Mazi Nnamdi, what would have been the fate of Biafrans and the down trodden in the hands of the vulturous Fulanis or Sokoto caliphate and their Yoruba stooges?

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's strong belief in nonviolent protests helped to set the tone of the movement since 2015. Boycotts, protests and marches were eventually effective, attracting the attention of so many world leaders/powers like Britain, Russia, Israel, Turkey, United Stated of America and counting, even diplomats and world renowned journalists.

The death of his parents, cousins, other Biafran activists and his dog has made him stronger rather than giving up. The blood of the saints is the seed of the church. The more things are getting harder and dangerous, the more stronger, resolute and formidable he becomes.

He has been the envy and jealous of many Nigerians, Igbo leaders and governors alike. His legion of followers is something that overwhelms people. He has led so many protests and boycotts as well.

His speeches on Radio Biafra London have forced the Nigerian Government to make a U-turn on certain decisions effecting/against Ndigbo in general and Biafrans at large.

Because of his commitment to peace and nonviolence, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's mode of protests, made genuine headway in bringing the Biafran course on the headlines of world renowned television stations and national gazettes in different world's major languages like Italian, Spanish, English, French etcetera.

Even as his oppressors (Muhammadu Buhari) and officials of the Nigerian government exercise cruelty, force and brutality, Nnamdi Kanu remains insistent on nonviolence. His home was raided and many were killed on 14th September 2017, he was pushed to the wall, instead he responded nonviolently, with members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra standing strong and insistent on nonviolence.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has clearly emphasized that there is no other means to achieve freedom in the Fredrick Lugard's created contraption called Nigeria except by nonviolence and truth. He always voice out that, "he will destroy Nigeria without shooting a single bullet on the air." Which is tacitly in line with M.K. Gandhi's 'Satyagraha or Ahimsa' (nonviolence). M.K. Gandhi's letter to Daniel Oliver in Hammana, Lebanon in 1937, Gandhi wrote, "I have no message to give except this, that there is no deliverance for any people on this earth or for all the people of this earth except through truth and nonviolence in every walk of life without any exceptions."

Written by Peter Nonso Ikeh
Editor, Family Writers Press International

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