IPOB's Only Call Is Referendum, Separation Is Only A Media Propaganda

 IPOB's Only Call Is Referendum, Separation Is Only A Media Propaganda It is important to assert that Referendum does not always end in ...

 IPOB's Only Call Is Referendum, Separation Is Only A Media Propaganda

It is important to assert that Referendum does not always end in separation. What it does is allow indigenous population the right to choose what is best for them. Some persons are busy twisting the concepts of separation/secession with referendum to form a single word in their heads. For them, separation/secession mean the same thing as referendum. They tend to interweave the meaning of referendum into separation. They argue that referendum only seeks for separation, forgetting that referendum also seeks for unity of purpose, maintaining majority will, desires and demands, consolidating partnerships, unions for a harmonious interaction as one entity without ending at separating the components or parts from the other that were whole or one.

To help clarify these concepts, below are short insights about each of them.

REFERENDUM: Refers to a direct vote by the electorate/people on a proposal, law or political issue (like the Biafra restoration). This is in contrast to an issue being voted on by a representative. This may result in the adoption of a new policy or specific law or the referendum may be only advisory. Here, it elaborates that the result from a referendum does not necessarily bring about separation but could lead to adoption of a new policy, law or even be a test to ascertain the true intentions of the people who voted as an advisory evidence to the demands of that same people to the government of the State. Referendum solidifies the term “unity in diversity.” When people vote without being bribed, coerced, frightened, threatened, slighted to vote for or against their wishes by politicians or political parties, the results will go ahead to prove whether or not there is unity in diversity like Nigerian politicians always conclude without proof.

SEPARATION: Refers to the division of a whole of something into constituent or distinct elements/parts. Politically, separation involves the detachment of those parts that made a country whole. Nigeria is made up of different nations, when they go their separate ways, then they have achieved separation. To achieve separation, there are numerous ways to it. They include war, referendum, brutal revolution, constitutional review and legislation. 

SECESSION: Refers to the action of withdrawing formally from membership of a federation or body, especially a political state. It entails the official declaration of a separated part of an entity or political state. Ways to achieve secession include same ways of achieving separation from a whole body or union.

From the foregoing, the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) understands that for a peaceful, workable and universally acceptable nation's sovereignty to be achieved in this 21st century, referendum remains the most reasonable and acceptable way to achieve it. Otherwise, if they are even subtly obsessed with "separation" as many would myopically see it, militancy, war, violence, political legislation, constitutional review are other options available to achieve instant separation rather than the painstaking and time-taking referendum processes.

Therefore IPOB’s main job is to raise the PROPOSAL or enough awareness that would give room for the indigenous population trapped in Nigeria to decide their fate, future and destiny with regard to either remaining in Nigeria as Nigerians with a new beginning or to create a new state out of Nigeria for themselves and by themselves. That is democracy in action. Hence, IPOB as a democratic movement is campaigning for the people to be allowed to say "we wish to continue as Nigerians or we do not wish to continue as Nigerians.”

For crying out loud, the people choosing  to remain as Nigerians in a New Nigeria other than having a New Nation out of Nigeria, is also a chance. It does not concern IPOB. What matters is that IPOB should be supported in their quest for the people to have the platform to make their wishes known. And then what follows from the results will be properly, accurately and subsequently handled by the constituted authorities charged with such responsibilities without manipulation. In a manner that is transparent.

On this high note therefore, it suffices to say that referendum championed by IPOB remains the only feasible option available to ensure lasting solution to Nigeria’s legion of problems. It is, perhaps, high time all good people of conscience joined hands and support the IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in demanding this simple proposal of  conducting a referendum by the Nigerian authorities, instead of chasing shadows by spreading fake news. A stitch in time saves nine!

Written by Kelechi Chukwuezi Augustine

Edited by Daniel Chibueze

For Family Writers Press International