The "Igbo Must Go" Campaign: Vindicating IPOB's Call for Biafra Restoration

The "Igbo Must Go" Campaign: Vindicating IPOB's Call for Biafra Restoration The "Igbo Must Go" campaign, a movement ...

The "Igbo Must Go" Campaign: Vindicating IPOB's Call for Biafra Restoration

The "Igbo Must Go" campaign, a movement advocated by the Yoruba ethnic group, has intensified tensions within Nigeria and brought to the forefront the longstanding ethnic divisions that plague the country. This campaign, which calls for the expulsion of the Igbo people from Yoruba lands, underscores the deep-rooted animosities and the failure of Nigeria's amalgamation experiment. It is becoming increasingly clear that the issues that led to the creation of IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) and their call for the restoration of Biafra are not only valid but also necessary for the peace and stability of the region.

To understand the gravity of the "Igbo Must Go" campaign, it is essential to revisit the historical context of Nigeria's ethnic tensions. Nigeria, a country amalgamated in 1914 by British colonial authorities, brought together diverse ethnic groups with distinct cultures, languages, and histories. The major ethnic groups—the Hausa in the North, the Yoruba in the West, and the Igbo in the East—have often found themselves at odds, vying for political power and resources.

The aftermath of Nigeria's independence in 1960 saw the emergence of ethnic conflicts, culminating in the Biafra War (1967-1970). The war, fought primarily between the Nigerian government and the state of Biafra, resulted in the loss of millions of lives, predominantly Igbos. Despite the war's end, the underlying issues of marginalization and ethnic rivalry have persisted, leading to recurrent conflicts and distrust among Nigeria's ethnic groups.

The "Igbo Must Go" campaign is a manifestation of the deep-seated animosity towards the Igbo people, who are often perceived as economically dominant and politically ambitious. This campaign, rooted in xenophobia and ethnic nationalism, seeks to disenfranchise and expel Igbos from Yoruba-dominated regions. Proponents argue that the Igbo presence threatens the socio-economic stability of Yoruba lands, calling for their relocation to the Eastern region.

Such campaigns are not new in Nigeria's history. The 1966 pogroms saw the massacre of Igbos in Northern Nigeria, leading to mass migrations and contributing to the Biafra Independence. The "Igbo Must Go" rhetoric mirrors these historical atrocities, highlighting the cyclic nature of ethnic violence in Nigeria.

The IPOB movement, led by Nnamdi Kanu, emerged as a response to the continuous marginalization and persecution of the Igbo people. IPOB advocates for the peaceful restoration of the Biafran state through United Nations supervised referendum, arguing that the Igbos have been systematically oppressed within the Nigerian federation. The movement gained significant traction both locally and internationally, drawing attention to the plight of the Igbos and the need for self-determination.

The "Igbo Must Go" campaign serves as a vindication of IPOB's call for Biafra restoration. It underscores the reality that the Nigerian state, as presently constituted, cannot guarantee the safety, rights, and development of all its constituent ethnic groups. The campaign's xenophobic undertones and the failure of the Nigerian government to address these grievances effectively strengthened the case for Biafra's independence.

Calls for a united Nigeria often overlook the inherent contradictions and historical injustices that characterize the nation's formation. The amalgamation of 1914, which brought together disparate ethnic groups under one political entity, was not designed with the interests of these groups in mind. Instead, it served the colonial agenda of resource exploitation and administrative convenience.

Over a century later, the structural defects of the amalgamation persist. Ethnic rivalries, religious differences, and economic disparities continue to fuel conflicts. The "Igbo Must Go" campaign and the broader anti-Igbo sentiment among other ethnic groups reveal the deep-seated mistrust and antagonism that make national unity an unattainable ideal.

Given the unsolvable nature of Nigeria's ethnic problems, the most viable solution lies in the division of the country along ethnic lines. Such a division would allow each ethnic group to govern itself, preserve its cultural identity, and develop according to its unique aspirations. The expiration of the amalgamation documents further legitimizes this call for self-determination.

A divided Nigeria, with autonomous regions for the major ethnic groups, could lead to a more stable and prosperous West Africa. Each region would have the opportunity to address its internal issues without the interference and complications of a forced union. The Biafra restoration movement, therefore, is not just an Igbo agenda but a necessary step towards regional stability and development.

The instability in Nigeria poses a significant threat to the entire African continent. As Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria's internal conflicts have far-reaching implications for regional security and economic growth. The "Igbo Must Go" campaign and other ethnic tensions contribute to a climate of insecurity, discouraging investment and development.

A divided Nigeria, with each region focusing on its strengths and addressing its weaknesses, would mitigate these threats. It would foster a climate of peace and cooperation, allowing for more effective governance and economic planning. The international community must recognize the legitimacy of these self-determination movements and support peaceful transitions to autonomous governance.

The "Igbo Must Go" campaign highlights the inherent flaws in Nigeria's forced unity and validates IPOB's call for Biafra restoration. The persistent ethnic tensions and the failure of successive governments to address these issues effectively underscore the need for a fundamental restructuring of the Nigerian state. A divided Nigeria, where each ethnic group can govern itself, presents a more viable path to peace and development. The international community must support these aspirations for self-determination, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all regions of Nigeria and the broader African continent.

Family Writers Press International.