Revisiting The Deceptive Post-war Theatrics Against Biafrans, First 'The No Victor No Vanquish', Now The 3Rs

 Revisiting The Deceptive Post-war Theatrics Against Biafrans, First 'The No Victor No Vanquish', Now The 3Rs Just as deceptive as o...

 Revisiting The Deceptive Post-war Theatrics Against Biafrans, First 'The No Victor No Vanquish', Now The 3Rs

Just as deceptive as other mantras adopted in the post-civil war era, shortly after the unconditional surrender of Biafra Republic in 1970 the 'No Victor, No Vanquished', and the so-called abbreviated 3Rs ( Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Reintegration) stands out as the most taunted by the federal military government led by Jack Gowon, whom at the time aimed at whitewashing its image over the destruction and genocidal atrocities it committed against Biafrans during the 30 months of air-land-sea blockade and artillery bombardments. 

The goal of these audio, vacuous programs publicized and overly amplified was to deliberately fool the Biafrans who were still licking their wounds from the hunger,  starvation and destruction of the war, and to daunce the resentment of the international community towards the federal government for its genocidal tendencies, and convince them that the oppressive Nigerian government was on a part of peace and reconciliation with the Igbos and their ethnic kith and kins from the defunct Biafra republic. 

During this period, the federal government of Nigeria and the representatives of the Republic of Biafra, led by General Philip Effiong, agreed to implement many things which includes the 3Rs, as a part of the reconciliation process, which should serve as the efforts to heal the wounds of the civil war and promote peace, stability and development in the affected areas. And of course that affected area was squarely Biafra territory. The war was prosecuted and fought only the soil of Biafra sovereignty. 

The war brought absolute and total destruction in its wake as Igbo land primarily was made desolate. Lots of properties were destroyed by aerial bombardments and artillery machines.  Bridges, hospitals, schools and market places were in total ruins, even places of worship were not left out. 

However, none of these facilities, infrastructures etc were rebuilt after the civil war as promised and agreed upon under the 3Rs scheme, instead the federal government of Nigeria moved its focus towards the building of the 3rd mainland bridge in the Lagos Island, the national theater in Lagos, and other major projects in the northern states like the Dams in Shiroro and Kainji, all in Niger state, and a countless other projects in the northern region such as  the railway stations, textile industries and iron production factories to mention but few. 

Therefore the money meant for the reconstruction of damaged structures in the war torn zones of Biafra, and the money to rehabilitate the internally displaced scattered across the region and beyond, as well as that, for the reintegration of  the combatants, into the society in order to reunite them with their families, were diverted to build major projects in areas where there was no combat face-off. 

To crown it all, the economic emasculation policy was initiated. The finances of Biafrans were confiscated by the government through its federal ministry of finance, under the directives of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose political ambitions amongst other factors inspired and escalated the civil war. 

It is pertinent to note, that the federal government's decision to renege on these agreements and continue marginalizing Ndigbo and the Eastern region in general is the worst inhuman treatment in the history of mankind. This broken promises has had long-lasting, far-reaching consequences, fueling ethnic tensions and undermining trust in the government leading to the contemporary agitations for Biafra self-determination. 

On the other hand, the failed Aburi Accord, which its purpose had it been implemented was to bring about justice, equity and fairness for every ethnic group in Nigeria was abandoned and quashed by the government, led by General Yakubu Gowon. 

The marginalization of the Igbos has persisted, with many arguing that it has contributed to the region's underdevelopment of critical social infrastructures and social unrest. The federal government's failure to address these grievances has created a sense of exclusion and disenfranchisement, fueling separatist movements and calls for greater autonomy. 

In hindsight, it is clear that the then Nigeria military government consciously missed a golden opportunity for reconciliation and nation-building even after the genocidal war. By reneging on the agreement not just the Aburi Accord but the 3Rs initiative, the government perpetuated a cycle of mistrust and violence, which continues to affect Nigeria's social and political landscape even up to this moment. 

Ultimately, acknowledging and learning from past mistakes is crucial for Nigeria's progress and prosperity. The government must take concrete steps to address the historical injustices meted upon the ethnic make up of the  old eastern region (Biafra). 

Guns and bullets will not end the quest for Biafra self-determination, as long as systematic repression and exclusion implemented by the successive governments of Nigeria has not been put to a halt. And, if care is not taken yet another brutal civil war will not be far away from our doorsteps. 

History they say, always repeats itself only those who are conscious enough to take drastic steps will not be caught unaware by the unmerciful snares of natural order.

Article Written By : Offor Princewill Akubumma 

Edited and Published by Family Writers Press International.