Biafra, Buhari and The Easter Day Rising (Part 1) by Femi Fani-Kayode | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

LI_Leaderboard_4

LI_Leaderboard_1

LI_Leaderboard_2

LI_Leaderboard_3

Saturday 2 April 2016

Biafra, Buhari and The Easter Day Rising (Part 1) by Femi Fani-Kayode

“The power of a bold idea uttered publicly in defiance of dominant opinion cannot be easily measured. Those special people who speak out in such a way as to shake up not only the self-assurance of their enemies, but the complacency of their friends, are precious catalysts for change”― Howard Zinn.
This is one of the most profound assertions that I have ever heard. We must all learn from it regardless of the challenges that we may be facing in our country today.
 
In a special message to the Congress on the Internal Security of the United States on August 8, 1950, President Harry S. Truman said,
 
"Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear."
 
Permit me to begin this essay with an aside.  I do not intend to incite anyone against the government or the Nigerian state by making this contribution and neither do I believe in an armed struggle.
 
If there was ever an elephant in the Nigerian room then it is Biafra. Given that let us explore it together in this two part discourse and let us bare our minds.
 
The Buhari administration cannot tolerate or brook any form of dissent and neither are they comfortable with criticism or free speech.
 
 
They are desperately trying to establish a culture of silence in our country. They are particularly uncomfortable with the subject matter of this essay.
 
Their double standards are made all the more manifest by the fact that they have acknowledged and recognized the right of self-determination for the people of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in their quest for independence from the Kingdom of Morocco whilst at the same time they have denied those that believe in the establishment of Biafra and the exercise of that very same right of self-determination here in Nigeria.
 
As if that were not bad enough they went even further by describing Biafra as a matter that is "dead and buried" which must not be discussed under ANY circumstances.
 
The Buhari administration appears to have forgotten the fact that charity begins at home. You cannot give those from outside your shores what you are not prepared to offer your own people.
 
If the quest for independence is good enough for the people of Sahrawi Arab Republic then surely it is good enough for the people of Biafra or any other ethnic nationality in Nigeria if that is what they really want.
 
The suggestion that we should not even mention let alone discuss the idea of Biafra is simply absurd. Those that subscribe to that view often argue that three million people were killed in order to ensure that Nigeria was kept together and consequently there can be no going back.
 
This is a specious, self-serving and intellectually lazy argument. And this is especially so given the fact that those that have put it overlook the fact that the root causes of the civil war appear to be back with us today.
 
If you don't cure the ailment and get rid of its root cause then you cannot complain about the consequences of its continued existence or its symptoms. If you don’t clean up the mess you cannot complain about its stench. Air freshener alone cannot do it: forgive my crudity but if you don’t flush the toilet after using it a terrible smell is bound to linger.
 
The matter is simple and clear: as long as the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria feel marginalized, persecuted, cheated, vilified and wronged the spirit of Biafra will continue to flourish.
 
As long as Igbos are targeted and slaughtered like flies at the drop of the hat in the northern part of our country, or indeed in any other part,  Biafra will continue to thrive and burn in the hearts of every Igbo man, woman and child. Whether we like it or not that is a reality and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
 
Quite apart from that I deeply resent the fact that our government has got the nerve and has cultivated the temerity to venture to tell us what we should and what we should not mention or discuss. Surely even the madness of tyranny has its limits.
 
Those that are at the helm of affairs in our country today may have the power to kill, torture, detain indefinitely or jail those that do not share their views but they do not have the power to kill an idea. And an idea whose time has come cannot be wished away or stopped by any force from hell or on earth.
 
In this essay we shall defy the government, ignore the critics, shed the fear and share some inconvenient truths.
 
100 years ago, on what is known as the Easter Rising Day, the Republic of Ireland began their struggle for independence from Great Britain when a handful of brave men went to the center of Dublin, raised the new Irish flag and openly declared the establishment of the Irish Republic.
 
The rebellion was crushed but it signaled the beginning of a prolonged armed struggle.
 
During the course of that struggle approximately thousands of Irish men, women and children were killed by the British occupation forces over the years but eventually the Republic of Ireland won their freedom and became an independent sovereign state.
 
A few days ago on Easter day the Irish Government and people celebrated the 100th anniversary of Easter Rising Day with great pride, joy, pomp and style. The celebrations were attended by delegations from the Basque separatist movement and officials of the Catalan regional government of Spain.
 
Both of these courageous political movements have been attempting to exercise their right of self-determination, break off from Spain and establish their own independent nations for many years and as each year passes they are getting closer to achieving their objective.
 
Those that believe in the right of self-determination of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and particularly those that are fighting for the creation of the sovereign state of Biafra have so much to learn from the history and struggles of the people of Ireland.
 
The Irish suffered immeasurably under British occupation for hundreds of years and literally millions of them were enslaved and killed over that period of time.
 
Yet in the end they managed to break the yoke and secure their liberation and triumph over the cruel subjugation and tyranny of British rule.
 
It is my belief that by God's grace those that are being oppressed, butchered and murdered by the Nigerian state today in an attempt to forcefully keep our country one and those that wish to break off to form their own country on the basis of the principle of self-determination shall also eventually prevail.
 
This is particularly so for the Igbo people of the south-eastern region of our country who have suffered more than any other ethnic group in Nigeria. Permit me to remind those that doubt this assertion that it was the Igbo that were slaughtered in their hundreds of thousands in the core north during the pogroms of 1966.
 
Igbo men, women and children were butchered on sight all over the north simply because they were Igbo and for no other reason. Even pregnant women were not spared. This led directly to our civil war in which no less than three million Igbos were killed including one million Igbo children who were starved to death.
 
After the war they were deprived of all their properties outside Igbo land except for in Lagos and the south west where they were treated with some level of decency and allowed to have their properties back.
 
Everywhere else in the country they could not reclaim the properties that they owned before the war and such properties were declared "abandoned property", confiscated by the various regional and state governments and handed over to the local indigenous people.
 
As if that were not bad enough after the civil war every igbo man and woman, no matter how much they had in the bank before the war, was given only twenty pounds from their respective banks to begin a new life. Millions of pounds and many fortunes were lost in this way and the truth is that the Igbo suffered immeasurably as a consequence of this unjust policy.
 
It is a testimony to their resilience and nothing else that they were able to get back on their feet and within a period of ten years after the civil war an Igbo man was elected Vice President of our country. They also thrived in the private sector due to their diligence and hard work.
 
Yet in spite of that the systemic persecution and marginalization of the Igbo people did not stop within the Federal Government, the public sector, the civil service, the security and intelligence agencies and the Armed Forces.
 
They were prevented from reaching the top in virtually all these sectors right up until President Olusegun Obasanjo was elected in 1999.
 
It was President Olusegun Obasanjo that began the effective post-war rehabilitation of the Igbo in the public sector when he started to appoint them into sensitive and strategic positions within his government and within the security agencies and Armed Forces.
 
A good example of that is Lt-General Chidabikia Isaac Obiokor who was the first Igbo man to he appointed as GOC in the Nigerian Army since the civil war. Another is Mr. Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo who was the first Igbo man to be appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police since the civil war and who was later appointed Inspector General of Police two years after Obasanjo left office.
 
Then came the Ojo Maduekwes, the Andy Ubas, the Ngozie Okonjo-Iwealas, the Charles Soludos, the Emeka Chikelus, the Frank Nwekes, the George Obiozors and so many other bright and promising stars from the east who all wielded far more influence and power than their political offices had to offer in President Obasanjo’s government and who were all his protégées and appointees.
 
Without Obasanjo's premeditated and conscious policy of wanting to rehabilitate the Igbo and bring them back into the main stream none of these people would have achieved the great success that they have achieved today and none would have been brought into the national limelight.
 
Yet despite Obasanjo's efforts the truth is that, between 1970 when the war ended right up until today, whenever there are attacks against people in the northern part of Nigeria the Igbo are singled out for more slaughter, more ethnic cleansing and more mass murder than anyone else. (TO BE CONTINUED).

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

When he was in government, wgwhat did he do... what is his current means of livelihood, if it isn't the wealth of the state that he is currently enjoying. Why wasn't he writing long essays when he was in gov't...

Unknown said...

Seen. * it's well*

STERN said...

I LOVE THIS. SO MY 3 MENTORS OF ALL TIME HAS SPOKEN.
It started with Ben Bruce yesterday giving a good clap back at that confused follower, then went to my ABLE FAYOSE speaking the truth about this profitless regime. Now FFK to wrap it up.

Anonymous said...

Wit all d loot money all d money him done collect from foreign countries we are yet to see anything Buhari has done he Neva comment about the cbn scandal but he can make comment about Aprils fools joke where him no like the real April fools is us who still believe in this yeye government

Anonymous said...

This write up is treasonous in every respect. To endorse and encourage the movement of Biafra with a historical build of sentiments is tasteless and very typical of FFK. The civil war was born of a flawed idea that would truly leave the igbo marginalized. It's unfortunate to see children and men born decades after this dark times in our history linger to sentiments that should be of no concern of theirs. Of course I expect the same said people to praise FFK. Maybe a referendum should be made,if the "eastern" Nigeria truly wants to walk it should be put votes. I'm certain majority would vote to stay. God Bless Nigeria.

Anonymous said...

FFK may God bless you, History can not be forgotten, though Nigeria government don't want to learn from history because they are afraid, what I know Is there is Biafra before Nigeria and there will be BIAFRA after Nigeria, BIAFRA is a life not dead. Nigeria is a joke just like her president u can not do to others what u can not do to your self. Original comment from C. E. O.

Anonymous said...

FFK may God bless you, History can not be forgotten, though Nigeria government don't want to learn from history because they are afraid, what I know Is there is Biafra before Nigeria and there will be BIAFRA after Nigeria, BIAFRA is a life not dead. Nigeria is a joke just like her president u can not do to others what u can not do to your self. Original comment from C. E. O.

Unknown said...

Sir,why did you stop there,any I can see that it took. Your becoming an Igbo inlaw to finally see the injustice metted out on a people for no just cause,generally most Igbos do not have a sense of belonging in the. Nigeria project,so anyone tryng to wish the agitation for Biafra away,can only wish but it will never go away,until the powers that be deliberately makes policies that target to include the Igbo in the scheme of things,then maybe the yearning for secession will die naturally.

Stan-touch said...

But Nigeria shld borrow leave from the UAE, if this 4 year term democracy is not working n seems expensive, let's go back to the root, appoint ruler to run the government like the UAE's bcos what we are doing every 4 yrs has bcame very expensive, dangerous + clashes and lost of live. The states with more natural resources shld be allowed to develop using their endowment, which I think 4 yrs is very lill for a meaningful development... pls lets look into this; Americans are developed with a good legacy mindset, they work for posterity, while average Africans works financial security, and self enrichments; no attitude training; feeling the insecurity of 4yrs term, so better abolish this style of politics and appoint family to run the affairs of the state and the whole country; at list after 10 yrs, they will be tired of too much money and start to use them for the development, na ma contribution ooo!

Unknown said...

.decitoN

Unknown said...

Femi love these wirter up.

Unknown said...

I've noticed recently that this man finds it hard to leave the corridor of power and has accounted for lots of his vituperations. I don talk my own o

Unknown said...

Mr man stop stirring up problem where there's none. Linda take note!

Hessaawards2019.com said...

Seconded! Biafra or Nothing!!!







Long Live LIb!!!!

PrettyChi said...

It is too bad

Anonymous said...

You know really this guy might have some issues but he sure is a sensible and good writer so much sense in this write up..

OSINANL said...

That's why aboki will continue to suffer...

Unknown said...

Woo,shut up

Alpacino D said...

Crying more than the bereaved! This coward won't just shutup and also do to the fulanis that had terrorized Ur region for years like we did to them! This man should know that the Igbos are not just the wisest tribe in this country, they are also the most successful, endurance filled, tactical, unthinkable aggressive elastic limit, matured,..... Set of people. We gave U our sister to pore whenever U wish to, despite your gloomy large mouthedness doesn't mean U are intelligent enough to speak for us. Like the patient dog, like the Isrealites we know the right time to strike, and boom! Non of our adversaries survives the hit including terrible enemies pretending to be friends like Urself!! U don't have to push it we know all'U, just wait for it!!

A-JAMMY said...

Well said,brother. The truth is always bitter!

Unknown said...

Its high time Buhari do something abt dis illiterate fulani herdsmen and also see himself as a president for all

Unknown said...

Even the madness of tyranny has its limits. I really like this man kudos

Ooo said...

Ffk mumu. Bcos of free fucks from your baby mama. Sycophant

Ifeanyi said...

We will look into this case. It is a clear revelation and this will definitely unfold what Nigerians won't believe. Hence iStand With GREAT BIAFRA.

Anonymous said...

The truth is never relative!! As long as this continues, Buhari will one day wake up from his Tyranny and realize how clueless leader he has been.

Anonymous said...

The truth is never relative!! As long as this continues, Buhari will one day wake up from his Tyranny and realize how clueless leader he has been.

Anonymous said...

The truth is never relative!! As long as this continues, Buhari will one day wake up from his Tyranny and realize how clueless leader he has been.

Anonymous said...

Tell the world! This avoidable error was advised early enough but people won't listen.

Anonymous said...

I am speechless, Fani-Kayode the defender of the Igbo man! Why is he trying to stir up racial hatred against the Buhari government? What is the motive, the Igbo's have many highly intelligent folks to champion their cause, why Fani-Kayode all the time. My believe is that he is just self serving, and I'm guessing he is intoxicated by his live for his Igbo madam!

Anonymous said...

Thank you FFK.... The things the cowardly Igbo leaders can't say...

Anonymous said...

FFK still talking

VIDEO: “Buhari is doing a GOOD job”, Obama tells Canadian prime minister

Aj said...

All well said, the truth is Biafra must happen, if not now, in the next generation but it will happen cos it has happened in all our minds already, only implementation is left

Unknown said...

Hmmmmmmmm

Jey said...

Is alrit

Anonymous said...

Anytime you came out on air you speak so stupid of yourself. You will never succeed in causing division in this country, if devioced your wife and staying with igbo harlot nonsense of you

Anonymous said...

Only a fool would listen to this bigot. Sadly there will be many that do. Religion and tribe are the easiest tools to whip up irrational sentiments. Shame on this blogger that is the only one that publishes this man's rants.

Unknown said...

Preach PREACHER!!!

chommy said...

Too long. Linda observe!

Anonymous said...

Dreams come true. Biafra is real

Anon said...

Preach on preacher! For you ignoramuses, FFK even held lectures on this topic during GEJ's tenure which he was a part of

nwa mazi said...

Biafra. Stand up n support d movement. Don't be ashamed. Daalu fani , idi Oº°ÚÚ°ºokay

Remi Abioye said...

Your response is relevant. What did FFK do when he was in GEJ government? Why did this Biafra movement not rise up during the last administration? If FFK were appointed into PMB government would he push this idea? This write-up is self-serving and politically motivated. FFK does not love the Igbos. There is nothing that is happening to the Igbos that is not affecting other tribes. This is Nigeria where politicians have sold their conscience and are only after their own pockets. That's why you hear that 'There is no permanent friend or enemy but permanent INTEREST in politics'. God save Nigeria!

Anonymous said...

FFK is just setting a path to get the Igbos support and sympathy especially since they will soon indict him for his part in the LOOTING of our common wealth. He is going to claim Buhari is persecuting him because he is speaking out for the Igbos. Only a fool would take this lunatic seriously. I feel sorry for the pro Biafrans who are buying his lies and deceit. We all know the Yorubas cannot be trusted. They have no problem using you and throwing you under the bus once they get what they want. But then again, the Igbos are exactly like that too. So I guess this could work well for FFK and the Biafra manipulating each other. That would be a movie I'd like to watch. Getting my pop corn ready for this show of shame. Precious Chikwendu medicate your sick sugardaddy!

MCC said...

True talk. Good write up. Kudos FFK. Biafra must succeed. "Linda's sister from another mother"

Anonymous said...

FFK why didnt u say all these when Jonathan was in government? Why are you trying so hard to confuse Nigerians and stir up racial fights between ethnic and religious groups? Are you for real? All i can say is try harder. God will continue to expose and disgrace you. Irresponsible bigot.

Recent Posts