Last week, the majority the Scottish people said “No” to the prospect of Scotland leaving the United Kingdom. Following the much-discussed 2014 Scottish independence referendum outcome, Naij.com has asked its readers a similar question, but peculiar to Nigeria only. Below you may find various responses from Nigerians who explain why they would rather support a united Nigeria, or root for re-emergence of the Republic of Biafra.
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Republic of Biafra in May 1967
About 75% of the 850 commentators bitterly noted how multiple ethnicities and cultures inhabiting Nigeria often clah and subject each other to violence. They were adamant that separation and re-emergence of Biafra would be best.
Said Ndubuisi Christopher Maduka: “The ethnic nationalities which make up this country were forced to come together. The gap between the North and South is too wide in terms of education. The Southern part are more accommodative and liberal. Northern part, especially the Hausa/Fulanis, are not so. They are overzealous to rule and control the resources from the South. I think the Southerners can understand each other. Ever since I was born, I have been hearing of religious crises in the North. It is better if the nation split to avoid these unwarranted killings. Independence of Biafra is a capital ‘YES’.”
Joseph Onuoha said: “What is the use of one Nigeria when every tribe dislikes the Igbos? Not just the Igbos alone, but the whole South-South and South-East. The truth is bitter but must be said. The Republic State of Biafra is better off alone. We don’t need a nation that speaks ‘One Nigeria’ and kills other tribes, depriving the South-East and South-South of their crude oil and other mineral resources. Nigeria should be divided and let the South-South and South-East take control of their crude oil and mineral resources. Long live Biafra, long live MASSOB!”
Isaac Oshionebo said: “There is a difference between the Northern soldiers and the Southern soldiers today, but we only call it the Nigerian Army. That is why the war against Boko Haram is difficult and bitter. We are divided already, let’s do it peacefully.”
Probity Okike said: “Nigeria is a zoo, Biafra is my country.”
Chikelue Henry Okeke said: “If there can be a Biafra through a referendum and not through war, then I would vote yes to a division. And my reason is that the Hausa and Fulani Muslims murder thousands of Igbo people who were living in the North because of their religious fanaticism and political sentiments.”
Some Nigerians, however, were more optimistic. While acknowledging the many problems Nigeria is currently facing, they were eager to suggestposible ways out of the apparent dead end our country might one day find herself trapped in:
Temple Eze said: “What we need is to change our system of government. Everybody wants to get to Aso Rock because Abuja remains the corridor of power. The problem of Nigeria had started when we turned our country into a republic. If all the ethnic groups minded their side, as it was immediately after our Independence, there would have been no excess money in Aso Rock, the reason Nnamdi Azikwe was able to leave Abubakar as a prime minister. But in 1963, Awolowo and Zik refused to leave the presidency for each other, and the disagreement lingered until the military decided to come into the issue. Because of this, the only capable head of state, Aguiyi-Ironsi, was slain. This made a little boy of 31 years Gowon, who never knew what it means to be a leader, to fill the vacuum which led the country into civil war. Today, look at where we are. Let’s use the system of 1960-1963 and Nigeria will be better. Thanks!”
Stanley Unegbu: “I say No the independence of Biafra. But I suggest pure regional autonomy, like in the United Kingdom. And rotational presidency among the regions.”
Muraina Akeem Olatunji: ”I want a United Nigeria FREE of corruption, indiscipline, bloodbaths, bad governance. I want a United Nigeria where people are patriotic, honest, tolerant of one another. I want a United Nigeria with both good leaders and followers. God had a reason for uniting us. We could use our huge population to an advantage, just like China, USA, Russia, etc. did. If only we could embrace one another in peace and kill corruption!”
John Ayodele Oyewole: “Well, before any part of Nigeria wishes to break away, the boundaries must be defined. There must be an objective and unanimous agreement. While clamouring for separation, know for sure who the minority might like to go with peaceful dialogue that erodes selfishness that will not be for the benefit of the politicians, but for the good of all. If the Scots had voted yes, only their politicians would have benefitted from the referendum, because practically speaking, their citizens are equally treated, but that is not the case with Nigeria. The bigger a country is, the better, but we must all work for the good of all.”
A noticeable part of commentators still insisted that Nigeria’s motley population has been brought together for a reason. We should stay together despite our differences, they maintained.
Ojochenemi Hussain said: “Please, my Igbo friends, I’ll just ask you this question. What do you people really have in terms of natural resources that even kids from your region clamour for division? If your request is granted, the only region that can carry you along is South-South. And it’s clear they may not dance to your tone. So tell me, if you’re ‘better off alone,’ what’ll be the means of survival in Biafra?”
Akaninyene James said: “If the Igbos are longing for Biafra, how about Akwa Ibom, Calabar? We, too, will become a sovereign nation, instead of pairing with the Igbos. They are dubious. One Nigeria is what our fallen Heroes fought for. It is too late to disintegrate. I love Nigeria!”
Jubilee Shola said: “Separate Biafra now and prepare for another ethnic division tomorrow. TRUE FEDERALISM is what we lack. That is why we can’t have our own United Kingdom and the USA. If this new Constitution can be implemented this year, we will all enjoy what we call Nigeria. Good people. Great Nation.”
Ogunsanmi Emman said: “I don’t know why some senseless Igbos are calling for Biafra. If the region succeed with the plan, do they think that that small enclave would contain them with their staggering population? Besides, no sane Igbo man would wish to forgo their business empire scattered all over Nigeria. There is unity in diversity. The Igbo man has excelled in everything and contributed to the development of this nation, and I salute them for being the honey bee of the nation after the Civil War.”
Emmanuel Etukudo said: “Disintegrating Nigeria would never solve the problems of our beloved country. There already are a lot of factions among the Igbos themselves. Let us learn from what is happening between Sudan and South Sudan. Did their separation bring peace to Southern Sudan who where clamoring for independence? Today, barely a year after their independence, they are fighting themselves because there are so many interests, ethnic groups and factions involved. Believe me, my fellow Nigerians, if we follow the part of separation and have Biafra, which I will never become a part of, our fate will be just like that of Southern Sudan.”
Hosea Gwazah said: “I would have voted for United Nigeria. 1) Together, our founding fathers nursed this baby from its birth through youthful stage. 2) Since the attempt to break failed, the blood spilled during the Civil War became the cord that has bound the North & South together. 3) International communities know the untapped raw materials across Nigeria. That’s why they are looking for an opportunity to split our dear Nation: to devour her resources. 4) Nigerian political scenario suggests a chaos which is misleading others to think it will be impossible for us to survive as one.”
Which group of respondents would you join? What do you think is best for Nigeria now?
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