The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists (IBN) said each constituent of the quest for a Biafra republic is now free to pursue their struggles individually, News About Nigeria reports.
Mazi Uche Mefor, the convener of IBN, spoke to reporters in Owerri about the Biafra fight on Monday.
His justification was that the “geographical territory from 1967-1970 is no longer feasible” and that some Biafra constituents had shown a lack of enthusiasm to participate in the conflict.
“The Igbo-Biafra nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination are at the forefront of reforming and repositioning the Biafra self-determination agenda to ensure its compliance with the international best standards and alignment with the requirements of international law on nationhood and the observance of human rights ethos or principles,” he said.
“We uphold that while the spirit of Biafra endures, the restoration of its original geographical territory from 1967–1970 is no longer feasible due to the unwillingness of the former component nations to commit to such a restoration.
“The reality is stark: the Biafra of 1967–1970 is effectively dead unless its former component nations, particularly those from the present South-South region (Niger Delta), demonstrate the same level of commitment as their South-East region (Igbo Nation) counterparts (who have been bearing the brunt of the mass killings and other monumental human rights violations unleashed by the murderous Nigerian security forces).
He added that this possibility is becoming less and less likely because of the South-South region’s purposeful and intentional delay tactics, which increase the likelihood that generations of Igbo youth will die without making the real advancement that was anticipated of them.
The IBN convener said the original Biafran territory, as it existed from 1967 to 1970, will be greatly decreased as a result of this recalibration to represent the current circumstances.
He continued: ”We acknowledge the existence of Igbo-Biafrans, Ijaw-Biafrans, Efik-Biafrans, Anang-Biafrans, and others. For us, it is now about the Igbo-Biafra nationalism for the emancipation of an autonomous (regional or confederal) or as a last resort an outright independent mono-linguistic Igbo nation-state, Alaigbo, or any other name preferred by the Igbo people.”
Uche said the current south-east area, home to the greatest concentration of Igbo people, is unquestionably the ancient homeland.
“In making this declaration, we boldly recognise the plight of Igbo communities historically displaced, gerrymandered, or transferred to other territories through obnoxious state creation or boundary adjustments, and where they are currently subjugated and treated as minorities.
“We can not abandon them! However, it is also essential for these communities to decide willingly, through a democratic process of referendum or plebiscite, if and when they wish to join their kith and kin in the South-East region.”
