Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Some pro-Biafra groups have declared their readiness to actively participate in the 2023 political process, reiterating their firm belief in pursuing Biafra restoration through peaceful means.
The pro-Biafra groups said that boycotting the political process in Nigeria was not in the best interest of the struggle, and urged “all Biafrans of voting age to quickly arm themselves with the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) for active participation in the 2023 polls”.
According to them, it is by voting into power the right people with conscience that the agitators for self-determination including Biafra will no longer be treated as terrorists but as lawful citizens enforcing their fundamental human rights.
The coalition of pro-Biafra organizations including Biafra Independence Organization, BIO; Igbo Revolutionary Movement, IRM; Eastern Peoples Renewal, EPR; Biafra Clergy Network, BCM; Biafra Rights Initiatives; among others, urged other pro-Biafra groups to mobilise their members for participation in the 2023 elections, “assuming Biafra is not restored before then.”
“We stand by our earlier resolution that Biafra must be achieved through the principles of non-violence and full engagement in the political processes of Eastern Nigeria,” the group said in a statement.
The statement signed by the Administrative Secretary of the coalition, Comrade Emeka Ibekwe further said: “We shall never resort to any form of violent activities or engage in anti-Biafra pursuit. We shall continue to maintain our non-violence posture.”
The group said that time had come to get rid of selfish and greedy Igbo politicians currently occupying the political space, and enthrone those who would genuinely pursue the agenda of re-building Igbo land like the late Michael Okpara and Sam Mbakwe did.
“The coalition has resolved to fully participate in the political processes and electioneering drive for the enthronement of true and selfless Igbo leaders for occupation of our political spaces in Igboland.”
The groups, therefore, urged Bishop Sunday Onuoha to declare for the governorship of Abia State, assuring him of their unalloyed support.
According to them, the cleric has demonstrated capacity and genuine love for the good and future of Ndigbo unlike “many money-conscious self-acclaimed Bishops and General Overseers”.
“We unanimously support and urge Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, President of Vision Africa International, to officially declare for the gubernatorial seat of Abia State because he is the only acceptable candidate to succeed Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu next year.
“Our motivation and conviction to support Bishop Onuoha are enormous: He has proven beyond doubt, that he is a selfless Igbo leader, a bridge builder, an eloquent representative of Ndigbo, a vocal critic against any form of injustice mostly against Igbo interest, a reputable grassroots mover with compassion.
“His wealth of knowledge in global humanitarian services, international endorsements and connections will propel him to take Abia State to her desired glory”.
