…Identifies causes, profers solutions
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations CSOs, in Abia State, has expressed deep worry that 55 years after the Nigeria civil war which claimed millions of lives mostly from Igboland, residents of the South-East region are still living in fears.
The coalition including Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS); Society for Human Rights Advocacy and Development, SOHAD; Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative; Vivacious Development Initiative, among others, called for urgent action to address the root causes of tension in South-East.
This was contained in a joint statement by the coalition to mark the 55th anniversary of the end of the war.
The statement signed by Chuka Okoye, Obinna Nwagbara, Joy Nwosu, Glory Onwuka, Eunice Egbuna and Casius Ukwuegbu, for the coalition, was made available to newsmen in Abia on Wednesday.
The coalition attributed the causes of tension in the South-East to near-exclusion of the zone from the political equation of the country; renewed agitation for Biafra; suppression of agitators by security agencies; non-challance of the Federal Government to the grievances of the people; leadership failure; among others.
It also identified the “continued detention and unending trial” of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as another major cause of unrest in the South-East, and called for his unconditional release to restore peace in the region.
The coalition commended President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, but said “the Federal Government should ensure that the commission delivers on its mandate.”
It also said that State Governors and Local Government Chairmen in the South-East should be intentional about the development of the zone.
The coalition further advocated the declaration of May 30 (a day adopted by various pro-Biafra groups to remember the fallen heros of the civil war) as a memorial day in the South-East, to avoid further loss of lives resulting from the yearly needless clashes between the groups and security agents.
“South-East governors should declare May 30 a public holiday in the South-East”, the CSOs said.
Decrying the unending tension and precarious security situation in the South-East, the coalition urged the Federal Government, South-East governors and the non-state actors to put the security and welfare of residents above other considerations.
The statement read: “South-East Nigeria is currently facing a crisis marked by escalating tensions and violence. The region has been plagued by unrest, with clashes between security forces and non-state actors, and attacks on citizens becoming increasingly frequent.
“The people in south-East Nigeria are living in fear and uncertainty, with their security and welfare hanging in the balance. The situation has reached a critical point, necessitating urgent attention and concerted efforts to address the root causes.”
Historical background
“The rising conflict and unrest in the region are undoubtedly a fallout of the separatist movements and calls for secession in the South-East. The renewed calls for Biafra since 1999 when the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB was formed, are attributed to historical grievances, resulting from marginalisation of the zone since the civil war ended in 1970.
“In addition to the marginalisation of the South-East by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is the dearth of of visionary and honest leadership at the state and local government levels in the southeast.
“The combination of these factors over the years impinged on the development of the region; contributed to the high level of poverty and youth unemployment; caused distrust on the leadership at all levels; lack of sense of belonging among majority of the people; a sense of socio-political alienation from Nigeria among many people from the South-East, especially young people, and search for credible alternative.
“These are some of the things that fuel agitation and separatist movements, and make it easy for the proponents of these agitations to easily mobilize citizens. It is important that the root cause of the crisis in southeast Nigeria is understood by all and sundry.”
Why the situation is getting worse
“The situation in South-East is complex and multifaceted as the region has become a powder keg of discontent. The proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; the declaration and enforcement of the numerous sit-at-home orders against his trial, and the quest to have May 30 as a Day of remembrance for Igbos, who died in the civil war have immensely contributed to the tensions, leading to a cycle of violence and unrest in the region.
“More so, the reactive and kinetic approach/conducts of security agents in the southeast, aimed at suppressing and exploiting people, has further exacerbated the crisis in the region.
“The extortion of motorists and young people by the personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force and every other security agency on the roads in southeast is brazen and unprecedented. This has been going on despite the hues and cries by citizens; including complaints on the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives by national assembly members from the southeast.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria appears to have continued to look the other way, while security agencies intimidate and extort citizens at every check-point in the South-East.
“Rather than address the issue of marginalization, which the people have been crying against, the federal government is seen to be responding with intimidation and more marginalisation.
“In Nigeria today, the Southeast has the least number of states, local government areas, representatives, political appointments and federal government presence.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration and no attempt by the federal government of Nigeria to embrace other diplomatic approaches rather than use of force to address the issue, in a country where people from other regions have engaged in crimes against the state but were engaged in dialogue, is a testament to the marginalization of the people of southeast.
“Rather than engage in meaningful dialogue with the agitators for Biafra and stakeholders from the southeast, Nigerian has chosen the use of force. Historical patterns show that the use of force has failed to resolve underlying grievances.
“Open dialogue will foster understanding and create an opportunity for lasting solutions to the challenges faced in the region. It is essential that the government acknowledges the voices of the people of the southeast and addresses their concerns in a constructive manner.
Residents facing threats everyday
“Amidst the conflict, the people of southeast Nigeria are bearing the brunt of the crisis, facing threats to their safety, livelihoods, and basic human rights and from our observation, the Federal government of Nigeria is nonchalant about the plight of citizens in the southeast.
“Reports of human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests have raised alarm bells both within the country and on the international stage. The need to protect the civilian population and uphold their fundamental rights is paramount in any efforts to restore peace and stability to the region.
“The legacy of the Biafra War looms large over southeast Nigeria, shaping its identity and fueling calls for self-determination and autonomy. The scars of the conflict, which claimed the lives of thousands and led to widespread suffering, continue to haunt the region to this day. The memory of the war serves as a reminder of the need to address the root causes of the current crisis and work towards a future of peace, reconciliation, and unity.
“Suppressing discontent Igbo voices, especially from the southeast will not address the Igbo problem in Nigeria. It is the right of citizens to protest, when they feel they are not getting justice and the right to self-determination is a fundamental human right. Late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu reiterated the issue of injustice against Igbos of South-East, during the APC Presidential Primary election when he asked in protest: Where is the justice?
Laments crippling effects of sit-at-home order
“The insecurity and the enforcement of sit-at-home orders have compounded the challenges faced by these vulnerable groups.
“Since May 2021, the educational development of school children in the southeast has been severely hindered. With schools closed every Monday, due to sit-at-home directives, a critical day of learning is consistently lost.
“This systematic disruption to education jeopardizes the future of an entire generation, fostering dissatisfaction and disconnection from the Nigerian state. The implication is that Nigeria is raising a generation of Igbos, who are dissatisfied with being Nigerians. People who may be more fierce than Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafra agitators of today.
“Moreover, indigent women, who rely on daily earnings from market activities, have borne the brunt of the economic consequences of these orders. Monday markets, traditionally pivotal for trade and income generation, have been paralyzed. This has had a cascading effect on household welfare, with many children suffering from inadequate nutrition and care as their mothers struggle to make ends meet.
“In addition, women and girls in times of insecurity face heightened risks of sexual harassment, even from security officials entrusted with protecting them. The southeast has not been spared this tragic reality, further compounding the trauma and vulnerability of women and girls in the region.
“The situation at hand calls for national healing. National healing requires a deeper understanding of each party’s concerns and grievances. In a time marked by heightened tensions and unrest, dialogue and mutual understanding become more vital than ever.
“Dialogue provides a platform for all voices to be heard, fostering empathy and mutual respect. When we listen to each other with an open mind, we can find common ground and move towards reconciliation. Through open and honest discussions, we can bridge the gap between opposing sides and work towards sustainable solutions.
Calls for unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
“The detention of a prominent leader only serves to deepen the wounds of division and mistrust in a society. To overlook the detention and unending trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is to turn a blind eye to the fundamental principles of justice and fairness that should guide our actions.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release is not just a mere request but a necessity for the restoration of peace and stability in southeast Nigeria.
“To move forward as a country, we must embrace open and honest conversations, where all voices are heard and respected. We urge all stakeholders to recognize the urgency of this matter and work towards a resolution that upholds the principles of democracy – truth and reconciliation.
“As we raise our voices in unison for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, let us remember that our demands are not just for one man but for the collective well-being of Igbos in southeast.
“His release signifies a step towards healing and reconciliation, a step towards a future where peace and prosperity can thrive. Together, we are advocating justice, freedom, and a brighter tomorrow in southeast Nigeria.”
Wants all parties to prioritise security, welfare of residents
“In the tumultuous landscape of South-East Nigeria, ensuring the security and welfare of the people must be the paramount concern of all and sundry.
“The ongoing crisis has left many communities vulnerable to violence and instability, threatening the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that both the government and non-state actors come together to safeguard the lives and well-being of individuals in the region. We cannot afford to overlook the basic human rights of our fellow citizens in the pursuit of political agendas or power struggles.
“Amidst the chaos and uncertainty that grips southeast Nigeria, creating a safe and conducive environment for all residents should be our top priority.
“Families are living in fear, unsure of what each day may bring, and this pervasive sense of insecurity only serves to further polarize the country.
“The well-being of the people cannot be compromised or ignored in the face of escalating tensions and unrest. Every individual has the right to feel safe in their own homes and communities, free from the specter of violence and fear.
“By addressing the root causes of insecurity and promoting social welfare initiatives, we can lay the foundation for a more resilient and harmonious southeast Nigeria.”
How to solve May 30 controversy
“In light of the historical significance of May 30 in South-East Nigeria, we propose that the governors of the region should consider declaration of this day as a Memorial Day. This solemn occasion would serve as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the Biafra war, honoring their memory and acknowledging the deep scars left by the conflict.
“By officially recognising May 30 as a day of remembrance, we can put to an end, the violence that claims the lives of citizens in the southeast, both civilians and security agents, in the course of enforcing a sit-at-home order to commemorate the day. The most recent was the killing of five soldiers on May 30, 2024 at Aba and civilians in different parts of the southeast.”
Makes passionate demands
“The Federal Government, state governments and the non-state actors should prioritize the security and welfare of the people in southeast.
“Unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indegenous people of Biafra, IPOB, remains the panacea to the restoration of peace in the South East.
“The Federal Government should create room for dialogue with the agitators for Biafra and the stakeholders in the South-East.
“The Nigeria Police Force should have security posts and dismantle all road blocks on South-East roads.
“Law enforcement agencies should be made to stop intimidating and extorting law abiding citizens on the roads in the South-East.
