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By Chimennma Okolo For the past few days there have been a literal e-war amongst the people of the south south and the south east on the issue of Biafra. I had read several and varying accounts and clap backs. Unfortunately the disagreement has been caustic and vitriolic with each side attempting to outdo the other with the most vilifying and degrading words. From my readings it’s obvious that there is the need for a new more accommodating and forgiving narrative. The both sides have to forgive and bury the hatchet: this is necessary from an enlightened self interest view point. It’s obvious that the two sides agree that they have had the short end of the stick from the Nigerian nation. They share a sentiment and desire for freedom from the prevailing oppressive and stifling system which is Nigeria, fortunately these sentiments are shared not only by these brothers but by the Yoruba’s and to some extent the people of the middle belt Nigeria. So at least we are agreed on the need to put off the yoke of the hegemonic north: a good place to start. Unfortunately however we have left our common enemy to fight amongst ourselves. My people have a saying that when brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their inheritance. It’s this kind of attitude that has always made us unable to take head-on our common enemy. Now we must change that! I therefore appeal for calm and a better understanding of what’s at stake. First we all must ask ourselves what’s at stake, if it’s the freedom from this oppressive contraption and stifling system foisted on us then we need to work together as a united force to be able to overcome those who would have us remain slaves and see our land as their plantation farm. To my Niger Delta brethren I do not think the people of the south east (igbos) are our enemies neither do I think that other than their brashness they seek the domination of other tribes. What gives me the confidence? History! These people have lived side by side with us for years before the white man came and they are not GENERALLY known for expansionist tendencies. Even during and after independence they were not aggressive in anything but pursuing their individual business and economic interest. They have always been more inclined to commerce than resource grab. So we have some terrible stories to tell about the Igbos during the war? War brings out the worst in otherwise good people, nobody knows today what s/he will do in a war situation, let’s not play Saints. I do not hold brief for the igbos but let’s look to factual history to determine the kind of people they are. It’s simplistic and a deeply flawed narrative to say the Biafran war was about the Niger Delta oil! Really? So the Igbos actually orchestrated all those massacres in the north to cause war so they can swim in Niger Delta oil? Oh common give me a break! We must quit burying our heads in the sand, we must objectify our desires not allow emotions to disrupt our journey. We have every right to question the new nation called Biafra and what guarantees we desire but this don’t have to be in an atmosphere of rancour and division. To my igbo brethren the Niger Delta is NOT and has NEVER been your enemy. The peoples of the south south have genuine fears from their unpalatable experience in this sad contraption called Nigeria, it would therefore be foolhardy and indeed outright stupid for them to leave an unfortunate and sad union for another one! They should therefore be constructively engaged at every turn. Their genuine fears have to be allayed with concrete guarantees and not insults. They cannot continue to be called at every disagreement saboteurs and haters and expect them to key in to the struggle for Biafra. The truth must be told the fears of the peoples of Niger Delta are quite well founded, that may not be the intention but that’s the fear and it’s real! Moreover, that your neighbour disagrees with you is not a confirmation that he hates you. There is therefore an imperative need for a conference of nationalities of the peoples of the south east and the south south. I appeal again that we calmly allay each other’s fears about the proposed Biafra. Let us resolve to inform the ignorant, allay the fears of the fearful, encourage the weak and lily livered, humble the arrogant and fire up the fence sitters! Let us change the unfortunate narrative for which we have been fed. Whether in Nigeria or in the new Biafra together we will overcome. The fight for Biafra is a fight for freedom and a better deal for our separate peoples. Let’s get to work already! Chimennma Okolo is a lawyer, equal rights campaigner and environmental rights activist. |
