Why Biafra republic will come to pass - Nze Onuora

Nze Francis Onuora, a Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has lent out his voice in the ongoing Biafra agitation.

Onuora said the Biafra struggle is not a child's play and therefore cannot be wished away by those opposing the determination of Igbos in having their own separate country.

In an interview with the New Telegraph, Onura revealed that the Biafra agitation is an old issue that dates back to 1967 which culminated in the Nigerian Civil War.

"Anyway, the people are saying they need freedom. In fact there is reason for everything in life, because the Igbos did not just wake up and ask for their republic. So, if you ask me, I would like to appeal to the Federal Government to listen to the demand of the Igbos," Onura said.

According to him, there is nothing like division among the Igbos in the struggle for Biafra, and those sowing the seed of discord must surely fail; "We have always been together in pursuance of the struggle.

"We are not afraid for requesting for the Republic of Biafra. Though there may be individual differences even if people reacted in various ways, but I must tell you that Igbos are never afraid of pushing further. For example, the sit at home order carried out recently that was successful attested to the fact that Igbos are strongly united in this struggle.
"In a democratic setting, the majority must have their way. I tell you the Igbos are one of the majority ethnic groups in the country, but the winner takes all mentality is a problem. Because we were defeated in the Nigeria Civil War that lasted three years, we are not getting our fair share of the national cake.

"The fact is that the Igbos have made up their mind to govern themselves and there is no going back. One of the things people don’t really know is that the Igbos are gifted in so many ways. There are a lot of things we can do but under this present circumstance, it may be difficult because we (Igbos) are not encouraged.

"If you take special view of the brains behind great nations such as America, Britain, Israel, Germany, you will find out that some Igbo men and women are involved. If we have Biafra Republic, a lot of innovations will come up. So, it is not about denying Igbo the presidency where such person will be caged and not given free hand to work. A typical example was ex-President Goodluck Jonathan who was not given free hand to operate and run the nation. Do you know that the North has 19 states whereas they are among the three majority ethnic group in the country?

"Is this fair judgment? For instance, the National Assembly members from the North and South-West are more than those from the South-East. So, how do you balance the sharp difference if you are talking of equity? These and many others informed the agitation for the creation of the Republic of Biafra.

"We are after the creation of Biafra, which we can call our own and where no one will be oppressed and marginalised.