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Secession is a recurrent theme in the front burner of sociopolitical discourse in the country. Frequently, one social/ethnic group or the other raises its hand signaling its desire to part ways with Nigeria and institute a government that would like a magic wand make all its existing challenges (particularly being shortchanged) varnish. It is appropriate to seek fair treatment, equitable distribution of resources--both human and material--as well as have one's voice be heard and considered when making governmental decisions. In fact, when this ideal is not forthcoming, it is logical to express displeasure by making a call to sever ties with such a non-beneficial structure. 

Nevertheless, in doing the necessary, treading such a path with unbridled caution is as crucial as the end-goal. Such delicate issues shouldn't be handled with kids' glove. The Biafrans decrying injustice that have been and are being meted out to them should ask themselves these pertinent questions: How just have supposed Biafrans, especially political office holders, been to fellow Biafrans? In what significant ways have our leaders in the South-East and South-South shown us the light of care and overall development? What does the answers to those posers tell you?

Simply put, even if Biafra eventually sees the light of day, I am skeptical of the capacity of those to take the reins of national leadership leading us to the promised land. The me-myself-and-I and siphoning mentality roam unfettered in our social and political space. The little independence we have as a Geo-political zone and prevailing underdevelopment herein with all the billions of Naira accruing to her through federal allocation gives us a tip of the iceberg. Our problem is not chiefly abridged political control, it is a distorted operational paradigm in many of us and the absence of the willpower to bring to the doorstep of our brothers and sisters the dividends of qualitative leadership. In other words, Nigeria is not entirely the problem. We are essentially the problem. 

Furthermore, taking a cue from how our political progenitors and nationalists pursued the independence of our country Nigeria is strategic and vital. Going by historical records, they didn't employ the violence approach to negotiate Nigeria's independence with the British empire but rather diplomatic approach. Carrying treason-decorated placards as well as hoisting the Biafran flag, and causing gridlocks on roads will never bring about the manifestation of the self-rule dream.

However, as far as military and financial machinery is concerned, Nigeria is far ahead of any dissident group within her. The bloody Nigerian Civil war of 1967-1970 which saw the surging Biafran empire fall buttresses this. And the recent arrest of the the supposed Biafran leader crystallizes this point even better. Feigning ignorance of this and the non-readiness of Biafra to take shape would demonstrate that Biafran apologists have not learned from history and are not interested in fostering the interests of those they fight for.

Kaycee Naze,

Concerned Nigerian.