By Yinka Aje
The protests by mainly Igbo youths calling for an independent Biafra nation have received the backing of a Pan-Yoruba group. The group also call for the immediate release of Mr Nnamdi Kanu, the operator of Biafra Radio.
In a statement on Tuesday, made available to Irohinoodua, the Apapo Oodua Koya, (AOKOYA) said no responsible ethnic nationality would keep quite when its future is being trampled upon continuously by authorities that have failed to address half decade of inequalities. AOKOYA said the continuous detention of Mr Kanu violates the basic principles of human rights.
The statement signed by Comrade Akinola Ojo on behalf of AOKOYA praised the Igbo resilience and perseverance for a sovereign nation, a battle that has consumed several human lives even though the injustice is yet to be addressed. The group assured the Igbo that Yoruba people will not be used again to commit genocide against any ethnic group.
The group stated ‘In 1966, Yoruba people were used as canon-folders in the subjugation of the Igbo people. This time around, there are hundreds of self determination groups that will resist such attempts. Yoruba people who support the unity of Nigeria at all cost are those that benefit from a nation that feeds on the blood of her citizens.’
AOKOYA stated “The position of the United Nations, (UN) is clear on self determination. It is a right that is natural and supported by UN Charter. The time has come for Nigeria to sit down and talk so as to change the tyrannical character to reflect Federalism the way it is practiced in the US where each of the 50 states is allowed to secede from the federation if need be.”
“At this critical period, we stand out on the side of Igbo people clamouring for a sovereign state. They will always find soul mates in us. We are impressed by the spontaneous demonstrations by women and the young people over the arrest of Mr Nnamdi Kanu. The Nigerian state it impossible to own a radio to promote ethic interests, but it so happens that the brute can no longer continue to close the window of freedom in the face of the wind of change blowing across the world”
Ojo said most Yoruba people share the dream of owning their own nation in the face of a hopeless and irresponsible ruling class that has not shown any remorse in the orchestrated and well coordinated stealing and exploitation of the people’s resources. “Let no one be deceived that General Buhari will make any difference. The real difference is not to hold on tightly to the sovereignty of the people kept in the hands of one man, but to allow the people to own power, both political and economic and use same for their own good.
“The country remains saturated with corrupt and inept political leaders, both at the state and at the National Assembly. The constitution was imposed by the military. The perks and privileges of the oppressive class remain unhampered. The country remains a pencil in the hands of a few cabal that rotate the baton of political and economic powers. Each time, we are asked to wait that a new messiah has come, and foolishly, gullible Nigerians shoot themselves in their own feet at the end of the day, having been continuously fooled.”
The group said the victory of APC was received with excitement but that the hope that the country will be restructured is now dim. “What we see is that Buhari has been used by a section of the political class to return to power. What is going on now is the consolidation of that power while many feeble minded delude themselves that the desireds change has come.
AOKOYA said the new government is not different in content from the past. “What saw iron hands, now we are seeing iron hands in silk clothing.” The group said Nigeria needs a “honest and transparent” institutions than ‘a honest and transparent individual.”