South East has the smallest voting strength

Faustin78:
On Biafra I Stood
By Sam Nkire

I have read several comments and opinions on the raging issue of Biafra, some for and most against. But so far, none has adequately captured my own opinion on the matter, hence this intervention.
Many friends of mine, especially those from the northern part of Nigeria, have, in recent times, said to my hearing that prominent Igbo especially, had refused to condemn the spate of protests by the “Biafran boys” until very recently. My northern friends probably forgot that prominent northerners also literally ran into their holes with sealed lips, in the early stages of Boko Haram. They were scared stiff and avoided comments, either for or against.
However, and for the avoidance of doubt, no reasonable Igboman, prominent or not, will support any form of agitation by means of force. Any manner of protest, which involves violence, is condemned in all civilised societies, including Igboland. For this reason and more, I regret to announce to my younger brothers, the proponents of a new Republic of Biafra that though I stood for the ideals of Biafra nearly 50 years ago, I stand for it no more today. I stand for Biafra no more not because all is well with the people who inhabit the geographical entity today referred to as the defunct republic of Biafra, but because it is my belief that there is hope in a united Nigeria, no matter how partial the unity.
I believe that Biafra is dead. And before the leader and founder of Biafra died himself, he let everyone know that Biafra was dead, to rise no more. The People’s General, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, never told Biafran boys and girls to carry on with the ‘war’ or to ‘fight to a finish,’ as he would command during civil war days. Ojukwu rather enjoined Igbo and, indeed, easterners, to integrate, compete and make Nigeria home forever.
From the rumblings in the jungles of the North East to the graveyard silence in the cricks of the Niger Delta and now the protests on the streets of the South East, one could see that the Muhammadu Buhari administration inherited ingredients of disunity in the polity, which need to be addressed urgently. Because the problem of Boko Haram was not nipped in the bud, it has caused the country colossal losses in terms of life and property. Many have been displaced from their homes and a large number remain in refugee camps within the country. Therefore, my fervent prayer is that these protests by young Biafran agitators do not turn into something similar to what we had and have in the Niger Delta and the North East. And my advice to the Biafran agitators and their sponsors, if any, is to look at the bigger picture. They should weigh what they stand to gain from demonstrations against the gains of dialogue and negotiation.
Even the executive presidency of Nigeria can only come to Igboland through good or negotiated politics, not protests. Of all the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, South East has the smallest voting strength. And since politics is said to be a game of numbers, it is only wise for Igbo to always partner with people who can boost their number.
Arguably, the most marginalised region in Nigeria, the eastern part, especially the South East, has the worst network of roads, the highest number of unemployed graduates and has always had the least representation in government. Luckily, the President Buhari administration has the political will to do something to change the fortunes of the beleaguered region. I am one of those who believe that six months is too short a period to judge an administration. Let Nigerians (including Biafran agitators) give President Buhari time because he needs time to turn things around. Nigerians voted for change and change comes with effort (will) and time. President Buhari has the will. All he needs is time.
To my younger brothers and sisters from the former Eastern Region, I think you have made your point and it is now time to give peace a chance. Let us heed the words of our departed hero, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (may his soul rest in perfect peace). Let us mingle, struggle, compete and make Nigeria home forever.

• Nkire, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), wrote in from Abuja.
Source:The Sun Newspapers

Faustin78:
On Biafra I Stood
By Sam Nkire

I have read several comments and opinions on the raging issue of Biafra, some for and most against. But so far, none has adequately captured my own opinion on the matter, hence this intervention.
Many friends of mine, especially those from the northern part of Nigeria, have, in recent times, said to my hearing that prominent Igbo especially, had refused to condemn the spate of protests by the “Biafran boys” until very recently. My northern friends probably forgot that prominent northerners also literally ran into their holes with sealed lips, in the early stages of Boko Haram. They were scared stiff and avoided comments, either for or against.
However, and for the avoidance of doubt, no reasonable Igboman, prominent or not, will support any form of agitation by means of force. Any manner of protest, which involves violence, is condemned in all civilised societies, including Igboland. For this reason and more, I regret to announce to my younger brothers, the proponents of a new Republic of Biafra that though I stood for the ideals of Biafra nearly 50 years ago, I stand for it no more today. I stand for Biafra no more not because all is well with the people who inhabit the geographical entity today referred to as the defunct republic of Biafra, but because it is my belief that there is hope in a united Nigeria, no matter how partial the unity.
I believe that Biafra is dead. And before the leader and founder of Biafra died himself, he let everyone know that Biafra was dead, to rise no more. The People’s General, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, never told Biafran boys and girls to carry on with the ‘war’ or to ‘fight to a finish,’ as he would command during civil war days. Ojukwu rather enjoined Igbo and, indeed, easterners, to integrate, compete and make Nigeria home forever.
From the rumblings in the jungles of the North East to the graveyard silence in the cricks of the Niger Delta and now the protests on the streets of the South East, one could see that the Muhammadu Buhari administration inherited ingredients of disunity in the polity, which need to be addressed urgently. Because the problem of Boko Haram was not nipped in the bud, it has caused the country colossal losses in terms of life and property. Many have been displaced from their homes and a large number remain in refugee camps within the country. Therefore, my fervent prayer is that these protests by young Biafran agitators do not turn into something similar to what we had and have in the Niger Delta and the North East. And my advice to the Biafran agitators and their sponsors, if any, is to look at the bigger picture. They should weigh what they stand to gain from demonstrations against the gains of dialogue and negotiation.
Even the executive presidency of Nigeria can only come to Igboland through good or negotiated politics, not protests. Of all the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, South East has the smallest voting strength. And since politics is said to be a game of numbers, it is only wise for Igbo to always partner with people who can boost their number.
Arguably, the most marginalised region in Nigeria, the eastern part, especially the South East, has the worst network of roads, the highest number of unemployed graduates and has always had the least representation in government. Luckily, the President Buhari administration has the political will to do something to change the fortunes of the beleaguered region. I am one of those who believe that six months is too short a period to judge an administration. Let Nigerians (including Biafran agitators) give President Buhari time because he needs time to turn things around. Nigerians voted for change and change comes with effort (will) and time. President Buhari has the will. All he needs is time.
To my younger brothers and sisters from the former Eastern Region, I think you have made your point and it is now time to give peace a chance. Let us heed the words of our departed hero, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (may his soul rest in perfect peace). Let us mingle, struggle, compete and make Nigeria home forever.

• Nkire, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), wrote in from Abuja.
Source:The Sun Newspapers