Things are not the same as before.
Almost every region of Nigeria is in crisis today the most pressing being the all-out fatal confrontation between the Nigerian forces and IPOB.
With the redeployment of military formations and artillery from the conflict-ridden North-East zone to the South-Eastern part of Nigeria, there is no doubt that the federal government has prioritized tackling the resistance in the South East over the plenty of security challenges in other parts of the country.

The rationale for this decision seems obvious; the uprising in the South-East borders on secession. Many agree that the overt use of force to resolve this problem is not well thought out and is unlikely to yield the desired result.
The clamour for secession is not new but has become deafening recently due to years of misgovernance, injustice and the state loss of legitimacy. Many Nigerians have grievances against the state and therefore sympathize with non-state actors attacking government agents and facilities.

The attack of government property and agents is rising very fast nationwide. The activities of the ''Unknown Gunmen'' is a good example.
But are these gunmen genuinely unknown? do they operate in a void, don't they live with people, have family and friends and known in their communities?
Your guess is as good as mine.

However, a conflict on the decision to take arises for the people; do they look on while the militias fight their common enemy or rat them out to protect their region?

Most people are seriously suffering all over Nigeria already anyway, so the incentive to take the last line of action is missing. A less expensive suggestion for getting out of this quandary is possible, however. The following paragraphs lay it bare.

As of today, not every person in the East supports IPOB's secession goal; some sceptics fear the uncertainty and chaos that may arise if it materializes; others are indifferent. These groups common enemy is the present system of government and their agents by extension. Herein lies a strong incentive for the sustainable resolution of this challenge.

Like others in developed societies, Nigerians don't care about the system of government in place or who rules over the country; people just want the system to function correctly; evident by the security of lives and property, just and timely dispensation of justice, improved welfare and inclusion. These critical factors are missing in the present Nigerian state. The structures, policy and laws that guide our conduct and actions(the constitution) must be redesigned to foster these essential factors critical for development.

The executive arm of government and legislature at all steps must carry out this redesigning exercise with transparency and utmost urgency. Trust is deficient in Nigerian society today, so the president and governors also need to start giving regular press conferences personally, updating people on the steps being taken to improve the status quo.

People connect better with press conferences issued by the officer in charge; it is easier to tell when a person is being sincere this way. The press releases by the presidency and co should take a back seat for now.

They also need to sensitize the people with deliberate campaigns outlining logical plans in motion with timelines, designed to address their challenges in the shortest possible time.

If their intentions are perceived as genuine, the post-secession weary and the indifferent easterners will have an incentive to support them.

This is the only sustainable way out of this round box.

Anything short of this approach will further exacerbate the situation.

Why not just do referendum or grant them autonomy

davinchecodes:
Why not just do referendum or grant them autonomy

True federalism is the least costly and amiable path.

SouthernTaliban:


True federalism is the least costly and amiable path.

Do you know that, they see the Nigeria govt. As an occupational force and terrorists in South east?