4Play:
This thread hints at something but it misses a larger picture: in a hypothetical scenario where Biafra is actualised for Igbos it will fundamentally change the calculus for other Southern ethnic groups. Whether Igbos get to visit the rest of Nigeria in a post-Biafra world is a bit of a red herring.

Assume, for the sake of simplicity, that Nigeria has a population equally distributed among the 6 geo-political zones with the North having 50% of the population. A Biafra for Igbos could mean 1/6th of the Nigerian populace but, more importantly, 1/3rd of the Southern populace leaving Nigeria. This will radically skew political power to the advantage of Northern Nigeria (yes, not a cohesive region but exhibiting some degree of coordination by comparison to the South).

The North will constitute 3/5th and come close to (if not now but eventually with higher birth rates*) 2/3rds of the rest of Nigeria. The rest of Nigeria would be unquestionably a Northern and Muslim majority nation. In such a scenario, many of the Southern ethnic groups would not want to remain in Nigeria and this would accelerate further disintegration.

In reality, Biafra independence would cause absolute mayhem for everyone and to me would be impossible to execute (at least peacefully). It's clear that most intelligent people grasp this: indeed, anti-Biafra sentiments (amongst Igbos and non-Igbos) is driven not by any great sense that the Igbos or Nigeria will be a great loss but the apprehension that Biafra will precipitate chaos for the whole of the South.

*There is an argument that with higher birth rates, the "North" will be a more entrenched hegemony over time. Remember the saying, "demography is destiny."

laudate:


Interesting. A wise man once said that "if you are planning to build a house, please sit down and count the cost, or else you might start the project and be unable to finish it." Houses that stand the test of time, are not built by assumptions, but by thorough planning, skill, adequate risk management, appropriate costing, sufficient material and human resources, technical competence and expertise.

All we are doing on this thread, is to help our friends who are bent on secession, count the real cost of their proposed actions on all fronts, so that there would be no lamentations later, from their end.

We know their modus operandi, already. They often embark on a course of action without checking all the possible outcomes that might arise, or designing foolproof ways to combat or mitigate them.

That was why they could not foresee that food would run out in their enclave in 1967, or that an economic blockade would bring their republic to its' knees in less than 3 years after the war started. They were banking on the illusion that their enemies would not interfere with their food supply.

Today, they are banking on our govt authorities to give some some kind of free pass, naturalisation process or dual citizenship to remain in Nigeria, after their new republic comes on stream, despite the fact that nobody on this side of the divide has given them any guarantee or assurances in this regard.

This was how they banked on another region following suit once they had declared secession, despite the fact that the leader of that region came back again to remonstrate with their bearded general to withhold action, before declaring a republic. Till date, those chaps from the SW are still vilified for not following their lead.

The secessionists had also based their hopes on sentimental rhetoric from their leader and promises from foreign allies, as sources of ammunition that would help them win the war. Their hopes did not pan out, and their dreams were dashed. They were helplessly outmanned, outgunned, outmaneuvered and outflanked. So they turned round to accuse the Nigerian side of genocide. They forgot that war is not a tea party and when you go to war, people die. May the souls of the dearly departed on both sides, rest in peace.

I wish all pro-Biafra advocates Godspeed, in your quest for secession. But please, if things do not turn out the way you hoped, kindly do not blame Nigeria, its' citizens or their allies for not giving you some phantom support, which they never promised you in the first place. Our response to you at that time would be: "We told you so."

Good luck in your quest for independence.

_{*PS: No need for hate mail, please. Just sharing my thoughts. Insults, tantrums and vitriolic responses will not be dignified with an answer}

Voldamos:


We lost the battle, but the war is not over.

We lost millions of people, but we've multiplied ten times over.

We lost our properties, but now we're wealthier than many "Nigerians".

Mind you, this is 2017 not 1967.

Shalom.

blueseacats:
No country have violated humans rights in terms of seizing individual properties of a particular tribe, I might be wrong and I stand corrected. Crimea is now part of Russia, yet Ukrainians have access to their properties situated in Russia, even Georgians also have access to their properties in South Ossetia ,when there is no precedent in law court you take a clue from recent examples. Hope you understand that human right is subset of universal bill of rights, yes it takes United Nations or world powers time to act in cases of human right abuses. But you will bite more than you can chew when does abuses leads to massive loss of lives which will be the case here since you are dealing with a set of people who value their freedom no matter what it cost.

Reminding ibos that biafran war was tough does not really dissuade them from pursing freedom, if you think it does then you hardly know what those guys stand for.

To them freedom is not about living in penury, suffering and smiling, waiting for another tribe to start your agitation, or existing for the sake of it . Freedom to ibos means FREEDOM with no conditions and if they have to be free in their graves they will be happy doing that.

Long story short, they do not like slave masters, some ethnic groups in Nigeria might have another lord over them, but ibos will prefer to die than have a real king boss them around. Not that they really care about the properties, just that they can't go without a fight that's the ibo spirit.

Let me also remind you that we are in a global village now. Blockading people from getting food and arms while you get the best of the hardware in the world for free will never happen again. So don't count on that. I don't think there will be another's violence, but if it comes it will amaze you how the world have changed. The propaganda war will be like nothing you have ever seen before.

a possible UN-HABITAT intervention in Crimea should be to assist the domestic institutions to restore the rule of law and put an end to the widespread practice of illegal occupation of land. https://mirror.unhabitat.org/pmss/getElectronicVersion.aspx?nr=2438&alt=1

US president Barack Obama has also imposed sanctions on 11 Russians and Ukrainians, including two top aides to Mr Putin. Mr Obama's order freezes any assets in the US and bans travel to the 11 individuals named as responsible for the Russian move into Crimea. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-17/crimea-declares-independence-from-ukraine/5326938

The Ministry of information policy of Ukraine organized a presentation of the publication "The Crimea.The annexed property" prepared by the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research (UCIPR).

According to Advisor to the Minister Emine Dzheppar the electronic version of the publication will be officially transferred to interested institutions. "The publication contains figures of the losses of Ukraine and its citizens due to the annexation. For example, Russia seized: 1500 subjects of state property of Ukraine; more than 600 subjects of private property of citizens of Ukraine; more than 220 subjects of cultural heritage; property of over 100 scientific institutions. Ukraine lost 5 seaports; fishing fleet, which is 70% of the fish catch in Ukraine; more than 600 resort and spa facilities; 154 subjects of nature reserves; 1022 branches of Ukrainian banks; 14 000 cultural monuments; 300 000 museum pieces; more than 14 000 subjects of art; 12 cultural institutions; 1947248 pieces of archival documents; 150 architectural sites included in the list of UNESCO; 141 agricultural companies and so on. These data suggest that the occupation authority in the Crimea acts as a thief", - said Emine Dzheppar. http://mip.gov.ua/en/news/1058.html?PrintVersion

NLModsRdummies:
I KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. THIS IS WHY NIGERIA WILL NEVER PROGRESS. TOO MANY DUMB TRIBALISTS RUNING AROUND. SOMEONE ASK SEUN WHY I WAS BANNED. I EXPOSED THE LYING BIAFRAN THAT CLAIMED HE WAS A U.S MARINE DELTA SPECIAL FORCES, HE INSULTED ME, I GAVE HIM A NICE REPLY BUT GUESS WHAT? HIM AND HIS TRIBESMAN MODERATOR DECIDED TO BAN ME. AND THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WANT NIGERIA TO TRUST THEM WITH POWER? I TELL YOU THE ibo man IS PROBABLY THE WORST THING TO HAPPEN TO THAT COUNTRY. THEY ARE JUST TOO DECEITFUL.

Billyonaire:
Now it is my English that bothers you son, after I have decimated you on the argument about Biafra, you are now channeling your frustration to my use of English. English is not my native language but I do great with it. So, be proud of who you are and where you come from. I am a Biafran Nigerian and I am happy to inform you that I am going to relocate from Lekki back to my new country of Biafra once we launch that new 21st Century, Digitalized Country. I will personally bring in FDIs into my new country and make sure our roads are built to accommodate driver-less cars., 247 electricity and we will welcome Nigerians to come and learn how a country works.

It is a shame that we will not give you more than 3 months VISA. We do not want you guys to bring your corruption to the #Jewish Republic of Biafra#.....ahahahahahaah

The Igbo is full of arrogance and braggadocios. He is always praising himself. He is not humble at all; his empty pride gives folk the impression that he is very childish.

If you are around the Igbo all you hear are boasts about his real and imaginary accomplishments. He is very vainglory seeking




http://chatafrik.com/articles/nigerian-affairs/the-igbo-problem-can-be-fixed/38-the-igbo-problem-can-be-fixed?start=4#.WTA1OevyuWs

deomelo:

Billyonaire:


Fortunately or unfortunately, I am not Igbo.

SilentHaulers:


Billy, How your mansion?

Billyonaire:


Fortunately or unfortunately, I am not Igbo.

deomelo:



Lying is sadly one of your many problems.

Billyonaire:
Be nice. I hurt no flies. If you are incapable of responding to my fact-proofs, do not attack to derail this thread to your animal kingdom. I can not afford to join the pigs in the mud.

SilentHaulers:


How did i attack you billy? You are crying cos of that harmless question. Lol

How is your mansion bro? All hail Billy, the man that control the whole Island. Mansion king.

Billyonaire:
I do not lie, Gods dont lie. They manipulate.

Billyonaire:


Friend, let me tell you something and it hurts. Does it mean that a rich man, can not register on this forum ? I am guilty, but it is a norm, if Devil swear for una, say make una no dey see rich man, then I will obey that curse and deactivate, I no send una. Which is all these bullshit, should I pretend to be poor when I am not ? What the fucck is wrong with you poor people ? Does it mean everyone here must be poor ? Blame your parents, not me.

And ,....be guided.

laudate:


Kindly remember this. All countries are equal, but some are more equal and more strategic than others. Do you think a newly formed Biafra on the west coast of Africa, would wield enough clout or strategic importance to make the Western world send in armed units in response to your country's call? Do you honestly think the EU will rush down to rescue your properties that are still on Nigerian soil? When the chickens come home to roost, assumptions will not automatically be transformed into solutions...

Billyonaire:


Friend, let me tell you something and it hurts. Does it mean that a rich man, can not register on this forum ? I am guilty, but it is a norm, if Devil swear for una, say make una no dey see rich man, then I will obey that curse and deactivate, I no send una. Which is all these bullshit, should I pretend to be poor when I am not ? What the fucck is wrong with you poor people ? Does it mean everyone here must be poor ? Blame your parents, not me.

And ,....be guided.

Arda1000:
Senseless post

tinsel:

This is not senseless post. I am an Igbo man, and when I lie down and think of massive Igbo investments all over Nigeria and what will happen, I am gripped with fear. When I lie down and and think of massive exodus of Igbo's from Nigeria to biafra states I am gripped with fear.
During Abiola episode, I slept on road for two full days travelling from Lagos to Onitsha because of the exodus of the Igbos.
People doing this are children not beyond 20 years and people that has nothing to lose. They never owned anything in there whole life.
please we need to take it easy.

Rossikki:


This is one of the many Igbo voices of reason that have been drowned out in the loud cacophony of noise emanating from thuggish, thoughtless Ipob elements who parade in threats and insults to all who question them.

Billyonaire:


Friend, let me tell you something and it hurts. Does it mean that a rich man, can not register on this forum ? I am guilty, but it is a norm, if Devil swear for una, say make una no dey see rich man, then I will obey that curse and deactivate, I no send una. Which is all these bullshit, should I pretend to be poor when I am not ? What the fucck is wrong with you poor people ? Does it mean everyone here must be poor ? Blame your parents, not me.

And ,....be guided.

kingzizzy:


If you take Britain that just left the EU, over 3 million EU citizens in the UK. Will Britain deport them? No, not really.

In the event of Biafra seceding from Nigeria, both sides will have to discuss the sharing of assets, liabilities and debts. This means that there will be a discussion on 'Biafra/Nigeria' reltionship and the status of its citizens. A 'transition period' will have to be agreed on to allow the agreemwnts take effect


It is not likely that Nigeria will start deporting all Igbos straightaway as this could illegal under international law. Another reason why Nigeria wont do this is because it will damage Nigeria and the Nigerian economy irreparably before the international community. No international investor will ever step foot in Nigeria ever again when hear that Nigeria deported millions of people it once called brothers.

Such mass deportations only destroys the credibility of a country

jpphilips:



EU is not a country Nigeria is you dvmb fvck!!

kingzizzy:


Oh shut up you morron, the same principle of immigration applies in both scenario

blueseacats:
I understand exactly how it will be done, you and I have been living in this dysfunctional country for ages so we know how they will make it happen. I have a delta friend who lives in Alaska, the government pays him oil dividend regularly, yet he only became a USA citizen just 3 years ago.

The same guy has not collected a dime from Nigerian government for the oil that is all over his motherland. Yet 70% of the oil wells are controlled by the north. Only a coward won't see something wrong in this scenario and the only tribe that is fighting this injustice is being labeled by all of you as trouble makers? Only cowards accept peace devoid of justice.

Well people can't choose to dump their genetic make up as they are born with it. I hate that ibo man is fighting everyone's battle. But remember this is a tribe that will do anything for freedom even if they have to die a million times. For an ibo man freedom is freedom dead or alive . AsK those who witnessed ibo landing.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igbo_Landing

Rossikki:



It was this same callous disregard for the lives of the Igbo masses that led Ojukwu into a conflict for which his people were utterly unprepared, with no weapons, no army or airforce or navy, with catastrophic results. For him as well, the Igbo 'tribe' came before the Igbo people.

It is a terrible trait to have, and it could lead the Igbos into further trouble in future.

jpphilips:


Same immigration principles? really? while britain was in the EU it never used the Schengen visa which was applicable in most EU states, this product of free education think that all immigration laws in the EU are domesticated in all member states, jeez you are quarter to a m0r0n.
What is the refugee quota of the EU? what are the refugee quota of all the member states since their immigration laws are the same, go and buy a television you dvmb fvck!!

OP, Let me correct one impression. Biafra is not an Igbo thing, Biafra is beyond the Igbo construct which has been polluting the cyber-space. I am not Igbo, yet my father lost everything to that war. To me, Biafra is cry against marginalization, a cry against the inhumanity of man against fellow humans. Biafran represents something more than a country. It is a courage to say, 'No' to slavery.

The Answer to your question is NO. Nigeria can not deport Biafrans after secession, this is not 1970s. Biafrans resident in Nigeria and Nigerians residents in Biafra will be offered provisional citizenships with first right of refusal. Sane countries know the value of human resources. If Biafrans are to withdraw 100% from Nigeria. There will be chaos.

* Based on International Law on Migration of the ECOWAS 16-member countries, they will be required to get a Biafran Passport and Resident Permit in Nigeria. And the Nigerians living in Biafra will be required to do the same. Both Nigerians and Biafrans will be given at least 5 years to work out the terms of migration. Travels within the ECOWAS 16-member countries has been VISA-free and will remain so. What is required is resident permit.

* Based on International Migration laws, which I believe same will apply to Nigeria-Biafra relationship, if you own a Landed Property within the country, you are automatically qualified and have fight right of refusal on Nigerian Citizenship. I know many Biafrans will like to move away from Nigeria, and I am one of them, but will lease/rent out my houses in Nigeria and be paying tax to the Nigeria government while I go back to build Biafra. I will not hesitate to go back and help build Biafra to one of the best countries in the world.

* I will keep the last point to myself.

ariesbull:


Your Biafra will be landlocked?

______________________________

Now that the ashes of the Biafra talk is still smoldering, with few sparks here and there, I think it is important to address this once again.

If Biafra becomes a sovereign state today, it will be a landlocked country. Yes.

If Biafra becomes a sovereign state today, it will have one of the highest population densities in the world because of its smaller landmass. Yes.

Are these obstacles to economic growth and development? Yes.

Are they insurmountable? No.

The need to address this arose out of the myriads of assumptions on what may likely be the fate of a sovereign Biafran state should Nigeria continue to refuse our call to restructure and save itself from imminent implosion.

Many have said that a sovereign Biafra will face the huddles of geography due mainly to its small land mass and landlocked state.

Being landlocked is an impediment to economic growth no doubt,The World Bank said its negative impact equals about 1.5% of GDP. But access to the sea is not in itself a guarantee to economic growth either.

With developments in technology, logistics and huge improvements in air transportation, committed countries have cut down on this impediment to a negligible level.I think you know about the Antonov An 225 Mriya cargo aircraft which has the capacity to carry over 450,000 kg of weight?

Moreso, the world is moving into a full knowledge economy where the internet of things has erased physical borders.

Still on the issue of landlocked?

Of Africa's top 10 fastest growing economies, four are landlocked among them are Rwanda, Botswana, and Ethiopia. Zambia which has remained Africa's shinning example of democracy and stability is equally landlocked.

And of Africa's poorest and economic laggards, many have access to the sea, among them are Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Mozambique,Congo DRC, Togo, Sao Tome and Somalia of all countries.

Having access to the sea with irresponsible leadership equals mental and psychological lock, and that is the worst kind. Nigeria is a clear example.

In an age of jumbo cargo planes, and international trade corridors, being landlocked is an archaic excuse against development.

Ethiopia has taken the lead in linking up east African countries by fast electric train with connection to the Port of Djibouti. This has cut to a day, the time it takes for a container to get to Addis Ababa from Djibouti Port. Yet it takes three to four days for a truck carrying container to get to Aba from Lagos.

Djibouti is building one of the worlds largest integrated sea port with a cargo airport to service over 25 African countries and 400 million people. It has become so competitive they are cutting costs.

During the last economic crisis that hit Europe, it is interesting to note that all the PIIGS ( Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Spain) countries all have access to the sea. Yet Switzerland, Luxembourg and Austria that are landlocked were economically more buoyant.

Every student of development is aware that geography does not hold the influence it used to have as a determinant of development. In its place, culture has taken precedent. That is why some of the most magnificent cities today are rising up from places that were ordinary deserts four decades ago. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar among others.

Have we wondered how Haiti and Dominican Republic share same weather and climatic conditions with unimpeded access to drown in the sea .......yet they are complete opposites?

Biafra has land poverty.....

Yes. The South East is one of the most densely populated regions in Africa. In places like enclave (Mbaise) driving through the communities, you might think there is a festivity going on.

But how is that a disadvantage?

Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area houses over 30 million people comfortably.

To what extent has landmass stopped Hong Kong from growing?

Monaco has 25,718 people per square km.

Bangladesh, North Korea, Rwanda, Netherlands and India all have high densities, yet people are not marching on the heads of others.

And who said if Biafra becomes a sovereign state, every Biafran must live in Biafra?

What makes you think that if Biafra becomes a sovereign state that Niger Delta Republic will refuse to enter an agreement with it granting it access to either the ports at Onne, or Calabar, especially as there will be money to be made from it?

Dont be surprised that Oduduwa Republic and Niger Delta Republic will be competing to woo Biafra importers to use their ports. And mark my word, Arewa Republic will become Biafra's major food exporter. Nation states are guided by political and economic interests not mundane sentiments.

______________________

I do not believe in territorial Biafra or secession.And I have made that known severally. I know that a restructured Nigeria will offer Igbo a great deal and that much needed space to be who they were created to be. This belief has nothing to do with the thinking, or fear that a sovereign Biafran nation will be unworkable. It will work. It takes only commitments and sacrifices to make nations work.

There is a thing called human resources.......human resources recognises no such barriers as landlocked.

Development and underdevelopment are states of mind.

If Biafra becomes independent and allow the quality of unthinking leadership that has been the lot of Nigeria to captain its ship. It will be worse than South Sudan and before long Biafrans will start looking back to Egypt.

Nigeria is not working, and as long as it continues in this trajectory, it will never work.

If you so love Nigeria, instead of wasting your mental energy fighting over Biafra this and Biafra that, join hands in calling for Nigeria's urgent restructuring so that it will release its children from the Frankenstein state of ignorance,underdevelopment, poverty, lack, and oppression.
Nigeria has failed Africa. But particularly and pathetically, Nigeria has failed Nigeria,
By: Kelechi Deca

Billyonaire:


Nigeria the way it is now, is not even worth living in. I do not understand the pride of actually thinking someone will like to live in a country where electricity generation is rocket science and corruption is King.