IPOB : Economic blockade and sabotage as a means of pushing social change.

Proponents of social change, especially in the face of tyranny and dire suppression all usually face a similar challenge where they come to crossroads as to how to further the agenda ; to continue with a nonviolent approach in the shape of boycotts and sabotage or ultimately to pick up arms against the state. The choice they take at each moment of reconsideration, is usually determined by how effective such a choice continues to be.

It is at this crossroads once more that IPOB stands as it reviews its sit-in order. This comes from a need to reevaluate effectiveness and support amongst the people (as a good representative should do from time to time).

The choice of continuing a sit-in every week lies with the majority at the end of the day and not the naysayers and political ignoramuses with bloated write-ups on social media. However, as the floor has been made open by the group to hear from others, suggestions here are not out of place.

As a nonviolent secessionist group, it follows therefore that the group adopts non violent approaches to achieving their aims, such as the currently reviewed sit-in, the planned election boycotts (which remains an excellent approach to seeking secession) etc. Most of such approaches are designed to force a change through social, economic or political disruption. Or a combination of these.

On an economic consideration, the group is invited to direct its attention to a major contributor to the economy, which is crude oil. If the approach is to remain nonviolent but yet effective then such key economic assests should always be on close consideration.

The hotbed and stronghold of IPOB support is domiciled within the cultural area known as Igboland, and a sizable chunk of the national oil output is derived within this area. If IPOB makes these oil facilities red hot and therefore drive down oil proceeds from this area to near zero then they successfully pass an economic message to the sitting government, which remains one of the major aims of nonviolent protest.


Like. Comment. Share.

It's worth the long read

The leadership of the secessionist group has opted for a boycott on beef, a consideration that looked far-fetched months ago but likely now. As the group continues to explore several non nonviolent approaches to achieving its aim of secession this new consideration is a welcome idea.