https://magazinelivenews.com/the-quest-for-igbo-biafra-self-determination-a-historical-imperative/

Activism has long been an integral part of societal progress, serving as a catalyst for change and a voice for the marginalized. In the legitimate hunt for self-determination, activists contribute a fundamental role in advocating for the rights and aspirations of their communities. Alphonsus Uche Okafor-Mefor, a British-Nigerian pro-Biafra activist, demonstrates this commitment to advancing the cause of the Igbo-Biafra people.

Born in Abatete, Nigeria, on April 10, 1972, to Mr. and Mrs. Alphonsus Mbadikaanyi Okafor-Mefor, Uche Mefor has devoted his life to promoting the Igbo-Biafra people’s right to self-determination. His membership in groups like the Biafra Actualization Forum and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), where he fervently advocated for the restoration of an independent state of Biafra, marked the beginning of his activism.

The Nigerian Igbo people are currently at a turning point in their struggle for independence and self-determination. There are many obstacles in the way of realizing the dream of restoring the Biafra of 1967–1970, which included the Igbo, Ijaw, Efik, Ibibio, and Anang, among other ethnic groups. The demand for each group to seek its own self-determination has gained traction due to some former Biafra members’ unwillingness to cooperate in this restoration.



Alongside Nnamdi Kanu, Mefor co-founded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2012, and he held the position of Deputy Leader within the group. Nevertheless, his commitment to the Biafran cause goes beyond his position within IPOB. In addition, Mefor is the founder and convenor of the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination and the Igbo-Biafra Nationalist Movement, both of which he founded and continues to support the Igbo nation-state’s independence. This article explores the legal rationale, historical background, and current issues related to the Igbo-Biafra self-determination movement.

In Igbo-Biafra self-determination, the historical claim to independence serves as the cornerstone. With a unique cultural, linguistic, and historical identity that predates colonial bounds, the Igbo people proudly proclaim their right to self-determination. Secession demands for corrective secession under international law originated from egregious human rights crimes committed against the Igbo people during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Self-determination is made much more compelling by the neglect of systemic discrimination and underrepresentation in politics.

Even though it acknowledged Nigeria’s democratic system, the 1970 Biafra Surrender Instrument required the approval of the Nigerian people for any adjustments to the constitution in the future. However, later arbitrary constitutional changes that damaged the surrender agreement’s integrity and betrayed this trust included changing the legislative representation and the states’ allocation of power.

The current geopolitical landscape of Nigeria reveals a disparity in the allocation of senators and representatives among its six zones. The South-East, including five states, confronts underrepresentation in both the Senate and the House of Representatives compared to other zones. This structural disparity exacerbates the concerns of the Igbo-Biafra self-determination movement, underlining the necessity for equitable political representation.

The enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the South-East region has sparked controversy, with criminal elements resorting to violence against civilians. While acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protest, the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement condemns any forced enforcement of sit-at-home orders. Emphasizing the importance of protecting individual rights and promoting dialogue over coercion, the movement calls for accountability and diplomatic intervention to address the underlying issues.

In the pursuit of Igbo-Biafra self-determination, it is imperative to uphold principles of justice, democracy, and human rights. The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement advocates for legitimate self-defense, self-determination, the rule of law, religious freedom, democracy, sustainable development, and human rights. By reaffirming these principles, the movement seeks to advance a peaceful and sustainable path towards the realization of Igbo-Biafra self-determination.

Moreover, Okafor-Mefor underscores the significance of international intervention and advocacy in amplifying the Igbo-Biafra struggle for justice and equality. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging diplomatic channels and engaging with international bodies such as the African Commission and the United Nations to garner support and pressure the Nigerian government into addressing the grievances of the Igbo people. Okafor-Mefor reaffirms the resilience and determination of the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists in pursuing a peaceful and legal path towards securing the rights and freedoms of the Igbo community, while also highlighting the critical role of international solidarity in advancing the cause of justice and self-determination for oppressed peoples worldwide.

Finally, the quest for Igbo-Biafra self-determination is a historical imperative that stems from the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. As the movement faces new challenges and advocates for its principles, strong leaders like Mefor facilitate relentless efforts, keeping the firm steadfast in its dedication to the emancipation of the Igbo nation-state. The revised map of the First Republic of Biafra represents not only territorial limits but also the aspirations of a people determined to define their own destiny.

What is the source and cause of all these?

Why igbos nah?!