₦airaland Forum

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

~ Martin Niemöller

This saying is so true for the present stage of dictatorship we find ourselves now.

1) They rubbished Madueke without facts, we were silent.

2). They arrested Dasuki, we shrugged, na dem dem.

3). They shot at unarmed protesters we said it serves them right(why did they burn mosque)

4). They sent a bill to gag freedom of speech and we kept quiet.

5). They held Nnamdi Kanu against court orders, we kept quiet at least he's not my relative.

When they come for you, just remember your silence.

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends"

~Martin Luther King Jr.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

~ Martin Niemöller

This saying is so true for the present stage of dictatorship we find ourselves now.

1) They rubbished Madueke without facts, we were silent.

2). They arrested Dasuki, we shrugged, na dem dem.

3). They shot at unarmed protesters we said it serves them right(why did they burn mosque)

4). They sent a bill to gag freedom of speech and we kept quiet.

5). They held Nnamdi Kanu against court orders, we kept quiet at least he's not my relative.

When they come for you, just remember your silence.

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends"

~Martin Luther King Jr.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

~ Martin Niemöller

This saying is so true for the present stage of dictatorship we find ourselves now.

1) They rubbished Madueke without facts, we were silent.

2). They arrested Dasuki, we shrugged, na dem dem.

3). They shot at unarmed protesters we said it serves them right(why did they burn mosque)

4). They sent a bill to gag freedom of speech and we kept quiet.

5). They held Nnamdi Kanu against court orders, we kept quiet at least he's not my relative.

When they come for you, just remember your silence.

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends"

~Martin Luther King Jr.

Biafra land tribes are numerous but the most populour that I know are Ogoja, Edoma, Obudu, Ikom, Ugep, Efuk, Oron, Ibibio, Anang, Ogoni, Opobo, Ijaw, Andoni,(Itshekiri,Urhobho), Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni, Igbos. Though most populous is Igbo there is still a need to understand that these autonomous nations have lived together as neighbours and kinsmen even before the time of Adam. Its said the Ijaws are one of the oldest settlers in Biafra. It was also an Ijaw man who reminded Ojukwu to use the true name of the indigenous republic "Biafra". Even before Oyinbo came Biafrans had norms and values which prevented neighbours from annihilating themselves.It wasn't Oyinbo or colonization that taught Biafran people government or infact democracy. To date each of the autonomous nations are governed by a very republican type of govt. With council of elders/chiefs, Community development council(think tank),the youths and of course the Women. Biafran Women have always played a big role in govt and in most Biafran autonomous nations like Orlu/Njaba clan of Imo the indigenous women were the highest arbitration body, known and revered the agaba or umuada will sit on appeal over cases already adjudicated on by the Umunna.
I hope as I am only a student of Biafran history that I have not missed anyone as there are so many if so please update me and if anyone could help with the natural languages spoken by each one.

Biafra land tribes are numerous but the most populour that I know are Ogoja, Edoma, Obudu, Ikom, Ugep, Efuk, Oron, Ibibio, Anang, Ogoni, Opobo, Ijaw, Andoni,(Itshekiri,Urhobho), Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni, Igbos. Though most populous is Igbo there is still a need to understand that these autonomous nations have lived together as neighbours and kinsmen even before the time of Adam. Its said the Ijaws are one of the oldest settlers in Biafra. It was also an Ijaw man who reminded Ojukwu to use the true name of the indigenous republic "Biafra". Even before Oyinbo came Biafrans had norms and values which prevented neighbours from annihilating themselves.It wasn't Oyinbo or colonization that taught Biafran people government or infact democracy. To date each of the autonomous nations are governed by a very republican type of govt. With council of elders/chiefs, Community development council(think tank),the youths and of course the Women. Biafran Women have always played a big role in govt and in most Biafran autonomous nations like Orlu/Njaba clan of Imo the indigenous women were the highest arbitration body, known and revered the agaba or umuada will sit on appeal over cases already adjudicated on by the Umunna.
I hope as I am only a student of Biafran history that I have not missed anyone as there are so many if so please update me and if anyone could help with the natural languages spoken by each one.

IPOB: My resignation letter over the Criminal Silence of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo
Friday, 4 December 2015
For the Criminal Silence of Ohaneze over the shooting of IPOB members I tender my resignation letter


Hon. Muozoba Johnbosco
BECAUSE OF THE KILLING OF MY DAUGHTER AND SISTER AT ONITSHA BY MEN OF THE STATE JOINT TAX- FORCE, AND THE CRIMINAL SILENCE BY OHANEZE OVER THE SHOOTING, FROM TODAY I AM NO LONGER A MEMBER OF OHANEZE IN ANAMBRA STATE AND ANYWHERE.

WHILE I PLEAD WITH NDI IGBO WHO ARE PROTESTING THE CONTINUED DETENTION OF KANU TO ALLOW SPACE FOR A ROUND TABLE DIALOGUE ON THE ISSUE, AND AT THE SAME TIME I PLEAD WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO BE CAUTIOUS OVER THE WHOLE SAGA, AND GIVE ROOM FOR ROUND DIALOGUE TO RESOLVE THE WHOLE ISSUES; IF AFTER BATTLES IN THE FIELD, PEOPLE STILL GO TO ROUND TABLE, WHY NOT GO TO TABLE NOW AND AVOID FURTHER KILLINGS OF UNARMED CIVILIANS. TODAY IT IS MY SISTER, TOMORROW IT COULD BE YOU OR YOUR SISTER TOO.

MY RESIGNATION IS A PROTEST ON THE MODE OF OPERATION OF OHANEZE ,WHICH I THINK IS TOTALLY DISJOINTED FROM THE FEELING OF THOSE THEY (WE) ARE SUPPOSED TO LEAD, AND I CANNOT BE IN SUCH GROUP WHICH LACK THE COURAGE AND WISDOM TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF NDI IGBO IN NIGERIAN NATION OF TODAY.

WE CANNOT GANG UP, STAY IN A HOTEL ROOM AND SAY THAT IGBO PEOPLE SAID WHEN IT IS CLEAR THAT NOBODY DELEGATED US TO SPEAK FOR THE PEOPLE, AND MOST TIMES OUR STATEMENTS ARE FILLED WITH INSENSITIVITIES AND INSTEAD OF SOLVE PROBLEM, ONLY CREATE MORE PROBLEMS FOR NDI IGBO AND NIGERIA. I CAN NO LONGER BE IN SUCH POCKET MINDED GROUPS FROM TODAY.

PLEASE ACCEPT MY REGRETS,MAY GOD BLESS NDI IGBO.

Yours sorrowfully,
Evangelist Hon. Muozoba Johnbosco
Ezenwokike Anaocha

http://www.thebiafraherald.co/2015/12/ipob-my-resignation-letter-over.html?

Biafra: OEAS demands snap referendum winthin 90 days
Published on December 4, 2015 by ·

The Organization of Emerging African States (OEAS) has demanded that the Nigerian government conducts a snap referendum on Biafran self-determination within 90 days.
In a statement sent to PM News, OEAS noted that Biafra is a charter member of the OEAS, an international governmental organization that promotes self-determination and the end to colonial era boundaries in Africa.
“Today the people of Biafra are locked in an emerging struggle with the Nigeria federal government, the inevitable result of which will be self-determination for Biafra. Unfortunately the Nigerian government has resorted to summary execution and detention of Biafran patriots. The situation will surely escalate unless immediate action is taken,” the statement said.
It then called for the Nigerian government to meet the three following demands:
1. Immediate release from jail of Biafra Zionist Movement, MASSOB, IPOB and Radio Biafra supporters including Benjamin Onwuka and Nnamdi Kanu.
2. All federal military and police forces to stand down and return to their barracks.
3. A snap referendum on Biafran self-determination to be held within 90 days with OEAS, UNPO, and nonaligned observers supervising the balloting process.
“Failure to meet these demands will undoubtedly result in civil strife as non-violent Biafran protestors pay with their blood for their chance at independence. Regardless of what measures the Nigerian federal government may take, the die is cast for independence and Biafrans will not be deterred.”
“There is one chance for a peaceful referendum, a life line is being thrown to the Nigerian government which they ignore at their own peril.
“The Biafran people are patient but will not be indiscriminately murdered by the Nigerian government without resisting to the full extent of their human rights,” OEAS said.

http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/12/04/biafra-oeas-demands-snap-referendum-winthin-90-days/


File foto:IPOB protest Abuja

Monalisa185:
na joblessness dey cause this rubbish

People at this age do not work anywhere in the world! They are retired

#BIAFRAN VETERANS STORM ABA STREETS IN PROTEST

These are war veterans who fought the Nigerian Biafran war which lasted between 1967-1970. These men who were seen in their numbers took to the streets in Aba demanding the restoration of the Republic of Biafra and release of Nnamdi kanu, the leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra. This is coming as some persons are thinking that the protesters are youths who are mostly born after the war, but the current protest by the war veterans themselves will add vigor to the struggle. They fought the war, and they are still protesting, one of the spectators said.

http://www.igberetvnews.com/?p=28877

Pastor Oyedepo wants Nigeria divided because marriage is s not by force!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWkLKnVUXrU

Police and army should shoot these miscreants. Jobless fools and unguided bastards

Madam Kemi Nkem Omololu-Olunloyo Facebook Page
12 hrs · Edited ·
‪#‎BREAKING‬ This is really serious. I got an e-mail today sent to my manager from some ‪#‎Yoruba‬ organization. This is the reason why I say do not inbox me personal stuff because I post everything on Facebook. I am not surprised that the Yorubas are SECRETLY watching me and wanting their own republic too. U don tire ‪#‎BokoHaram‬ too?

I will NOT be used as anyone's voice. This is a tribe that passionately hates me on Social Media. Good luck on your quest. Im not even Nigerian anymore. I'm BIAFRAN. These ppl even think Igbos are paying me to create awareness. Pls go to your Yoruba elders forum, Afenifere, OPC, my father, OBJ etc. They will help u! It even says long live Biafra? Buhari better read this. Seems nobody wants Nigeria no more.

‪#‎MadamKOO‬

BELOW IS THE EMAIL I RECEIVED TODAY FROM A MR ADEOYE

In what will be a short message to you Madam Kemi Nkemi Omololu
Olunloye, by a crying wounded heart of mine through some of your
activities on social media. Truly this world should be a free one to
express his or her greviences and exercise their rights,but still some
of this acts could be hurting in some ways and could be costly in
other ways...all these am referring to yoruba issues you engaged with
your fans on facebook of which am one of them- I Adebuzuyi Adewest. Be
that as it may. I most say i love your spirit,courage,ruggedity,positive aggressionsand so on ever since i joined your facebook page some weeks ago andits my pleasure to meet iron woman like you. Now to the main reason ofthe mail is to call your attention on the voices calling for the
actualisation and realisation of Oduduwa nation under the 'movement
for Oduduwa Republic'. Though i don't know if you have heard of this
but i like to inform you that many works have began by the actors of
the movement and still making some processing as it goes. In case you
not aware that the late oba Sijuwade the Ooni of ile ife was
pursuaded and accepted and bless the movement for oduduwa nation to
perform and acquire it sovereighty as a nation from fake and expired
Nigeria. Also there is a site where peoplelocated on the map of Oduduwa are to sign the independent referendumpetition,to be submitted to the UN. A meeting was called which iattended in Ibadan sometime in the middle of this year,and thediscussed was the road map for the realisation of our yet to bornnation ODUDUWA REPUBLIC with 'oduduwa customary system of government'as the top talk in the meeting.Unfortunately, ma despite the efforts of these actors and agitatorslike me the movement lack much attention in reaching out to the peopleof Oduduwa nation trapped in fabricated Nigeria. Our people stillbelieve in the word ONE NIGERIA and the ego seem will never fadeout,despites the injustice been done on us and other nations by thebritish-hausa fulani owned Nigeria.Ma just as you know it is our rights to exercise self determination
and sovereignty as a nation under the international Rights law and
Declaration of Universal Human Rights,which are clearly stated in
their articles that not much educated persons like could read and
understand.Ma it is on these reasons i beg and plead to you to please give
support and blessing for this great enterprise ODUDUWA
REPUBLIC...Nigeria is fake and expired since december 2014,which gave
rights to any nation to go their ways if neccesary. Your voice is
strong and you are a mighty international public figure. Your records
showed that and i would be most greatful if you could have a second
thought on helping this course of our rights to free our citizens from
bondage for better future security and securing the heritage and
culture of our nation.Awareness and attention are what i beg of you ma.. As an ordinarycitizen of Oduduwa nation of Nigeria i ve no gold,diamond or money togive (because you have all these and more by God's grace) to you inhelping creating the needed awareness and attention.
Note ma that am note the main actor of this movement,as i am just a
supporter,self-determine activist and agitator for freedom
Also for official information on the progress so far i can link you
up with the president of the MOVEMENT FOR ODUDUWA REPUBLIC of Mr
Goerge Akinola

Thanks and God bless you as you take your time to reading this mail.
Once again it my pleasure and look forward to hearing from you.
Longlive Biafra and Oduduwa Republic!!

Biafra: Igbo on legitimate struggle, by Yerima

By: Dailytime Nigeria Tuesday, 01 Dec 2015 10:57PM Headlines


Amidst a renewed agitation by pro-Biafra protesters across the South east and South south parts of the country with the subsequent clamp down on them by the Federal Government, a former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmad Sani Yerima, has said that the Biafra agitators were on a legitimate struggle for self determination.

The former governor, now a Senator, told newsmen that consequently, the federal government and the security agencies must allow them to exercise their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Yerima, a politician known for his radical views on national issues, cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigeria Armed Forces against the use of force on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Survival of the Sovereign State of Biafra ( MASSOB), saying the groups were on a legitimate struggle for self-determination and should be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights.



He disagreed with President Buhari and the top echelon of the Nigeria Armed Forces on the handling of the renewed agitation by the groups to revive the defunct Republic of Biafra saying they should be more matured and accommodating in a democracy.

Yarima, who was speaking in Abuja said it was wrong for people to classify the agitators who have been campaigning for the revival of the defunct Republic of Biafra as secessionist because they have legitimate rights under the Nigerian Constitution to express their views on any issue.

He said that rather than treat the agitators as rebels who must be forced to either remain in Nigeria or be crushed, the Federal Government should find out why the agitation has been growing by the day.

In recent weeks, there have been a series of public demonstrations across the five states of the South-East geo- political zone as well as spreading into Delta and Rivers states in the South- South geo- political zone. In the wake of the mass rallies, President Buhari had warned the groups that he would not tolerate actions that could lead to the dismemberment of the country.

On the strength of that pronouncement, the Nigeria Armed Forces has also issued warnings to the agitators to bury their dreams of having a separate country or be prepared to face the full weight of the military. But Yarima argued that though he believed in the unity of Nigeria, the agitators should be allowed to express their views freely.

According to him, there should be no compulsion in a democracy and the Indigenous People of Biafra must not be compelled to belong to Nigeria. He said that rather than use force to subdue the agitators, the Federal Government could hold a referendum in the region to ascertain if it is the wish of the majority of the people to pull out of Nigeria and form a new country.
“These are people that want self determination. They believe that they are homogeneous in terms of tribe, language and culture and they want to live together and have their own community.

“In the end, you see, this is politics. I don’t believe in using force to make them succumb, submit or follow Nigeria and to stay in Nigeria”, he stressed.

Kai Buhari

Afam4eva:
Why did they give that fat guy Nigeria to eat. Glutton. Dem don chop Nigeria finish leave Ghana.

Eagle eye, maybe because they steal more resources from Nigeria

Hmmm.

This is quite appalling

Nigeria on rise with 105 soldiers missing Kai buha

The Igbos do not have kings. His opinion does not matter.

Mere commissioner

Nigeria: Can the Biafra issue be resolved peacefully?
Intelligence consultant David Otto and Biafra 24 editor Immanu-el Yahgozie engage in debate on the Biafra issue
Ludovica IaccinoJames Lillywhite CMS Thumbnail By Ludovica Iaccino , Video by James Lillywhite
November 21, 2015 09:00 GMT

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nigeria-can-biafra-issue-be-resolved-peacefully-1529786

Nigeria: Debate over Biafra independenceIBTimes UK
IBTimes UK has hosted a debate on whether the Biafran issue could be resolved peacefully with the cooperation of the Nigerian government. David Otto, CEO of UK-based global security provider TGS Intelligence Consultants and Immanu-el Yahgozie, editor at Biafra 24, discussed their views on the issue as thousands of pro-Biafrans have been protesting in several state across south-eastern Nigeria.

Pro-Biafrans call for the independence of territories that constituted the Biafran Republic, established in 1967 and reannexed to Nigeria in 1970, following a civil war that claimed between one and three million lives. Supporters of the Biafra cause hold regular marches − which they call evangelisations − across several states in southern Nigeria, mainly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group. Protests have intensified in the past few days in Nigeria and other states since Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu was arrested.


Why advertise with us
Pro-Biafrans accuse the police of violence. However, police have denied these claims, arguing that people advocating for Biafra hold violent protests disrupting peace.

Amnesty International said in an exclusive report by IBTimes UK that there was "credible evidence that pro-Biafran separatists in Nigeria are targeted by police". Meanwhile, the Nigerian government told IBTimes UK that it does not consider the separatist movement a threat to the current leadership and defined pro-Biafrans as an "insignificant number of frustrated people who are not a threat to the existence of Nigeria".

Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, told IBTimes UK: "The message to the Biafrans is clear: The army and police might use the Rules of Engagement (ROE) on security operations to the fullest depending on the circumstances."

Usman referred to a statement by General Officer Commanding the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, Hassan Umaru, released earlier in November. Umaru said: "The Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically to all those committing treasonable felony and arson as well as wanton destruction of lives and property.

"It is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies, troops are duty-bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace and stability of an area where they are deployed."

BIAFRA protest in London
Pro-Biafra protesters during demonstration in London calling for Nnamdi Kanu's releaseIBTimes UK

Dialogue

Continuation:

The Emir in calling for justice and equity, remarked the following about younger generations of Igbo People, "there is a new Igbo man who was not born in a 1966 and neither knows nor cares about Nzeogwu and Ojukwu. There are Igbo men on the streets who were never Biafrans. They were born Nigerians and are Nigerians, but suffer because of the actions of earlier generations." [47]: In corroborating the Emir's remarks, Elliot Uko the Founder of Igbo Youth Movement said years of feeling marginalised have fuelled the current protests.[20]: "These people who want Biafra do not have faith in Nigeria anymore, especially those who seem not to believe that the Igbo People will ever get justice in Nigeria", said Mr Uko.[20]: “They believe for example that the JAMB cut-off marks are skewed against them because they get higher marks and, get dropped for northerners who score lower grades in the name of federal character.[48]

"I hope and am sure my brothers and sisters in the South-East will be a lot happier when Ndigbo have the opportunity to attain the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This, to all intents and purposes, will help to achieve some measure of closure on memories of the Civil War", said Nigeria's civil war military president, Yakubu Gowon in his support of the principle of rotation of power in Nigeria and aligning his position with the clamour for Nigerian president of Igbo extraction as a measure to heal the civil war wounds and resolve the root cause and effects of the Biafra-war.[46] Chukwuemeka Ezeife alluded that the Biafra restoration movement is gaining acceptability among serious politicians from the South-East which hitherto constituted major problem, in their pursuit of freedom, fairness and equity from captivity as highlighted by Emir of Kano,[47][49]: “We don’t want to be in Nigeria anymore. We want to be on our own,” said Ugochukwu Chinweuba, affirming that their goal is independence.[1]:

Calls for Referendum Edit

In response to ubiquitous demand for 'Biafra," and the world-wide outrage of the Easterners against the incarceration and molestation of "Biafra" agitators, there are calls for Referendum in order to ascertain the wish of the ethnic nationalities within the various geopolitical space of Nigeria. Mr Kanu has been urged to change his current violent speech propaganda for dialogue through call for referendum in the Independence struggle.[50] According to Lower Niger Congress, Nigeria's Constitution is being blamed for the country's failure to thrive despite the abundance of human and material resources in the nation. " [47]: The Indigenous People of Biafra and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, have found President Muhammadu Buhari’s self-determination-based call, in address at the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly [51] on World Leaders to assist the State of Palestine in getting freedom from the State of Israel ironical but a boost to their advocacy for the State of Biafra[52][53] from Nigeria. President Buhari while launching the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund on November 16, 2015 in Abuja argued that "Our nation has recently celebrated 55 years of political independence and continues to remain as one indivisible entity despite several grievous challenges. Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed a lot of internal strife, survived a civil war and has remained united. This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony to the determination of our citizens to remain as one people.[54] J.O.G. Achuzia (rtd) while arguing for a round table conference amongst the various regions, said "it is not a question of Biafra being a South-East problem or a South-South problem. It is the South-Eastern region of Nigeria because Nigeria was originally on a tripod of South-East region, South-West region and the Northern region." [55] Radio Biafra, alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari has pre-occupied himself with investigating the connection between the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, secessionist group and Niger-Delta militants rather than ordering the release of its detained director – Nnamdi Kanu, and call for a dialogue on how to conduct a Referendum. [56] In Kano July 16, 2014, Northern youths under the auspices of Arewa Youth Development Foundation called for the division of Nigeria as a political entity. During the protest held outside the palace of the Emir of Kano a speech signed by National President and Secretary General, Barrister Aliyu M Usman, and Alfred Solomon called on the people to “rise and support agitation for peaceful dissolution of this union called Nigeria for every region to go its own way”.[57]

Nnamdi Kanu a political activist based in the United Kingdom, is a leading advocate for restoration of the nation of Biafra and its independence from Nigeria.[1]: He is a leading member of Biafra nationalist organization, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the director of London-based radio station Radio Biafra.[1]: Nnamdi Kanu, being a historian deemed it important to pursue the course for which his Father gave his all for. Also, the politicians from the same Biafra location, who are well placed in government, and have eaten from the national treasury have distanced themselves from the struggle. They publicly called the peaceful protesters evil and declare that the protests are uncalled for. Nnamdi decided to take the bull by the horn since the people who are supposed to step up and represent the Biafran masses have been bribed and cannot take a stand on their own. He paid the price being unjustly abducted and locked up without due process because of the flexible and dependent nature of the Nigerian legal system. He is still in detention at the moment.

Contents
Arrest
Continued Detention
Court Jurisdiction
Non-Violent Protests
Crack-down on Protesters
Military Plan for Protesters
Economic Issues
Political Deprivations
Calls for Referendum
See also
References
Arrest Edit

On October 18, 2015, it was reported that Mr Kanu had been arrested in Lagos State by Nigeria’s secret police the Department of State Services (DSS).[1]: [2] Mr Kanu had told his solicitors that he was, on 14th October, 2015, arrested by the agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the State Security Service (SSS) in his hotel room i.e. Golden Tulip Essential Hotel Ikeja, Lagos State.[3] The solicitors in a press briefing said, between 14th and 17th October, 2015 their clients where about were unknown until 18th of October, 2015, when the Press Media broke the news of his arrest and detention by the SSS in Abuja.[4] The news of the arrest of Mr Kanu generated mass protests across parts of Delta State, Enugu State, Rivers State, Abia State, and Anambra State.[5]

Continued Detention Edit

On 20 October 2015, Vanguard announced that Mr Kanu had been released on bail after a secret arraignment at Magistrate Court,Wuse 11.[6] However, the bail seemed "controversial" and there were claims the DSS announced the bail only "to calm the angry people of Biafra".[7] On October 19, 2015, it was reported that Mr Kanu had been granted bail.[8] Although the bail conditions were stringent some of which required the Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property within Abuja municipality, a level 16 officer in the Ministry, Mr Kanu's lawyer said they eventually met the requirements in full. However, “upon the issuance of the Form 36,the court ordeal went to execute the order but came back unsuccessful. He was unable to produce the prisoner.[6] The lawyer, Vincent Obetta, called the continued detention of the activist despite meeting his bail conditions "a clash between judiciary and executive" in a democratic Nigeria. According to Mr Obetta, "I have not seen or heard any place where a court grants bail and the person is not released. Under UN and Africa charter, it is enshrined that once bail is granted, you release the person upon meeting the bail conditions. We are sliding to days of Decree 2 and 4 of 1984. This is pure Dictatorship.” [9]

==Freedom in Nigeria==nnn Brendalyn had noted that chapter four of the Nigerian constitution guarantees Nigerians the right to life, personal liberty, freedom of expression, and freedom to own property. "Notwithstanding these provisions, the government has detained human rights crusaders unlawfully, continued attacks on students and academics and has taken steps to muzzle the press," the author wrote.[10]:126 Protection Against False Accusation (Decree No. 4,1984), drafted on March 29,1984, was the most dreaded, most repressive and the last press law enacted in Nigeria. It was promulgated during the military regime of Major General Buhari which did not take kindly to press criticisms.[11] “Concerning the Decree 4 of 1984, I have to assure you that the time for that is over.That was part of Military administration and Dictatorship, but I have also promised you that I am now a converted, and converted democrat. Therefore, I want to assure you that I am going to be a friend of the media and this time, I will work well with you as friends and partners in the development of the nation, and that is my promise to you.” the APC presidential candidate president Muhammad Buhari in an an interractive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria before the 2015 president election.[12]

Court Jurisdiction Edit

"It should be noted that within the interval of eight days we have applied and gotten three Orders of Court against the SSS compelling them to release, produce or transfer our client to the prisons. It is heartrending to say that despite all the Court Orders emanating from a court of competent jurisdiction, the Department of State Services (DSS) have willfully refused to obey these order(s)", said the solicitors in their press statement.[13] In Nigeria's days of military rule, Decree 2 of 1984 (Detention of Persons) vested powers on appropriate officers to detain persons for acts prejudicial to State Security without recourse to the courts. "Decree 2 was a potent instrument for the violation of Nigerians' fundamental human rights, since it could be used by government functionaries to derogate the rights of social justice activists" during those military days.[10] " An estimated one to three million people participated in one of the peaceful protests on November 9, 2015 in the commercial town of Aba, Abia State calling for his release.[14][15] The Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Abuja on November 18, 2015 ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to produce Nnamdi Kanu, at the court on Monday, November 23, 2015. [16]

Non-Violent Protests Edit

Massive peaceful [15]:protests have continued in southern Nigeria about the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu since his arrest. “I saw some of them jump into the bush when they sighted a patrol vehicle belonging to the Nigerian army. The protesters were over two hundred. They were singing pro-Biafra songs as they marched on the street”, remarked Mr Johnbull Tamunoemi.[17] According to Voice of America, the protesters in southeastern Nigeria are demanding the release of the jailed radio station chief who advocates restoration of the nation of Biafra and its independence from Nigeria.[1] Some of the highlights of pro-Biafra protest in the commercial hub of Aba on November 10, 2015 was a football match by the group wearing T-shirts marked Biafra along major streets of the city,[14]: and the closure of markets and schools in solidarity with thousands of people who marched on the streets.[18]: The BBC's Abdussalam Ahmed in the south-eastern city of Enugu said in reality they do not want a repeat of the Biafran war but are keen to draw the attention of the central government to some developmental challenges the region faces.[19] The Igbo People in the region claim they have been unfairly treated—even punished—decades after the fighting stopped.[20]: An IPOB leader, Uchenna Madu, told the BBC that the group was fighting against the "injustice and inequality" ethnic Igbos faced in Nigeria.[19]: On Thursday November the 12th, 2015, one of the protesters marching through the streets of Owerri said their agitation was meant for the Nigerian Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu and grant Biafra people freedom from Nigeria.[21] On November 6, 2015, commercial activities were grounded in the port town of Onitsha, when youths and supporters of IPOB marched through the streets demanding the release of Mr Kanu, whom they said was being incarcerated for over three weeks, and the continued arrest and detention of their members as well as the actualization of the Biafran cause.[17] "Pro-Biafra protesters on November 16, 2015, carried their release- Nnamdi-Kanu protest to Umuahia, the Abia State capital and the home-town of Nnamdi Kanu, marching through the major streets of the city, but under the watch of security agencies."[22] It was reported the protesters marched around the city, carrying the portrait of Mr Kanu and the Biafran flag while chanting songs of freedom."[23]

Crack-down on Protesters Edit

Daily Mail reported that Police in Nigeria's oil hub of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 fired shots and teargas to disperse hundreds of the pro-Biafra supporters as they marched for the release of the key activist, Mr Kanu.[20] It was gathered that at least three persons were hit by stray bullets, while one of the protest leaders, who identified himself as Orji Azu-Enaga said two of their members were shot dead around Eleme junction during the marching.[18] The Police in Delta State on Friday November 6, 2015 used teargas to disperse dozens of pro-Biafra agitators who staged a protest rally in Asaba. One of the demonstrators, Uche Obiakor, said the action of police was a great injustice to the Biafra people because they were not armed neither did they attack anybody. “We are just on a peaceful protest for the unconditional release of our leader, Nnamdi Kanu," he said.[24] One of the protesters in Onitsha was feared dead during the rally on November 6, 2015.[17] We want to show Nigeria and the United Nations that we the Igbos are one. They used to say that we are not organized. United Nations should come and help us to divorce this forced marriage. We don’t want Nigeria again,” said Orji Azu-Enaga a protester.[18]:

Military Plan for Protesters Edit

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has pledged its readiness to suppress insurrection in the South East and South South geopolitical zones whenever it was called upon to do so. [25] Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in the division, Col. Hamza Gambo, said the statement had become imperative because of “the marked increase in the activities of pro-Biafran groups’’ in the areas. Gambo listed the activities to include protest marches, demonstrations and some cases of outright lawlessness and threat to lives and properties.[26] “The Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson as well as wanton destruction of lives and property.[27] In justifying the intended military action, the Army boss said “instructively, this constitutional guarantee does not allow for abuse of other person’s freedom and safety. “It is pertinent to note that the same constitution mandates the armed forces of Nigeria to suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so.[28]

Economic Issues Edit

Laja Odukoya, a lecturer in political science at the University of Lagos, said the protests are a symptom of Nigeria’s economic problems.[1]: Rates of unemployment and poverty are high in the Biafra heartland States. In majority of these states, infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity are lacking along with medical care and education, as they affirm that even Igbo People have been denied senior political posts such as the Presidency.[20]: [1]: In many areas of the greater Njaba River, Imo River and upper Orashi River basins, the activities of oil companies have rendered drilling and treatment of water from bore-holes more cumbersome, costlier and unattractive.[29] [30]: World Igbo Congress stated that no tribe in Nigeria has suffered more Economic inequality and political injustice than the Igbo People.[31] A case in point is the Nigeria federal government’s reluctance to build a new River Niger Bridge (Onitsha), started by former president Goodluck Jonathan to support economic activities, reduce the pressure on the existing bridge and alleviate the suffering of the people in the commercial and economic hubs of Onitsha and Asaba after failed promises from past Federal administrations.[31] The half century-old 4-lane River Niger Bridge (Onitsha) has been subjected to handling the traffic load which used to be shared between the railways, river crafts and roadways connecting the country’s hinterland to the sea terminals along the eastern coastline. [32] The core business elite from the Southeast and Southsouth geopolitical zones have come to regard the Niger Bridge and the Asaba-Shagamu highway as their lifeblood. [32] "We know that it is a critical road. We also know how Nigerians suffer during festive holidays and we hear people sleep on that old bridge", said the Nigeria's Director-General, DG of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, Aminu Diko while justifying the reason construction of the second River Niger Bridge (Onitsha) may be put on hold after a meeting with the President on August 26, 2015.[33] On Monday, January 28, 2013, angry youths from the oil-rich Awo-omamma protested Government’s insensitivity to plight of their people whose roads linking their villages, and the town to other neighbouring communities, they alleged had been abandoned for years by successive administrations in the state.[34]

In the people's commercial hub of Aba, Businesses face tough times as there is no smooth sail on roads. The rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway passing through Aba, a Federal road has remained ‘work in progress’ for years.[35] Chuks Nwanne noted that both traders and industries in Aba are currently struggling to break even, after high duties and multiple taxation. The state of infrastructure, especially road and electricity remain a major concern for manufacturers in Aba.[35] The deplorable condition of the Owerri-Port Harcourt expressway has remained a source of great concern to motorists plying the road, especially from the Imo State end, starting from Umuagwo to the Umuapu communities both in Ohaji/Egbema, a stretch of over six kilometers.[36] I never imagined such deplorable road could be found in a much-touted Africa's largest economy, wrote Paul John, a road user.[37] In August 2015, youths in the oil-rich Umuapu, Ohaji/Egbema Local Council, numbering about 2,000, barricaded the deplorable Owerri-Port Harcourt road[38] The Umuapu youths with playcards asked “Are we citizens of Imo State, Nigeria?” “Oil community, no road, no water, no electricity, no hospital. Drivers and passengers, bear with us.”[38] I wondered if there were political representatives from that part of Imo State, remarked Paul John the road user.[37] With the current states of the Oyigbo (Rivers state) and Umuapu (Imo state) sections of the two federal roads ,it is clear that politicians representing these areas do not come home at all.[37] According to Vanguard, Vice President, Professor, Yemi Osinbajo, insisted that the worst problem plaguing people of the South-East geopolitical zone, was the failed road networks, saying the situation required urgent Federal Government attention. “One problem that the people of the South-East have is roads. You know what our financial constraints are, and there is a need for improvement on roads where there is a lot of commerce and movement of people", said the Vice President.[39] Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Tuesday November 17, 2015 said they were concerned about the state of federal roads in the zone, particularly the Enugu-Onitsha express road, Aba-Ikot Ekpene, Owerri-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Port Harcourt roads. [40] President of Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, Evangelist Elliot Ukoh, who spoke on the issue, attributed agitation for Biafra to what he called unfair treatment of Ndigbo. "They have no jobs because of quota system which ensures that people are given jobs because of where they come from and not based on merit or competence.[41]

As the people of South-East are faced with lack of jobs for its energetic population, none development of new motorable access roads to rural settlements, poor maintainance of existing roads, water supply and unreliable electricity,[20]: there are lots of abandoned energy, road and water projects capable of improving the economy of the region such as the second River Niger Bridge (Onitsha),[42] Orlu regional water scheme,[30] Izombe Gas Processing Plant and Egbema Power Station Projects.[43][44] On many occasions between 2005 and 2006, numerous media announcements were made by the federal authorities to the effect that the federal government was to commit the sum of 77 million Naira toward the take-off of the Orlu regional water scheme.[30]: An Igbo pressure group, Aka Ikenga, said the suspension of the second River Niger Bridge (Onitsha), a private public partnership project would greatly affect economic activities in the South-south and South-east regions respectively. They noted that the nascent industries in these regions will suffer from the suspension due to heavy reliance on the old bridge to ease transportation problems.[45]

Political Deprivations Edit

Former civil-war president Yakubu Gowon holds the view that the gesture of having a president of Nigeria of Igbo extraction has a net gain of providing stability to Nigeria.[46]: Yakubu Gowon had noted that a president of Nigeria of Igbo extraction demonstrates Nigeria's continued pursuit to eradicate the "toga of political instability and the dread of ethnic domination that hitherto defined political and socio-cultural relationships" in the nation.[46]: In the words of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and now the Emir of Kano, "the Northern Bourgeoisie and the Yoruba Bourgeoisie have conspired to keep the Igbo People out of the scheme of things in Nigeria. They Igbo have been defeated in war, rendered paupers by monetary policy fiat, their properties declared abandoned and confiscated, kept out of strategic public sector appointments, and deprived of public services. The rest of the country forced them to remain in Nigeria and has continued to deny them equity.[47]