Abuja - The Biafra Nations Youth League, a pressure group, has warned of possible conflict if the federal government does not accede to demands for the
independence of the region.
The warning comes amid renewed calls for autonomy.
“We makes it clear to the world that we are not at war with Nigeria, neither are we fighting (President Muhammadu) Buhari, all we want is Biafra Independence from Nigeria, it will only lead to conflict if Buhari doesn't stay clear of our agitation,” said the organisation’s Deputy Leader, Eyam Esung, on Friday.
Esung argued the Biafran struggle for independence should not be equated with that of Boko Haram jihadist in the North.
“We are Biafran activists. Bko Haram are terrorists even though they are no longer addressed as terrorists ever since Buhari wrestled power from (ex-President Goodluck) Jonathan. We want to make it clear that our struggle is in accordance with international law hence we are non-violent and any breach of our fundamental human rights will lead to aggression.”
Esung expressed solidarity with all ethnic groups of Biafran origin.
“Our agitation for Biafra Independence is for the best interest of all our people,” said the official.
“We have the support of our people from various ethnic groups, including the displaced Bakassi natives abandoned by the government, we have reached out to other areas in the Bight of Biafra such as Southern Cameroon etc to strengthen the struggle.”
Esung said the recent heavy-handedness approached by police protests demanding independence did not deter the group.
“We want to make it clear to Nigeria Government that no amount of arrest will hinder us from the struggle for liberation.”
Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a secessionist state in south eastern Nigeria, existing from 1967 to 1970 when it was re-integrated into Nigeria.
Some organisations are advocating for a separate country for the dominant Igbo people in Southeastern Nigeria, accusing the government of marginalising them.
- CAJ News
http://www.news24.com.ng/National/News/Biafra-independence-call-a-source-of-conflict-20151030
The warning comes amid renewed calls for autonomy.
“We makes it clear to the world that we are not at war with Nigeria, neither are we fighting (President Muhammadu) Buhari, all we want is Biafra Independence from Nigeria, it will only lead to conflict if Buhari doesn't stay clear of our agitation,” said the organisation’s Deputy Leader, Eyam Esung, on Friday.
Esung argued the Biafran struggle for independence should not be equated with that of Boko Haram jihadist in the North.
“We are Biafran activists. Bko Haram are terrorists even though they are no longer addressed as terrorists ever since Buhari wrestled power from (ex-President Goodluck) Jonathan. We want to make it clear that our struggle is in accordance with international law hence we are non-violent and any breach of our fundamental human rights will lead to aggression.”
Esung expressed solidarity with all ethnic groups of Biafran origin.
“Our agitation for Biafra Independence is for the best interest of all our people,” said the official.
“We have the support of our people from various ethnic groups, including the displaced Bakassi natives abandoned by the government, we have reached out to other areas in the Bight of Biafra such as Southern Cameroon etc to strengthen the struggle.”
Esung said the recent heavy-handedness approached by police protests demanding independence did not deter the group.
“We want to make it clear to Nigeria Government that no amount of arrest will hinder us from the struggle for liberation.”
Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a secessionist state in south eastern Nigeria, existing from 1967 to 1970 when it was re-integrated into Nigeria.
Some organisations are advocating for a separate country for the dominant Igbo people in Southeastern Nigeria, accusing the government of marginalising them.
- CAJ News
http://www.news24.com.ng/National/News/Biafra-independence-call-a-source-of-conflict-20151030
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