May 30, 1967, Col. Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the military governor of Eastern Nigeria, declared his region the Republic of Biafra. Few weeks later, Col. Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s head of state that time, declared war on the territory which led to war that dragged on for 30 months until the Biafrans ‘quit in defeat’ in January 1970.
Following the development, Gowon announced a three-point programme of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction for the region. Though, the history of the struggle could not be completely removed from the mind of the agitators.
Nnamdi Kalu
A few days ago, Biafra became 50 and was marked with a solemn seminar titled “Memory and Nation-building: Biafra 50 Years After.” It was well attended by dignitaries, the like of former president of Nigeria; Olusegun Obasanjo, Acting President; Professor Yemi Osibajo and Ahmed Joda who was one of Gowon’s super permanent secretaries at the time to name a few.
Today, there have been renewed agitations for the actualization of Biafra as a republic. The agitators have been alleged harassment and detained of agitors by security agencies but there is no let-up in the agitation. Many believe the increase in the quest for the state (Biafra) is as a result of perceive non inclusive or consensual union that caters for all interests fairly, equitably greeted the many appointed made by the government of the day; Federal Government sites amenities and makes appointments in a manner that is nakedly discriminatory then that is the real spelling of exclusiveness.
