The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on October 15, 2015 and he is currently facing trial for alleged treason.
Jegede Abayomi writes an open letter to the Biafran leader expressing his mixed feelings.
Dear Mr. Nnamdi Kanu,
You might not be able to read this; but I do hope it reaches you somehow. I wanted to tell you how I admire you, especially with the leadership role you are playing in leading the “progressive” Ibo people under the aegis of Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) from the South-east geo-political zone of this country. It requires courage far greater than I could muster.
Also of importance to this letter is about the struggle to rescue this country and find a sustainable solution to our decades long problem emerging from the nooks and crannies of this entity.
102 years ago, the Northern and the Southern protectorate of Nigeria were amalgamated by the British colonial Governor Sir Fredrick Lugard for administrative purposes. Such union had been fought in the past by some of our founding fathers.
Interestingly, we’ve come a long way to preserve and protect the sanctity of our union since 1914. After the independence of 1960 from the British government and attaining the status of republic in 1963, the foundation of this union had been tested by numerous challenges such as coup D’etat (bloody & bloodless), regional struggle, civil war, religious bigotry,“chameleon” form of government, recession and recently the movement to restructure the political and economic institution of this nation. Have observed that we’ve always emerged stronger from these myriad of obstacles.
It is my sincere concern to address the agitation that you are currently been persecuted for, and that is the secession of the south-east from the federation. I identify myself with the plight of the Ibo people since the collapse of the first republic in 1966. But Identifying myself with this plight is not my immediate motive but rather seeing this issue as a Nigeria problem and not the problem of neither the South nor the North.
As a youth who will soon be out from the inside world (university) to the outside world (one sided structure of Nigeria political and economic system), I think the sustainable way for the people of the South-east to attain their desire goal of political and economic success is beyond seceding from the federation. Over the past few weeks have taken my time to engaged my fellow students on way-forward for us as a nation. Some are clamoring for the separation of the union, some are agitating for restructuring, while others want a revolution. But have also realized that the composition and the structure of this country is “uniquely different” from any other on this planet.
The way we got our independence is hugely different from the way the US fought the Britain to be free, it differs from how India was independent and it diverge from the way Ghana was independent.
The first step of my approach to a sustainable solution for all of us in this country to once again live the dream of our founding fathers is by mandating the Buhari’s led federal government to adopt the 2014 confab report. Although, the constitution of members of the confab was not perfect but have rather find there recommendations appealing. There recommendations have taken care of both our age long issues and present day struggle such as fiscal federalism, youth empowerment and participation in government, local and national security, institutional development, social equality among the six-geo political zones, economic development and diversification of the economy, resource control e.t.c. I hope Nigerian youths will get their hands on this document and realize is time to speak up.
Secondly sir, you can use your leverage to awaken the spirit of patriotism and level of consciousness of our teeming youths to ensure the full adoption of this report in collaboration with different stakeholders such as labour unions, civil groups, NANS, religious bodies, ASUU, NASU, NBA, Political parties, e.t.c.
Thirdly, the unification of this union and the promotion of our oneness rather than our differences is the source of our strength.
With this peaceful approach, slowly but surely we will bend the trajectory of this country towards social equality, social justice, strong institutions and we shall in the end enjoy the Nigeria of our dream. That does not mean we should not protest about what is wrong but rather we must not fear to protest but we must never protest out of fear just like what happened during the national protest against the removal of fuel subsidy, we almost change the trajectory of this country then, but the rest is history.
I condemn in strong term the plan of the federal government to conduct a secret trial based on the charges brought against you. I solidarize with you and hope our youths will rather be more motivated to stand up for the truth no matter the consequences. Nelson Mandela is a legacy for us just like the way you are now inspiring us towards a “NEW NIGERIA” in the not too distant future. I hope to work with you in realisation of the “NEW NIGERIA” after whatever god you are serving has brought you out safely from your present persecution. A NEW NIGERIA where no matter the region you came from you can attain whatever you desire, a NEW NIGERIA where institutions will be stronger than individuals not even the president and a NEW NIGERIA where there is massive investment in our infrastructures, education, social security, economy, health sector.e.t.c. Just like the statement made by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo while also going through your present situation, he said “there will be light after the tunnel”.
May the peace and hope that comes with the birth of our lord Jesus Christ be your portion and strengthen you in your current plight. Merry Christmas and happy new year in advance.
Yours Sincerely,
JEGEDE ABAYOMI S.,
Department of Management & Accounting,
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,
(07030090092).
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The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Campusgistng.com
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