Why do you think there is a renewed agitation for Biafra, especially considering what happened during the civil war?
The civil war did not occur in isolation. It was a chain reaction to what happened in the past. For instance, the January 1966 coup was believed to have been inspired by Igbo young officers who took advantage of the political situation in the country. They wanted to dominate the economic, political and cultural landscape. That was why Sardauna introduced the northernisation policy. He wanted to bring equity in the empowerment and governing environment, which was dominated by southerners.
No ethnic group, whether minority or majority will want to be dominated by another. Therefore, any signal that tends to give the impression that any particular region or ethnic group can hold Nigeria to ransom is not good. I think people should change the narrative of Nigeria’s history.
After the defeat of Biafra, did the Nigerian government ever envisage that there would be another attempt like the present agitation?
Well, history can repeat itself when people don’t learn lessons. I told you that we suffered the civil war because of what happened, which brought about the fear of domination and the desire for equal opportunity in the country.
Unless we stop pursuing an aggressive policy to dominate and be more equitable, history will continue to repeat itself because people don’t want to be oppressed or dominated.
How can this trend be addressed?
It can be addressed through the sincerity of the political leadership. This is because the political elite are always instigating their followers.
I believe the essence of political unity and development is to advance the course of humanity. For that reason, to advance the course of humanity, no particular group can successfully impose itself on another.
What is your assessment of the Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation programme introduced by General Yakubu Gowon after the civil war?
The 3Rs, as the programme is called, succeeded until the political elite group upturned the development plan. This is what brought us to the heightened regime of corruption.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
