Biafra, Yoruba Groups Unite For Self-Determination As Fasoranti Says, “This Is Not The Nigeria Of My Dream”
AS agitators of Biafra Republic in the southeast, and their Oduduwa counterparts in the southwest, unite to agitate for self-determination, leader of Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has expressed fear over the future of Nigeria as a nation.
Less than 7 days to Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary, the International General Secretary of Yoruba One Voice (YOV), Dr Sina Okanlomo and Head, Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Chika Edoziem, had in a statement they jointly signed, said, “From all indications, the current leadership of Nigeria is not, and has never been committed to the fundamental objectives and directives of the principles of statehood, policies of Federalism as enshrined in Chapter II of the Constitution that it derived its powers from.
“Our people are tired of terrorism, insecurity, hopelessness, injustice, killings, unemployment, inequality, corruption, scandals, violence, oppression, extortion.
“Whereas, our peoples are entitled to their inherent inalienable rights to Self-determination and dignity of their persons in accordance with Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human and Peoples Rights of 1948; Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, Article 1 of the International Convention Civil and Political Rights and the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
“Our aspiration is to build a viable, democratic and stable Nation for our Peoples and in this regard, we demand that there must be a referendum so that our peoples can freely and fairly make a democratic choice, whether they want to continue with Nigeria as presently configured or seek their right to Self-determination before the 2023 General elections.
“In order to prevent an implosion of sorts, we, on behalf of our people, therefore demand a proper referendum/plebiscite, to be conducted between now and the 1st of October,2021, in accordance with the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ all over all over the world under The Law as provided in the AU and the United Nations charters, to be supervised by both The AU and the United Nations.
“Copies of this jointly signed Release have been sent to these world bodies. If, as we believe, our people choose Self-determination, The Next Natural Step would be the immediate activation of the processes and modalities, beginning from the 2nd of October, 2021, for the creation of the Odùduwà and the Biafran Nations out of the present but otiose Nigerian experiment, which started in 1914.”
The groups also called on its people to stay away from participation and involvement in any October 1, 2020; 60th independence anniversary activities as may be mounted by the Unitary Government of Nigeria.
“In specific terms, we hereby call on the peoples of our territories, and indeed all peoples of Nigeria yearning to be free from internal colonization to be prepared to Stay-At-Home on October 1, 2020.
“No one among us should play along with any celebration of 60 years of an imbalanced unequal country.
“Staying-At-Home means keeping safe and away for the inhuman and inhumane character of the present regime of Major General Buhari.”
And on Friday in Akure, Ondo State, at the launch of Fasoranti’s book entitled, “My Life, My Legacy (Service with Integrity and Excellence), to mark his 94th birthday, he said, “At over 94 years, I am still here with you because of the grace of God and even though as an individual, I am fulfilled, I regret to say that all is not well with the country.
“No thanks to the insecurity of life and property, worsening unemployment of able-bodied citizens, leading to all manners of crimes, threatening famine which is a conspiracy between mother nature and the ravaging of the land by the marauders and so on.
“I call on all concerned to quickly arrest all these before they tear the country apart.
“Beloved countrymen, this is not the Nigeria of my, nay our dream.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the chairman of the launch, said, “Papa Fasoranti, l feel your sense of frustration as you are getting to your departure and you are wondering that, is this the Nigeria of my dream that I had laboured for?
“But, I want to assure you that I have a vision of a new Nigeria, I see new understanding among Nigerians, new awareness among Nigerians, new realisations among Nigerians.
“The books you’re launching today is one of the legacies you’re leaving behind and coming generation will refer to it.
“We hope for the best for Nigeria. We will continue to follow your footstep and examples.
“My vision is that you will see the Nigerian of your dream before you depart, the Nigeria you have laboured for.
“Our founding fathers didn’t wish for a disintegrated Nigeria but a progressive and united Nigeria.
“In your lifetime, we will achieve the Nigeria of your dream.”
