Boko Haram, Buhari and Biafra

Biafra MassobMembers of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (Massob) wave the Biafran flagGetty Images "I have never considered myself a Nigerian, always a Biafran," David Chidiebere from Nigeria's Imo state told IBTimes UK during a discussion about why thousands of people in southern Nigeria are calling for independence. Chidiebere was born after Biafra was re-annexed to Nigeria in 1970 and learnt about the struggle of his ancestors from his father. Today, he believes Biafrans should separate from Nigeria. Why advertise with us "They [government] want us to be one Nigeria, but why hasn't an Igbo or Biafran been the president of the country since the end of the war? We have the oil but they ares the one who are squandering the money." Biafra mapibtimes.co.uk Biafra history The Eastern Region, a former federal division of Nigeria with capital Enugu, became a secessionist state called Republic of Biafra after gaining independence from Nigeria in 1967. It was re-annexed in 1970 following the Nigerian-Biafran war that claimed one million lives. After the end of the British rule in 1960, Nigeria was comprised of territories that were not part of the nation before the colonisation, resulting in escalating tensions among the communities. People in the Eastern Region, mainly from the Igbo community, wanted to secede due to ethnic, religious and economic differences with other communities in Nigeria. Biafra 1969 by Don MccullinChildren suffering from malnutrition during the Biafran WarIBTimes AU The Eastern Region gained independence following two coup d'etats in 1966 and 1967. The fact that Nigeria's oil was located in the south of the country played a major role in the eruption of the war, during which medicines and food shortage in Biafra led to the death of thousands of people. Biafra has been commonly divided into four main "tribes": the Ibos, the Ibibio-Efiks, the Ijaws and the Ogojas. The modern-day states that made up Biafra from the eastern region and midwest are: Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, ,Imo, Delta, Rivers and Cross River and Edo. Chidiebere explained that the fight for an independent Biafra is not just about natural resources. "We Biafrans don't want to be in the same country with people we don't share the same mentality, religion, culture, language, accent or way of life with," he said. "We are being marginalised everywhere, we are the Israelites of Africa." London-based Yahgozie Emmanuel, member of Ekwenche research institute and editor of Biafra24 told IBTimes UK that following the re-annexation, Biafran communities were separated. "Biafra was known as a provincial system which didn't recognise any of the states created by Nigeria and its agents," he said. "In 1970 Nigeria divided the people to decentralised the unity of Biafrans. We believe that the 36 States and 774 Local Government structure imposed via decrees by officers from the occupational government of Nigeria render the people of Biafra an insignificant minority." Emmanuel referred to a so-called "amalgamation contract" aimed at integrating people from the north and the south within 100 years since it was issued. The contract, now at the National Archive of London, was created in 1914 by the then governor general of Nigeria Frederick John Dealtry Lugard. The document, opposed by the political class and the media in Lagos, expired in 2014. "This means that the component parts of what was Nigeria can now go their ways," Emmanuel said and added that Biafrans feel threatened by terror group Boko Haram and what they see as the attempted 'Islamification' of southern Nigeria by the current government. "We Biafrans continue to strive for survival under harsh condition, forced exiles. Gatherings of Biafrans and places of Christian worship in the northern part of the country are regular targets of Islamic terror, spearheaded today by Boko Haram. "The several mentions of sharia in the constitution in the face of Section 10 of the same document that prohibits adoption of state religion, has left a leeway for several states in the far north to impose sharia, which in turn activated Boko Haram, which owes it an obligation to their faith to kill the 'infidel', a category to which we the Biafrans fall, in their warped estimation." Muhammadu BuhariMuhammadu Buhari was sworn in as president of Nigeria in May 2015Getty Boko Haram, Buhari and Biafra Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram terrorists? Boko Haram (recently renamed Iswap) fights against Western influence in Nigeria and aims to impose its version of sharia law in the country. The group declared an Islamic caliphate in Gwoza, along the Cameroon border, in August 2014. Boko Haram has raided several cities in the north of the country in a bid to take control of more land. Three states − Adamawa, Borno and Yobe − have been under a state of emergency since May 2013, due to Boko Haram's attacks. The group has killed at least 2,700 people since the beginning of 2015. Some 300 have been killed since the beginning of June. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari is a former military chief who served in the Nigerian Army from 1961 until 1985. He is accused of committed crimes in Biafra. According to some reports, he headed military operations in Nsukka, Abagana and Nkpor Junction in Biafra where soldiers, under his leaderships, allegedly destroyed villages and attacked civilians. Emmanuel said Biafrans are not happy with Buhari as president. He described the new leader – who was elected in March 2015 and sworn in in May – as: "A known sympathiser of the sharia whose role in the 1966-1970 genocidal campaigns against the peoples of Biafra remain starkly unaddressed and presents a grave concern to our peoples." Earlier in June, dozens of citizens in the Anambra state, part of former Biafra, rallied after rumours spread that 47 Boko Haram suspects could be transferred to Ekwulobia Prison in Aguata Local Government Area. People took to the streets to protest against the alleged relocation and shut their shops in several cities including the capital Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Agulu. Protesters called for Biafra and carried banners reading: "Buhari should not destroy the peace in Anambra State" and "We do not want Boko Haram in Anambra". The government denied the alleged plan to relocate the Boko Haram suspects. However, Francis Chukwu, a resident from Onitsha city, Anambra, told IBTimes UK: "Reports are real. Even yesterday, one [Boko Haram member] was caught in Nkpor town with some bombs." Protesters also took to social media to complain about their perceived attempt to "Islamise" the south by relocating terror suspects to a southern prison. The Nigerian government was not available for comments regarding the claims made by pro-Biafrans. Pro-Biafra movements Movements that call for a secession are scattered across southern Nigeria. The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (Massob) fights for the independence of south-east and south regions of Nigeria. The Nigerian government has accused Massob of violence and his leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, was arrested in 2005 on treason charges. He was released two years later. The Biafra Zionist Movement, led by Barrister Benjamin Onwuka, was created in the early 2000s. It spun out of Massob, and advocates the legitimacy of Briafa. BZM declared a new state of independence on 5 November 2012, at an event during which at least 100 peaceful protesters were arrested. In 2014, BZM stormed a radio station announcing the rebirth of the Biafran Republic. In a statement released after the incident, the group explained it had lost faith in the country following years of neglect and continuous killing of Igbos. "No amount of threats or arrests will stop us from pursuing our freedom – self-determination for Biafrans," said Edeson Samuel, national chairman of BZM. "We were forced into this unholy marriage but we don't have the same culture as the northerners. Our religion and culture are quite different from the northerners." Nigeria up close: Check out our Flipboard magazine More about Nigeria Nigeria: President Buhari vows to crush Boko Haram 'without mercy' as protesters call for second Biafra Nigeria: President Buhari vows to recover funds 'stolen' during previous administrations Nigeria: President Buhari urged to end fuel subsidy and privatise oil refineries Nigeria Boko Haram: Orphaned children given hope for new life at displacement camps Nigeria: Crushing Boko Haram among huge tasks faced by President Buhari Nigerian army 'committed war crimes and caused 8,000 deaths' in fight against Boko Haram Comments 11 Recommend 2,725 Share YOU MIGHT LIKE THISSponsored Content by Taboola 15 Best Fruits For Fast Weight LossHealthMindBodies You Wont’ Believe What Walmart Cameras Captur…FrivolFluff How EMBARASSING! StarFluff That's How You Find Super Cheap Flights!Save70 Which Countries Provide the Best Medical TreatmentMedical Tourism Pension freedoms: £4.7bn paid out in first six month…ProfessionalAdviser.com by Taboola Sponsored Links Sign in Newest | Oldest Adamu Iman 16 days ago till we begin to tell our self the truth before Nigerian can move forward, if not corruption has eating the Nigerian Government mentality who claim that they are born to rule, why Christian are born to serve wereas the South East & South South contribute 75% of development to ... more flag / like / reply Ezekiel Ngene Sep 20, 2015 Biafra is coming very soon no going back . Since God is with us. Mma aku of MMAKU flag / like / reply Ntekim Sep 10, 2015 We in Akwa Ibom State are ever ready, we know for sure that Biafra will come. It doesn't matter what anybody say or think 1 flag / 1 like / reply lusky nkwo Aug 28, 2015 biafra is the dream of anambara monkeys. it doesn't represent the interest of all Igbos. Only anambara monkeys bring the issue of biafra that way they can loot the ordinary citizens. The Federal Government of Nigeria will not hesitate when need be to restore law and order in any ... more flag / like / reply Chris Abuchi Chukwu Aug 13, 2015 #Radiobiafra #ipob #freeBiafra. Biafra was before the dog name Nigeria. Biafra must be restored. flag / like / reply Kevin James Brown Aug 12, 2015 www.TheUnCutWordOfGod.Com flag / like / reply Lagosian Aug 10, 2015 A bunch of fools. Israelites indeed. Disillusion is when your ancestors come from the bush and you call yourself Israelites. People without history whatsoever are calling themselves Israelites. Please! Yoruba that has the most sophisticated culture in Nigeria with the highest ... more flag / like / reply goziefilms Aug 12, 2015 @Lagosian To my Biafran hebrew igbo Israelites "With righteousness shall you be established, go far away from oppression, for you shall not fear, and from ruin, for it will not come near you.Behold, the one with whom I am not, shall fear, whoever mobilizes against you shall ... more flag / 1 like / reply Xssy Alex Jul 2, 2015 What?! It sounds like they are saying they believe their land is cursed by God, like Israel. The key point being; OR I WILL COME AND STRIKE THE LAND WITH A CURSE. 4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. 5 “See, I ... more flag / like / reply Ani Afam Jul 5, 2015 @Xssy Alex ....Ashawo how market? flag / 1 like / reply Chris Abuchi Chukwu Aug 13, 2015 @Xssy Alex You need ur head fixed. flag / like / reply IBT Video Paris protest COP21: Thousands denounce Paris climate deal draft agreement in mass protest by Eiffel Tower Why advertise with us Columnists Abi Wilkinson Abi Wilkinson “Katie Hopkins and Donald Trump: You aren't brave free speech pioneers fighting 'political correctness' Read Katie Hopkins and Donald Trump: You aren't brave free speech pioneers fighting 'political correctness' Why advertise with us READ MORE thailand king Thai man faces 32 years in prison for 'liking' Facebook post mocking the country's king A Thai man faces up to 32 years in prison for 'liking' a Facebook post that mocked the country's king. Stop the War Coalition UK Muslims exit Stop the War Coalition over Assad 'apologists' EXCLUSIVE: A senior Muslim leader tells IBTimes UK that under-fire group has 'confused views' on Middle East. cop21 climate deal COP21 Paris climate deal: Laurent Fabius announces draft agreement to limit global warming to 2C Nations reach deal to limit emissions and keep global warming below 2C. Contentious spoiler-ridden Star Wars Rey action figure Star Wars fans upset over toy that reveals a huge plot spoiler Fans are up in arms after the owners of a Star Wars news site posted a photo of a toy that spoils the film. Saudi Arabia women's vote Saudi Arabia: Voting begins as women stand as candidates in elections for the first time A total of 978 women registered as electoral candidates, along with 5,938 men. AirBnB Airbnb users with 'black' names less likely to get rooms, Harvard study claims People with 'black-sounding' names were discriminated against by white and black hosts, says study. UK snow in the Midlands UK weather: Snow expected to settle in England this weekend A north-south divide in weather will see temperatures plummet to -10C above the Midlands. Frank Sinatra at 100 Sinatra at 100: Family and fans pay respect to legendary singer Daughter Nancy insists that Ol' Blue Eyes' influence will 'live on as long as his music is heard'. stephonknee wolschtt Transgender father leaves family to start life as 6-year-old girl 'It's called play therapy. No medication, no suicide thoughts. And I just get to play.' The Big Bang Theory Season 8 finale The Big Bang Theory season 9 fall finale: Sheldon and Amy spend their first night together in episode 11 Jim Parsons teases Sheldon and Amy's intimate scenes. A Siberian tiger Russia: Goat sent as live prey for Siberian tiger befriends wild cat Timur the goat and Amur the tiger are almost inseparable as they rest together in the same shelter. guzman unknown El Chapo versus Isis: Mexican drug baron calls Daesh 'sons of whores' Fugitive drug lord is fuming about Isis destroying his cartel's shipments Swinfen prison riot Swinfen Hall prison: 20 inmates involved in riot at Staffordshire jail Four inmates were injured during an incident at D wing after staff were attacked with chairs and table legs. COP21 COP21: Historic climate change deal reached as nations agree on legally-binding agreement Nations across the world have agreed to prevent global warming from rising above 2C threshold. Burundi death toll Suspected revenge killings in Burundi claim 34 lives Deaths are thought to have been in response to attacks on military complexes that killed 87. Latest News Calais Banksy: 'Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian migrant' Banksy unveiled a set of new works in the Calais Jungle refugee camp. Fan Xuesong China: Flight attendant who fed elderly passenger praised for her act of kindness Fan Xuesong helped feed an elderly passenger, moving him to tears. Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn defies critics by attending Stop the War fundraiser and praising controversial group Defiant Corbyn calls Stop the War Coalition a 'vital force' despite pleas by Left wingers not to attend. Geneva terror alert Switzerland: President received 'tip-off' about Isis cell in Geneva The president said information relating to four suspects in the Paris attacks was from 'foreign authorities'. Biafra protests Nnamdi Kanu: Pro-Biafran groups claim no peace talks unless Ipob leader is released Secessionist groups say Nnamdi Kanu is the only person who can have dialogue with federal government. Beddau Sabine murder Wales: Dead woman prime suspect after husband's body found after 18 years wrapped in plastic Police: 'Mad Leigh' Sabine may have got away with husband's 'perfect murder' in Wales. Rwandan genocide Return fugitives in exchange for 'most wanted' man, DRC tells Rwanda DRC's justice minister warns Rwanda to 'respond very clearly' to its arrest warrants. Tess Holliday The fashion industry certainly isn't in any danger of presenting 'plus size' as the norm Plus size models merely represent a hitherto publically invisible demographic Cambridge University Oxbridge struggles to shake off its negative posh and rich reputation - acts like this don't help An all-too vocal minority all-too frequently cross the line, reinforcing the same old stereotypes. Lee sewage tunnel london Thames sewage: UK faces up to prospect of multimillion-pound EU fines Super sewer will aim to stem flow of 62m tonnes of raw sewage into the Thames before EU levies fines. French police in Paris Europe should shut down Saudi Arabia-sponsored media hate networks if it wants to beat Isis Saudi sponsored TV networks are encouraging anti-Shia and pro-jihadi networks Truck destroyed by train in Prague Prague: Watch dramatic video of truck getting obliterated by train in Czech Republic Dramatic video shows vehicle cut in half on an unguarded level crossing. Politics Stop the War poster Kofta and Trotskyism: Inside the Stop the War Coalition Christmas fundraiser Jeremy Corbyn is expected to ignore Labour MPs and speak at the group's fundraiser. New Zealand flag New Zealand chooses new silver fern flag in preliminary referendum Standard will now take on the current flag in a run-off election battle. Donald Trump Donald Trump Muslim comments: Republican candidate defends stance and gains police endorsement Donald Trump defended his call to temporarily ban Muslims from the United States. Syrian refugees are greeted by Justin Trudeau Justin Trudeau: Canadian Prime Minister welcomes Syrian refugees at Toronto airport Trudeau welcomed the first two families through the gate with winter coats. Burundi's security forces Burundi: Bujumbura lockdown amid fear of war erupting after deadly attacks on army barracks Government blames opposition for coordinated assaults on army barracks that left dozens dead. Rwanda President Paul Kagame Paul Kagame third term: Green Party urges Rwandans to vote against constitutional amendments Kagame could run for third term should Rwandans approve constitutional changed in 18 December referendum. Thailand King Bhumibol Thailand: Man faces 32-year jail term for Facebook 'like' of doctored photo of king Thanakorn has also been charged with sedition and computer crimes. Turkey alert on terror threat Turkey on high alert over Isis terror threat Turkey's intelligence agency and the CIA warn of imminent threat to Ankara from Daesh Islamists. Tony Blair Gaddafi Where to watch Tony Blair being grilled by MPs on links with Libya's Muammar Gaddafi The former prime minister will be probed over deals he made with the ex-Libyan dictator. China's Warren Buffet Guo Guangchang arrest Guo Guangchang, 'China's Warren Buffett', goes missing as speculation rife over his arrest Chinese social media posts suggest Fosun boss was handcuffed and whisked away at Shanghai airport. Home World Business Politics Technology Science Sport Entertainment Opinion Video About us Leadership Meet the team Advertise with us Brand Terms of service Privacy Permission Syndication Contact Editions: Australia China India Italy Japan U.K. U.S. © Copyright 2015 IBTimes Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Google Plus RSS