Coalition seeks declaration of May 30 as public holidays in S’East, gives reasons 

Coalition seeks declaration of May 30 as public holidays in S’East, gives reasons

 

By Steve Oko

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, in Abia State, has advised South East Governors to declare May 30 as a public holiday in the region to avert needless loss of lives occasioned by the usual clashes between security agents and pro-Biafra groups attempting to enforce sit-at-home on the day in honour of victims of the Nigeria civil war.

This is as the coalition expressed worry that 55 years after the civil war which claimed millions of lives mainly on the Biafran side, residents of South East region are still living in fears.

The coalition called for open and frank discussions on the national question, and causes of growing agitations in the country with a view to resolving them, instead using intimidation against dissenting voices.

The coalition including Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS); Society for Human Rights Advocacy and Development, SOHAD; Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative; Vivacious Development Initiative, among others, called for urgent action to address the root causes of tension in South East.

In a statement read during a press conference marking 55 years of the end of the civil war, the coalition argued that it makes no sense wasting further lives over debate on the rationality or otherwise of honouring war victims.

The statement signed by Chuka Okoye, Obinna Nwagbara, Joy Nwosu, Glory Onwuka, Eunice Egbuna and Casius Ukwuegbu, for the coalition, was made available to Wawa News Global.

It read in part:”In light of the historical significance of May 30 in southeast Nigeria, we propose that the governors of the region should consider declaration of this day as a Memorial Day. This solemn occasion would serve as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the Biafra war, honoring their memory and acknowledging the deep scars left by the conflict.

“By officially recognizing May 30 as a day of remembrance, we can put to an end, the violence that claims the lives of citizens in the southeast, both civilians and security agents, in the course of enforcing a sit-at-home order to commemorate the day. The most recent was the killing of five soldiers on May 30, 2024 at Aba and civilians in different parts of the southeast.

“Southeast Governors should declare May 30 a public holiday in the Southeast”.

The coalition fingered protracted marginalisation of South East by the federal government; renewed agitation for Biafra and the suppression of agitators by security agencies; non-challancy of the Nigeria State to the pains of South East as well as leadership failure, as reasons for the unrest in the zone.

It also identified the “continued detention and unending trial” of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as another major cause of unrest in South East, and called for his unconditional release to restore peace in the region.

The coalition also frowned at multiple security checkpoints on South East roads which have rather become “extortion ponts”, and called for their immediate dismantling.

“The Nigeria Police Force should have security posts and dismantle all road blocks on southeast roads. Law enforcement agencies should be made to stop intimidating and extorting law abiding citizens on the roads in the Southeast.”

The coalition commended President Bola Amed Tinubu for the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, but said “the federal government should ensure that the commission delivers on its mandate.”

It also said that State Governors and Local Government Chairman in the southeast should be intentional about the development of the zone.

Decrying the precarious security situation in the South East, the coalition urged the Federal Government, South East Governors and the non-state actors to put the security and welfare of residents above other considerations.

The statement read: “Southeast Nigeria is currently facing a crisis marked by escalating tensions and violence. The region has been plagued by unrest, with clashes between security forces and non-state actors, and attacks on citizens becoming increasingly frequent.

“The people in southeast Nigeria are living in fear and uncertainty, with their security and welfare hanging in the balance. The situation has reached a critical point, necessitating urgent attention and concerted efforts to address the root causes.”

How it began

“The rising conflict and unrest in the region are undoubtedly a fallout of the separatist movements and calls for secession in the southeast. The renewed calls for Biafra since 1999 when the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB was formed, are attributed to historical grievances, resulting from marginalization of the zone since the civil war ended in 1970.

“In addition to the marginalization of the Southeast by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is the dearth of of visionary and honest leadership at the state and local government levels in the southeast.

“The combination of these factors over the years impinged on the development of the region; contributed to the high level of poverty and youth unemployment; caused distrust on the leadership at all levels; lack of sense of belonging among majority of the people; a sense of socio-political alienation from Nigeria among many people from the southeast, especially young people, and search for credible alternative.

“These are some of the things that fuel agitation and separatist movements, and make it easy for the proponents of these agitations to easily mobilize citizens. It is important that the root cause of the crisis in southeast Nigeria is understood by all and sundry.”

Why the situation is getting worse

“The situation in Southeast is complex and multifaceted as the region has become a powder keg of discontent. The proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; the declaration and enforcement of the numerous sit-at-home orders against his trial, and the quest to have May 30 as a Day of remembrance for Igbos, who died in the civil war have immensely contributed to the tensions, leading to a cycle of violence and unrest in the region.

“More so, the reactive and kinetic approach/conducts of security agents in the southeast, aimed at suppressing and exploiting people, has further exacerbated the crisis in the region.

“The extortion of motorists and young people by the personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force and every other security agency on the roads in southeast is brazen and unprecedented. This has been going on despite the hues and cries by citizens; including complaints on the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives by national assembly members from the southeast.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria appears to have continued to look the other way, while security agencies intimidate and extort citizens at every check-point in the southeast.

“Rather than address the issue of marginalization, which the people have been crying against, the federal government is seen to be responding with intimidation and more marginalization.

“In Nigeria today, the Southeast has the least number of states, local government areas, representatives, political appointments and federal government presence.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration and no attempt by the federal government of Nigeria to embrace other diplomatic approaches rather than use of force to address the issue, in a country where people from other regions have engaged in crimes against the state but were engaged in dialogue, is a testament to the marginalization of the people of southeast.

“Rather than engage in meaningful dialogue with the agitators for Biafra and stakeholders from the southeast, Nigerian has chosen the use of force. Historical patterns show that the use of force has failed to resolve underlying grievances.

” Open dialogue will foster understanding and create an opportunity for lasting solutions to the challenges faced in the region. It is essential that the government acknowledges the voices of the people of the southeast and addresses their concerns in a constructive manner.

Residents facing threats everyday:

“Amidst the conflict, the people of southeast Nigeria are bearing the brunt of the crisis, facing threats to their safety, livelihoods, and basic human rights and from our observation, the Federal government of Nigeria is nonchalant about the plight of citizens in the southeast.

” Reports of human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests have raised alarm bells both within the country and on the international stage. The need to protect the civilian population and uphold their fundamental rights is paramount in any efforts to restore peace and stability to the region.

“The legacy of the Biafra War looms large over southeast Nigeria, shaping its identity and fueling calls for self-determination and autonomy. The scars of the conflict, which claimed the lives of thousands and led to widespread suffering, continue to haunt the region to this day. The memory of the war serves as a reminder of the need to address the root causes of the current crisis and work towards a future of peace, reconciliation, and unity.

“Suppressing discontent Igbo voices, especially from the southeast will not address the Igbo problem in Nigeria. It is the right of citizens to protest, when they feel they are not getting justice and the right to self-determination is a fundamental human right. Late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu reiterated the issue of injustice against Igbos of southeast, during the APC Presidential Primary election when he asked in protest: Where is the justice?

Laments crippling effects of sit-at-home order

“The insecurity and the enforcement of sit-at-home orders have compounded the challenges faced by these vulnerable groups.

“Since May 2021, the educational development of school children in the southeast has been severely hindered. With schools closed every Monday, due to sit-at-home directives, a critical day of learning is consistently lost.

“This systematic disruption to education jeopardizes the future of an entire generation, fostering dissatisfaction and disconnection from the Nigerian state. The implication is that Nigeria is raising a generation of Igbos, who are dissatisfied with being Nigerians. People who may be more fierce than Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafra agitators of today.

“Moreover, indigent women, who rely on daily earnings from market activities, have borne the brunt of the economic consequences of these orders. Monday markets, traditionally pivotal for trade and income generation, have been paralyzed. This has had a cascading effect on household welfare, with many children suffering from inadequate nutrition and care as their mothers struggle to make ends meet.

“In addition, women and girls in times of insecurity face heightened risks of sexual harassment, even from security officials entrusted with protecting them. The southeast has not been spared this tragic reality, further compounding the trauma and vulnerability of women and girls in the region.

“The situation at hand calls for national healing. National healing requires a deeper understanding of each party’s concerns and grievances. In a time marked by heightened tensions and unrest, dialogue and mutual understanding become more vital than ever.

“Dialogue provides a platform for all voices to be heard, fostering empathy and mutual respect. When we listen to each other with an open mind, we can find common ground and move towards reconciliation. Through open and honest discussions, we can bridge the gap between opposing sides and work towards sustainable solutions.

Calls for unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

“The detention of a prominent leader only serves to deepen the wounds of division and mistrust in a society. To overlook the detention and unending trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is to turn a blind eye to the fundamental principles of justice and fairness that should guide our actions.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release is not just a mere request but a necessity for the restoration of peace and stability in southeast Nigeria.

“To move forward as a country, we must embrace open and honest conversations, where all voices are heard and respected. We urge all stakeholders to recognize the urgency of this matter and work towards a resolution that upholds the principles of democracy – truth and reconciliation.

“As we raise our voices in unison for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, let us remember that our demands are not just for one man but for the collective well-being of Igbos in southeast.

“His release signifies a step towards healing and reconciliation, a step towards a future where peace and prosperity can thrive. Together, we are advocating justice, freedom, and a brighter tomorrow in southeast Nigeria.”

Wants all parties to prioritise security, welfare of residents

“In the tumultuous landscape of southeast Nigeria, ensuring the security and welfare of the people must be the paramount concern of all and sundry.

“The ongoing crisis has left many communities vulnerable to violence and instability, threatening the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that both the government and non-state actors come together to safeguard the lives and well-being of individuals in the region. We cannot afford to overlook the basic human rights of our fellow citizens in the pursuit of political agendas or power struggles.

“Amidst the chaos and uncertainty that grips southeast Nigeria, creating a safe and conducive environment for all residents should be our top priority.

“Families are living in fear, unsure of what each day may bring, and this pervasive sense of insecurity only serves to further polarize the country.

” The well-being of the people cannot be compromised or ignored in the face of escalating tensions and unrest. Every individual has the right to feel safe in their own homes and communities, free from the specter of violence and fear.

“By addressing the root causes of insecurity and promoting social welfare initiatives, we can lay the foundation for a more resilient and harmonious southeast Nigeria.”

Makes the following demands

“The federal government, state governments and the non-state actors should prioritize the security and welfare of the people in southeast.

“Unconditional release of mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indegenous people of Biafra, IPOB, remains the panacea to the restoration of peace in the South East.

“The Federal Government should create room for dialogue with the agitators for Biafra and the stakeholders in the southeast.

 

Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.

About The Author