It is becoming increasingly disturbing to observe that the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), whilst expressing their rights of freedom of expression, movement and association, as provided for in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), have without provocation continued to scratch the sensibilities of the peaceful people of Rivers State.
When they are not demonstrating and protesting on the streets, they are celebrating the electoral victory of a faraway American President or planning to host the World Igbo Congress in Port Harcourt.
Latest is the unprovoked attack on some law-abiding residents of the ever busy city of Oyigbo, located at the boundary of Rivers and Abia States. In the process, businesses were disrupted, houses and shops were burnt and from available records, two or three people were killed. What is the meaning of all these? Definitely, this is not the way to self-determination or secession.
For the avoidance of all doubts, Rivers State has never and will never be part of their dream Biafra Republic. In expressing their desire, they must restrict themselves to the confines of the South-East Zones and the Nigerian Constitution.
There is an age-long Ikwerre adage that says, “He who wants to be mad, should be mad in his own home”. The boundaries of the states of the Federation are clearly defined by the Nigerian Constitution.
As neighbours, we have enjoyed unparalleled peace and respected each other over the years. The continued disrespect shown to the citizens of Rivers State by the activities of IPOB, seems to indicate that our mutual respect for peaceful co-existence as neighbours is now being taken for granted by a handful of youths who do not enjoy the full support of the well-meaning citizens of the South-East Zone and indeed Abia State.
Some of us witnessed the glory and despicable scenes of the last Nigerian Civil War (1967-70), and so we would not wish the present generation of citizens to experience same.
Wholeheartedly, I endorse the statemanly broadcast of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, when he said, “The Abia State Government unequivocally states that Abia is a component State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subscribes to the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws”. We should therefore respect the individuality of States of the Federation and their citizens. A stitch in time saves nine.
Andrew Uchendu, OON,
Senator-elect representing Rivers East Senatorial District.
