"Elite hypocrisy, elite complicity: the bane of Biafra" - Prof. Chukwuma Soludo

"Elite hypocrisy, elite complicity: the bane of Biafra" - Prof. Chukwuma Soludo

He bestrode the podium with captivating air of erudition. And in the discourse before him he displayed passion and professionalism. He displayed admirable courage, rare honesty and blunt frankness that stunned his wrapped audience. For an hour his listeners sat in awe of naked truth. The setting was Abuja, where were gathered the creme elite of our people. Purpose was the launch of a book written by Prof. Chudi Offodile, and wherein the erudite Prof. Soludo was the reviewer. Both the insight and the book content were to some people an arrow in the heart, and to others, light indicating where a new Republic is being born. Throughout the duration Igbo elites shoved on their seats in quiet unease. Truth was bitter. And Soludo said it all.

The review was almost a chronicle of modern day Nigeria history and in all an invocation to Biafra Resurgem. But since purpose here is not to appraise the book, I have to dwell on Soludo's message and advice to the Igbo elites.

Soludo spoke the mind of Ofodile, who in turn spoke the minds of Biafrans. In all it was a summary message to the out-going Nigeria. Without sounding reservative or apologetic, he first reminded Nigeria that in spite of flagrant display of brute force, that Biafra is not far from us. Rather the wilful action of those who presume to hold Nigeria one by force of arm is rather hastening its apocalypse. Biafra surrender was not a defeat but an agreement to maintain the status-quo ante bellum. Unfortunately, the military high command under the Hausa-Yoruba officers conspired to erase its functional aspects to create the impression of victor-vanquished discrepancy. A way to subordinate Biafra. Here lies the root of our struggle.

Video: Igbo leaders applaud as Soludo calls for immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu. Praises Nnamdi Kanu's "Biafra or Death" philosophy

Over the decades these deprivations have nauseated within the dark recess of the average Biafran. But the irony is that while the Igbo elites speak in whispers, the youths speak in volumes. No doubt, Biafra is a manifest ideology that will remain indestructible. He commended our youthful Biafra spirit and with prophetic confidence reminded Nigeria of the reverberating reality of Biafra Independence.

Soludo has his misgivings for our Abuja politicians who have woefully failed to introduce Biafra Question as a bill. Those who whisper Biafra in their secret chambers but shy from making it a public proclamation. He chided them in their lingering indifference to their children's aspirations. Not forgetting to warn them that time was quite at hand when those who stand neutral of our quest shall be given the Ifeajuna treatment. Consequently, he enjoined our elites to gather and take a queue. They cannot run from it. And none should be an onlooker. Else he is a traitor. (Fanon)

Condemning, Soludo reminded and lamented that this disturbing attitude of the elites and the intelligentsia constitute a square peg to Biafra Question. He message was blunt, that the elites must now begin to discuss Biafra, fearlessly. For in all, aged wisdom is an asset. And to now institute some think-tank to fashion economic blueprint for our new nation. Certain that no earthly force can stop the tune of Biafra Anthem. Citing recent 23rd September stay-at-home success as an incontrovertible testament to Biafra emergence.

Kanu, to him was an unknown quantity, but his arrest not only boiled Biafra determination but has made him a candidate fit for the garland, either as a hero or as a martyr. And that Uwazuruike's incarceration took fear out of the Biafra child. Simply put, that Biafra has become a passion persistently held greedily dear by our people.

He spoke with concern. He spoke with deep passion and concentration. He spoke with conviction. He spoke like one beholding the promised land within few meters distance. He spoke like a chief priest calling back his children to evening sacrifice. He spoke like a shepherd to a flock. He reminded that Biafra population boosts Nigeria's image but denied of its attendant benefits. That Igbo footprints have guaranteed germination to Nigeria seeds, but being treated like an outcast, the option is to go. And go we must.

And the commendable efforts of diaspora Biafra gives this struggle its clear definition. Groups contributions also form substantial part of our determination. Biafra has become a topic in learned circles and can no longer be diminished by Nigeria propagation. Mobilisation, agreement, consensus, collective determination, unity and sincerity of purpose, support from every man and woman, and Biafra becomes obvious. Presently Nigeria shivers at the mention of Biafra.

To him, the option, by way of elitist support is to begin now to pay attention to our economic planning, that, which would give commercial mobility to the entire world. Here he made a beautiful reference to Biafra being the 16th ECOWAS Nation. And that as Uwazuruike few weeks ago said, for Buhari to mention Biafra and Referendum is to say the least, that Biafra has become a world issue.

Indeed no Igbo person can run or shy away from current discourses on Biafra. A clear message to all, the elites, the intelligentsia and particularly to Nigeria. Thus no one should be in doubt of Biafra. In effect we fearlessly enjoin both BIAFRA VOICE INTERNATIONAL and RADIO BIAFRA LONDON, to up the tempo, unrelenting. For Biafra is here with us. To God, be the glory.

Ikenna Obibi Egeonu.