Written by Fafa Maintain Edited by Oge Izuwa For Abia state media Why I Described the Nigerian Government as a "Crocodile-Calculated...
Written by Fafa Maintain
Edited by Oge Izuwa
For Abia state media
Why I Described the Nigerian Government as a "Crocodile-Calculated Bridge Risk"
Nigeria has become a country where bandits freely roam the streets, killing and humiliating innocent citizens. Yet, the government remains indifferent, refusing to declare a state of emergency in the affected regions. In stark contrast, the president has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision highlights the glaring injustice in how crises are handled across Nigeria.
I have witnessed instances where Boko Haram and bandits have seized control of entire states in northern Nigeria. Despite the gravity of these situations, the government has consistently failed to declare a state of emergency in these areas. However, when minor incidents occur in the southeast or south-south regions, the president quickly imposes emergency measures. This disparity is a grave injustice that cannot be ignored.
Since the insurgency began in northern Nigeria, no state of emergency has ever been declared there. Yet, when a peaceful protest erupted in 2020 during the #EndSARS movement, the Nigerian government responded with brutal force. Innocent citizens, including Igbo youths, were killed. One notable case is that of Kelechi Godlove, who went missing after covering the peaceful protests at the Onions Market in Aba. To this day, no one knows his whereabouts.
This year alone, countless villages have been attacked by assailants attributed to Fulani herdsmen, killing innocent citizens. Yet, President Ahmed Tinubu has never declared a state of emergency against these violent acts. Why is this injustice tolerated?
The situation in Rivers State underscores the imbalance. The president removed an elected governor and imposed a military administration, undermining the democratic process. This blatant disregard for democracy and justice demands international attention. I urge world powers, including the United Nations, to intervene on behalf of Rivers State. Injustice against one region is an injustice against all.
Furthermore, political elites in Nigeria are complicit in the nation's unrest. They sponsor groups like Boko Haram and bandits, fueling violence across states. Innocent citizens, such as Mr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu, have been victims of state-sponsored abductions. Emmanuel was taken from his Aba residence on June 8, 2021, for advocating for self-determination, a right enshrined in Nigeria's laws and the United Nations Charter. Despite numerous attempts, no one has been able to access or hear from him.
Other individuals, like Comrade Michael Ukpia, who the Rapid Response Squad abducted in May 2021, and Mazi Tochukwu Ibeneme, who was taken by security forces in July 2021, remain in detention without trial. We demand their unconditional release or their presentation in court. The case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu highlights the lengths to which the Nigerian government will go to suppress dissent. His kidnapping from Kenya and continued detention only deepened the unrest. We call for his immediate release.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The blatant injustices, human rights abuses, and political manipulation cannot continue unchecked. Biafra stands united in demanding justice and the protection of innocent citizens. It is time for the international community, reputable human rights organizations, and leaders like President Donald Trump to hold the Nigerian government accountable.
In Biafra, we stand.
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