Ndigbo needs level playing ground to operate, not neo-colonialism – Biafra Nationalists

The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movements, on Saturday, said the South East region needed a level playing ground to operate in Nigeria.

Mazi Uche Mefor, who is the convener of the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movements, disclosed this to Vanguard about the challenges of the Igbos.

He blamed the troubles of the people of the South East region on the alleged Political and economic manipulations, he tagged as “neo-colonialism” against the Igbos by the Nigeria government.

According to Mefor, “Within the intricate fabric of Nigerian politics and socio-economic dynamics, the South-East area occupies a crucial position, marked by a history of oppression and ongoing marginalization. In spite of Nigeria’s claimed progress towards democracy and equality, the treatment of the South-East region still reflects the remnants of neo-colonialism(internally and presently being perpetuated by a blackman’s inhumanity against his fellow blackman), maintaining structural inequities and suppressing the ambitions of millions Igbo-Biafrans whose ancestral home is the present South-East region.

“The path forward demands a paradigm shift in the corridors of power, characterized by a commitment to dismantling the structures of oppression and fostering a climate of genuine inclusivity. In the annals of history, the treatment of the South-East will serve as a litmus test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice and equality. Nigeria must now transcend its colonial history, abandon neo-colonialist tendencies, and embrace a future that fosters and honours the ambitions of all its diverse population.”

“In reality and to be frank in the circumstances, the Igboman does not need help and handouts, he only needs a level-playing ground to operate but the deliberate political and economic manipulations of the Nigerian state have consistently targeted and singled out the Igbo economic interests for total strangulation. Yet, it is the resilience and the indomitable Igbo spirit that sustain them in the midst of challenges being encountered in the Nigerian state.

“In conclusion, the neo-colonialist undertones in Nigeria’s decision to restrict the South-East to only five states demand scrutiny and reflection. This deliberate move to target the economic interests of the Igbos raises questions about the nation’s commitment to equality, justice, and the principles of democracy. It is a call to action, urging stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative efforts to dismantle the barriers that impede the political, economic, and social growth of the South-East,”Mefor said.