The Changing Shape Of The Southeast -By Ogbole Agala Esq.

When I lived and worked in Enugu, I had the notion that South-Eastern Nigeria was a beautiful place, especially because of her people and the peaceful atmosphere under which we endeavoured to make a living.

Less than five years down the line, the story is entirely different. Activities of IPOB/ESN are changing the shape of the South-East in very undesirable ways.

The IPOB/ESN Sit-at-Home order requires a periodic shut down of all that makes the South-East prosperous in its unique way and capacity. Killings, destruction of properties, and the violation of human rights are visited on folks who act against the order.

In almost exclusive terms, the consequences of the order and other activities of IPOB/ESN are to the detriment of the inhabitants of the area and their properties. Lives are lost, trade and other business activities are disrupted with wanton disregard for law and order. It is inevitable that for a very long time, the palpable fear in the atmosphere will tell negatively on the fulcrum on which the South-East revolves.

What aims do the givers and enforcers of the order seek to achieve? If it is to prove a point to the Federal Government, then one could as well cut off his own legs and wait for another to feel the pain.

What exactly is the view of an everyday South-Easterner on the activities of IPOB/ESN?

No advanced knowledge is required to discern the illegality of the Sit-at-Home order and its enforcement. It is unreasonable and immoral to see these things in positive light, considering the undesirable conditions South-Easterners are being subjected to on account of the illicit actions of a few.

The government has it’s own problems.

While failing to live up to their responsibility pertaining to security of lives and properties in their areas, some governors have threatened to impose sanctions on people and businesses that comply with the order. There’s absolutely no justification for such a move.

The government has a lot of work to do, in a bid to fix the deflated confidence of the people in their capacity to protect. Before the government can justly sanction helpless victims, it must successfuly curb the menace perpetrated by the agents of terror in the area.

While one may identify with some components of the just struggle of the South-East, the violent path taken by a few is absolutely condemnable. The killings of fellow Igbos, restriction of movement, halt and destruction of businesses and other crimes tamper with the sympathies of onlookers.

It is sad to watch a few South-Easterners maiming their own and getting their land soaked with indiginous blood.

There are legitimate ways of addressing all grievances, devoid of violence, bloodshed and destruction. The means to an end is equally as important as the end.