By Chinonso Alozie, Owerri

The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement, IBN, on Sunday described the Biafra ideology of 1967-1970 as no longer viable.

The Spokesperson of the IBN, Chukwunonso Edoziuno, made this known in a statement to newsmen in Owerri.

Their reason was because of the reluctance and delay tactics of the South-South region in joining the Biafra struggle. It suggested a change in strategy in the struggle for the Biafra Republic.

Explaining further, the pro-Biafra group said: “We, the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination, unequivocally reiterate that the Biafra of 1967-1970 is no longer viable for self-determination. The socio-political landscape has drastically changed, and it is essential to acknowledge these transformations for those who are hard of hearing to finally move forward.

“Our position is clear: mixing the South-East and the South-South/Niger Delta regions for the restoration of Biafra is fundamentally flawed and detrimental. Each former component nation must forge its own path, respecting the distinct historical and cultural identities that have evolved since the civil war. It is imperative that we, as a community, shed the remnants of colonial mentality that perpetuate the imposition of a singular Biafra ideology on reluctant and discontented partners.

“We pose a critical question to our detractors, particularly those from the Igbo segment of Biafra: why is the Abonema annual celebration of the defeat of Biafra still ongoing? Why are Niger Deltans still declaring that they are not part of Biafra? And by the way, why was there no widespread observance of the Biafra Memorial Day on the 30th of May in the South-South region? The silence on this issue speaks volumes. We challenge you to either provide substantive answers or to acknowledge reality and cease further romanticization of a unified Biafra.

“We urge the overzealous Igbo youth to seek answers from the Igbo elders who witnessed the war. These elders hold the keys to understanding the complex historical relationships between the Niger Delta Republic and the Biafra Republic. Questions about why the Niger Delta Republic was short-lived shortly before Biafra’s declaration, the unchallenged Nigerian invasion from the Niger Delta axis against Biafra, and the abandoned property saga need to be addressed. These issues highlight the profound and possibly irreconcilable differences that must be acknowledged for any meaningful progress.”

“Finally, knowing what we know now, the restoration of Biafra of 1967-1970 is a historical relic that no longer serves our aspirations for self-determination due to the South-South’s reluctance to commit to the self-determination endeavor. Waiting for the South-South means that the Igbo youth will all die as a result of the delay tactics of the South-South,” they stated.