Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a human rights lawyer, urges the Ndigbo to reflect critically on Nigeria’s democracy as the nation marks 25 years of civil rule. He emphasizes the need for the community to reassess their status and dignity, highlighting issues of oppression and marginalization. Ejiofor calls for peaceful and organized efforts to reclaim rights and bolster voices in the fight for justice and equality.
In a recent statement, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a prominent human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, urged the Ndigbo to engage in serious reflection on Nigeria’s democratic history. With the country marking 25 years of civil rule and the second year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he emphasized the need for the Igbo community to reassess their position and aspirations within the nation long overshadowed by elites.
Ejiofor stressed that democracy should go beyond just elections and campaign slogans; it must address the needs of marginalized groups and not merely serve the ambitions of the powerful. He made these observations in a statement titled “25 Years of Civil Rule, Two Years Into a New Dispensation: A Time to Reckon, Rethink, and Reawaken – From a Biafran Lens,” which was issued to the press in Awka, Anambra State, on Monday.
According to Ejiofor, individuals in power are increasingly seen as instruments of oppression rather than protectors of the populace. He believes that the Nigerian state cannot advance while many of its most energetic citizens are left unsupported. “Now is not the time to remain passive; we must think, organize, and reclaim our dignity through peaceful and lawful means,” he urged.
He posed several critical questions, reflecting on the state of democracy in Nigeria. “Are the benefits of democracy truly reaching the Igbo? Do our communities in the southeast feel safe or vulnerable?” Ejiofor noted that many Biafrans are struggling to stay afloat amidst economic challenges and state actions he believes are detrimental to their progress. “With each rise in fuel prices and economic turmoil, are our youth and traders flourishing or merely surviving?” he queried, highlighting the dire situation facing many.
Moreover, he pointed out that the people of the South-East, from Orlu to Aba, are grappling with state-sponsored violence and growing insecurity, suggesting this environment makes peace feel like a luxury. Ejiofor expressed disappointment, stating, “Democracy does not exist when those who are meant to protect the public evoke fear rather than safety.”
Throughout his statement, he provocatively debated whether Nigeria is a true union of equals or just a one-sided arrangement benefiting certain regions at the expense of others. He called for a reevaluation of terms like justice and unity, questioning if harmony can exist without accountability. “Democracy must respond to the outcry of people, particularly the Biafrans, allowing them the agency to forge their path if necessary,” he said passionately.
In closing, Ejiofor encouraged the Igbo to rise and reclaim their voices, stressing the importance of not passing the silence of oppression onto future generations. He stated emphatically, “To honor the memory of June 12 is to recognize the cost of inaction and to advocate for a fair and just federation, or the liberty to create our own. Let the voice of Biafra resound, as this journey is determined not by chance, but by choice,”.
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s call for reflection among the Ndigbo comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s democratic journey. As the nation marks significant milestones in its civil governance, he emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths about democracy’s accessibility and fairness, particularly for marginalized groups like the Biafrans. His plea for organized action resonates with broader calls for justice, equality, and renewed agency within the community.
Original Source: punchng.com
