IPOB’s sit-at-home and lessons

 IPOB’s sit-at-home and lessons

The agitations for a separate state by the various regions have always been premised on the feelings of regional neglect, resource control and the need for the devolution of powers. Apart from this, no one has claimed to be uncomfortable in the union of an indivisible Nigeria especially when there is an equal opportunity, equity and justice, although, these things may have varied interpretations and meanings to different people.

Right from the time of Isaac Adaka Boro, the civil war and the Araba when the north threated to breakaway, it has always been because people feel that they are not treated fairly under particular regimes. Now, I think there is one thing that these irredentist leaders have ignored: the power of the immense loyalty they enjoy. They’ve never realized the value of the people’s loyalty they command, or maybe how powerful a political tool loyalty can be in mobilisation to score a political goal.

Nnamdi Kanu’s ability to order a stay at home in Igboland and it takes effect says a lot about his control over his people. If this stay at home is done out of loyalty and not fear but of identification with his message and loyalty, then shouldn’t Kanu take this opportunity and command a political control of the entire Igboland through political participation by putting his men as governors, house of representatives members, senate and house of assembly in the next elections?

I believe the questions of resource control which is the core demand of the Biafran agitation can be achieved faster through political action than outright confrontation with the government.

I think the agitations whether by Sunday Igboho, Asari Dokubo or Nnamdi Kanu is lacking in political strategy, ill-timed and causing their followers more harm through direct confrontation. It defers the people’s aspirations and rather gives the ruling party an edge to master their domination strategy.  For instance, during the elections, Kanu ordered his people not to participate in the elections but rather expect a referendum in the Southeast only for him to renege his order on the eve of the elections when the collection of PVC has been concluded. The result of this action was low political participation in the Southeast on the heels of 2019 elections.

Imagine if Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB is the one in charge of the entire Southeast, with five governors, 14 senators and representatives. The voice of his agitations will be louder concerning charting the course for a balanced national development and resource control. If not, then I will suspect that the success of the sit at home is out of sheer intimidation, if it so, then the leaders of the various struggles should re-examine the tenets and need of their movements.