Buhari, Obiano prepare for war; militarize Biafraland

Buhari, Obiano prepare for war; militarize Biafraland

By Chimaobi Okafor

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has aligned with Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari to prepare Nigeria for another war with Biafra, as Onitsha is filled with troops from the Nigerian Army. This was the perception of many Biafrans in Onitsha yesterday as they saw more troops being transported into the city in more than five trucks, and escorted by two armoured vehicles. Many of the troops were kitted with bullet proof vests, armed to the teeth and molesting innocent civilians.
They soldiers were pouring into the city from Enugu and were blocking the roads, causing traffic jam as they searched passersby, extorting money from them. They threatened passersby to raise their hands above their heads before they could go past them. They claimed that IPOB had blocked the roads in the past days that it was their turn to block the road.

As they searched the people, those without money on them where told to seat on the floor, amongst them girls and the aged. For the younger ones, they were asked to lie down in gutters full of foul water and to “Pick a Pin”. “Pick a pin” is a painful posture of standing on one leg, keeping one finger on the ground, and pushing the free leg backwards – away from the body. It is the belief of many Biafrans who spoke to Biafra Media Group that the Nigerian government, in deploying more troops to Biafraland, was reacting to an ultimatum given to it by a worldwide group, the Organisation of Emerging African States (OEAS). In a statement the organisation released on December 4, the group said: “Today the people of Biafra are locked in an emerging struggle with the Nigeria federal government, the inevitable result of which will be self-determination for Biafra. Unfortunately the Nigerian government has resorted to summary execution and detention of Biafran patriots. The situation will surely escalate unless immediate action is taken.”
The group went on to make demands:

1. Immediate release from jail of Biafra Zionist Movement, MASSOB,  IPOB and Radio Biafra supporters including Benjamin Onwuka and Nnamdi Kanu.
2. All federal military and police forces to stand down and return to their barracks.
3. A snap referendum on Biafran self-determination to be held within 90 days with OEAS, UNPO, and nonaligned observers supervising the balloting process.
OEAS then warned: “Failure to meet these demands will undoubtedly result in civil strife as non-violent Biafran protestors pay with their blood for their chance at independence. Regardless of what measures the Nigerian federal government may take, the die is cast for independence and Biafrans will not be deterred.”
Biafrans believe the Nigerian government has chosen not to honour the demands, and therefore elected to militarize Onitsha in particular and Biafraland in general, in readiness for any eventuality from OEAS.