BIAFRA: THE EXODUS (LIKE THE JEWS, LIKE THE IBOs)

Looking into the recent happenings in Nigeria, West Africa concerning the issue of a group known as Biafra (mainly consisting of Igbos) seeking to exist on their own as an independent nation. The country has been in a state of chaos following the intimidation being carried out on the Biafrans that is leading to their agitation to break out and be an independent country.

Below is a speech by a grieved Biafran who opens up on the issue and he was just on point from start to the finish.

The recent happenings in our country paints a perfect picture of the stories we read in the holy book especially as regards the ordeal and exodus of the Jews from the land of their oppressors.
The Genesis of this historic event is traced to the decision of the brothers of Joseph to sell him out into slavery. The actions of the brothers of Joseph were engendered by their hatred and envy of their father's favourite son who had big dreams. Little did they know that they were about to thwart the destiny of a great Nation.

The little Joseph rose to prominence in the land of Egypt as a result of his abilities to dream and interpret dreams. After a long while, and by divine arrangements, he was reconnected and reconciled to his brothers and family.

The family of Joseph as a result of famine and hunger were forced to settle in a alien land where Joseph was Prime Minister at that time.

Joseph's family not only settled but they also became too comfortable in a strange land, forgetting that one day a Pharoah who does not know God and the story behind their migration may likely emerge. Well, things began to turn sour when the Pharoah who did not know God finally emerged.

Suddenly, pleasure turned to pressure. Princes where turned to slaves. And then there was a sudden clamour for freedom.

The situation we find ourselves presently is very similar to what happened in those days.

Our Colonial masters out of their interest brought together various nations to live as one. People who have different Language, culture, religion, behaviour and way of life. In fact people who have no common ground. Most times I wonder what was the rational behind there actions? Were they not aware that its impossible for Water and Oil to mix no matter what is done to it?

Am also reminded of a statement credited to the late Tafawa Balewa in 1953 and I quote
"Since the amalgamation of the southern and northern provinces in 1914, Nigeria has existed as one country only on paper. It is still far from being united. The country is inhabited by people and tribes who speak different languages; who have different religions; different customs and traditions; and entirely different historical backgrounds, and their way of life, and who have also gained different stages of development..."



The most painful part of this story is that our Northern Neighbours have always lived with the consciousness that we are far from being united. They have always traded with caution. Really, how many of them have landed properties in the South. Unfortunately, the same can not be said of Ibos. They have comfortably settled in the north. Forgetting that it is wrong to plant flowers in a rented apartment.

I do not want to dwell so much talking about the Unity of the Nation, however it is becoming clear that we are far from being United. With the level of victimisation and oppression the Ibos have suffered and continued to suffer, It is eminent that something needs to be done to liberate the Ibo race from her modern day slavery.

Lets also not be quick to forget that Pharoah was not eager to let Gods people go until his land was plagued. Now do we need a prophet to tell us that a great plaque has suddenly come upon our land. Let me quickly draw your attention to this with these few questions;

1. Why is it that nothing seems to work in the Land?

2. Why is it that the Land has never had Peace? Its been one restiveness to the other.

3.Why is it that the diverse resources we are blessed with does not amount to any hope for a meaningful life for the masses.

All these could be pointers that God is saying "Pharoah Let my people go".

God also hardened the heart of Pharoah in order to work out his plan. Has God also hardened the heart of the Pharoah of our time?

If the recent threats by the Arewa Youths is something to reckon with, then the Igbos need not stand at ease in Zion talk more of standing at ease in Babylon.

The level of recognition and acceptance the activities of IPOB have recorded recently is also a pointer that a new chapter of freedom is looming.

Nevertheless, I am not an advocate of division, in fact I feel we have greater potentials being together. However, this great entity needs to be restructured to give everyone a voice including the minutest minority. If that is not the case then, an Exodus is inevitable.


Wilfred E. Okeke