Biafra Is No Threat For Nigeria - Igwe Nwokedi

Igwe Alex Nwokedi, the Uthopo na Eze Achalla, Anambra state, in the interview granted to the Vanguard has shared his views on the calls for Biafra.

Nwokedi was a press secretary to the head of state during the military regime of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He also served in the same capacity during the early days of Alhaji Shehu Shagari administration.

Obasanjo was an active participant in the Nigeria/Biafra war in support of the Nigerian military effort to defeat Biafra.

The civil war which occurred from 1967 to 1970 was an attempt by some states to break away from Nigeria and establish an independent Biafra state.

A veteran journalist was speaking on the brewing agitation for Biafra in his part of Nigeria.

He said: “General Yakubu Gowon, in one of his published interviews, spoke well when he said he was surprised that people could be talking about Biafra over 40 years after the matter had been resolved.

“Owelle Rochas Okorocha, a respected governor of the people, of course, has also spoken like a patriotic Nigeria when he counselled that Igbo should stop hating other Nigerians. That comment credited to him gives a good perspective on the Igbo people of this country.  Igbo people are loving people but we should talk about what unites us than talking about what divides us.

“I have read a lot about the so-called agitation for Biafra and I even read something about people who said they wanted to secede from Nigeria and become Oduduwa country. Biafra and Afenifere are no threat to the unity of Nigeria.

“So, as far as I am concerned, we should talk more about what unites us than what divides us.  I am more concerned about the need to develop all the regions of Nigeria.  I am concerned about the need for government both at federal and state levels to collaborate and bring physical development  to all parts of the country. It is sad, for instance, that Enugu-Awka-Onitsha Road is not motorable.”