By Anukam EBENEZER.
IN the light of the upcoming Oct 1st celebrations, to mark 60 years since the Nation gained independence from colonial rule, notable ethnic and social organizations within the nation have plans underway to stage contrary actions amidst the celebrations and festivities.
For the organizations signifying their intentions to protest, the current current socio-economic and political situation of the nation is not totally desirable, hence the need to stage actions on such an important day to make their grieviances known both to the government and the general public.
Such groups include the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), the OODUA republic movement and the Revolution now movement.
Ahead of its planned mass action, the leader of the IPOB movement, Nnamdi Kanu mandated members of the movement to sit-at-home on October 1. In a statement signed by Emma powerful, the media and publicity secretary to Kanu, the IPOB leader said ;
‘’we the global movement of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wishes to announce to all our Biafrans, friends of Biafra and all lovers of freedom all over the world that Biafrans across the globe shall observe sit-at-home in Biafraland and where permissible, in the diaspora, join our Yoruba brethren agitating for oduduwa republic, in public protests to mark the October 1st 2020″.
We are a people that can never be obliterated from the surface of this earth’’. In the light of this, as at the time of the speech, plans were already underway for mass actions ahead of October 1st” the statement read in part.
The IPOB has been calling for a referendum with an emphasis that a Biafra nation will serve their purpose better.
In a related development, the OODUA republic movement have stated their intention to stage actions on October 1st– initially reported to be in form of protests to lament the structure of the nation which they say sectionalizes some ethnic groups in favour of others, the political and economic instability in the nation and also voice of for secession of the Oduduwa republic from the federation.
The IPOB had initially stated that the sit-at-home will also take place in parts of the south west where agitation for oduduwa republic reverberates, as well as abroad.
Also, a diasporas group, Yoruba one voice (YOV) said its proposed self-determination rally entitled: ’oodua republic’ to sensitize the ethnic nationality globally remains intact. Its director of communications, Zachaeus Somorin confirmed the body’s preparedness yesterday. ‘’the rally is to sensitize the world on the need to liberate Yoruba race from the shackles of bondage’ ’ he said.
Meanwhile, the revolution now movement has already been at the centre of discussion nationwide. On the social media, the movement is gaining ground as the platform continues to woo Nigerians to participate in the planned protests to lament the state of the nation. The leader of the movement, Omoyele sowore, speaking on his twitter handle stated, whilst replying to Nigerian rapper Burna boy, who stated that there are ulterior motives to the protest, noted that “ no schemes, just telling you that because there are lots of comparisons and mannerisms, but there is a need for CHARACTER of the Fela that stands for social-political justice because you have professed these when its artistically convenient! I do hope you will join us” he tweeted. He said this while trying to woo the popular musician to join the movement.
The trend of these movements have not really gone down so well with the federal government who see these actions as ways to disrupt the unity of the country and cause instability.
The government has continued to clamp down of such contrary actions in times past.
The federal government has stated on so many occasions that it will not condone moves for secession by any section of the nation and believes in the unity of the nation.
In view of the theme of the October 1st celebrations which centers on ‘unity’ , it is clear the government will take a strong stand against whatever stands as a tool to disintegrate.
However, it remains to be seen what concerted actions the government will take in reaction to these planned mass Actions.
