Ndi Igbo has right to self-determination as last resort – Pro-Igbo group

A separatist group, Igbo-Biafra Nationalists, IBN, has said the Igbo region has the right to self-determination as a last resort to address the issue of marginalization.

The convener of the group, Uche Mefor, made this disclosure in a statement on Thursday in Owerri.

The group based its argument on what it described as the culture of discrimination, suppression, underrepresentation and marginalization of the Southeast region in the political arrangement of Nigeria.

“We, the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists (IBN) and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination (IPINS) will continue to insist and make case that the Southeast region has a legitimate right and justification for self-determination, potentially including remedial secession from Nigeria as a last resort on account of deliberate and systematic policy or culture of discrimination, suppression, underrepresentation and marginalization of the South-East region or the IgboNation in the Nigerian political arrangement.

”This argument is rooted in the principles of equality, justice, and the resolution of historical grievances, political representation and the demand for equality and justice,” Mefor said.

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Mefor, who charged political representatives from the Southeast region to actively demand equality and justice from the Nigerian state, said they must articulate their demands clearly and boldly, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

“These representatives must demonstrate unwavering resolve in their pursuit of these objectives, making it clear that their demands are non-negotiable and must be addressed promptly and adequately.

“Should the Nigerian state fail to resolve the historical grievances and persistent injustices faced by the Igbo nation, the South-East region must be prepared to embark on a path of “democratic secession. This would involve seeking both economic and political autonomy from the rest of Nigeria,” he added.