Leaders representing Yoruba and Igbo nations have announced a joint plan to begin the peaceful separation of their regions from Nigeria, citing decades of political instability, corruption, ethnic and religious tensions, insecurity and recurring poor governance since the country’s 1914 amalgamation.
During a virtual meeting held in Atlanta, USA on Thursday, the leaders finalised and released the resolution under the banner of the Coalition for De?Amalgamation and Security (CODES).
The session was led by Prof. Banji Akintoye, leader of the Oduduwa (Yoruba) self-determination movement; Architect George Akinola and Dr Kayode Emola, both deputy leaders of the Yoruba self-determination movement (YSDM).
Representing Igbo interests were Mazi Tony Nwisi, Chairman of Igbo Global Network–IPOB, alongside Mazi Emmanuel Kanu, Mazi Ositadimma Igenu, and Prof. Chinedu Agbodike.
In their joint declaration, the leaders said that since the 1914 amalgamation, “our people have not known peace,” and described the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe.”
“The Nigerian imbroglio has gone beyond genocide and should be recognised globally as a humanitarian catastrophe,” they said
The declaration set out a detailed roadmap for self-determination. Both communities will begin implementing the process of separation and produce draft constitutions for the Yoruba (Oduduwa) and Igbo (Biafra) regions within the next 90 days.
“We shall formally submit our constitutions to responsible governments and international organisations, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and parliaments across the world,” they said.
The leaders emphasised the need to secure prosperity and well-being for their people, adding that: “We affirm our resolve to give our people happiness and a future in their ancestral homelands, where they can pursue the good life and secure for themselves and their children a sustainable future.“
Attention was also given to members of the diaspora, noting, “We desire for our people in the diaspora to be able to return home to their ancestral roots where God has placed them, without fear of losing life, limbs or property.
Security concerns were cited as a key reason for the proposed separation, pointing out that: “The only solution that can guarantee the safety and sustainable security of the constituent regions within Nigeria is a complete and total dissolution of the country,” highlighting that clear borders would limit the movement of extremist groups.
The declaration drew on historical precedents, noting that the peaceful dissolution of multi-ethnic states such as the former Yugoslavia had helped resolve long-standing conflicts.
The leaders pledged to “emplace a fair and just society devoid of oppression by the Nigerian parasitic elite and political class.”
They called on the international community to support a peaceful, democratic process for de-amalgamation.
“We urge all nations and global institutions to back a fair and peaceful path for the de-amalgamation of Nigeria and extricate the entrapped indigenous peoples from decades of religious bigotry, intolerance, genocide, bad governance, kleptocracy and enduring underdevelopment,” they said.
—-Kunle Bakare
Dear Readers, Good and credible news reportage is tedious task and requires huge finances.
We are soliciting your Noble support for as low as N1,000 your support would go a long way in assisting us to continue to guarantee our readers quality news.
Bank transfers can be made to:
Account Name: Harvest and Commercial
Bank: Sterling Bank
Account Number: 0078627735