I believe in and support the right of peoples all over the world, including here in Nigeria, to seek self determination . It is a natural right that is recognised in international law.
That is why when Nnamdi Kanu was arrested by the Nigerian State for seeking to assert this natural right, I was against the arrest . I felt, and I still feel, that anybody, or any group of persons, has the right to canvass for the actualisation of the right to self determination.
But there is one troubling issue. To lay any claim to Statehood in international Law, the territory seeking to be a state must have a clearly defined boundary . ‘Clearly defined boundary” is in the very definition of ‘State’ (Country). It is a fundamental feature of a State.
I used to think I have a fair knowledge of “Biafra land” until I recently watched a video of Mr. Kanu in a Channels Tv interview. He said that Edo is not part of “Biafra land” but that Benue is a crucial part. In fact, in a recent Vanguard newspaper interview, the IPOB leader stated that the government of Nigeria was willing to let him have Biafra without Benue, but he refused to go without Benue. I became confused.
When did Benue join the map of Biafra land? Why Benue? What is the connection? Is it ancestral or ethnic or food chain connection? When was it decided for Benue to be part of Biafra land. Are Benue people aware of this? Was there a consultation? Who tweaks the map?
As I stated earlier, the issue of a clearly defined territory is very crucial in relation to Statehood. It has to be clearly defined. Without such, the international community will not take it seriously. And you can not talk of the realisation of Biafra or any new country without the support of the international community.
So, it is imperative that this issue is addressed and discussed seriously.
Is “Biafra land” only the 5 South East States? Is it the 5 Igbo States plus ALL the South South States? Does it exclude Edo? Does it include Akwa Ibom and Cross River States? Is Bayelsa State included? How about Rivers and Delta States? Does it seriously include Benue in Northern Nigeria?
These are the matters that should first be determined before a referendum, because it is only a clearly defined territory that will decide where the referendum would take place.
And without a clearly defined territory, the issue of a new State can not be taken seriously.
