Elder statesman Dr. Chike Obidigbo has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity in the Southeast, describing celebrations over the reported arrest of Simon Ekpa as a dangerous distraction.
Obidigbo accused the government of double standards and failing to address the root causes of unrest in the region.
He referred to Ekpa, the leader of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), as a product of ongoing injustice.
In a statement to the media on Tuesday, Obidigbo expressed his disappointment.
He lamented that, despite the end of Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over a year ago, President Bola Tinubu’s government continues to play political games with Southeast security issues.
Obidigbo argued that official neglect, criminality, and a lack of seriousness are fueling despair in the region.
He criticized the Federal Government for “chasing shadows” instead of addressing core problems.
“The government is ignoring the most potent causes of social unrest,” he said.
Obidigbo decried the killing of youths in the region.
He described the reported “neutralization” of young people, including civilians and security personnel, as a tragic loss of future leaders.
“The announcement of these deaths is treated as an achievement instead of a tragedy,” he lamented.
Obidigbo stressed that injustice against the Igbo people is a longstanding issue.
“Fifty-four years after the civil war, the government still behaves as though unfair treatment is a reminder that the Igbo lost,” he said.
He noted that the echoes of Biafra from young people today reflect their frustration with the continued marginalization.
Obidigbo criticized Nigeria’s democracy, saying it undermines the rule of law, especially when it comes to Igbo rights.
“Nigeria claims to be a democracy but denies the Igbo freedom of choice and fundamental rights,” he stated.
He highlighted that many Igbo believe in the spiritual significance of Biafra.
“If one leader falls, others will rise,” he warned.
Obidigbo also pointed out that while Simon Ekpa’s arrest was celebrated, his successor, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, immediately took charge.
“This shows the failure of Igbo political leadership,” he said.
He accused Igbo leaders of selfishness and being disconnected from their people.
Obidigbo expressed frustration over the double standards in handling secessionist movements.
He argued that people from other ethnic groups advocating for Nigeria’s breakup face no repercussions.
“So, why is Nnamdi Kanu’s case different?” he asked.
Obidigbo emphasized that political and economic marginalization of the Southeast is driving youth agitation.
He said young people are justified in questioning the status quo and calling for a separate homeland or a referendum.
“Referendum is a legitimate civic right,” he argued.
He questioned why Kanu was kidnapped and forcibly brought back to Nigeria instead of being engaged through legal means.
“When the court ruled for his release, the government refused,” Obidigbo noted.
He described this as a “might-is-right” approach.
Obidigbo explained that Simon Ekpa’s rise was a reaction to the injustice faced by the Igbo.
He criticized the government’s approach to insecurity, stating that it only addresses symptoms and not the cause.
“Not every Igbo agrees with Ekpa’s methods, but they all feel the injustice,” he said.
Obidigbo pointed out that the popular sit-at-home protests in the Southeast reflect widespread dissatisfaction.
He called for an end to the use of force and for dialogue to resolve the issues.
Obidigbo argued that releasing Nnamdi Kanu would be a significant step toward restoring peace.
“The funds used to pursue Ekpa’s arrest should have been invested in meaningful projects,” he suggested.
He questioned the effectiveness of Igbo political leaders in addressing these issues.
“The popularity of sit-at-home protests shows a disconnect between leaders and the people,” he said.
Obidigbo dismissed the idea that political appointments, such as that of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, could ease tensions.
“Igbo unity is based on fairness, not individuals,” he emphasized.
He compared the Igbo’s resilience to a saying: “When a wooden idol misbehaves, it will be discarded.”
Obidigbo concluded that the root cause of insecurity in the Southeast is injustice.
He warned that without addressing this, unrest would continue.
“The cycle will produce new leaders until justice prevails,” he said.
