A coalition of pan-Igbo self determination groups –American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self-Determination (ASD) and Rising Sun Foundation (RSF) — has slammed Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over his claim, some days ago, that President Bola Tinubu has integrated Igbos into Nigeria’s mainstream, thus rendering the Biafra agitation unwarranted.
Frowning at such claim, the coalition queried Umahi, who was a governor of Ebonyi State in South-East Nigeria, picking several holes in the Minister’s assertion even as it described him allegedly as a betrayer.
Furthermore, the group tracked back into global history and concluded that the activities of betrayers had not stopped agitations from birthing generally desired realities by those demanding such.
Recall that at an inspection tour of ongoing federal projects across the South-East, Umahi dismissed ongoing agitation for an independent nation of Biafra as no longer necessary because the South-East has been integrated into Nigeria’s critical core by President Tinubu.
Umahi had said: “There will be no need for Biafra again. In the past administration, our people felt very much marginalised and that was the reason some people were agitating for Biafra.
“But I can say today that we are well integrated into the mainstream of the nation, Nigeria.”
The Minister thanked Tinubu, describing the South-East as “comfortable” and “very happy” with his administration.
“We are comfortable with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are very happy with the integration,” he had said.
But, reacting today, in a joint statement, the coalition disagreed with Umahi, even telling him that he lacks powers to speak for the Igbos.
Titled ‘David Umahi Lacks The Powers To Speak For Ndigbo’, the statement, signed by Sylvester Onyia (AVID); Ben Nwankwo (ASD), and Maxwell Dede (RSF), urged the Minister to rather talk for himself and his pocket.
The coalition stated: “Our attention has been drawn to an unguarded statement by Senator David Umahi that Ndigbo should forget Biafra agitation because the Federal Government had addressed all the challenges of Ndigbo.
“We, therefore, wish to remind him that he does not have the mandate to speak for Ndigbo. He should not allocate to himself the powers he does not have. Since he said he does not believe in Biafra, Biafrans also do not believe in traitors like him.
“Nobody is coercing him to join the struggles but he lacks the powers to either speak for the people nor stop the movement.”
Throwing more darts at Umahi, the coalition queried him to respond to some questions, if he was a true believer in Igbo general goodwill, or be listed on the wrong side of history.
Firing off a list of questions, it asked the Minister: “What has the Federal Government or Tinubu’s Government done for Alaigbo?
Since Tinubu became President, what has Alaigbo gained?
“Why is Umuahia-Enugu railway still moribund when Lagos-Kano and Katsina-Niger Republic tracks are functional? Why is the South-East still having only five Ministers with two of them junior Ministers while one state in South-West has four Ministers?
“Is Umahi not aware that there’s no seaport in the South-East while our people are the highest importers in the country? Do we have any functional cargo airport in Igbo land?
“Do we have major federal industries or maritime projects? Other regions have these things. Alaigbo does not.”
Accusing Umahi of being a betrayer, the coalition stated that history is replete with regret by those used and dumped by their hirers.
“We have seen serial betrayers like he who are now living in regrets after being used and dumped by their slave masters.
“Dave Umahi does not speak for Ndi Igbo. He does not speak for Alaigbo. He does not speak for Biafraland. He speaks only for himself — and not even for everyone in Ebonyi State,” the group added.
To the group, it is an insult on the sensibility of Igbos for the Minister to claim that his fellow Igbos are no longer marginalized or now integrated whereas, according to the coalition, the situation on ground reeks of foul odour.
“So when someone like Umahi tries to speak for Ndigbo, we must ask: what exactly is he defending? Why is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu jailed for life when the real terrorists and mass motherers (sic) are freely roaming around and treated with levity?” the group asked.
The coalition claimed that Kanu was imprisoned with British government support “and a few Nigerian politicians like Umahi” who, it alleged, prioritized personal comfort over justice.
“That is why people are angry. That is why people feel betrayed. Anyone who helps to keep Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention is working against the Igbo people. Umahi should realize that saboteurs will always be on the wrong side of history,” the group stated.
‘ Persecution Did Not Stop Israel, Others From Birthing’
Going down history lane, the coalition recalled that during the Jewish persecution in Europe, some Jews denied being Jews to protect themselves, pointing out that their action did not stop the suffering “and it did not stop the creation of Israel in 1948.”
It continued: “So when Umahi denies Biafra today, it is not new. Betrayal by local people has happened before. It has never stopped history. Biafra Is bigger than Umahi.
“The Biafra struggle is not about Umahi. It is not about appointments. It is not about pleasing Abuja.
“It is about justice, dignity, and self-respect. People may try to sabotage it. They will fail.”
Restate Calls For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Position On South-East Violence
Turning to the Kanu matter, the group restated their demand for his immediate release from prison.
The group further blamed Umahi for allegedly been one of the architects behind the formation of Ebube Agu security outfit, which the group fingered for the violence in the South-East.
It stated: “Umahi should not give us reason to suspect he is one of those frustrating Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release. He was among those who created Ebube Agu that brought mayhem to our people. Those who created Ebube Agu should be held accountable for atrocities in Igbo land which are often erroneously blamed on IPOB and ESN.”
