Human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called on the Ndigbo to reflect on Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy and the two-year mark of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He argues that democracy should be more than just slogans and elections, needing to address the marginalized and oppressed, not just the elite. Ejiofor stresses the importance of questioning whether the current democratic environment truly benefits the people of the South-East and the urgent need for action to reclaim dignity peacefully.
In a recent statement, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a human rights lawyer and legal representative for the Indigenous People of Biafra, urged the Ndigbo community to engage in some serious reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey. He highlighted that as Nigeria commemorates 25 years of democracy and two years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the time has come to truly reckoned, rethink, and reawaken their stance.
Ejiofor pointed out that democracy should extend beyond mere elections and slogans. It ought to respond to the needs of the marginalized and oppressed, rather than simply serving the interests of the elite. He expressed disillusionment about the current situation, saying that the representatives supposed to safeguard the populace have often become agents of oppression and suppression.
This reflection, he suggested, is particularly pressing for the Igbo nation. In a document titled, “25 years of civil rule, two years into a new dispensation: A time to reckon, rethink, and reawaken – From a Biafran Lens,” published on Monday, Ejiofor articulated that the time isn’t for celebration, but for profound analysis. He emphasized that the struggles of democracy must be confronted, especially how it has routinely marginalized voices seeking justice and self-determination.
The lawyer raised several critical questions. He asked whether the benefits of democracy have genuinely reached the people of Alaigbo, whether they feel safe or persecuted, and if their communities in the South-East are empowered or under military and economic pressure. He lamented the rising difficulties faced by traders and youth, pointing to the many failed promises that seem to have taken root in society.
Ejiofor criticized the economic policies that, in his view, seem to hinder the progress of Ndigbo rather than facilitate it. He painted a stark picture of the reality faced by those living in the South-East, where state-sponsored violence and growing insecurity threaten daily safety. He noted that peace has sadly become a privilege that many cannot access.
Addressing the pervasive issue of fear generated by those sworn to protect the public, he insisted that true democracy must acknowledge the rights of all communities without exclusivity. He demanded that every region, tribe, and tongue be respected within the framework of a fair and just federation.
“Is Nigeria a union of equal nations, or merely a forced marriage?” he asked, contemplating whether unity can ever exist without the foundation of justice and truth. According to him, it is essential for democracy to answer the cries of marginalized groups, such as the Biafrans, seeking recognition and the right to shape their own future.
He urged for a shift towards values that raise voices, demanding rights and dignity for every constituent. Emphatically, he remarked that the fear of suppressing the truth could doom democracy.
Ejiofor concluded by emphasizing that the Ndigbo must not remain passive. He reminded them that remembering June 12 means acknowledging the cost of silence and insisting on a federation founded on equity. He urged perseverance in the Biafran journey, asserting that it’s a pursuit influenced by choice, not chance, and called to ensure that the voice of Biafra is never silenced.
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s statement serves as a clarion call for the Ndigbo to engage in self-reflection as Nigeria celebrates significant milestones in its democratic journey. He argues that true democracy must prioritize the voices of the marginalized, urging the Igbo nation to confront and challenge injustices. Ejiofor emphasizes the necessity of peaceful organization to reclaim dignity and insists that the pursuit of fairness and truth is crucial for a functioning democracy.
Original Source: punchng.com
