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However, a new group called
the Biafra Zionist
Movement, (BZM) has emerged and is led by Mr. Ben Onwuka. The group recently revived the struggle and
clamour for a sovereign state of Biafra with its recent application to the United Nations, UN, and the African
Union, AU, for the recognition the Republic of Biafra.
In the application dated August 6, 2012,
reference: BZM/OS/Rep of Biafra and addressed to the UN Security Council
through the Secretary General, Dr. Ban Ki Moon, Onwuka is convinced that his
step would bring about the realisation Biafra.
The application read thus:
“We the people of the Republic of Biafra do hereby humbly submit
our Application for Membership of the United Nations as an observer member. Our
application is based on the following two grounds / factors namely:
“It is now abundantly clear
that the security of life and property of the Biafran people are no longer
guaranteed in the entity called Nigeria.
Therefore, the People of
Biafra have resolved that on 5th November 2012, we shall be re-declaring our
independence and opt out of Nigeria in order that we the Biafran people can
protect and guarantee the life and property of our citizens as required by
International Law.
“It is now also very clear
that the right of the Biafran people to peacefully practice their religion and
freedom of association under the United Nations Charter of Freedom of
Association, is no longer safe and guaranteed in the entity called Nigeria.
Therefore the people of Biafra have resolved to opt out of Nigeria on 5th
November 2012, in order to guarantee and protect the Biafran people’s right to
practice their religion without being killed or bombed.
“Your Excellencies, it is
on the above grounds/ factors that the Biafran people seek to regain their
freedom and Independence from Nigeria on 5th November 2012.
“On behalf of the Biafran
people, we thank you in advance for the consideration of our application and we
look forward to hearing from you.”
In an interview Onwuka told
Saturday Vanguard that the application would give the Biafran Republic the
recognition it lacked since its declaration in May 1967. In that the Republic
would from now on enjoy the protection of UN in case of violence and force
against the Biafrans in their quest for self determination. Adding that is now
illegal for Nigerian state to use force against an individual or group of
Biafran agitators through the president, governors, or security operatives.
He went on to say that the
UN would send observers to the re-declaration of Biafran independence on
November 5, 2012. He also revealed that application had been made to the
African Union (AU) for an observer
status as well through its secretariat at Addis Ababa.
Onwuka made it clear that
he was not collaborating with MASSOB because the Biafra would remain a dream
with the way MASSOB is going about it.
I just feel the
MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike has achieved his goal. He is now the
successor to the late Ezeigbo Gburugburu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Maybe he’s
ran out of ideas or probably comfortable with his own share of the Nigerian national cake. Who knows what is on his mind.
I am short of words
about the Biafra Zionist Movement, (BZM) and their bold step. I will
rather wait and see what happens.
What do you think or
feel about MASSOB and BZM
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