Ndigbo Should Reflect on Nigeria’s Democratic Journey, Says Lawyer
Human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor urges the Igbo community to reflect on Nigeria’s democracy as it marks 25 years of civil rule. He emphasizes the need for genuine democratic values that protect marginalized voices rather than elite ambitions. Ejiofor calls for peaceful action to reclaim dignity and questions the state of the economy and security in the South-East.
In a recent call to action, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a prominent human rights lawyer and legal representative for the Indigenous People of Biafra, urged the Igbo community to engage in a deep reflection on Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He noted that as the country marks 25 years of democracy and two years under President Bola Tinubu, it is essential for the Ndigbo to rethink their position and aspirations within the national framework.
Ejiofor stressed that democracy should involve more than just electoral processes and catchy phrases. It should address the needs and concerns of marginalized groups rather than merely serving the interests of the powerful elite. His remarks came in a statement titled, “25 years of civil rule, two years into a new dispensation: A time to reckon, rethink, and reawaken – From a Biafran Lens,” which he shared with journalists in Awka, Anambra State earlier this week.
He lamented the current state of Nigeria’s democracy, stating that elected officials, who should serve to protect citizens, often contribute to their oppression. The sense of insecurity felt by the populace highlighted the urgent need for the people to arise, organize, and assert their rights, doing so peacefully and lawfully.
Ejiofor emphasized that this anniversary should lead to a critical examination of democracy’s benefits — who is truly reaping its rewards? He asked significant questions about whether or not the people in the South-East feel safeguarded or persecuted and whether communities are empowered or suffer from neglect and military oppression.
He pointed out the disheartening economic conditions faced by many in the region. High fuel prices, currency devaluation, and unmet promises have led to widespread struggle among traders, artisans, and the youth, raising serious concerns about whether the current economic policies truly support or sabotage Ndigbo’s potential.
Referring to various South-East towns, Ejiofor described a grim picture, where residents grapple with state-sponsored violence and rampant insecurity, leading to a society where peace is a privilege rather than a standard. In this climate, he criticized the security forces, noting that rather than providing safety, they are often seen as sources of fear.
The lawyer posed essential queries about Nigeria’s unity, questioning whether it represents a genuine partnership among equals or a dominance of one region (presumably the North) over others. He argued that real unity can only emerge from justice, truth, and mutual respect among the diverse ethnicities of the nation.
In his concluding remarks, Ejiofor called for a re-commitment to democracy that respects all voices, including those from Biafra, asserting: “Democracy, if it is to mean anything to us, must not be about slogans or elections alone. It must answer to the cries of the marginalized. Let us demand a system that recognizes the dignity of every region and tribe.
He concluded by saying that his people should never inherit a culture of oppression. He reminded everyone that June 12 should serve as a reminder of the cost of silence and the urgent need to build a fair federation, reaffirming the idea that the quest for Biafra’s voice is a continuous journey, chosen, not incidental.
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s call for reflection among the Ndigbo underscores the pressing need to address issues of marginalization and oppression within Nigeria’s democracy. With the anniversary marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and 25 years of civil rule, Ejiofor emphasizes that true democracy should prioritize the voices of the marginalized. His insistence on peaceful organization for dignity highlights a growing frustration among the people, demanding a system that fairly serves every ethnic group.
Original Source: punchng.com
