Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor calls for deep reflection among the Ndigbo as Nigeria marks 25 years of democracy and two years of President Bola Tinubu’s rule. He argues that true democratic values should focus on marginalized voices and the need for the Igbo and Biafran communities to reclaim their dignity through peaceful organization and advocacy.
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a prominent human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, has raised an urgent call for introspection among the Ndigbo. With Nigeria reaching its 25th anniversary of democratic governance and marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he argues that it is imperative for the Igbo community to reflect deeply and critically at this juncture.
In a statement issued titled “25 years of civil rule, two years into a new dispensation: A time to reckon, rethink, and reawaken – From a Biafran Lens,” Ejiofor emphasizes that democracy extends beyond mere electoral processes and slogans. He posits that it should genuinely address the cries of marginalized populations rather than merely catering to the ambitions of a select few elites.
Ejiofor lamented that, in current circumstances, elected officials—who are supposed to protect the populace—have instead become agents of suppression. This dynamic leaves many citizens feeling vulnerable, asserting that Nigeria cannot thrive while oppressing some of its most dynamic citizens. He urges immediate action, stating that this is not a time for complacency but rather for organized and lawful advocacy to restore dignity.
“As we mark these significant milestones in civil rule, we must look beyond official ceremonies and scripted rhetoric,” he noted. For the Biafran community, particularly the Igbo nation, he views the present moment as a sobering time for reflection rather than celebration. He challenges the status quo by questioning whether the benefits of democracy have genuinely reached the Igbo, and whether residents feel secure or persecuted.
Furthermore, he raises pressing concerns over the economic conditions affecting the Biafran people. With escalating fuel prices and currency issues, he asks if local traders and youth are simply surviving in a federation that seems designed to undermine them.
Ejiofor’s concerns extend from Orlu to Aba, highlighting how people in southeast Nigeria live under the looming threat of violence and rampant insecurity. He asserts that the absence of peace has shifted from being a given to a privilege, as those assigned to protect citizens often instill fear instead.
He questions whether Nigeria functions as a real union of equals, or if it is simply a facade where one region imposes dominance while others are silenced. For Ejiofor, the essence of democracy must include equitable recognition of all groups, especially the Biafrans, who deserve the right to exist, voice their opinions, and determine their paths forward.
Ejiofor concludes with an impassioned plea: “Let us raise not only our voices, but our values. Let us demand a system that respects the dignity of every region, tribe, and tongue. We must ensure that future generations do not inherit the silence of the oppressed. Democracy, fundamentally, cannot flourish in fear but must thrive in truth.”
He reminds his audience of the significance of remembering June 12 as a pivotal lesson in the costs of silence, urging a collective remembrance that advocates for a fair federation—or the freedom to establish their own. The journey toward reclaiming dignity and justice, he insists, continues deliberately—not by chance.
In light of Nigeria’s 25 years of democratic governance, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor urges the Ndigbo to engage in crucial self-reflection. The focus, he asserts, should pivot from passive acceptance to active participation in rearranging societal values and politics to ensure equitable treatment and acknowledgment of the marginalized, particularly in the Biafran community. Underlining democracy’s potential, he stresses that it must be restorative, inclusive, and accessible to all, if real progress is to be achieved.
Original Source: punchng.com
