Day President Buhari Was Vexed And Almost Granted Biafra – The Untold Story

Opinion:

BY ALLI SULAIMAN ABIODUN

 The Day in 2021 

In 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari summoned the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, alongside notable Igbo elders — including the late Nwuanyanwu and others — before him. His intention was to decisively address the Biafra agitation and even set the stage for a possible separation of the Igbo from Nigeria.

 Background to the Biafra Agitation 

The Biafra crisis had first erupted between 1967 and 1970. The ambition for Igbo dominance stemmed partly from the failed attempt to control the First Republic, when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s political maneuvers collapsed following Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s strategic cross-carpeting. This was followed by two failed coups – Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu’s coup and General Aguiyi Ironsi’s takeover

These failures culminated in the declaration of Biafra by Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who has since been remembered as the man behind the ill-fated secession. Nigeria’s initial response was merely “police action,” until Ojukwu annexed the Midwestern Region (present Edo and Delta States), thereby provoking a full-scale war.

The Nigeria-Biafra War 

The war escalated with foreign powers such as France, Israel, Gabon, Zaire, Rhodesia, and others supporting Biafra with weapons and funds in exchange for oil promises. However, Ojukwu’s audacious attempt to invade Yorubaland through Ore to capture Lagos was thwarted by General Benjamin Adekunle’s 3rd Marine Commando.

The defeat at Ore marked a turning point, and eventually, Ojukwu fled while his deputy surrendered to General Olusegun Obasanjo. Millions of Igbo lives were lost, and Biafra was crushed.

 Resurgence of Agitation 

Decades later, Ralph Uwazuruike revived the agitation with MASSOB, largely as a means of personal enrichment. He was later sidelined by Nnamdi Kanu, who escalated the struggle through IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Kanu used propaganda, violence, and inflammatory rhetoric, even insulting President Buhari.

Despite his excesses, many Igbo elders remained silent, tacitly endorsing him. He declared himself the “Supreme Leader of Biafra,” and his movement eventually morphed into what became known as the “Obidient” political bloc during Peter Obi’s presidential bid.

 The Arrest and Extradition of Kanu 

After jumping bail, Kanu fled to the UK. Nigerian intelligence operatives, with support from Kenyan authorities, lured and arrested him in Nairobi before extraditing him to Nigeria. Upon his return, northern elders pressed Buhari to allow the Igbo to secede.

Buhari’s Near Declaration of Biafra 

Buhari convened a meeting with Igbo elders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and political leaders in Aso Rock, where Nnamdi Kanu was also present. The president expressed his readiness to let the Igbo exit Nigeria.

This shocked the Igbo leaders, who questioned Kanu’s plans for a new nation. Kanu boasted that he would lead Biafra, promising skyscrapers and rapid development akin to Dubai within five years. But his vague promises about seaports, oil, and survival exposed the weaknesses of the agitation.

Buhari then expanded the consultation to include South-South elders — Rivers, Ibibio, Ijaw, Anang, and others. Their reaction was outright rejection, as they cursed the idea of Biafra and reaffirmed loyalty to Nigeria.

Elders Backtrack and Beg Buhari 

Faced with humiliation, the Igbo elders begged Buhari not to proceed with his intended broadcast declaring a referendum for Biafra. They distanced themselves from Kanu and urged his trial for treason.

His trial began, and under President Tinubu, the charges were widened to include terrorism, carrying the maximum penalty.

 Legal Battles and Final Outcome 

Meanwhile, Northern elders sued in court to compel Igbo secession. Igbo elders countered legally, arguing that no ethnic group could be forced out of Nigeria without due process. They won the case, effectively ending the push.

 Conclusion

To this day, the calls of “Biafra or Death” ring hollow. Biafra remains a dead dream — unworkable and permanently off the table. According to the political realities, the Igbo will neither achieve Biafra nor occupy the Nigerian presidency.

I remain,

 Alli Sulaiman Abiodun.