The right of self-determination is enshrined in
International law and it is guaranteed by every moral stricture called man.
It is a
right that has been exercised successfully over and over again in world history
and it has led to the creation of new nations which were carved out of the
older ones. The denial of that right and the suppression and persecution of
those who attempt to exercise it leads to nothing but defiance, dissent and
resistance and, if not properly managed, it eventually spills over into war and
carnage.
This has been the primary cause of most brutal civil wars,
including the American, Russian, French, English, Indian, Nigerian, Angola, to
mention but a few. I do not believe in violent change and neither do I believe
in war, revolution, terror or the use of arms in the pursuance of even the most
noble cause.
I do however
believe in the power of ideas and the right of any man, woman or people to
yearn to be free from bondage and to peacefully and freely express that
yearning. It is in this context that I situate my belief and support for those
that view the Nigerian Federation as an oppressive entity which have
effectively enslaved its people in an attempt to create what is essentially an
artificial and unworkable state.
Those that
belief in Nigeria have every right to continue to do so and to voice their
resolve to keep Nigeria one. what they do not have the right to do is to refuse
to offer the same degree of freedom of expression to those that do not believe
in a united Nigeria and who instead believe in the peaceful dissolution of the
multi-nation to speak their minds and voice their views. What is good for the
goose is surely good for the gander.
