God Never Created Us And Called Us Nigeria – Ugochukwu Nweke

One of the simplest ways for Nigerians in a joyful mood to showcase their sense of nationalism is to keep the flag of the country flying in whatever way and manner.

Celebration of the nation’s 57th independence anniversary appears to be mostly unseen in the southeast as they continue to deal with the proscription of separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

It’s safe to say that if the Federal Government had not proscribed the activities of the group in the lead-up to today’s activities, there would probably have been marches in several streets of the southeast with dissenters waving the Biafran flag to register their discontent with the establishment.

However, the mood there is a little subdued compared to the camaraderie that the other regions are excitedly wallowing in.

Some of the poor mood in the southeast can be judged as a silent protest in its ongoing agitation for an independent Biafran republic, as leaders of IPOB asked members to wear black to mark the day’s ‘celebrations’.

The Coordinator of IPOB in Ebonyi state, Ugochukwu Nweke, decried the celebration of the country’s anniversary as a disgrace.

He said, “Which country’s independence are we celebrating? God never created us and called us Nigeria. God created countries and gave them their own separate names. We are Biafrans and we are not participating in anything called Nigeria’s independence.

“On October 1, we are not gathering anywhere. People have been advised to go about their normal business or stay in their homes. Everybody should wear black.”

In his Independence Day speech today, President Buhari stressed the importance of the country staying together by reminding Nigerians about the horrors of the civil war years.

“As a young Army Officer, I took part from the beginning to the end in our tragic civil war costing about 2 million lives, resulting in fearful destruction and untold suffering.

“Those who are agitating for a re-run were not born by 1967 and have no idea of the horrendous consequences of the civil conflict which we went through.

“I am very disappointed that responsible leaders of these communities do not warn their hot-headed youths what the country went through.

“Those who were there should tell those who were not there, the consequences of such folly,” he said.