The logic for Biafra has returned despite Nigeria’s so-called “No Victor, No Vanquished” post-war rhetoric

POST-WAR ECONOMIC DISPOSSESSION AND DISCRIMINATION

ü State Sanctioned Financial Asset Seizure (20 Pounds Policy)

ü State Sanctioned Property Confiscation (“Abandoned Property”)

üEmployment Discrimination in Northern Nigeria

PERIODIC POGROMS

ü  The Igbo and other Eastern Nigerian nationality groups periodically attacked

ü Federal, State and Local authorities usually respond slowly

ü Since May 1998, pogroms now wearing explicit religious face

SHARIA LAW AND EMERGENCE OF ISLAMIC STATES

ü Emergence of Islamic States in Northern Nigeria since 1999 clearly demonstrates inability of Federal Government to enforce 1999 Constitution and protect citizens

üThough supposedly applicable to only Muslims, non-Muslims being forced to obey Islamic law; direct assault on secularity of Nigerian constitution

üHisbah (religious police) now arrest and harass Igbo traders for non-compliance with Islamic law

ü In Fall 2001, Deputy-Governor of Kano State, personally led Hisbah in attacking a hotel

ü Hotels, bars and general Igbo businesses now operate in fear of attacks from Hisbah

LOSS OF SENSE OF CITIZENSHIP

ü The Igbo increasingly feel unwelcome in Nigeria

ü Nigerian authorities have become cynical about Igbo plight; no compelling evidence that authorities will protect Igbos or work to defend them against encroachment of radical Islamism

ü Biafra-bashing now in vogue again; Gen. Obasanjo showed off his war wounds on the 1999 campaign trail; periodically makes hostile references to Biafra

üIgbo civil and human rights stripped away by Islamic law