SEVERAL Igbo intellectuals have warned that the ongoing campaigns for the rebirth of the defunct republic of Biafra could hurts Ndigbo economically as it has the potential to affect their retail businesses and threaten their lives nationwide.  

Over the last few weeks, there have been widespread protests across Igboland calling for the recreation of Biafra in response to government neglect. These protests were sparked off by the recent arrest of Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu who was apprehended by security men a few weeks ago after arriving from the UK. 

With the protests spreading and attracting condemnation from other Nigerians, several Igbo wise old heads have begun urging caution. Yesterday, a group known as Igbo Conscience warned that pro-Biafra agitators are endangering the lives and businesses of Ndigbo outside the southeast. 

Led by Barrister Monday Ubani, a former chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, the group dismissed the clamour for Biafra, asserting that the Igbo are better off in Nigeria. It added that the rootless and uncoordinated agitation has renewed anti-Igbo sentiments in the south-south and rekindled the old rivalry capable of affecting Igbo interests in future.

 According to Mr Ubani, prominent Igbos believe they are better off in a united Nigeria, contrary to the drums of war being beaten by unscrupulous elements. He, however, called for the restructuring of the country by President Muhammadu Buhari to redress the long years of injustice and give every region a sense of belonging.

Mr Ubani added: “We distance the generality of Ndigbo from the politically-orchestrated clamour for secession from Nigeria. It is dubious, fraudulent and selfish and does not command the support of most Igbo.

"It is a non-event, inconsequential, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Ndigbo are better off and will do better in a united and prosperous Nigeria.”

Accompanied by Joe Igbokwe, the publicity secretary of the Lagos State branch of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Ubani added that those chanting war slogans may put the Ndigbo in danger. He warned that if the peaceful demonstrations were hijacked and turn violent, the outcome might be perceived negatively by other zones.

 “It is beyond doubt that a bulk of Igbo investment is domiciled outside the so-called Biafra. It is also certain that more Igbo live outside the so-called Biafra and it is beyond doubt that these senseless agitators and their sponsors are exposing Igbo property, wealth and Igbo people to danger by the politically-induced and needless agitation.

“We believe that Nigeria provides a big space for Igbo to thrive. When you have an Atlantic Ocean to swim in, you do not need a pond in Okigwe to do the same,” Mr Ubani added.