Jackson Ude, the Former Director of Strategy and Communication under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has attributed the ongoing secessionist unrest in southeastern Nigeria to both the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement he signed and shared with Africa24hrs news, Ude criticized the federal government for neglecting the rights and safety of Igbo citizens. He also condemned IPOB’s sit-at-home policy, labeling it as detrimental and counterproductive to the very people it purports to protect. He contended that such measures deprive individuals of their livelihoods, particularly in a context of pervasive poverty and hunger, thereby exacerbating insecurity in the region. Ude cautioned that continued inaction could pave the way for the rise of additional insurgent groups, further complicating the crisis in the South East.
He advocated for a political resolution to the Biafra agitation, encouraging activists to redirect their efforts towards democratic avenues. Ude proposed the establishment of a political platform to elect representatives who could advocate for a referendum on the issue through legislative channels.
Moreover, he criticized the government for its failure to safeguard citizens from violence, describing its response as both despicable and irresponsible. Ude expressed disappointment at the lack of action from Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, regarding the ongoing violence, urging them to take a definitive stance against the killings.
Additionally, he called for the immediate release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that his freedom could help terminate the enforcement of the sit-at-home orders and alleviate tensions in the region. He emphasized the necessity of ending the suffering of the populace to avert further turmoil. Ude stated, “The ongoing violence among Igbos, under the pretext of enforcing a ‘sit-at-home’ order to advocate for a Biafra State, is utterly irresponsible and must be condemned. All conscientious and patriotic Igbos should unite in opposition to this.”
