Pick Ballots and Drop Firearms, Jackson Ude, a former Director of Strategy and Communications to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has urged the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) to shift from violent strategies to a more political approach in their quest for self-determination. He also called out the Federal Government for its failure to safeguard the rights and security of Igbo citizens, which he claims has exacerbated unrest in Nigeria’s South East region.

A Plea for Political Action

Ude stressed that IPOB’s reliance on sit-at-home orders has caused significant hardship for the people it aims to protect. These measures, according to him, are counterproductive and ineffective in driving meaningful change. “The future of the struggle lies in peaceful political engagement,” he said, urging IPOB to “pick ballots and drop firearms.”

In his statement, Ude denounced the escalating violence in the South East, describing it as reckless and detrimental. He urged IPOB to reassess its methods, warning that continued bloodshed would only inflict further suffering on the Igbo population.

Federal Government Under Fire

While addressing IPOB’s actions, Ude also criticized the Federal Government, accusing it of neglecting its responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of Igbo citizens. He argued that this failure has created a fertile ground for violence and instability in the region, worsening the already dire situation.

Path Toward a Peaceful Resolution

Ude’s remarks underscore a broader consensus advocating for peaceful approaches to resolving the South East crisis. By participating in the democratic process and fostering dialogue, IPOB could build credibility and advance its cause without further loss of lives or livelihoods.

To explore more about the significance of non-violent political strategies, read this insightful guide on peaceful activism.

Amid widespread poverty and hunger, he argued that such actions strip individuals of their livelihoods and exacerbate regional instability. He further cautioned that failure to address these issues could lead to the emergence of more insurgent groups, worsening the crisis in the South-East.

To resolve the Biafra agitation through political means, the communication expert encouraged activists to channel their efforts into democratic avenues. He suggested the creation of a political platform dedicated to electing representatives who could push for a legislative approach to securing a referendum on the matter.

Ude strongly condemned the government’s response, labeling it “reckless and unacceptable,” and criticized the failure to safeguard citizens from escalating violence. He urged Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, to break their silence and denounce the killings, expressing disappointment in their lack of action amidst the ongoing tragedy.

Additionally, Ude called for the immediate release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that his freedom could ease tensions and bring an end to the disruptive sit-at-home orders. He stressed the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of the people to prevent further unrest in the region.

“Igbos Must Unite Against Senseless Violence in Pursuit of Biafra,” Says Leader

The ongoing violence in South East Nigeria, particularly among Igbos under the guise of enforcing a “sit-at-home” directive for Biafra State, is reckless and unacceptable. All patriotic and well-meaning Igbos must come together to condemn and end these unnecessary killings.

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“It is disheartening to witness innocent people, simply striving to earn their daily bread amidst widespread poverty and hunger, being targeted and killed. How can you claim to protect your people while denying them their livelihood and attacking them under the pretext of this order?”

A mature and lawful approach to the Biafra cause is through political representation. Electing pro-Biafra lawmakers into the Southern State Houses of Assembly, utilizing political platforms, and collectively signing a referendum for Biafra State would be the appropriate path forward. The belief that violence and a “sit-at-home” order can achieve this goal is not only misguided but also illegal.

The federal government also bears responsibility for failing to ensure the safety and freedom of South East residents. Allowing these atrocities to persist without intervention is reckless and poses a significant threat to stability. Furthermore, the silence and inaction of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, the cultural organization representing Igbos, in the face of this crisis are deeply disappointing.

The suffering of our people has reached unbearable levels, and it is imperative to demand the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. His prolonged detention fuels these violent tactics, and if unchecked, the situation risks spiraling into greater chaos. The emergence of another insurgent group to counter the “sit-at-home” enforcers is a real possibility, further destabilizing the region.

This needless suffering must stop. Igbos deserve peace, freedom, and prosperity, not the pain inflicted by those who claim to fight for their welfare. Enough is enough!