Flashback: Declaration of independence of the republic of Biafra ▷ NAIJ.COM The declaration of the Independent Republic of Biafra in 1967 caused a civil war that resulted in the death of millions of people. The official map of Biafra in 1967 The republic was formally recognized by the Republic of Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Zambia. Other nations which provide support and assistance to the Republic of Biafra comprised Israel, France, Portugal, Rhodesia and South Africa. Forty-six years after that civil war ended, the country is again facing a possible rebellion in the southeast. READ ALSO: IPOB will be prosecuted over Abia herdsmen killing? Since the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu in October, a protest movement has increased in Nigeria, with thousands of people naming themselves as pro-Biafrans protesting in the streets across the country demanding the release of Kanu.

NAIJ.com proposes you to read a declaration of independence of Biafra in 1967 that led to civil war: “Fellow countrymen and women, you, the people of Eastern Nigeria: Conscious of the supreme authority of Almighty God over all mankind, of your duty to yourselves and posterity; Aware that you can no longer be protected in your lives and in your property by any Government based outside Eastern Nigeria; Believing that you are born free and have certain inalienable rights which can best be preserved by yourselves; Unwilling to be unfree partners in any association of a political or economical nature; Rejecting the authority of any person or persons other than the Military Government of Eastern Nigeria to make any imposition of whatever kind or nature upon you; Determined to dissolve all political and other ties between you and the former Federal Republic of Nigeria; Prepared to enter into such association, treaty or alliance with any sovereign state within the former Federal Republic of Nigeria and elsewhere on such terms and conditions as best to subserve your common good; Affirming your trust and confidence in me; Having mandated me to proclaim on your behalf, and in your name, that Eastern Nigeria be a sovereign independent Republic, Now, therefore, I, Lieutenant-Colonel Ch

ukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria, by virtue of the authority, and pursuant to the principles, recited above, do hereby solemnly proclaim that the territory and region known as and called Eastern Nigeria together with her continental shelf and territorial waters shall henceforth be an independent sovereign state of the name and title of "The Republic of Biafra".

And I do declare that- i. all political ties between us and the Federal Republic of Nigeria are hereby totally dissolved; READ ALSO: Biafra is analogue of Boko Haram – Prominent cleric reveals reasons of Nigeria’s problems ii. all subsisting contractual obligations entered into by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by any person, authority or organization or government acting on its behalf, with any person, authority or organization operating, or relating to any matter or thing, within the Republic of Biafra, shall henceforth be deemed to be entered into with the Military Governor of the Republic of Biafra for and on behalf of the Government and people of the republic of Biafra, and the covenants thereof shall, subject to this Declaration, be performed by the parties according to their tenor; iii. all subsisting international treaties and obligations made on behalf of eastern Nigeria by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, shall be honoured and respected; iv. Eastern Nigeria's due share of all subsisting international debits and obligations entered into by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on behalf of the Federation of Nigeria shall be honoured and respected; v.

steps will be taken to open discussions of the question of Eastern Nigeria's due share of the assets of the Federation of Nigeria and personal properties of the citizens of Biafra throughout the Federation of Nigeria; vi. the rights, privileges, pensions, etc. of all personnel of the Public Services, the Armed Forces and the Police now serving in any capacity within the Republic of Biafra, are hereby guaranteed; vii. we shall keep the door open for association with, and would welcome, any sovereign unit or units in the former Federation of Nigeria or in any other parts of Africa desirous of association with us for the purposes of running a common services organization and for the establishment of economic ties; viii. we shall protect the lives and property of all foreigners residing in Biafra; we shall extend the hand of friendship to those nations who respect our sovereignty, and shall repell any interference in our internal affairs; ix. we shall faithfully adhere to the charter of the Organization of African Unity and of the United Nations Organization; x. It is our intention to remain a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations in our right as a sovereign, independent nation. Long live the Republic of Biafra!

And may God protect all who live in her!” Related Stories Biafra's Declaration of Independence, 1967 | The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed Biafra's Declaration of Independence, 1967 Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Declaration of Biafra Fellow countrymen and women, you, the people of Eastern Nigeria: Conscious of the supreme authority of Almighty God over all mankind, of your duty to yourselves and posterity; Aware that you can no longer be protected in your lives and in your property by any Government based outside Eastern Nigeria; Believing that you are born free and have certain inalienable rights which can best be preserved by yourselves; Unwilling to be unfree partners in any association of a political or economical nature; Rejecting the authority of any person or persons other than the Military Government of Eastern Nigeria to make any imposition of whatever kind or nature upon you; Determined to dissolve all political and other ties between you and the former Federal Republic of Nigeria; Prepared to enter into such association, treaty or alliance with any sovereign state within the former Federal Republic of Nigeria and elsewhere on such terms and conditions as best to subserve your common good; Affirming your trust and confidence

 in me; Having mandated me to proclaim on your behalf, and in your name, that Eastern Nigeria be a sovereign independent Republic, Now, therefore, I, Lieutenant-Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria, by virtue of the authority, and pursuant to the principles, recited above, do hereby solemnly proclaim that the territory and region known as and called Eastern Nigeria together with her continental shelf and territorial waters shall henceforth be an independent sovereign state of the name and title of "The Republic of Biafra".

And I do declare that- i. all political ties between us and the Federal Republic of Nigeria are hereby totally dissolved; ii. all subsisting contractual obligations entered into by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by any person, authority or organization or government acting on its behalf, with any person, authority or organization operating, or relating to any matter or thing, within the Republic of Biafra, shall henceforth be deemed to be entered into with the Military Governor of the Republic of Biafra for and on behalf of the Government and people of the republic of Biafra, and the covenants thereof shall, subject to this Declaration, be performed by the parties according to their tenor; iii. all subsisting international treaties and obligations made on behalf of eastern Nigeria by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, shall be honored and respected; iv. Eastern Nigeria's due share of all subsisting international debits and obligations entered into by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on behalf of the Federation of Nigeria shall be honored and respected; v.

steps will be taken to open discussions of the question of Eastern Nigeria's due share of the assets of the Federation of Nigeria and personal properties of the citizens of Biafra throughout the Federation of Nigeria; vi. the rights, privileges, pensions, etc. of all personnel of the Public Services, the Armed Forces and the Police now serving in any capacity within the Republic of Biafra, are hereby guaranteed; vii. we shall keep the door open for association with, and would welcome, any sovereign unit or units in the former Federation of Nigeria or in any other parts of Africa desirous of association with us for the purposes of running a common services organization and for the establishment of economic ties; viii. we shall protect the lives and property of all foreigners residing in Biafra; we shall extend the hand of friendship to those nations who respect our sovereignty, and shall repel any interference in our internal affairs; ix. we shall faithfully adhere to the charter of the Organization of African Unity and of the United Nations Organization; x. It is our intention to remain a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations in our right as a sovereign, independent nation. Long live the Republic of Biafra! And may God protect all who live in her!

Sources: Republic of Biafra Biafra declares its independence from Nigeria Nigeria does not recognise this and invades Biafra, thus beginning a war Nnamdi Azikiwe at the Nigerian High Commission Office in London, Aug. 28, 1969, as he urged Biafra to abandon its fight against the federal Nigerian government. (wrong original caption) Major-General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi head of Nigeria's new Federal Military Government and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in Lagos, Nigeria, Jan. 25, 1966. 1000_demonstrators_protest at 48th Street and Park Avenue in New York, Aug. 18, 1968. The marchers came from an interfaith service at St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 53rd St. and F street A Biafran doctor hands out cups containing the daily ration of powdered milk to a line of children at a refugee camp in Anwa, Biafra, Aug.

5, 1968 A federal Nigerian soldier holding an anti-tank bazooka is seen covering the end of the Aba-Umuahia road where Biafran troops hold positions, Sept. 21, 1968. Original Caption: An Ibo soldier captured by Nigerian troops near Owerri in Biafra throws up his hands in anguish as his captors tell him he will die as a traitor, Sept. 1968. Biafra Declaration 30th may 1967 Biafran women and children outside White House in an effort to see first lady Lady Bird Johnson Oct 5 1968 about starving countrymen back home in war-torn Biafra Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu at Nigerian-Biafran peace talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where the Emperor Haile Selassie is chairman of the committte Aug 5 1968 Company of Biafran soldiers leave their positions to advance on a Nigerian position 100 yards away during the Aba offensive, Aug. 1968. Federal Nigerian police push back crowds of demonstrators outside the French Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria, Sept.

16, 1968 - They were demonstrating against French assistance to Biafra John Lennon & Yoko Ono displaying letter from Lennon to British PM Harold Wilson, Nov. 25, 1969. The letter explains John Lennon's reasons for returning his Order of the British Empire, OBE medal - British support of America in Vietnam & involvement/support of Nigeria against Biafra Jubilant Nigerians in the capital city of Lagos cheer as they read of the surrender of the rebel Biafran forces, Jan. 12, 1970. Major General Yakubu Gowon at Dodan barracks, stands before a map of Nigeria as he tells reporters at a press conference that the war will be over in 4-8 weeks - Sept 13 1968 New head of state Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu in Enugu shortly after the declaration of independence and formation of the new state of Biafra, June 10 1967 takes the oath of office.

Wounded soldier attended by Igbo medic Biafra Nigeria 1968 9 yr old Igbo albino clutching an empty corned beef tin Biafra, Nigeria. April 1968 Why has there been an outcry against brutalities committed in Rwanda, Darfur, Liberia, South Africa, etc....and yet no one has been held accountable for the atrocities deliberately committed against these innocent children? A young mother breast feeds her five-month-old baby boy while holding her starving four-year-old daughter, near Anwa, Biafra, Aug. 5, 1968.The daughter died a few hours later Belgian Mercenary Marc Goosens Killed during a Nigerian attack on Onitsa, Biafra Nigeria Nov 1968 Catholic Mission Food Distribution Biafra Nigeria April 1968 It breaks my heart to recall the huge sacrifices that these young men made for a cause that they believed in. The lame leading the blind.

Cinematographer Raymond Depardon Biafra, Nigeria August 1968 by Gilles Caron Igbo officer addressing one of his dead soldiers Biafra Nigeria April 1968 When you look at these photos you will realize that the Biafra story is yet to be fully told Igbo Soldier Biafra Nigeria Nov 1968 by Gilles Caron He is probably a teenager or in his early 20s. How greed and raw wickedness deprived so many of their youthful innocence. Igbo 'soldier' carrying a wounded comrade Biafra Nigeria April 1968 These are boys...and yet when we talk about African child soldiers no one ever seems to refer to the first...Biafran boys!

Igbo Soldiers, Biafra Nigeria April 1968 Igbo Soldiers, Biafra Nigeria April 1968 Igbo Soldiers retreating, Biafra, Nigeria April 1968 Igbo Soldiers, Biafra Nigeria April 1968 Igbo Victim of the civil war, Biafra, Nigeria, July 1968 Makeshift Ambulance on the frontline Biafra Nigeria April 1968 Republic of Biafra proclaimed - May 30, 1967 - HISTORY.com Republic of Biafra proclaimed Publisher A+E Networks After suffering through years of suppression under Nigeria’s military government, the breakaway state of Biafra proclaims its independence from Nigeria. In 1960, Nigeria gained independence from Britain. Six years later, the Muslim Hausas in northern Nigeria began massacring the Christian Igbos in the region, prompting tens of thousands of Igbos to flee to the east, where their people were the dominant ethnic group.

The Igbos doubted that Nigeria’s oppressive military government would allow them to develop, or even survive, so on May 30, 1967, Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu and other non-Igbo representatives of the area established the Republic of Biafra, comprising several states of Nigeria. After diplomatic efforts by Nigeria failed to reunite the country, war between Nigeria and Biafra broke out in July 1967. Ojukwu’s forces made some initial advances, but Nigeria’s superior military strength gradually reduced Biafran territory. The state lost its oil fields–its main source of revenue–and without the funds to import food, an estimated one million of its civilians died as a result of severe malnutrition. On January 11, 1970, Nigerian forces captured the provincial capital of Owerri, one of the last Biafran strongholds, and Ojukwu was forced to flee to the Ivory Coast. Four days later, Biafra surrendered to Nigeria. Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us ! Get This Day In History every morning in your inbox!

What is Biafra and Why are Some Nigerians Calling for Independence? What is Biafra and Why are Some Nigerians Calling for Independence? A million people died during the 1960s Nigerian civil war fought over an independent Biafra. By Conor Gaffey On 12/7/15 at 12:22 PM A supporter of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu holds a Biafra flag during a rally in support of Kanu, who is expected to appear at a magistrate court in Abuja, Nigeria December 1. Pro-Biafran protesters have taken to the streets of southern Nigeria in recent weeks, demanding the release of Kanu and independence from Nigeria. Afolabi Sotunde / ReutersAfolabi Sotunde/Reuters More than 45 years ago, Nigeria was nearly divided by a bloody civil war that led to the deaths of over a million people. Now, a revival in secessionist sentiment in southeastern Nigeria, among supporters of the historical state of Biafra, threatens to undermine President Muhammadu Buhari's vision of a united Nigeria and spill over into regional violence.

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of southern Nigeria in recent weeks following the arrest of a prominent pro-Biafran activist, who has been accused by Nigerian authorities of hate speech and treason. As well as demanding their colleague's release, some protesters are calling for the establishment of an independent Biafra once again. Win an iPhone 7 Sign up to our daily newsletter for your chance to win. <p>Your browser does not support iframes.</p> The protests have resulted in several deaths and Nigerian authorities have warned that anyone sowing discontent or inciting public disorder will be dealt with firmly. As tensions continue to flare, Newsweek looks at the demands of the protesters and the response of the Nigerian government. What is Biafra? In 1967, Nigerian military officer Odumegwu Ojukwu declared the republic of Biafra, an area mainly populated by the Igbo ethnic group, as independent in southeastern Nigeria. The Nigerian military consequently entered into civil war with the Biafrans, encircling the region and blockading supplies from reaching the population. As a result, more than one million people died, many due to starvation. What has led to the recent protests?

Nigeria's Department of State Services arrested Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent Biafran spokesperson and activist, on October 19, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG). Kanu lives in London but often travels to Nigeria and was reportedly apprehended in Lagos. He is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a secessionist group supporting the revival of the Biafran state and independence from Nigeria. Kanu is also the director of Radio Biafra, it broadcasts pro-Biafran material from London but the Nigerian government seek to ban it. Since his arrest, pro-Biafran protesters have conducted marches in southeastern Nigeria, demanding Kanu's release. On December 2, eight protesters and two policemen were killed in clashes during a protest at the Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra state, according to the ICG. Nic Cheeseman, associate professor in African politics at the African Studies Centre at the University of Oxford, says Kanu's arrest has acted as a "short-term trigger" to the resurgence in pro-Biafran sentiment.

Cheeseman adds that the protests are a result of similar factors that led to the original Biafran uprising, in particular, a sense of political disenfranchisement among the Igbo people. "Some of the wounds of the civil war have not healed," says Cheeseman. What do pro-Biafran protesters want? As well as the release of Kanu and other Biafran activists, pro-Biafrans want the Nigerian government to put a date on an independence referendum, according to Nnabuike Nnadede, editor of pro-Biafran media outlet Voice of Biafra. "We want them to release all the Biafran activists first. Then...we want them to debate about the time for a referendum," says Nnadede, who is based in London and is part of a disparate pro-Biafran group. Nnadede says that the Igbo people of the region that was previously Biafra still suffer from a lack of resources and investment by the central government. He claims there is a dearth of hospitals and that women are forced to give birth in the streets.

"The suffering is too much, and that is why we've decided to say, 'Look, we cannot continue to be in Nigeria. We have suffered enough, we want the opportunity to vote to have an independence referendum,'" says Nnadede. He claims that the movement is entirely peaceful, however, and says that if the Igbo people voted against the secession of Biafra, he and his colleagues would accept the result and be "proud Nigerian citizens." Other activists, including Kanu, are not known to be as peaceful. At a meeting of the World Igbo Congress in Los Angeles in September, Kanu presented his audience with a call for arms. "We need guns and bullets from you people in America," he said, according to the BBC, adding that the occurrence of a blood moon in September was a sign of the liberation of Biafra. During pro-Biafran marches in support of Kanu, protesters have also been seen to carry flags with threatening messages such as "Biafra or death." How has the Nigerian government responded? Nigeria's security forces have told protesters they will be uncompromising in dealing with acts of rebellion.

Major-General Hassan Umaru, a Nigerian Army officer, said that the army "would like to send an unequivocal warning to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson as well as wanton destruction of lives and property." Umaru warned that soldiers would fulfil their obligation to "ensure the enforcement of law and order… to avoid a breakdown in peace and stability," making it clear that this could include the use of armed force. Governors of Nigeria's northern states have also said it is "really sad that any Nigerian can contemplate violence" in light of the Boko Haram insurgency in northeast Nigeria . "We thought that the existence of Boko Haram should have been enough to make all Nigerians fuse into one and fight a common enemy," the governors said. Cheeseman says that the Nigerian government tends to deal with such protests in "fairly heavy handed ways" and fears that an escalation in tensions between both sides could lead to further bloodshed. "There genuinely is a possibility that, if both sides mishandle it and both sides exacerbate and ratchet up rather than ratcheting down, the situation could get significantly worse," says Cheeseman.

What does the future hold for pro-Biafrans? According to Manji Cheto, sub-Saharan Africa political risk analyst at global consultancy Teneo Intelligence, the protests are at risk of escalating into full-blown militancy in southern Nigeria if the government continues to not listen to the grievances of the Igbo people. Cheto says that Igbos remain isolated from powerful positions in government, "2015 looks like 1960s Nigeria from the Biafran perspective. If you're looking at the political map and political dominance, nothing's changed." Nnadede, however, maintains that the protests will remain peaceful, and that the pro-Biafran movement is simply requesting a degree of self-determination that its supporters believe is currently being denied to the Igbo people. "Our movement has remained peaceful. Over 99 percent of our people are peaceful," says Nnadede.

"We want a Biafra where we will choose our own leaders, not somebody from Sokoto or Kano imposing people on us." Republic of Biafra (1967-1970) | The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed Republic of Biafra (1967-1970) Map of Biafra Image Ownership: Public Domain The Republic of Biafra was a short-lived Nigerian secessionist state which came into existence on May 30, 1967 when the Igbo-dominated southeastern corner of Nigeria seceded in the formation of its own independent country. Following its defeat in the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), on January 15, 1970 Biafra was reabsorbed into Nigeria. Following decades of ethnic strife under colonial rule , Nigeria fell into disarray immediately upon gaining independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960.

The Igbo military coup d'état of January 15, 1966, touted by Igbo leaders as a rescue attempt to save Nigeria from dissolution, only served to heighten suspicions among the Hausa -Fulani and Yoruba people. The installed Igbo leader, General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, only exacerbated fears of an Igbo subterfuge when his government became overrun with corruption, nepotism, and regional and ethnic prejudice. Closing ranks to oppose Igbo leadership, Hausa Fulani and Yoruba leaders toppled Ironsi's regime in a July 29, 1966 countercoup which installed General Yakubu Gowon , a Hausa-Fulani, as head of state. Shortly after the countercoup, widespread ethnic violence erupted against those Igbo residing in northern Hausa-Fulani regions. Beginning in September of 1966 and lasting until mid-October of the same year, an estimated 10,000 Igbo were slaughtered. Several thousand more were maimed in the attempted genocide, and close to two million became refugees within the borders of their own country.

For the duration of the violence, Igbo cries for justice fell upon deaf ears in Gowon's government. This indifference to their suffering convinced Igbo leaders that the safety of their people was only guaranteed in the east. Galvanizing support for Igbo self-determination, the outspoken Igbo politician General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu (Emeka) Ojukwu publicly opposed Gowon amid Igbo talk of secession. Tensions heightened precipitously early in 1967. On May 30, 1967, Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra. The Gowon government immediately launched a military offensive against the new country. Federal forces surrounded Biafra. Aerial and artillery bombardment killed Biafran soldiers and civilians. The Nigerian Navy also established a sea blockade that denied food, medical supplies, and weapons, again impacting both Biafran soldiers and civilians. The Nigerian government increased the suffering by its decision on June 30, 1969 to ban Red Cross food shipments. By this point hundreds of thousands of Biafrans were starving.

During this civil war, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people died daily in Biafra from starvation as a result of the naval blockade. Biafra was never successful diplomatically. Only Haiti and four African nations, Gabon , Côte d'Ivoire , Tanzania , and Zambia gave official recognition. Informally Israel , France , Portugal , Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe ), and South Africa provided support as did the Vatican partly because the Biafran were overwhelmingly Catholic . Despite the lack of resources and international support, Biafra refused to surrender in the face of overwhelming Nigerian military superiority. The Nigerian Army however continued to slowly take territory, and on January 15, 1970, Biafra surrendered when its military commander General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu fled to Côte d'Ivoire. Sources: Kevin Shillington, Encyclopedia of African History (New York: Fitzroy Dearborn, 2004); J. O. G. Achuzia, Requiem Biafra (Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishing Co., 1986); A. A.

Madiebo, The Nigerian Revolution and the Biafra War (Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishing Co., 1980). Contributor(s): Biafra Free State Biafra Free State Welcome to the Government of Biafra Free State World Wide Web Service The Biafra Free State World Wide Web Services provides public access to information about the Nation of Biafra, its People, Organizations and general information of the Country. Formally recognized by the Republic of Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Zambia. Other nations which provide support and assistance to the Republic of Biafra included Israel, France, Portugal, Rhodesia and South Africa.

BIAFRA FREE STATE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BIAFRA 30 May 1967 Fellow countrymen and women, you, the people of Eastern Nigeria: Conscious of the supreme authority of Almighty God over all mankind, of your duty to yourselves and posterity; Aware that you can no longer be protected in your lives and in your property by any Government based outside Eastern Nigeria; Believing that you are born free and have certain inalienable rights which can best be preserved by yourselves; Unwilling to be unfree partners in any association of a political or economical nature; Rejecting the authority of any person or persons other than the Military Government of Eastern Nigeria to make any imposition of whatever kind or nature upon you; Determined to dissolve all political and other ties between you and the former Federal Republic of Nigeria; Prepared to enter into such association, treaty or alliance with any sovereign state within the former Federal Republic of Nigeria and elsewhere on such terms and conditions as best to subserve your common good; Affirming your trust and confidence in me; Having mandated me to proclaim on your behalf, and in your name, that Eastern Nigeria be a sovereign independent Republic, Now, therefore, I, Lieutenant-Colonel

 Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria, by virtue of the authority, and pursuant to the principles, recited above, do hereby solemnly proclaim that the territory and region known as and called Eastern Nigeria together with her continental shelf and territorial waters shall henceforth be an independent sovereign state of the name and title of "The Republic of Biafra".

And I do declare that- i. all political ties between us and the Federal Republic of Nigeria are hereby totally dissolved; ii. all subsisting contractual obligations entered into by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by any person, authority or organization or government acting on its behalf, with any person, authority or organization operating, or relating to any matter or thing, within the Republic of Biafra, shall henceforth be deemed to be entered into with the Military Governor of the Republic of Biafra for and on behalf of the Government and people of the republic of Biafra, and the covenants thereof shall, subject to this Declaration, be performed by the parties according to their tenor; iii. all subsisting international treaties and obligations made on behalf of eastern Nigeria by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, shall be honoured and respected; iv. Eastern Nigeria's due share of all subsisting international debits and obligations entered into by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on behalf of the Federation of Nigeria shall be honoured and respected; v.

steps will be taken to open discussions of the question of Eastern Nigeria's due share of the assets of the Federation of Nigeria and personal properties of the citizens of Biafra throughout the Federation of Nigeria; vi. the rights, privileges, pensions, etc. of all personnel of the Public Services, the Armed Forces and the Police now serving in any capacity within the Republic of Biafra, are hereby guaranteed; vii. we shall keep the door open for association with, and would welcome, any sovereign unit or units in the former Federation of Nigeria or in any other parts of Africa desirous of association with us for the purposes of running a common services organization and for the establishment of economic ties; viii. we shall protect the lives and property of all foreigners residing in Biafra; we shall extend the hand of friendship to those nations who respect our sovereignty, and shall repell any interference in our internal affairs; ix. we shall faithfully adhere to the charter of the Organization of African Unity and of the United Nations Organization; x. It is our intention to remain a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations in our right as a sovereign, independent nation. Long live the Republic of Biafra! And may God protect all who live in her!

International Recognition "… the Biafrans have now suffered the same kind of rejection within their state that the Jews of Germany experienced…. We therefore recognize the State of Biafra as an independent sovereign entity, and as a member of the community of nations." Julius Nyerere, former President of Tanzania Reaffirmation of Original Biafra Declaration: The Declaration of Biafra Independence 30 May 1967 A Recommittal to the Declaration of Biafra Independence 30 May 2007 Fellow Biafrans: Forty years following the original declaration of Biafra Independence, we Biafrans rise today to re-commit ourselves to this noble declaration, its spirit, substance and implications, our Independence being our right and our destiny, and a manifestation and symbolism of our Freedom and Liberty. Those forty years have validated the wisdom and propriety of the declaration of Biafra Independence: these forty years do now compel the re-actualization of Independent Biafra.

Having witnessed and experienced, all these years, the unrelenting stranglehold of Nigeria on Biafra; Unwilling to continue to suffer under the pernicious polices of Nigeria against Biafra and Biafrans; Certain that a future under Nigeria, based on past and present facts and realities, does not exist for us Biafrans, except as exploited and dehumanized slaves rendered worthless as human beings; Understanding that, in any case, Nigeria is a failed State barely kept going by mocking and unconscionable patronization by outside Stakeholder-Powers and Principalities; and refusing to allow ourselves to be throttled and dragged down with Nigeria; Now, therefore, we, the people and Nation of Biafra, do DECLARE THAT: (i) We re-affirm the original declaration of the Independence of Biafra (ii) We are taking charge of our own collective Destiny as an Independent Sovereign Nation of Biafra (iii) We undertake the actualizing of Independent Biafra as a natural task to claim a Natural right (iv) We know that the Law and Rules of civil Humanity are on our side: Self Determination is an inalienable Natural right; it is recognized in the United Nations Charter;

 we exercise this right to actualize Independent Biafra.

In making and re-affirming this declaration, we make neither war, nor peace, with Nigeria: we merely exercise our right as a people and a nation, which is our prerogative, and of which there is plenty of precedence. It is our desire to enter into negotiations with Nigeria to resolve “negotiables” peacefully. An Independent Biafra restores stability and security to the region, allowing the people and their environment to heal and finally to thrive, while at the same time, creating a favourable climate for International business and commerce. An Independent Biafra is a fresh infusion of Hope for Africa which we are determined to turn into fulfilment for all. Long live the Independent Nation of Biafra! And may God continue to protect her and all those who live in her. STATEMENT 5 February 2013 On May 30th 1967 , the Eastern National Consultative Assembly led by Dr. Alvan Ikoku, mandated His Excellency General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to declare the then Eastern Nigeria, the Republic of Biafra. General Ojukwu took up the challenge and declared the Republic of Biafra on that historic day.

On July 6th 1967, the whole world declared a war of genocide against the Biafran people, with some Islamic fundamentalist like Usman Katsina boasting that Biafra would be liquidated in 24 hours. That 24 hours later became a long three years of Biafran struggle to emancipate the entire black race from the yoke of white colonialism, racism and hatred. By 1970 over 3 million Biafrans in defence of their country and freedom had paid the supreme sacrifice with their lives. On November 5th 2012, at Coal Camp Enugu, the Biafra Zionist Movement took up that challenge once again and renewed that original mandate of May 30th 1967 and re-declared the Independence and the Sovereignty of the Republic of Biafra. The Biafra Zionist Movement visited the old wound that prompted Emeka Ojukwu to act and that was the near attempt by the Muslim North and Obafemi Awolowo to campaign openly for the annihilation of the Ibo race.

The BZM reclaimed the independence of the Republic of Biafra on two compelling grounds/factors namely: That it is now abundantly clear that the Security of life and Property of the Biafran people are no longer safe and quaranteed in the entity called Nigeria and therefore on November 5th the Biafran people resolved to re-declare their independence based on the May 30th 1967 Mandate that was vested on Emeka Ojukwu by the leadership of the Rep of Biafra in order to quarantee the security and the survival of the Biafran people according to International law. 2. That it is also very clear that the Biafran peoples right to freely worship their God according to their Christian faith is no longer guaranteed and safe in the entity called Nigeria and therefore on November 5th 2012, the Biafran people resolved to opt out of Nigeria in order that the Biafran people could be given protection under the United Nations Convention on the freedom of worship and Association.

On that November 5th the Biafran people accomplished that objective and for the first time the news about Biafra was aired on the International Network, television, Radio, Internet, Facebook around the world. It was a remarkable achievement by the Biafran people and they deserve to be thanked for their stoicism and sacrifice. With the above, the inauguration of the Biafran government is now slated for February 20th 2013 here in our Coal City Capital Enugu. The whole world will witness the rising of the sun backed up by Mount Zion and nothing shall prevent us from forming a government of National Unity that will propel our country to the apogee of International Politics. We believe that we have the support of the USA, the EU, Israel and the International Community because for a very long time our people have been openly told that they are not wanted in Nigeria and it is for us to make that arrangement to be independent so that we can secure the live and property of our people as it is done else where in the world. The near attempt by the North to dance with Islamising the Biafran people through the activities of the Boko Haram is a fatal mistake they will live to regret.

The Repubic of Biafra will be progressive, strong, democratic and forward looking and will be joining the International Community to foster peace and economic empowerment to all the peoples of the world. The Nigeria State has failed to provide for security of life of the Biafran people, so it is a challenge that we will assume from February 20th 2013 . What Biafra will do for its People HOPE: Since 15th January 1970 , the people of Biafra have been pressed to the wall. As the SLANG was read out by the coward Yakubu Gowon that the war was a draw through the famous No Victor No Vanquish, but behind the scene plans were adopted that will make the Ibos especially to pay for simply defending themselves against the attempt to annihilate them from the surface of the earth. Obafemi Awolowo came up with economic strangulation of Biafra by adopting the 20 Pounds policy in order to keep the remnant of Biafrans at the lower end of the economic ladder. Since 1970, our people are being reminded of the defeat they suffered at the hands of the world led by the British government.

Our environment is been destroyed on daily basis because of Oil and our people are being killed daily because of the taste of the Nigeria State quest for Oil. The lack of Hope and prejudicial policies of the Nigeria State since 1970 has dragged a lot of citizens into all sorts of ways in order to find their daily bread. But the assurance from now is that the Rep of Biafra from Feb 20th will restore our lost hope and put in place a government that will respect and support it’;s citizens to achieve whatever they want to do in the world. Biafra will be a beacon of hope for the aggrieved people of Biafra and give hope and opportunity to all its citizens. FREE MARKET CAPITALIST STATE The Biafran government will establish a very sound economic system that will be based on individualism. The market will determine what action the government will take. We will not interfere or prejudice any individual who wants to make or invent anything that will enhance the economic well being of the state. The government of Biafra will support individual and help to attract foreign investors into our country to create jobs for our people.

The days when our University graduates will become Keke NAPEP Riders or Okada Riders after graduating from their Universities will go. Our graduates will be economically agile and active after their University course. The government will encourage individual investors and open up international trade that will make Biafra an international player in the world. LESS DEPENDENCE ON THE OIL The Oil some will argue has been a cause on us instead of a blessing. To some extent it is true because since the end of the war, the oil has been the main source of Nigeria revenue providing almost 95% of our foreign earning revenue. This blind policy by the Hausa Fulani/ Yoruba Axis has led all other industries to die. For instance the Palm Oil and Cashew industry which was the back bone of the economy of the then Eastern Region have been allowed to die. Nigeria today is importing cooking oil from Malaysia which is a shame. The Malays came to the then Eastern Region in 1953 and took the palm Kernel to their country for plantation. Today Malaysia is one of the largest exporters of the Palm crude to the world earning the country Billions of dollars in foreign earnings.

The Biafran government is going to restore our Cash Crop industry the Palm Oil and Cashew Industry and all other industries that have been allowed to die in Nigeria . Biafra would not be dependent on the Oil for its survival any longer. We are going to diversify into Human Resources Capabilities in order to be self reliant and not on oil all year round. The Japanese economy is built on man power, human intelligence, hard work and patriotism. Let those opposed to Biafra be made aware that Biafra will be a country of Human Resource and not on Oil. We will also support our Universities and scientist to come up with inventions that shall build upon to the service of all man kind. EDUCATION IN BIAFRA Since 1970 Education in Biafra has collapsed because of the policies of the Nigeria govern to stiffen the strength of the Biafran people. Before Biafra was declared education was the crown jewel of the Biafran people. But today if Biafrans don't sell their lands their children could not afford to attend Higher Institutions any more. Our entire education under Nigeria has collapsed. School fees are higher compare to other parts of Nigeria .

If they struggle to attend up to University level, no jobs when they finish resulting if not as traders, but kidnappers, Okada riders or Keke NAPEP. The Biafra government that shall be formed in February is going to restore our educational system. There will be free education from Nursery to University. School teachers would be well paid and schools shall have well equipped computer labs so that our children would be equipped to compete with their American European, Israeli, Chinese and Japanese counterparts. Biafra would be the mother of Education rom Feb 20th 2013 . A TRUE STATE The Rep of Biafra will be a land of opportunities for all provided that you work hard. In Biafra there would be no majority nor minority. A tiv man will have the same right as Ijaw. Ogoni man will be the same as Igala man. Ibo as Efik and Urhobo as Ibibio. No one will buy power or influence in Biafra . Neither can you organize political tugs to intimidate or harass your opponents. Freedom of the expression shall be up held. The press will have the freedom to print what they consider to be in the interest of the state.

Individuals will have every right to express themselves in any way they feel. No Police brutality, No security force brutality, but all must respect the law and allow the security agents to protect our country. THE BIAFRA OF TODAY The following States would constitute the Republic of Biafra . Edo State, Southern Ondo State, Bayelsa, Rivers, Benue State, Kogi (Ajaokuta down South) Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta State, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra. Others who wishes to follows the door shall be open to them. The Rep of Biafra will be a Pure Jewish/ Christian State . As Biafra rises let us join together to build this country for the sake of those that have paid with their lives. Am calling on all Biafrans to join the government on Feb 20th 2013 and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Rep of Biafra has now come to stay.

BIAFRA GOVERNMENT IN EXILE A DECLARATION Being part of the official announcement declaring a Biafra Provisional Government in Exile and held at the United States National Press Club in Washington DC, United States of America on August 28, 2007. DECLARATION: There comes a time in the life of a people when their physical survival; their dignity, fundamental human rights, and indeed the very essence of their being endowed on them by their creator and guaranteed under natural and international laws supersede all temporary comfort, and demand unreserved and unmitigated action in defense of these God-given rights. For the peoples of Biafra, that time is now. Whereas the peoples and Nation of Biafra and their land and property find themselves under physical, economic, political, sociologic and psychological subjugation by the State of Nigeria since 1967; a “state of occupation” of Biafra by Nigeria has existed and continues to exist.

Unwilling to continue to live under such stifling servitude while suffering such indignities as are inappropriate for human beings; determined to exercise the natural and legal rights to Freedom and Liberty, We the peoples of the Federation of Biafra have resolved to actualize, renew, reaffirm and continue with the Declaration of Biafra Independence of May 30 1967, with all the implications thereof. In reaffirming the independence of Biafra, the Peoples and Nation of Biafra make neither war, nor peace with the State or peoples of Nigeria. Rather we exercise a Natural right, a political right and a right supported by the United Nations Organization Charter and international laws – the right of Self-Determination. The peoples of Biafra are taking this action in certain realization that only the effective exercise of Self- Determination by the peoples and Nation of Biafra will end the state of occupation, subjugation, and persecution by Nigeria. In furtherance of this exercise the peoples and Nation of Biafra have issued a mandate for the creation and formation of a Biafra Provisional Government in Exile.

Such a government shall function as the bona fide government of Biafra to: ï¿½ Secure the Freedom and Liberty of Biafra and its peoples; ï¿½ Represent the Sovereignty and Interests of Biafra throughout the world; ï¿½ Engage in international relationships and diplomacy with Governments, States, Nations and Organizations; ï¿½ Organize for the security of the peoples, properties and land of Biafrans; ï¿½ Obtain diplomatic recognition for the Sovereign State of Biafra; ï¿½ Organize the negotiation of trade and other economic activities on behalf of the peoples of Biafra. The peoples and Nation of Biafra appeal to all Governments, Peoples, States, Nations, Organizations and Individuals world wide to support the long persecuted peoples of Biafra in their struggle for Freedom, Liberty and Self-Determination. BACKGROUND This exercise of self-determination is a direct expression of the will of the people of Biafra.

It is an ongoing process that began in 1966 after a genocidal pogrom and ethnic cleansing exercise directed against all the peoples of then Eastern Nigerian, culminating in the declaration of the sovereign state of Biafra in 1967 when Biafra was forced to separate from Nigeria. Nigeria immediately declared war on Biafra, blockaded her by land, sea and air and starved more than one million children to death. When, following the end of the war in 1970, Nigeria resorted back to the same mistreatment of Biafrans that led to the declaration of Biafra in the first place, the will of the people of Biafra to leave Nigeria for good only hardened. Since 1970, Biafra has tried acquiescence to accommodate and be accommodated by Nigeria in the illusory thinking that this would bring reprieve from Nigeria’s harsh treatment, and persecution, and maintain peace. However, Nigeria remained relentless in its vindictive policies against the people of Biafra, and in its total suppression and denial of the basic human rights of Biafrans.

This is in spite of the fact that Biafrans tried harder than any other groups to integrate themselves into the Nigerian citizenry and polity, but all to no avail. In response to this ongoing dehumanization and rejection of Biafrans by Nigeria, MASSOB (the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra), a non-violent movement, was formed, in 1999 with an agenda consistent with the name. The distinguishing quality of MASSOB is its strict adherence to non-violence, in the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. MASSOB has sought dialogue with the Nigerian government, but has instead been “rewarded” with unjustified detention and jailing without charge, extrajudicial murder of its membership, constant harassment, and destruction of membership and organizational property by Nigerian Army, Paramilitary Police and security agents. Several other liberation movements have since sprang up. Chief Ralph Uwazurike, an attorney and the leader of MASSOB, and several high-ranking MASSOB officials, as well as many rank-and-file MASSOB members, and members of other Liberation Movements are currently being held in various Nigerian jails.

MASSOB and its leadership as well as these other liberation movements enjoy enormous support of the masses of the people of Biafra. Self-determination for the People of Biafra: Biafra, a nation of some 40 million people, has for almost 40 years suffered incessant exploitation, humiliation, dehumanization, oppression and genocide at the hands of Nigeria in a calculated and deliberate agenda to permanently and perpetually subjugate the people and obliterate their culture. Self-determination in any form is a right recognized by and accepted in International law and many other International and regional instruments Biafra has a population of over 40 million people, and 1. a common historical tradition dating to times prior to European colonization, 2. a racial and ethnic identity well distinguishable from the rest of Nigeria, 3. cultural homogeneity which distinguishes its people apart from the rest of Nigeria, 4. linguistic unity, with a major language, minor languages, and a lingua franca, 5. religious affinity, the dominant religion being Christianity, 6. ideological affinity, 7. distinct, contiguous territoriality, and 8. a common sociopolitical and economic life.

In addition, the population as whole naturally sees and considers itself as a people bound by common ancestry, sociopolitical ties and destiny; hence, the people exhibit the will and consciousness of being a people. The primary reason driving the self-determination form and effort of the people of Biafra is the imperative to provide the traditional existential human needs of freedom, liberty, survival and prosperity of our people. Yet, the reason for Self Determination for Biafra goes well beyond human needs; the aforementioned structure of Nigeria, put together by its colonial master and inherited as such, is a forced amalgamation of peoples and nations who were never suited, and are still not suited to be lumped together as one nation in the first place. The architect of the amalgamation, the British Lord Lugard, stated 100 years ago, that such a “union” would never work—that “Easterners [Biafrans] and Northerners were like oil and water and would never mix.” He was right then. He is still right at this time.

The problem is that Nigeria is pretending to make it work, using all manner of force and intimidation, buoyed by the support of other self-interested parties who benefit from the ongoing resultant dysfunctional and pathologic status of the state of Nigeria. Security of Person: Biafrans are killed on a daily basis all over Nigeria, including occupied Biafra. Most times, it is extrajudicial killing by the Nigerian Army, Paramilitary Police, Nigeria Armed Security Agencies, and Nigeria’s Secret Death Squads. Even when such is admitted by the State of Nigeria’s killing machinery, there is no inquest, no accountability, no explanation, no apologies, no proper trials, no convictions, no remorse, no compensation. Lately, MASSOB members have borne the brunt of these unconscionable acts. In one such operation in Onitsha in April 2006, more than 700 innocent Biafran men and women were murdered, and hundreds of innocent women and girls were gang raped by Nigerian soldiers. Christian Biafrans are also targeted and killed en masse, in carefully orchestrated “riots” in Fundamentalist Islamic Northern Nigeria, with a frightening cycle and staggering toll.

In more than 25 such carefully organized attacks it is estimated that more than one hundred thousand (100,000) people have been killed. For each death of a Biafran resulting from the above, at least ten times have been injured, maimed, displaced and or unaccounted for. Although this atrocious activity qualifies as Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing, the international community has yet to react. Security of Property: There is no respect for the property or property-rights of the Biafran. The Nigerian Police routinely destroys the homes and property of Biafrans especially those identified as working for self-determination. The home of the leader of MASSOB has been burned down and ransacked several times. In Onitsha the Nigeria Army used helicopter gun ships to bomb private homes that innocent Biafran civilians labored so hard to build. The Lagos State government razed business stalls and markets built and maintained by Biafrans living in that State, without reason, without compensation, and threatened to burn down more such structures.

In Fundamentalist Islamic Northern Nigeria, during the aforementioned rampages, Northern civilians and security agents would selectively target, loot, burn and destroy the business and personal property of Biafrans residing in Northern Nigeria, as well as Christian Churches where Biafrans worship. More than three hundred Churches have been burned in Northern Nigerian in the past ten years alone. A foreigner living in Northern Nigeria once remarked: “The killing of the Igbo (Biafrans) has become an industry in Northern Nigeria.” Over one million Biafrans have been forced to flee from Northern Nigeria and relocate to Biafra and other parts of Africa. It is obvious that Biafrans are not welcome in a country in which they are supposed to be citizens. Genocide and Ethnic cleansing The first massive state-organized and state-directed Pogrom, Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing directed against Biafrans (the people of Eastern Nigerian at that time) by Nigeria occurred in 1966, in Northern Nigeria especially, but also in Western Nigeria. The massacre of Biafrans has continued to date. More than 100,000 Biafrans have been killed by Nigerians since 1980.

Not only has the State of Nigeria participated directly in this crime against humanity, it has also maintained an enabling environment which facilitates and encourages Nigerians and State governments to kill and maim Biafrans at will, destroy the property of Biafrans and uproot Biafrans wherever they may be found in Nigeria. By making no efforts at all to investigate and bring to justice individual and corporate offenders in these crimes, the State of Nigeria has proved that it places no value on the life and property of Biafrans living in Nigeria; worse still, the State of Nigeria has proven that it has a vested interest in the destruction of Biafrans. Economic Security: The government of Nigeria has banned or blocked or stifled legitimate economic activities in which there is a preponderance of Biafran owners. Government orchestrated stifling of economic activity in Biafra has resulted in very high incidence of unemployment among the youths and other people of working age. One of the worst acts of economic injustice ever seen is the blatant refusal of the government of Nigeria to allow the peoples of Biafra access to the finances accruing from the sale of Petroleum and Natural Gas derived from their private ancestral land.

The leadership of the Nigerian State has used the money derived from Biafra to develop Abuja, Lagos and other parts of Northern and Western Nigeria and to set up billion dollar personal fortunes in banks in Europe, America and the other parts of the world while leaving the people of Biafra (Eastern Region) from where the Oil money is derived to live in poverty, penury, and squalor and die slow miserable deaths. Authoritative reports of $4 billion stolen between December 2004 and April 2007; $3 billion stolen by the NNPC and the Nigerian President; $2 billion dollars disappearing between the United Kingdom and Bermuda are common news items in Nigeria. A highly placed Nigerian government official stated that the rulers of Nigeria have stolen over $400 billion dollars since 1970. Environmental Security: The most obvious and salient example of environmental terrorism directed against the people of Biafra by the State of Nigeria relates to oil exploration in the Niger Delta region of Biafra. With total disregard for the environment and for the people who live in the area, the State of Nigeria has failed to make even minimal effort to combat what otherwise would have been manageable ecological fallout from oil exploration.

Streams and rivers have been badly polluted; drinking water and marine life have been devastated. Gas flaring has caused acid rain, birth defects and even mental illnesses in the inhabitants of the Niger Delta. The Nigerian government does not care and does not want to know. All it wants is to steal the billions of dollars derived from the oil and walk away leaving the people to their misery. Political Security - Democracy For Biafrans the right to express their collective and individual political will using the ballot system has traditionally been just as primal as the basic individual right of being. Biafrans put utmost premium in their ability to elect their own leaders, to hold them accountable and to remove them if they fail to perform the functions for which they were elected. Since the amalgamation of the peoples of Biafra with Nigeria this very important aspect of Biafran culture has been truncated time and time again. Biafrans have a long history of democracy dating thousands of years; the peoples of Western Nigeria have a long history of monarchy dating thousands of years and the peoples of Northern Nigeria have a long history of feudalism dating thousands of years. It has been impossible to melt these three distinct cultures into one.

The April 2007 elections in Nigeria adjudged by national and international election monitors to be the worst election in the history of the world informs unbiased observers of the terrible tyranny that Biafrans have been forced to bear in their association with Nigeria. The 2003 elections in Nigeria were judged by national and international election monitors to be equally fraudulent with Biafrans always being the most victimized. Freedom of Religion: The population of Biafra is about 95% Christian. However, the Muslim Northern domination of power affords them the means and opportunity to run Nigeria as primarily a Muslim nation. Nigeria was registered as a member of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), in the 1980’s, without consulting with, and without the consent of the Christians of Nigeria. Recently, the Nigerian state allowed Fundamentalist Islamic Sharia law to be introduced in thirteen of the nineteen states in Northern Nigeria and three of the six stated in Western Nigeria. The Fundamental Islamic Sharia law is now applied equally to both Muslims and Christians, despite strong protests from Christian Biafrans.

Since Biafrans (who are non-Muslim) have the biggest non-Muslim presence in Northern Nigeria, it does not take much to discern who as a group would be found without rights and treated as such in Northern Nigeria. The State of Nigeria looks the other way while government institutions such as the police and the courts are used to impose Fundamentalist Islamic Sharia law on Christian Biafrans living in Northern and Western Nigeria. Several Moslem Nigerian leaders from Northern and Western Nigeria have declared openly that they will Islamize Christian Biafrans by force. Christian Biafran children have been abducted and forcibly converted to Islam or married off against their will to Islamic fundamentalists. The people of Biafra thus feel trapped by the State of Nigeria, encaged on purpose and left helpless, readied for easy victimization and forced Islamization by determined Islamic Fundamentalists bent on swallowing up everything in their path. Finally: The primary function of government is the protection of its citizens and their property.

Whenever a government which is meant to protect the people turns around and persecutes and destroys a people and their culture; the people it was meant to protect; the people reserve the right to take steps to establish a different political and administrative arrangement that will guarantee the safety and security of their lives and property. This is the case for Biafra. Thank you all for coming and may God bless the People and Nation of Biafra. How Biafra existed for 962 days ▷ NAIJ.COM Tweet it! Share on Facebook Send via email A Nigerian army officer Odumegwu Ojukwuof the Igbo extraction proclaimed the independence of Republic of Biafra, area mainly inhabited by the Igbo people. But the war that follows the proclamation was fought and Biafra capitulated. The establishment of the independent state in the south of Nigeria caused the civil war, that resulted in the deaths of between one to three million people. READ ALSO: Nobody can stop us, as Biafra is project of God – Read what IPOB plans to do Less than two months after Biafra declared its independence, diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis fell apart.

On July 6, 1967, the federal government in Lagos launched a full-scale war. The Nigerian military expected the quick victory and surrounded Biafra. The Nigerian Navy also established a sea blockade that denied food, medical supplies and arms, again impacting Biafran soldiers and civilians alike. Biafra, in spite of the lack of resources and international support, stood firm denying to surrender. However, the Nigerian soldiers continued to slowly take territory, and on January 15, 1970, the self-proclaimed state surrendered when its army commander General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu fled to another country. Pro-Biafran activists renewed protests last year following the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, one of the leaders of the movement. Kanu, who was arrested in October, 2015, is standing trial on six counts of treasonable felony charges. President Muhammadu Buhari in his first maiden media chat stated that the IPOB leader cannot be released because of the fears that he may jump the bail and flee to the United Kingdom. Related Stories

Question: In 1967, the Republic of Biafra declared independence from which country?
Answer: NIGERIA