NDIGBO AND ENDLESS STRUGGLE FOR SELF-DETERMINATION: ANYWAY OUT?

Abstract

Nigeria is a conglomeration of different ethnic nationalities by the British Colonialist. Since her independence in 1960, the national unity and integration has been under serious challenges, following agitations for secession and self-determination by its constituent groups, notably the Igbo ethnic group, which led to the civil war in 1967. Although the war has ended; and the territorial integrity of Nigeria kept intact, the struggle for self-determination by the Igbo has not ended. This is seen in the continuous emergence of neo-Biafran movements. Hence, the big questions: what is/are the reason(s) for the endless struggle for self-determination by Ndigbo? What do they want, and anyway out? Adopting the historical method of documentary analysis, the above research questions were discussed. The paper, therefore argued that the strugglefor self-determination by Ndigbo hinges on their perceived injustice and marginalization of the groupin Nigerian socio-political economy. This struggle cannot be quenched by intimidations or suppression of the group but by a call for referendum through which the people’ choice in the Nigerian Project will be determined. In addition, restructuring could be a strategy for an ultimate self-determination agenda.