Biafra Protests: Nigeria is demonstrating its disdain for the rule of law and the rights of citizens - Okey Ndibe

 Biafra Protests: Nigeria is demonstrating its disdain for the rule of law and the rights of citizens - Okey Ndibe

I have been distressed beyond words by what has crystallized as an agitation for Biafra’s divorce from Nigeria. I am disturbed that this agitation has become another occasion for the Nigerian state to demonstrate its disdain for the rule of law and the rights of citizens. I’m appalled by the violence spawned by the actions of the agitators and the state’s reaction. The immediate impetus for the violent turn is the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), indeed the rabble rouser-in-chief of the neo-Biafran cause.

Buhari’s Disappearing Presidency By Okey Ndibe

Buhari’s Disappearing Presidency By Okey Ndibe

Let’s begin, however, with the least important element of Mr. Buhari’s so far lack-luster Presidency.

It’s approximately three months since Nigerians voted for Mr. Buhari, on his fourth try, to be their president. By any objective measure, three months is more than enough time for a man who sought power with a certain persistence to figure out his cabinet.

The president’s explanation for his tardiness in unveiling a cabinet is two-fold. One is that his predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan, had been

less than fully cooperative with his transition team.