“Let
there be no mistake about the fact that the 1.5 million Biafrans,
who lost their lives during the Civil War, were the sacrificial
offerings made for the purposes of both keeping Nigeria one and
secular.” This was the essence of the statement issued by
the Biafra Memorial Project (BMP) Committee in reaction to the recent
loss of lives in nationwide Sharia-instigated riots. The statement
reminded President Obasanjo that, from now, he has the choice to
uphold the secularity of Nigeria or resign from his office.
Reacting
to the suspension of Sharia rule by some Northern states, Ohanaeze,
the Igbo apex decision making body said an emphatic statement was
the only way religious crisis could be permanently averted in the
country. On whether Ndiigbo would demand compensation, the Ohaneze
scribe, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, said that what was important now was
to calm restive nerves. He said: "Our first problem is how
to calm the passions these killings have raised and if I may underline,
the priority today is to convince our people to keep their passions
within bounds." Many Igbo groups have vowed to do everything
within their power to ensure a secular Nigeria.
