A bold statement from the United States Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, AVIDUSA, emphasizes the urgent need for Nigeria to revert to the regional autonomy system of the 1960s and 1963.
Warning of dire consequences, AVID asserts that failure to adopt this model could lead to the complete collapse of the nation.
President Sylvester Onyia and Secretary Dr. Godson Obiagwu jointly conveyed the organization’s concerns in a recent press release.
AVID states, “The only viable solution to Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges lies in a return to the regional autonomy structure of 1960/63.”
Recalling a meeting in 2017, where key figures such as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the late Prof. Ben Nwabueze, and Evangelist Elliot U. Uko among others engaged with South-East governors in Enugu, AVID reflects on the demands put forth.
Among the demands presented by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu were the upgrade of Enugu to an international airport, conversion of Owerri airport into a functional Cargo airport, and revitalization of dormant industries in the South-East and South-South regions for job creation.
Emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hinted at the possibility of a referendum if the concerns of Biafrans were not adequately met.
With the pressing issue of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention, there is a growing consensus across different regions of Nigeria for the need to restructure the country.
Notably, the establishment of the South-East Development Commission was acknowledged as a positive step resulting from the activism championed by IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
AVID concludes its statement by calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, highlighting his pivotal role in advocating for societal change and justice.