Freedom of Expression as Threat to National Security: Self-Determination, Radio Biafra and the Political Space in Nigeria

A wave of renewed agitation for the creation of the sovereign state of Biafra has gained momentum and is sweeping across the south-east of Nigeria. The Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) is championing the cause. This resuscitated agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra takes a new dimension with the setting up of Radio Biafra and many other internet fora carrying on the struggle for the break-up of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Unlike other initiatives directed towards achieving the same objective, the current attempt seems to have achieved greater notoriety and succeeded in galvanizing certain segments of the Igbo community who feel victimized and alienated by the current arrangements in Nigeria into a renewed hope and zeal for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria. The arrow-head of the group is Nnamdi Kanu who, among other things, has been accused of advocating violence in order to obtain independence. COMMENT: For those interested, we recommend the novel by Nigerian author Adichie: "Die Hälfte der Sonne" (in German), "Half of a Yellow Sun" (in English).