Causes of the Biafran secession
These
are closely related to the causes of the civil war in Nigeria, already
seen above. Points which have already been explained will only be out
lined here.
Colonial legacy whereby the British promoted the tribal divisions by
introducing their divide and rule policy and the two divisive
constitutions.
The genocide unleashed against the Ibos fuelled the ardent wish for a majority-Ibo independent country.
Ethnic rivalry between the Eastern Ibos, Northern Hausa Fulanis and
Western Yoruba contributed to Ibo secession, They wanted to be
independent of other tribes.
The discovery of oil in Eastern Nigeria made the Ibo feel strong enough to secede.
The genocide against the Ibo made them annoyed and fuelled their desire for tribal independence.
Religious diversity where by the Ibo were predominantly Christians while the Hausa-Fulani were Moslem.
High Education. The Ibo were educated enough and didn't foresee a problem of man power shortage.
Fertile soils. Eastern Nigeria was blessed with good soils, reliable
rainfall and accessibility to the coast through Port Harcourt.
The 1963/64-census scandal which showed exaggerated population growth in Northern Nigeria worried the Ibo.
The political domination by northerners made the Ibo indignant.
The vice-chancellor seat. Competitions for jobs in the civil service
were complicated when the Ibo vice-chancellor at Lagos University Dr.
Eni Njoki was replaced by a Yoruba one.
Unfair social services whereby most of the funds were allocated to develop schools, hospitals and roads in the North.
The unification decree of May 1966 which abolished the old regions worried the Ibo who wanted regional independence.
The declaration of 12 new states in May 1967 also prompted the Ibo to secede.
The influence of other secessions in Africa led to the Biafran secession.
Ojukwu's personality. He was uncompromising and determined to break away from the central government.
Ethnic promotions in the army worried the Ibo.
The stationing of Northern soldiers in Ibo land also led to secession.
Aware of an impending crisis, Gowon sent many solders in the Eastern
region for security reasons.
Expected foreign support also made the Ibo to secede.
The post independence problems e.g corruption by Northern government
officials, arrogance by northerners, unemployment and inflation led to
the Ibo secession.
Western type political parties only served to divide the peoples of Nigeria and contributed to the Ibo secession.
National Movements and New States in Africa