THE CRISIS OF THE NIGERIAN STATE AND THE RE-EMERGENCE OF BIAFRAN SEPARATIST ASPIRATIONS: AN EXAMINATION OF THE RISE OF IPOB

Abstract

The Nigerian state has, since independence, grappled with persistent structural and governance crises that have constantly challenged its legitimacy and cohesion. The Biafran separatist aspiration that first culminated in a brutal civil war between 1967 and 1970 has become one of the most enduring and contentious manifestations of these crises. The objective of this study is to examine the crisis of the Nigerian state and the re-emergence of Biafran separatist aspirations, based on socio-political and economic factors, with a specific focus on the rise of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The study adopted a qualitative research approach, utilizing content from the IPOB’s public statements, media reports, online materials, journal articles, other relevant publications, and semi-structured interviews with key informants as its method for data collection. This study found that perceived marginalization, economic grievances, state-sponsored violence, and a sense of historical injustice are primary catalysts for IPOB's support. The discussion posits that the state's failure to address fundamental issues of governance, justice, and resource allocation inadvertently strengthens separatist narratives. The study concludes that without comprehensive state reform and inclusive dialogue, the Biafran separatist aspirations, championed by groups like IPOB, will continue to challenge Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The study therefore recommends a multi-stakeholder, national, and unconditional dialogue, along with proactive policy reforms, as long-term solutions to the Biafran agitations and Nigeria’s broader state fragility.