Akanu Ibiam Protest British’s Role In Nigerian Crisis, Dumps British Knighthood.
Since the death of Queen Elizabeth 11 of England was announced on Sept 8, mixed reactions gave trailed the role of Britain in the nationhood and internal strife of most developing countries including Nigeria.
Below is the letter written by Akanu Ibiam, a former Governor General of defunct Easten Region between 1960 and 1966 who accused Britain supervising of emasculating and subjugation of Biafra under the Queen who lived for 96 years and reigned for 70 years.
Ibiam said though Britain brought Christianity to Africa, they never believed in it as they did not protect those who identified with them in faith.
He subsequently denounced the honour of British Knighthood in protest against the treatment of his people.
The letter read:
“YOUR MAJESTY, the British officials in Nigeria are fully aware of all these.
They know that we are injured and deeply grieved people and had been cruelly treated by our erstwhile fellow citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The British officials not only knew the crux of the matter, but they also encouraged Northern Nigeria to carry out and execute their nefarious plan against us.
They are angry with Biafra because Biafra categorically refused to remain as part of the Nigeria federation and political unit only to be trampled upon, discriminated against and hated, ruthlessly exploited and denied her rights and privileges, and slaughtered whenever it suited the whims and caprices of the favoured people of Northern Nigeria.
To add insult to injury, Your Majesty’s Britannic Government, instead of being neutral in our quarrels or finding ways and means to mediate and bring peace to the two countries, has now taken it upon herself to supply military aid to Nigeria to help them defeat and subjugate Biafra.
It is simply staggering for a Christian country like Britain to help a Moslem country militarily to crush another Christian country like Biafra. This is just too much for me,
Your Gracious Majesty, this act of unfriendliness and treachery by the British Government towards the people of Republic of Biafra who, as Eastern Nigerians, had so much regard for Britain and British people.
In the circumstance, Your Majesty, I no longer wish to wear the garb of the British Knighthood.
British fair play, British justice, and the Englishman’s word of honour which Biafra loved so much and cherished have become meaningless to Biafrans in general and to me in particular.
Christian Britain has shamelessly let down Christian Biafra.
I love the Republic of Biafra very dearly and pray that, by grace of God, she may remain and continue to grow and live and always act like a truly Christian country for all times.
I am, your Majesty
Yours Most Respectfully
(AKANU IBIAM)
