Democracy Day: Human Rights Lawyer Bemaons Continued Marginalization of Southeast

By Olisemeka Obeche & Mary Obi

Human Rights Lawyer and public affairs analyst, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called for deep introspection, rather than celebration of Nigeria’s 25th democracy day anniversary.

In a press statement issued and made available to the media, Ejiofor insisted that rather than celebrating, June 12 should be set aside for introspection, particularly among the Igbo people and the broader Biafran community.

The lead counsel to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, said the Nigerian democracy has not done much to address the injustices and marginalization of the people of South East geopolitical zone.

“This is not a time for celebration, but for sober reflection,” Ejiofor states. “We must look beyond official ceremonies and scripted rhetoric to confront the painful contradictions of a democracy that has too often excluded, oppressed, and vilified the very voices calling for justice, fairness, and self-determination.”

Ejiofor raised concerns socio-economic conditions of citizens in Nigeria’s Southeast, questioning whether the dividends of democracy have truly reached the region:

“Have the Fruits of Democracy Reached Alaigbo? In this so-called democracy, do our people feel protected or persecuted? Are our communities empowered—or are they subjected to military raids, economic strangulation, and political marginalization?”

Ejiofor points to the impact of economic instability: fuel hikes, currency depreciation, and broken promises.

“Are our traders, artisans, and youth thriving—or merely surviving in a federation that appears structured to frustrate them?”

According to him, despite thejr industriousness and innovation, residents of the south east have continued to struggle. He argues, “Biafran businesses face policy hostility, poor infrastructure, and systemic exclusion. Where is the economic vision that uplifts Ndigbo, rather than punishes them for their success?”

Ejiofor further laments a growing climate of fear. “From Orlu to Aba, Enugu to Nnewi, our people live under the shadow of state-sponsored violence and insecurity. Who protects us when those sworn to do so have become a source of fear?”

Challenging the foundations of Nigeria’s federalism, he asks: “Is Nigeria truly a union of equals—or a forced arrangement in which one region dominates and others are told to conform in silence? Can there be unity without justice? Peace without truth?”

He called to citizens especially those in the South-East to embrace courage, conscience, and change, stressing that democracy must be more than elections and slogans.

“It must answer the cries of the marginalized, not only the ambitions of the elite,” he insists. “It must uphold the right of every people—including the Biafrans—to be seen, heard, and, if necessary, to determine their own future.”

He urges the Igbo nation and all advocates of justice to reject complacency and instead pursue peaceful, lawful, and strategic engagement.

“Democracy, like freedom, dies in fear—and thrives in truth,” he warns. “Nigeria cannot rise while it keeps some of its most vibrant people on their knees.”

To Ejiofor, Democracy Day is not merely a date in the calendar—it is a reminder of the cost of silence, and a prompt to demand either a truly fair federation or the freedom to build one independently.

“This is not the time to fold our arms. This is the time to think, organize, and reclaim our dignity,” he declares.
“May the voice of Biafra never be silenced. The journey continues—not by chance, but by choice.”