Interrogating the Secession Struggle of Biafra in Nigeria Within the Context of the Agitation and Emergence of South Sudan

Abstract

Abstract Plural societies are often prone to internal conflicts because of their ethnic, religious, linguistic, cultural and racial differences. The inability to properly manage these diversities for common good had resulted in secessionists struggles by groups that feel persecuted, dominated and discriminated against. However, studies have shown that after independence, seceded states are not immune against internal contradictions due to leadership tussles and the struggle for control over resources. It is within this context that this paper interrogated the possibilities of a peaceful Biafran State within the prism of the aftermaths of secession of South Sudan. Using the Group theory as its framework of analysis, the paper adopted a qualitative research approach with data drawn from secondary sources and descriptively analyzed. The paper noted that indicators that predisposed South Sudan to civil war after independence are prevalent in the Southeast region of Nigeria thus the region will likely degenerate to a conflict zone if granted independence except centrifugal forces and factors are conscientiously discussed, resolved and managed in the interest of the collective.