ONITSHA — The Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (BIM-MASSOB) has called on the United Nations to support the restructuring of Nigeria into six independent republics ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The group, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Director of Information and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to BIM, Mazi Chris Mocha, described the 1914 amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria as unsuccessful, arguing that the arrangement had failed to deliver the desired unity and development.

BIM-MASSOB said the forthcoming UNGA, scheduled for September 14 to 28, 2026, provides an opportunity for the international community to consider what it described as a peaceful solution to Nigeria’s challenges.

The group alleged that the amalgamation, which marked its centenary in 2014, had not produced the expected results, blaming what it described as persistent insecurity and underdevelopment on the country’s structure.

According to the statement, the United Nations should consider granting independence to Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as a way of addressing the nation’s security challenges.

“For the United Nations, if you are truly working for world peace, there is only one solution to the problems of Nigeria: the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria should be granted independence as the only way to disarm the terrorists in the country,” the group stated.

The organisation, which campaigns for the actualisation of a Biafra state under the leadership of Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, said the assets and interests of citizens in the six geopolitical zones — South-East, South-West, South-South, North-Central, North-East and North-West — would be protected under international law if the proposal is considered.

It added that bilateral agreements could guide future relationships among the proposed new republics.

BIM-MASSOB also appealed to political leaders in Abuja to consider what it described as the wishes of Nigerians and explore ways of addressing the country’s longstanding challenges.

The group said its advocacy remained focused on what it described as a peaceful approach to achieving self-determination. (Vanguard)

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