Ndi Igbo in the Diaspora have decided to meet in Houston, USA, on February 19, 2016 to debate their fate in Nigeria in a forum tagged ‘The Great Igbo/Biafra Debate.’ The debate, according to the organisers, is necessitated by the Igbo nation’s “past experiences and recent events in the country.”

A statement signed by Dr. J.O.S. Okeke for the organisers, and Dr. Oguchi Nkwocha as Special Representative, said: “Ndi Igbo have suffered genocide, pogrom, civil war and, continuous persecution in Nigeria.

“For decades, we have also been exploited economically, dominated politically, segregated against, and humiliated spiritually. This gross injustice to humankind must not be accepted as the new norm and must not continue.”

According to the statement, “A platform for a serious discussion has been established in Houston, Texas, to debate whether Igbo should stay in Nigeria or opt out of it in light of these experiences. Speakers will boldly confront the following question.

“Does/Should Biafra represent the best aims and worthiest purpose of Ndi Igbo in view of our experiences since the end of the civil war?

“Participants who will speak to one or the other side of the debate must support their opinions with facts and reasons devoid of sentiments. At the end of the debate which will be broadcast live in the social media, an opportunity will be set up for videoconferencing and for people to call in and participate in the voting/referendum process through email, Facebook, Twitter or any other compatible social medium.”

The organisers explained that the debate had to be shifted to February 19, 2016 from the original January 29, 2016, “due to an overwhelming response . . . and the incessant clamour for participation by those in Nigeria, U.S.and Europe.”

The debate is slated to hold in Texas Southern University Houston, Texas.

•Photo shows pro-Biafra marchers.