From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor is a distinguished lawyer and a maverick human rights advocate.
Renowned for his unwavering commitment to defending the oppressed, marginalized, and underprivileged, he also serves counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group championing the right to self-determination for the people of the Southeast.
In this interview, he talks about sundry issues of governance, killings in Nigeria and recent developments in his home state of Anambra.
On May 29, Nigeria marked 26 years of unbroken civilian administration, reflecting on the state of the nation, what can you say about present realities in the polity?
Talking about May 29 this year left me in a reflective mood where I can say categorically that Nigeria as a nation is at the crossroads and my thoughts go to the youths in particular. It is a painful situation when tomorrow’s leaders become instrument of yesterday’s chains. Nigeria teeters on a fragile edge – not with the thunderous collapse of a broken dam, but with the quiet rot of a house neglected from within. What gnaws at the soul is not just the slow decay of institutions or the hollowness of leadership, but the haunting reality that the torchbearers of tomorrow have become foot soldiers of yesterday’s tyranny. Once heralded as the pulse of our collective hope, the Nigerian youth now stand disoriented at history’s intersection – many seduced, some coerced, and others willingly enlisted into the very machinery that has long stifled their future. How tragic it is to see vibrant minds and gifted hands diverted from purpose, repurposed into shields for the corrupt and saboteurs of national progress. These are not isolated acts of desperation. This is a systemic betrayal. Graduates drift through life with CVs that gather dust and dreams that gather rust. The streets swell with disillusioned intellects, many of whom find false comfort in the arms of crime, drugs, and the theatre of online venom. Their energies – once meant to build – are now bartered for petty tokens of survival or, worse, applause from power brokers who feast on dysfunction. As 2027 looms, a darker playbook unfolds: not one of civic enlightenment, but of digital thuggery, political puppetry, and divisive echo chambers. The youth – Nigeria’s beating heart – are being weaponised not for reform, but for ruin. Even more disturbing is the glorification of chaos merchants – those who trade truth for clout, who poison minds with distortions, who build empires from lies. They do not whisper in corners; they shout from platforms, drawing cheers from crowds too exhausted to care or too programmed to resist. Nigeria is bleeding in places numbers can’t measure. And the knife, too often, is held by the hands that should be healing her. We are not without hope anyway – but hope cannot thrive in denial. The youth must reclaim their agency. They must become more than echoes of failed men. They must choose the long, painful road of truth over the quick fix of allegiance to rot. This is not merely a political call – it is a moral reckoning. Our crossroads is not just national – it is generational. And every compromise made today will echo through a tomorrow that might never come. Let the youth rise – not as tools, but as architects. Not as hashtags, but as harvesters of a new dawn. That is my take for now.
You belong to the human rights community and not quite long, we saw the reported killings in Okigwe area of Imo State. But Amnesty International (Nigeria) issued a statement blaming the incident on IPOB and this has elicited some reactions too. What do you have to say on that situation?
Without mincing words, let me say that Amnesty International (Nigeria) should have done better in that matter. The hasty statement issued by Amnesty International (Nigeria) on the Okigwe killings has made it imperative to underscore the need for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation. The quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the report. This approach does not align with the expected standards of a globally respected human rights organisation. It must be unequivocally stated that no individual or authority, regardless of their constitutional powers, is permitted to take another’s life outside the due process enshrined in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The sanctity of human life must remain inviolable. I therefore strongly condemn, the killing of innocent travellers by yet-to-be identified heartless perpetrators – beasts in human form who have lost every connection to humanity. I call on Nigerian’s security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate these heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law. The security agencies should stop paying lip service as they often do, and actually conduct a thorough investigation into these dastardly and wanton killings. Upon a careful review of Amnesty International Nigeria’s statement, several inconsistencies and troubling lapses were observed: – Questionable Source of Casualty Figures: Amnesty International Nigeria reported specific casualty figures without disclosing any independent verification sources. This departs from their well-established protocol, which emphasises independent investigations often taking days or weeks before conclusions are drawn. Premature Attribution of Blame: While the police acknowledged the attack, they refrained from confirming exact casualty numbers or the real identity of the attackers. Amnesty’s conclusive link to IPOB, therefore, appears speculative and unsubstantiated. Potential Conflict of Interest: Concerns have also been raised about the neutrality of the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, who use to hold a political appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor of Yobe State. This dual role casts a shadow over the objectivity of the organisation’s reporting. Ongoing Threats in the Region: It is a well-known fact that remnants of armed elements loyal to Simon Ekpa continue to destabilise communities across the Southeast. While this remains a security concern demanding urgent state intervention, it should not justify rushed attributions of blame without due diligence. That’s why I say that it is imperative that national and international stakeholders demand a credible, unbiased, and fact-driven investigation into the Okigwe killings. The loss of innocent lives must not be politicized or sensationalized. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done, both to honour the victims and to safeguard the rule of law in our democracy. Only the truth, firmly established through rigorous investigation, can pave the path to justice and lasting peace.
Let us talk about your home state-Anambra. The recent security successes recorded by the Soludo administration was shattered recently following the cold-blooded murder of a lawyer and president general of Aguleri Town Union. What’s your reaction to the unfortunate situation?
Let me state emphatically that justice must speak on the gruesome murder of Barr. Ifeanyi Rolex Iloakasia and the erosion of rule of law in Anambra State. I speak with a heavy heart and burning indignation over the cold-blooded assassination of Barrister Rolex Ifeanyi Iloakasia, a respected colleague, President-General of Aguleri community, and his client – a brutal crime that occurred on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Nanka-Agulu boundary in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State. According to credible reports, the late Barr. Iloakasia had just concluded a sensitive legal engagement in court and was returning with his client when they were ambushed by gunmen on a motorcycle. The attackers opened fire with lethal precision, killing both men on the spot. A third passenger narrowly escaped with injuries and is currently receiving treatment. Let me say that this cannot be described as random act of banditry. It was a targeted execution – a chilling message to the legal community and a direct assault on the justice system itself. This heinous act fits an increasingly familiar and disturbing pattern: lawyers in Anambra State are being hunted, silenced, and killed with impunity. This is not just a threat to the legal profession – it is a grave danger to the very fabric of our democracy. I, therefore, call upon the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) – at both the state and national levels – to rise to this moment with decisive action. They should demand a full-scale, transparent, and expedited investigation into the murder of Barr. Iloakasia and his client. The perpetrators must not escape justice. A period of mourning is supposed to have been declared by now. All legal professionals in Anambra should don black armbands and suspend non-essential court appearances in solemn protest. They should convene an emergency meeting with the Anambra State Government and security agencies to immediately implement protective measures for legal practitioners.They are to document and revisit all previous attacks on members of the Bar in Anambra State and we must insist on resolution and justice for every unresolved killing. Prepare for a statewide boycott of court proceedings if credible action is not initiated within a clearly defined timeline. Let it be known that we will not be intimidated into silence. Legal practitioners must never be forced to operate under the shadow of death. Today, it is Barr. Iloakasia. Tomorrow, it could be any of us. This is not just an attack on individuals – it is an attack on the rule of law, on due process, and on the values that hold our society together. Silence is complicity while injustice to one is injustice to all.
The recent visit of President Tinubu to Anambra State has been trending till now with accompanying views from diverse political interests. What is your take on the state visit?
The truth of the matter is that President Tinubu’s visit to Anambra positioned Soludo to great advantage. The visit marked a significant moment in the socio-political landscape of the Southeast. In what could be described as a historic occasion, indigenes and residents alike came out in large numbers to welcome the President, while many others tuned in to national broadcasts to witness the event. Notably, the non-indigene population, particularly from the Southwest, also participated enthusiastically. The event was visibly buoyed by the energy of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, whose excitement at hosting the Commander-in-Chief was palpable. Although certain organisational gaps were noted, they were overshadowed by the significance of the moment and the Governor’s exuberant welcome. Political analysts have interpreted President Tinubu’s body language and warm gestures during the visit as a tacit endorsement of Governor Soludo’s second-term bid, even though no formal declaration was made. As has been reiterated in political circles and discussions, opposition to Soludo’s re-election appears minimal, largely due to his visible achievements in infrastructure development across a significant part of the state, testimonies to which many, including myself, can personally attest. For instance, the ease of travel to my ancestral home in Oraifite via a newly constructed road speaks well about his performance. In this regard, Governor Soludo deserves commendation for his transformative governance. I have so much doubt that any contender will possibly upset this momentum in the near term. However, as Soludo prepares for the next political cycle, he must adopt a more inclusive approach. He must remember that his mandate was granted by the people of Anambra, not by any individual political actor. No single person holds the power to either make or unmake his future – his legitimacy lies with the electorate. Therefore, fostering unity and building trust across all divides will be essential to consolidating public support. Furthermore, the resilience of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in maintaining political continuity in Anambra deserves recognition. As the only party to have consistently governed the state over the years, APGA has earned its place as a unifying democratic force in the region. Governor Soludo would also do well to refine his public communication strategy. Political leadership requires tact and measured rhetoric. Personal attacks, especially against fellow Anambrarians – regardless of their political affiliations – could prove counterproductive and erode his goodwill. Public perception matters greatly in Anambra, particularly when respected elders are publicly disparaged. Soludo must rise above petty disputes and focus on policy-driven engagement. A final point of concern relates to the indiscriminate revocation of the Certificates of Occupancy (CoO) of commercial /private lands granted by the previous administration. While development requires space, Anambra’s landlocked geography presents legitimate constraints. The administration must tread carefully, particularly in cases where the C of O have already been granted under previous governments. Ongoing legal disputes over such acquisitions highlight the need for caution. Developmental policies must be executed with a human face, advancing progress without compromising justice or fairness. President Tinubu’s visit has, therefore, reinforced key political currents in Anambra and positioned Governor Soludo advantageously. However, sustaining that momentum will depend on strategic communication, inclusive governance, and people-centred policy implementation.
In the midst of all these anomalies in our polity, it is clear that Nigerians are becoming more disillusioned daily, what words do you have for the citizens at this point in our history as a nation?
Our nation’s deepest wound is not the weight of her challenges, but the weakness of her leadership. It is the poverty of character at the helm – not the lack of resources – that has chained our destiny. When ambition devours service, and greed dethrones governance, leaders betray the people and poison the very soul of the land. We live in an age where mediocrity is enthroned and excellence is scorned. The protectors of the weak become their oppressors; the enforcers of justice indulge in impunity. Yet history is clear: no nation survives where justice is auctioned and the truth is trampled. Failure will remain our portion if we continue to excuse it. We must disparage the altar of bad leadership and refuse to call it normal. The time to speak boldly and act courageously is not later – it is now! We should strive to build beyond ourselves. We should take cognizance of the fact that leadership is not about titles – it’s about responsibility. And nation-building is not the work of governments alone – it is the silent duty of every citizen who chooses principle over convenience, truth over comfort, and service over self. Our nation’s greatness will not be declared from podiums alone – it will rise from classrooms where teachers show up despite challenges, from courtrooms where justice is pursued without fear, and from homes where values are taught and lived. If each of us lights a candle in our corner, darkness will have no hiding place. So today, don’t just complain – contribute. Don’t just observe – engage. Your voice, your actions, and your integrity – they matter more than you know. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. “Time will come, if action is not taken, that Nigerians will take their destinies in their own hands.” These are the chilling words of Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, as he sounded the alarm over the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation. From the relentless attacks in Borno and Yobe to the tragic loss of innocent lives in Chibok and Pulka, our people are under siege. The government’s response? Deafening silence and empty promises. When our elected officials begin to fear the wrath of the very citizens they serve, it’s a glaring sign that the social contract has been broken. Nigeria teeters on the edge of becoming a failed state. We must demand accountability. We must demand action. The time for complacency is over. The problem is that truth is in chains in Nigeria. I call it the quiet death of clear thinking. In a nation where allegiance to political parties often trumps allegiance to truth, objectivity is fast becoming an endangered virtue. We’ve reached a point where the merit of a statement is not judged by its content, but by the identity of its speaker. If it’s from “our side,” it must be defended – even if it’s poison. If it’s from the “other side,” it must be attacked – even if it’s gold. This cognitive captivity is dangerous. It erodes critical thinking, blinds us to reality, and fuels the very dysfunction we claim to despise. The cost? Truth is sacrificed at the altar of political convenience. Progress stalls. The nation bleeds – slowly, steadily. Objectivity isn’t neutrality; it is intellectual honesty. It means looking at the facts, regardless of where they lead. It is being able to call out incompetence even when it wears your party’s colours. It is standing for justice even when it is your friend in the dock. We cannot build a just society if our analyses are tinted by tribal, religious, or political lenses. We cannot demand accountability when we only hold “the other side” accountable. We cannot grow if our loyalty is to parties and not to principles. I challenge Nigerians to see clearly. Strip issues to their core. Judge them on facts, not affiliations. The truth has no party. Justice has no tribe. And integrity has no price tag. History will not remember the loudest voices – it will remember the most honest ones too.