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| Gunther Fehlinger |
A European politician, Gunther Fehlinger, has stirred significant online reaction by publicly calling for the independence of the Biafra Republic from Nigeria. In a post on his verified X account, Fehlinger stated, “I call for independence of Biafra Republic of #ExNigeria,” directly addressing the profiles of the U.S. and Nigerian presidents.
His message, which included a map of southeastern Nigeria, also contained a historical reference, apologizing because “Nixon failed you in 1967.” This alludes to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), when the region previously declared independence as the Republic of Biafra.
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| European Politician, Fehlinger Calls For Biafra Independence |
The post quickly went viral, reopening deep-seated debates about Biafra. The issue of independence for the southeastern region remains a highly sensitive and contentious subject in Nigerian politics decades after the civil war ended.
Fehlinger's statement has drawn widespread attention to the lingering historical grievances, though there has been no immediate official response from the Nigerian government which faces accusation of enabling genocide against Christians in the country.