Report on Fieldwork in Nigeria
14.11. - 19.12.2009
von Godwin Onuoha
The trip was my second to Nigeria and I spent about five weeks in all. The purpose of the trip was to conclude my fieldwork and cover other emerging issues in my research area.
First, I had to gather materials on the official perspective of MASSOB. While the movement defines itself as a group seeking the self determination of the Igbo from Nigeria legitimately, the Nigerian state sees the group as illegal and outlawed. In search of the official perspective of the state, I consulted with the Lagos State Police Command to get government opinion on the movement.
Secondly, the trip also provided the opportunity to cover recent developments in the movement’s quest for self determination, which includes the recent launching of a Biafran International Passport on Nigerian soil and other developments in the quest for self determination.
Thirdly, I encountered during my fieldwork certain references to Igbo ‘memory’ and the role this has played in shaping post-civil war developments in Nigeria. This was not originally envisaged, but it became increasingly important for me to explore the role of memory in the current Igbo struggle for self determination.
Interviews
1. Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer (Lagos State Police Command), Ikeja, Lagos
I visited the office of the Commissioner and PRO Lagos State Police Command on two occasions. The purpose was to obtain data on ethnic relations between ethnic groups in the state and other data on the clashes between State Security Operatives and MASSOB. Owing to the need to verify my identity, get security clearance and ascertain the purpose of my research I had to pass my application to the Commissioner of Police for approval. This was accomplished, and I was assured that all other data and additional information needed for the research can still be obtained through email and phone.
2. Area Administrator, Movement for the Actualisation of the sovereign State of Biafra
I had discussions with the Area Administrator of MASSOB, Mr. Maurice Ogwu. During my fieldtrip, he was the only high-ranking member of the movement I could have access to at the time. I sought to engage him on the current nature of the struggle, recent developments and the viability of the struggle. I raised critical issues related to the circulation of the new International Passport launched by MASSOB, the circulation of Biafran currency in certain parts of Eastern Nigeria, and the highly tensed situation and police presence in the region.
3. Series of Interview Sessions (Formally and Informally):
I also interviewed a cross-section of Igbo on their views about MASSOB and Igbo emancipation. The feelings were mixed, but the role of memory came out forcefully in the interviews. While some wanted to do away with the memories of the war and everything associated with it, like MASSOB and Biafra; others feel that the Igbo memory will not be appeased until the injustices meted out to the Igbo during and after the war is addressed.
(Additional) Collection of Secondary Sources, Books, Newspaper Articles:
Unlike most ethno-nationalist movements, MASSOB emerged about a decade ago and not so much has been documented or written about the movement in academic circles. The collection of additional pamphlets, magazines and newspaper article published about the movement became crucial in order to reconstruct the activities of the movement. Owing to the volatile nature of the struggle and the nature of the movement, collection of newspaper articles on the internet will remain an ongoing process and a ready source of information.