Bianca Ojukwu’s U.S. diplomatic trip sparks Igbo backlash over her role in Tinubu’s government, highlighting deep divisions on integration and separatism.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has sparked intense debate among sections of the Igbo community following her recent diplomatic trip to the United States. The former ambassador joined a federal delegation to engage U.S. Congressman Riley Moore on pressing national security issues, including Boko Haram attacks, rising insecurity in northern Nigeria, and the increasing concerns around Christian persecution.
While the visit was part of ongoing international diplomatic efforts, critics particularly on X (formerly Twitter) accused her of betraying Igbo interests. Many argued that accepting a ministerial appointment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a symbolic break from the legacy of her late husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, especially as the Federal Government continues to detain IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Some critics went as far as demanding that she remove “Ojukwu” from her name, claiming that her political alignment contradicts the ideals associated with the late Biafran leader.
However, supporters swiftly countered the backlash, insisting that active participation in national politics is crucial for Ndigbo. They noted that Ojukwu himself returned to Nigerian politics, contested for the presidency, and encouraged engagement rather than isolation. According to them, Bianca’s diplomatic service aligns with long-term efforts to ensure the Southeast has a meaningful presence in national decision-making.
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The controversy once again highlights deep ideological divisions within the Igbo sociopolitical space between those who advocate national integration and those who support separatist sentiments due to perceived historical and ongoing marginalization.