Nnadiebube Journal of Social Sciences

Agitations for self-determination in the face of perceived injustice, relative deprivation, discrimination and victimization are not an aberration. Needless to say that the impetus for the rising separatist movements across the globe was generated by the principle of self-determination enshrined in the Article 1(2) of the United Nation’s Charter (1945). However, the method employed in the pursuit of justice and freedom becomes the most determinant factor in the success of such struggle. For Gandhi, the means employed in the pursuit of any end is as important as the end itself because the adoption of wrong means could never lead to a successful end. This study interrogates the Indigenous People of Biafra’s modus operandi towards secession, vis-à-vis her leader’s advocacy for passive resistance based on the Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha. Relying on the secondary method of data collections and textual method of data analysis, the study utilizes Gene Sharp’s Theory of Power to portray the dangers of the adoption of violent means to achieve a peaceful end. This study contends that the use of Radio Biafra to disseminate false information, hate speeches, war threats and the establishment cum activities of the IPOB’s armed wing, ESN; do not align with Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy of Satyagraha

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