POLITICAL ACTIVISM IN VISUAL EXPRESSION: IPOB AND THE BIAFRA QUESTION IN THE SOUTH EAST OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Visual expression has played a role in influencing society, public discourse and participation in national issues, including politics. It has been a catalyst for positive social change and transformation. It represents the ideals, norms and standard acceptable group behaviours with which a people identify with and are obliged to comply for the sake of social harmony and co-habitation. Visual expression has a silent but deep impact upon the minds of viewers. Thus, the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) has adopted it as a veritable tool in their agitation. This paper believes that the alleged persecution of IPOB by the Nigerian government has occasioned the manifestation of a new form of visual campaign that is largely political. The paper examined the role of visuals in the activities of IPOB. It reveals how the struggle for self-determination could provide space for the articulation of the rise of visual culture in the post colonial state.