It is not my wish or desire to enter into senseless tribal debates, especially as it concerns a sister ethnic group South of the Niger .  I also realise that due to an unusual obsession with tribal topics, issues bordering on ethnicity have been over flogged, and it is ideally time to take a break from wholly tribal topics. But at the same time, I feel a duty to attempt to address  the erroneous impression created by Phil Tam- Al Alalibo’s article “Can Igbos Govern Nigeria?” which tended to profile leadership along ethnic lines.  

As far as Nigeria is concerned, the Igbo have never been found wanting in any sphere of life good or bad. Sometimes it is beneficial to look at things from a positive angle. During the struggle for independence the Igbo most notably Dr Nnamidi Azikiwe and other distinguished Igbo were among the arrowheads of the struggle for independence. I doubt if there is anybody from Mr Phil Alalibo’s Ijaw ethnic group to date and in the near future who can fit into Dr Nnamidi Azikiwe's shoes in terms of his political legacy.

Decrepit and unjust as the Nigerian state is, they have managed to recognise Dr Nnamidi Azikiwe’s colossal contribution to the foundation of the Nigerian state, which is evident in the naming of the Abuja international airport, and the embossment of his image in 500 naira amongst others.

All the core sectors including the officer corps of the armed forces, the federal civil service etc was dominated by Ndigbo albeit by merit before the civil war. Indeed the most senior civil servant at that time appointed by the British, Mr Francis Nwokedi was an Igbo. The first general officer (GOC) commanding the Nigerian armed forces General Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi was also An Igbo.A look at the Nigerian armed forces website, and the history of the respective formations, indicates that most of the formations were pioneered by Igbo officers.

In Literature, Chinua Achebe amongst other notable Igbo authors remains an Iroko second only to Professor Wole Soyinka in Nigeria and perhaps Africa .
In enterprise, Ndigbo remain incontestable leaders in Nigeria and most of West Africa in spite of the setbacks of the civil war. They control core sectors like the importation and distribution of general merchandise, transport (luxurious buses) etc. They are also critical in the self effort (no government help) local creative production of goods, in places like Aba , Nnewi etc which has come to be famously known in Nigeria as “Igbo made” or “ Aba made”.

 In sports, the Igbo parade a formidable array of footballers like Kanu Nwankwo, Austin Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Mary Onyali, and Obikwelu etc who have made Nigeria proud. In Music the likes of Osita Osadebay, Charlie boy Oputa, Onyeka Onwenu etc have also paid their dues.
 
In comedy and home entertainment, the history of entertainment in Nigeria cannot be told without mentioning the famous “Zebrudaya”, another Igbo who made many Nigerians laugh until they broke their ribs. The modern film industry in Nigeria known as “Nollywood” was also incidentally pioneered by Ndigbo with the groundbreaking movie “living in bondage” in the early 90’s which started the Nollywood revolution.
 
In the professions, the Igbo parade a formidable array of professionals both at home and abroad who continue to show exemplary leadership in their various callings. Many of them abroad especially in America where merit and excellence are recognised have won several awards for excellence in their respective professions.
 
I doubt if the North which has dominated Nigeria ’s failed leadership since independence, can even attempt to compete with Ndigbo in any critical area of human endeavour, be it education, literature, creative arts, sports, the professions etc. Indeed Northern leadership has failed monumentally in all areas of human development. Under the watch of Northern leaders, Nigeria has progressively descended into an “animal farm”,  and their own people have remained largely uneducated and destitute inspite of having had absolute political control of Nigeria for decades, and yet this  is the same disgraceful  leadership example for which Mr Phil  Alalibo questions wether the Igbo can govern Nigeria.

Politically while Igbo’s have not been permitted to rule Nigeria for reasons clearly linked to the civil war, they have however provided leadership in the few areas where they have been allowed to serve.

The incorruptible Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe an Igbo became the first Nigerian to resign from public office on principles, when he disagreed with Babangida’s administration   joining of the “organisation of Islamic countries” OIC. He remains highly respected todate for his principled stand. Another Igbo Dr Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala remains the only other Nigerian to resign from public office, again on principles.

Nobody can deny that some of the best performers in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime are Igbo. From Dr Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala who performed the groundbreaking feat of negotiating the final settlement of Nigeria’s debt, Professor Charles Soludo, the Central Bank governor who revolutionised the Nigerian banking system with his banking consolidation initiative, Dr Oby Ezekwesili erstwhile solid minerals minister, and the “iron lady” Dr Dora Akunyili of NAFDAC who has waged a relentless battle against fake drug traffickers, and Chief  Emeka Anyaoku a distinguished diplomat who provided sterling leadership  to the  commonwealth  organization amongst others. Many of them have notably won countless local and international awards for leadership and excellence.
   

I have made the above references, not to denigrate any ethnic group, but to prove that Ndigbo have never been found wanting in any sphere of human endeavour historically in Nigeria .  The writer made references to Abiola’s election, but he failed to notice that Abiola won that election, because it was the only free and fair election in Nigerian history incidentally organized by another Igbo, Professor Humphrey Nwosu using the option A4 rig proof system he initiated.
 
It is common knowledge that elections in Nigeria with the exception of June 12 are more of selection. The real obstacle before the prospect of an Igbo president remains the civil war. The Nigerian establishment continues to harbour a morbid fear of Igbo presidency for obvious reasons. There is the fear that an Igbo president might facilitate secession, there is also the fear that an Igbo president might want to take revenge against all the past abuses and injustices etc these fears mostly unfounded has remained the temporary  bulwark against Igbo presidency in an environment where presidents are selected not elected.

In 1999 Dr Alex Ekwueme was the clear front runner, before the Nigerian establishment conspiracy decided Olusegun Obasanjo would be a safer, easier to control candidate.  If not for the selection, sponsorship, and rigging of the primaries in favour of Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Alex Ekwueme would have undoubtedly won the presidency.

Failure of Ijaw leadership in the Niger-Delta:

 The greatest paradox is that the author Mr Phil-Tam Al Alalibo comes from the most depressed region in Nigeria . The Niger-Delta reeks of corruption and a total absence of leadership. Inspite of the colossal 13% derivation they have collectively received since the 4th republic. Bayelsa state looks more like a local government than a state. There are no roads, no schools, and no hospitals. In the South of Nigeria according to Jamb statistics, the Ijaw and Bayelsa state in particurlar, has the lowest school enrolment rates.The majority of the citizens still live in creeks and swamps, while impeached governor Alameyeisigha conveniently looted every single dime in the treasury.  The new governor of Bayelsa state Mr “Badluck” Jonathan has only continued the looting from where Alameyeisigha stopped. While Mr Phil Alalibo is criticising Ndigbo for not taking the bull by the horn, his own kinsmen are ironically asking for the release of the chief looter Alameyeisigha

With the exception of Cross River , and Akwa Ibom states, all the other Niger-Delta states are paragons of corruption. There have been several organisations namely OMPADEC, NDDC etc dedicated to the development of the Niger-Delta. Oil companies also give colossal funds to their host communities frequently, but tribal Ijaw community leaders always embezzle contract funds from the development organisations, and siphon funds from the oil companies. This is the simple reason for the massive under-development of the region. The Ijaw has never produced any national leader of note in the mould of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamidi Azikiwe or Micheal Okpara. The few Ijaw leaders, led by Chief Edwin Clark are known more for hate mongering and siphoning of Niger-Delta funds than anything else.

The present quest for resource control is just another ploy by rabidly corrupt Ijaw leaders to increase the loot with which to line their pockets. If the collectivity of funds pumped in by different development organizations, oil companies, and the 13% derivation could not make any impact on the infrastructure in the Niger-Delta, then no amount of resource control can make any impact  as far as the present crop of Ijaw leaders hold sway.  What we are witnessing in the Niger-Delta is the greatest incidence of unconscionable corruption ever seen in Nigeria , and the greatest example of incompetence and failure of leadership amidst plenty of funds. Truth is; the Ijaw have never produced a leader, not in the past, not now, and probably not in the future.  Against this backdrop, it is curious that Mr Phil Alalibo neglected the chaos and penury in his own backyard, to dwell on the leadership deficiencies in another man’s backyard.
 
Conclusions:

It is important to conclude by alerting Nigerians to the dangers inherent in making generalized assumptions about whole ethnic groups. Anambra state is just one of the states where there are significant indigenous Igbo populations. All the other governors including Dr Peter Odili, who presides over a multi-ethnic state, are presiding over relatively tranquil states

 
It is obvious by the title of Mr Phil Alalibo’s article, that the author meant some mischief, if not; why lump the whole Igbo into an Anambra affair? And why neglect all the Igbo achievers in the past, and in the present administration, to author an article suggesting that none among the whole Igbo can rule a nation, that has been mostly misruled by a bunch of Chimpanzees?  More so when the author comes from a Niger-Delta that is reeking of monumental corruption, incompetence, and a near total breakdown of law and order as a result of insurgent activity said to be sponsored by Ijaw leaders. Wouldn’t the interest of Mr Phil Tam-Al Alalibo be better served by addressing the myriad problems in his own backyard?

What example of leadership does leaders from other ethnic groups have to show, when Nigeria is little better than a zoo? Who should Ndigbo learn governance from? Is it the same baboons that turned Nigeria into a cess pit?  It makes more sense to address people on an individual basis.  By rushing to condemn  whole ethnic groups for the actions of a few, out of our unfounded tribal bias and pettiness, we end up isolating those among that ethnic group who have demonstrated  strong leadership qualities, and who might just be the messiah we need to turn things around.

 
Comrade Lawrence Chinedu Nwobu

Email: lawrencenwobu@yahoo.com

Robot  Villager

# 1 . The greatest paradox is that the author Mr Phil-Tam Al Alalibo comes from the most depressed r...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 28.10.2006 07:33

Abraxas  Villager

# 2 Hi, folks! Pheeeew! .......Snore......... Snooze ............ Snore .... Pheeeew!! .....Snore .... Snooze ZZZZZZ Pheeeew! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Pheeeew! .......Snore......... Snooze ............ Snore .... Pheeeew!! .....Snore .... Snooze Muchas gracias. Dom Juan Carlos ABRAXAS (III) Posted by Abraxas| 28.10.2006 09:03

Mark Lar  Villager

# 3 I feel for you, my creek comrade. Go sleep off that akpeteshi-kinkana hangover. Muchas gracias. Posted by Mark Lar| 28.10.2006 09:14

docokwy  Villager

# 4 =Abraxas;136194>Hi, folks! Pheeeew! .......Snore .... Snooze Muchas gracias. Dom Juan Carlos ABRAXAS (III) Onye alllllllllllllllllllllla. Onye, onye, onye onye. Hm! Onye ala Ijaw. mad mannnnn. Madnessss Its been confirmed to me by the Orinocan local authorities that your residence permit has expired. Therefore, you will soon be deported to your flood-ravaged, oil-polluted, cultism-fraught, money-induced-kidnappings, academically-backwards, initiative-scarce, landless, salt water-filled, backwards, and utterly god-forsaken land. Posted by docokwy| 28.10.2006 09:40

Auspicious  Villager

# 5 =docokwy;136200>Onye alllllllllllllllllllllla. Onye, onye, onye onye. Hm! Onye ala Ijaw. mad mannn. Madnessss Its been confirmed to me by the Orinocan local authorities that your residence permit has expired. You will soon be deported to your flood-ravaged, oil-polluted, cultism-fraught, money-induced-kidnappings, academically-backwards, landless, salt water-filled, backwards, and utterly god-forsaken land. And, in not so many words, Docokwy ONCE AGAIN, plays his favorite act: The collective malignation of the whole people of another ethnic group; based on irresponsible stereotyping - the type driven by a sickening paranoia and primitive defensiveness against an unseen threat to his ethnic origin. Why not stick to attacking Abraxas personally? Why disrespect what you suppose is his land of origin? You can take the man out of the Village, but you cannot take the Village out of the man. Once an ethnic bigot, always an ethnic bigot. Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 28.10.2006 09:57

felix  Villager

# 6 There he goes again...Auspicious the loquacious one!...Somebody wrote a sickening article lumping an ethnic stock of well over fifty million as unfit to produce a leader in a rudderless Nigeria , all you did with your snoring cohort here was to enjoin igbos to respond to that with "facts"......Now another guy gets to his level to fight dirty too with him , and you are all over the place,true to your mischeiveous nature, branding him an "ethnic bigot"... hmmmm, you are becoming such a monumental nuisance here that i am starting to feel that it will only amout to stupidity for anybody to be dignifying your endless incoherent rantings with any sort of statements.. Some people think that the only way they can stand above others is when the stand on top of them! sick minds!!! Posted by felix| 28.10.2006 11:03

Auspicious  Villager

# 7 =felix;136215> There he goes again...Auspicious the loquacious one!...Somebody wrote a sickening article lumping an ethnic stock of well over fifty million as unfit to produce a leader in a rudderless Nigeria , all you did with your snoring cohort here was to enjoin igbos to respond to that with "facts"......Now another guy gets to his level to fight dirty too with him , and you are all over the place,true to your mischeiveous nature, branding him an "ethnic bigot"... hmmmm, you are becoming such a monumental nuisance here that i am starting to feel that it will only amout to stupidity for anybody to be dignifying your endless incoherent rantings with any sort of statements.. Some people think that the only way they can stand above others is when the stand on top of them! sick minds!!! Oh, it's Felix the Foxy one (from China) again! Eat MY nuts, you ignoramus! Honestly, I think you need a vacation from that communist enclave where you reside. You know, some sorta head-airing if you may - popularly known as a "reality-check". But then again, I doubt if that will cleanse your blindingly prejudiced mind-set, because even those who aren't behind the veil of censorship (like what exists in places like China) still can't see beyond their paranoid tribalist noses. You are always taking the cheap end of every intelligent discuss; it is either you are trying to sell us a fraudulent scientist here in the Village Square OR you are trying to make an ethnic issue out of a non-issue. How miserable! I find nothing as "sickening" as the retard humus people like YOU puke around the Village Square every so often. That gentleman (Dr. Alalibo) did not do anything that terribly wrong, apart from writing another ethnic-based topic that many of us - including Tony, Big K et al - are tired of. If that was his only sin, then there is nothing "sickening" about what he wrote. Yours is just another attempt to stick a false label on him, after your paranoid ethnic ego felt intimidated, yet again, by another innocent attempt at asking a question that could have pretty much been directed at any of us in Nigeria. Tell me, did Abraxas say ANYTHING about Docokwy's ethnic origin? If yes, Where? When? How? So why for goodness sake do you have to LIE that "another guy (Docokwy, apparently) gets to his level to fight dirty too with him"? The word "level" can only infer that Abraxas had done the same before. So, tell us NOW! Where and when and how? You godamn hate-filled fraud! How dare you opine of others' "monumental nuisance", when your very existence personifies stupidity of unimaginable proportions? You retard, the whole world is "standing on" YOU (Felix the Fox) if you don't know it and the only reason they stand on Felix is because you continue to exhibit the basest of human traits in your ethnicist views and that doesn't qualify you to stand next to another civilized being anywhere, anyday for any reason. So GET OUT of my face you bloody retard ethnicist! ---------------------------------------- ----------------- --------------------------------- TO THE LEVEL-HEADED AND REASONABLE VILLAGERS OUT THERE: The question is: what, for the Love of 'Lolade' (as opposed to the Love of Mike), is wrong in trying to find out (As Dr. Alalibo did) why ONLY ONE of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria has failed to produce a leader like the other two. That man gave his dues to your people. He praised the bravery of your great sons and daughters living and dead..and proceeded to tackle the pertinent questions of why your people have failed to produce a leader. Why take offense at every thing for goodness sake? Why the paranoia? I didn't want to get in the debate the last time but I am compelled to ask these question NOW! Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 28.10.2006 11:41

Abraxas  Villager

# 8 Hi, folks! Pheeeew! .......zzzzzzzzzzzz Pheeeew! .......Snore......... Snooze ............ Snore .... Pheeeew!! .....Snore .... Snooze Muchas gracias. Dom Juan Carlos ABRAXAS (III) Posted by Abraxas| 28.10.2006 13:58

cdimkpa  Villager

# 9 TO THE LEVEL-HEADED AND REASONABLE VILLAGERS OUT THERE: The question is: what, for the Love of 'Lolade' (as opposed to the Love of Mike), is wrong in trying to find out (As Dr. Alalibo did) why ONLY ONE of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria has failed to produce a leader like the other two. That man gave his dues to your people. He praised the bravery of your great sons and daughters living and alive..and proceeded to tackle the pertinent questions of why your people have failed to produce a leader. Why take offense at every thing for goodness sake? Why the paranoia? I didn't want to get in the debate the last time but I am compelled to ask these question NOW! Auspicious. ............................................. Auspicious, What's with you, yet again? Men! how long will you continue to be an irritant to others? If it is your bum-ass Obasanjo and other misleaders (of northern origin) that you so proudly pass of as leaders, then the Igbo is better off not producing any (such) leaders at all. You take pride in labelling every other person a bigot. But here you are shamelessly showing same at immeasurable levels. You are the biggest bigot of all times, because you only seem to find yourself in the opposition each time matters favourably concerning the Igbo is at hand. Who the hell are you sef (sic)?? Look here; you better change your silly small ways. Otherwise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by cdimkpa| 28.10.2006 14:49

Exxcuzme  Villager

# 10 My take is most of us do not want anything negative written about our ethnic/tribal group by insider/outside if it is to be consumed by everyone. I believe those writing the ethnic articles are being mischievous since most people are incense by them and therefore, rational discourse is impossible. Maybe some of these writers are getting hard-on for irritating people with their articles. Auspicious, I hope you are not enjoying your own TINKO NLA with this your fight-fight with all these mad people. You no tire self? Posted by Exxcuzme| 28.10.2006 15:41

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