Separatist merchants and supplanters of our national unity have invaded the cyber highway and with clannish chutzpah have crowded out available space with irrational apologetics for a climatic manifestation of Igbo nation. Some of these apologists have colonised NVS, and in a classic resurrection of Stalinesque cropping of propaganda, they have employed flag solidarity, nationalism, tribal jingoism, veiled threat, the vision of Nirvana, Biafran nostalgia and syrupy hope to embellish discourse and fuddled readers into supporting a new, Eastern nihilistic sectarian agenda.

It is profoundly sad that in less than 40 years of our civil war, the Igbo people could be working assiduously for the dismemberment of Nigeria to further a selfish illusion of Ndigbo homeland. What this seems to suggest is that Ndigbo memory is still replete with regret, marginalisation, denial and perceived antagonism from Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani. This collection of festering emotional garbage has grown into a millstone on the neck of an average Igbo, especially the tribalist variants who are still calibrating anger, bitterness, frustration and warped desire to rebirth a new Igbo homeland.

Bereft of fresh and accommodating ideas, Biafra evangelists are now infecting and endangering the public sphere with overwhelming pained polemics of self-induced sufferings of our civil war and the dislocation of the Ndigbo from the commonwealth of Nigeria.  Also, what has become noticeable from the public domain was the absence of objective analysis of the civil war, the futility of Igbo blame game, the Igbo predilection to play God, its impotent and disorganised leadership and the rascality of the proletarian MASSOB (Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra) with its weakened commanders and foot soldiers.

For far too long, the Ndigbo have deified the old rebel and traitor-warrior, Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to a level of a heroic God who is all-knowing and all-seeing. Ojukwu’s war against his fatherland was justified by the power of his logic which was anchored on his professed mission to rescue the Igboman from a perceived servitude and persecution of the Nigerian state. Ojukwu’s divine mission, according to the Ndigbo, could not be faulted and like sheep to the slaughter house, brave hearts across the Niger embarked on lobbing ‘ogwiligbe’ in a 30- month long war of bitter attrition which claimed 1 million Igbo and untold number in the Federal side.

Certainly Igbos are brave, courageous and resilient but you do not test these virtues against guns and bullets. When Ikemba assumed the mantle of Demon-King for the Ndigbo during the war years, he filled a vacuum that was crying for his kind of personality. Ojukwu is the son of a millionaire father, confident, arrogant, educated, handsome, brave, self-opinionated and ambitious. He epitomised the attributes every Igbo man, woman or child pretends to possess.

These ‘chartered’ character traits of Ojukwu have always created hobbles in the political, social and economic fortune of the Ndigbos in Nigeria. First, Igbos have always had a ruinous perception of themselves as not belonging to the Nigerian family. They believe that Nigeria or better still, the Northern oligarch has pushed them to the fringe and treated like pariahs in Nigeria. This ongoing crisis of confidence and acceptance can be located in their confused identity of who they really are as a tribe. Seen in this context, Igbo blindness and their self-loathing secessionist tendency represent the first hobble imperilling their full association with the rest of Nigeria.

Second, when a tribe descends into intellectual, economic, social, political and cultural comparison with other competing tribes in a tribally volatile country like Nigeria, what we shall see is tribal animosity, tension and distrust. When a tribe see themselves as infallible and too clever for other tribes, what we shall see is the desire for another Biafra. The Igbo have a supreme sense of self-assurance that they are born to rule and not to serve and this unfulfilled dream account for their relentless assault on the composition of power in Nigerian polity.

This character flaw apart, another banal reason why Biafra’s flag has to be hoisted in Mbaise or Owerri is the shameless ranting about marginalisation. This is a specious allegation that has no foundation.  Combined the tribes together, the Igbo have had a sustained financial, social, material, education and cultural progress more than any tribe in Nigeria since the end of the civil war. We may probably place this good fortune on their nomadic, pioneering and adventurous spirit. Any talk of marginalisation should probably be met with accusation of Igbo grand greed and covetousness.

Olusegun Obasanjo, who, most Igbo commentators now pilloried for misrule and other misdemeanours, showed an expansive trait for accommodation and inclusion during his eight years regime. Obasanjo, a detribalised and avowed nationalist wooed the Igbo and gave them juicy government jobs while containing his own Yoruba tribe all through his presidency. He brought on board his cabinet technocrats like Ezekwesili, Okonjo-Iweala, Onwuyili, Soludo and rewarded their talent with crown that fitted their talent perfectly. Under Obasanjo, Igbos have never had it so good. It was a kind of twilight years for their recognition, acceptance and rehabilitation. But no, Obasanjo the Igbo messiah is seen as another Yoruba devil who festooned them with an unbroken chain of marginalisation.

When Igbo are resentful of the achievements of Obasanjo, a fellow Southerner, then Youba and the Ndigbo would always be seen as useful tools in Hausa-Fulani grand political showmanship. When there is no moral commitment to tell the bleeding truth of the support from other perceived tribal enemy, then Igbo are not sincere with their true friends. Igbo must tell the world if Obasanjo’s presidency benefitted them or not.

Then there is the abhorrent ritual of regurgitating the tired cliché of Igbo suffering during the civil war. We are forever reminded that the majority of those who saw the war are still reeling from all the classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological trauma.  The human embodiment of our war disaster could be seen under the scorching midday sun at Enugu-Onitsha expressway and at the Oji River and Ugwuoba sector. Old war veterans or better still heroes are left to rot and beg for survival. Yet Igbos are sounding the drum of a second Biafran Armageddon!

It must be said that this is not a psychic affliction from the Yorubas and Hausa-Fulani but a man made, self inflicted disaster from a Sandhurst-trained master-strategist who hallucinate on turning Onitsha into Tokyo and Nnewi into Taiwan. Forty years on, Ojukwu’s scorched dream is about to undergo an Eastern renaissance and Republic Of Biafra must stand as an emblem of atonement for Igbo lost pride and glory.

The dream for a Biafran nation state represents a new form of Igbo collective anger against the Nigerian nation. Many of the disabling arguments for Igbo self determination show no rational proof of any sustained oppression, brutality, alienation and participation from the Nigerian project. It is the lie of the devil to believe that Igbo progress and civilisation are doomed if they are still locked in a united Nigeria. We should also note that despite the theoretical attraction of a possible new Biafra, Ojukwu is a tired warlord who is more interested in pampering Bianca with her 4 children than leading a moribund cause that had lost its shinning moment. He also needs time to enjoy the large pension money he was recently awarded by Yar’Adua. A timely inducement, you might say, to keep the old man quiet.

Even Igbo odenigwes, igwes, diokpas, intellectuals, businessmen and women, many of whom are seasoned realists, are not queuing up for conscription. Majority of the Igbos I know would not contemplate an exchange of the comfort of Lekki and plush mansions in Abuja for the muddy trenches of Umuahia, Enugu and Owerri. They are content with their dominion of business, banking and economic destiny of Nigeria while debates are ongoing for a shot at the presidency.

Within this clamour for a Biafran super state, there is a gaping absence of lateral thinking among Southerners. We, the Yoruba and Igbo still gamble our shared destiny away through a mutually-induced and massive political gulf. Hausa-Fulani domination remains a potent force in Nigeria’s political life principally because of the petty squabbles between the South-South, South-East and South –West. Igbo collective dislike of Obafemi Awolowo is often ignorantly mixed up with a passionate hatred of all Yorubas. Nnamdi Aikiwe’s political indiscretions become a generational curse on all living Ndigbo. We see the minority South-South in less flattering terms. We see them as people with no political clout until Asari Dokubo started bombing the system. The Arewans, watching our almost unhealable mutual hatred, then drive in the political wedge which further polarises us.

The trouble with the Yoruba, Igbo and the South-South is our intellectual blindness to see that we are our own worse enemy. Northern hegemony is a figment. Kaduna mafia is a myth deliberately created to add a gloss to the fictitious Hausa-Fulani political omnipotence. The criminal stagnation of Nigeria is the fault of the Southerners. Yoruba is not the enemy of Igbo political destiny nor the Igbo the Yoruba enemy. Our old blinkers have to be removed in light of Arewa political agenda of domination and oppression. In this respect, an ‘Abiolarite’ character has to emerge among the ranks of the Ndigbo. They need a detribalised, lovable and nationalistic figure with cutting edge vision that could build bridges and end the clannish enmity between us. Yoruba too need to nurture another Abiola who could enjoy isi-ewu, edikaikong and ogbonno as much as ila and ewedu. The lesson of June 12, 1993 with its unifying undertone does not need retelling.

There is no need to dismember Nigeria because of a desire to create Dubai, Tokyo, New York, Taiwan and Singapore of Eastern Nigeria. I would hate to queue for Biafra visa to see Igbo friends in the future paradise of Nnewi, Enugu, Onitsha and Owerri. Biafra is an affordable luxury but let us redirect the resources and energy at working out our difference. Ralph Uwazuruike, that mobiliser of mass Biafran emotion, should disarm his battle ready battalion of Igbo Special Forces. We need solidarity not politics of difference and tribal identity.

Igbo leaders must refocus the energy and genius of the entire Ndigbos to building an egalitarian Nigerian society.  Also, they must reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and work out who their true partners are in a democratically-driven and indivisible one Nigeria. Ndigbo should learn to relate in binary dimensions-inwardly with themselves and outwardly with other tribes. They are currently deficient in those two realms. The current realities suggest that they must forge a new alliance with the Yoruba based on shared social values, world view, religion and affiliation.

Igbo must repackage and reinvent themselves and come down from that golden horse of ‘I better pass other tribes’ syndrome.  Intellectuals within Aka Ikenga, the robust Igbo think tank could initiate a national reconciliatory conversation and denounce the educated warmongers calling for a new Biafran autonomy. The old enmity and political chasm between the Yoruba and Ndigbo should be closed and in their place, let there be a resurgent momentum of tribo-politico co-operation and an end to febrile dream of monolithic Biafra!  Above all, we have to stop our filthy patronage for filthy lucre from Hausa-Fulani political fixers.  At a superficial level, this statement could be interpreted as a pacifist plea for Igbo inclusion and solidarity in a vibrant and strong Nigeria.  Yet at another level, it could well be the visionary musing of an observer of Igbo’s past, present and future.

Tijani lives in London.

Robot  Villager

# 1 Separatist merchants and supplanters of our national unity have invaded the cyber highway and wi...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 07.06.2008 23:16

NWANZA  Villager

# 2 When Igbo are resentful of the achievements of Obasanjo, a fellow Southerner, then Youba and the Ndigbo would always be seen as useful tools in Hausa-Fulani grand political showmanship. When there is no moral commitment to tell the bleeding truth of the support from other perceived tribal enemy, then Igbo are not sincere with their true friends. Igbo must tell the world if Obasanjo’s presidency benefitted them or not. Then there is the abhorrent ritual of regurgitating the tired cliché of Igbo suffering during the civil war. We are forever reminded that the majority of those who saw the war are still reeling from all the classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological trauma. The human embodiment of our war disaster could be seen under the scorching midday sun at Enugu-Onitsha expressway and at the Oji River and Ugwuoba sector. Old war veterans or better still heroes are left to rot and beg for survival. Yet Igbos are sounding the drum of a second Biafran Armageddon! It must be said that this is not a psychic affliction from the Yorubas and Hausa-Fulani but a man made, self inflicted disaster from a Sandhurst-trained master-strategist who hallucinate on turning Onitsha into Tokyo and Nnewi into Taiwan. Forty years on, Ojukwu’s scorched dream is about to undergo an Eastern renaissance and Republic Of Biafra must stand as an emblem of atonement for Igbo lost pride and glory. The dream for a Biafran nation state represents a new form of Igbo collective anger against the Nigerian nation. Many of the disabling arguments for Igbo self determination show no rational proof of any sustained oppression, brutality, alienation and participation from the Nigerian project. It is the lie of the devil to believe that Igbo progress and civilisation are doomed if they are still locked in a united Nigeria. We should also note that despite the theoretical attraction of a possible new Biafra, Ojukwu is a tired warlord who is more interested in pampering Bianca with her 4 children than leading a moribund cause that had lost its shinning moment. He also needs time to enjoy the large pension money he was recently awarded by Yar’Adua. A timely inducement, you might say, to keep the old man quiet. Your observation about Ndigbo is completely flawed, and the author lacks exposure to the people in the context of Nigerian society today. The author is merely expressing his thoughts and opinions, which can be summed up as trash talk. Unfortunately, some people share the same opinion about Ndigbo and their place in the general Nigerian society. Obasanjo did not do anything tangible for southeast, regardless of the appointments of some Igbo technocrats. Why focus on appointments when you should focus on things that impact our daily life like electricity, drinking water, health care facilities, and infrastructure. Igbos are the most objective people in Nigeria, and would rather have an Hausa-Fulani man as president forever, as long as basic necessities are being provided for the masses. All we want is electricity, drinking water, health care facilities, and infrastructure. Obasanjo did not provide any of these, and he also connived with the Ubas to destabilize Anambra state, destruction of government houses by thugs as Nigerian police provided cover, revoking oil wells that belonged to Abia state, and rigging elections. His is the worst tyrant that Nigeria ever had. Igbos does not hate Yorubas or other tribes as you stated here on some verses. Although one cannot vouch for everybody, but the majority of Igbos do not harbor those sentiments. In my childhood days, the missionary schools teach citizenship and Christianity. I have not heard my people say or use hate words during conversations. Marriages among Igbos and Yorubas are at an all time high, and three of my family members are married to Yorubas. I love my cousins with all my heart, and pray for beautiful things in life to come their way. Same thing can be said of marriages to the Northerners. The case for MASSOB is not one that should deprive anyone good sleep, because MASSOB is a non-violent movement that highlights the inefficiencies of the Nigerian State. Pressure have to be mounted on the Federal government to do what they are supposed to do like provision of electricity, drinking water, health care facilities, and infrastructure. Posted by NWANZA| 08.06.2008 00:26

denker  Villager

# 3 NWANZA: ..good talk up there...keep it up...! Posted by denker| 08.06.2008 03:37

docokwy  Villager

# 4 May be I need to wash my eyes to see more clearly, but in this article, I did not read where a single blame went to the Yoruba and Hausa for the political plight of Igbos in Nigeria, instead every blame was heaped on the Igbo. What a warped opinion and unfathomable thrash then. Short of being described as complete thrash, this article bears no new ideas and solutions. The need for Igbos and Yoruba to come together (which is the main crux of the article) has been on the table for ages. Even Ojukwu was fully involved in it; something he aptly described as the ''handshake across the Niger''. You may want to know who contributed in trucating that handshake? Though a seeming enthusiast, the author is completely uninformed. Posted by docokwy| 08.06.2008 04:03

Tiger  Villager

# 5 Taju Tijani, Your self-imposed role as a Yoruba pacifist willing to combat the "internet warriors" of Ibo apologists left much to be desired. You must certainly be a lone pacifist in an unsolicited cause! Your write-up, though long in breadth was certainly short in quality and reasoning. You failed to grasp the main cause of persistent Ibo agitation and simply put it all down to a situation where the Ibos are a set of ingrates who failed to see anything good in the beautiful Nigerian federation. Secured in your British home, it is very easy for you to castigate an ethnic group or groups and failed to see the reasons for their persistent struggle. May i ask you a question? If the Nigerian project is such a beautiful one, why would anyone desire its disintegration? Why would you want to destroy a system that works for you? You might need to ponder on these for a while. Also, you failed to note that the so called cyber highway warriors are not all of Ibo extraction. Does this make any meaning to you? The only suggestion that came through in your write-up was the age-long "handshake across the Niger", in form of re-approachment between the two major ethnic groups in the South. This is desirable and would go a long way in neutralising the northern threat. But then for how long are we to continue to play the ethnic card in order to move Nigeria forward? You are apparently out of touch with the reality and thinking even in Yorubaland. The agitation for Oduduwa Republic is also gathering serious momentum. Or would you rather be a Nigerian apologist against the Oduduwa activists later? Please take it or leave it, the Nigerian experiment, as presently constituted, has failed. There is a line in almost all the write-ups. And this is the salient desire for a workable Nigerian federation based on mutual respect and equality of ethnic groups. This has been stated stated, quietly and openly by the cyber warriors, to be desirable and the panacea to the current unfettered demands for separation. But in a situation where some people see Nigeria as their birthright and where peaceful changes are being resisted, what else should you expect? Posted by Tiger| 08.06.2008 07:01

NWANZA  Villager

# 6 =docokwy;4295052565>May be I need to wash my eyes to see more clearly, but in this article, I did not read where a single blame went to the Yoruba and Hausa for the political plight of Igbos in Nigeria, instead every blame was heaped on the Igbo. What a warped opinion and unfathomable thrash then. I want to remind patrons of NVS that 75% of articles about Biafra and MASSOB are written by Yoruba and others. It is our duty to respond to these allegations and make straight the warped idea the Ndigbo are the cause of Nigerian numerous problems. We are going to keep educating those that are not exposed to Igbo struggle in Nigeria. Please write and tell us your fears and worries so we can shade some light to all your misconceptions. We have the answers to all your problems. Posted by NWANZA| 08.06.2008 12:28

NWANZA  Villager

# 7 Second, when a tribe descends into intellectual, economic, social, political and cultural comparison with other competing tribes in a tribally volatile country like Nigeria, what we shall see is tribal animosity, tension and distrust. When a tribe see themselves as infallible and too clever for other tribes, what we shall see is the desire for another Biafra. The Igbo have a supreme sense of self-assurance that they are born to rule and not to serve and this unfulfilled dream account for their relentless assault on the composition of power in Nigerian polity. This character flaw apart, another banal reason why Biafra’s flag has to be hoisted in Mbaise or Owerri is the shameless ranting about marginalisation. This is a specious allegation that has no foundation. Combined the tribes together, the Igbo have had a sustained financial, social, material, education and cultural progress more than any tribe in Nigeria since the end of the civil war. We may probably place this good fortune on their nomadic, pioneering and adventurous spirit. Any talk of marginalisation should probably be met with accusation of Igbo grand greed and covetousness. Sorry about my repeated appearance on this tread, but there are so many misconceptions that need to be addressed. Ndigbo do not believe they are born to rule but the contrary is the case. We want to serve to the best of our ability, as evidenced in most ministries our sons and daughters were at the helm of affairs. Igbo's put their best foot forward, and no mediocrity was entertained. Like I mentioned earlier, most of us went through missionary schools before Nigeria spoiled the educational system. We were raised to "be the best you can be", and that is why Igbo's are very competitive in every field. Do not take competitiveness to mean an assault to other ethnic groups. Same principle can be seen in commerce and investments, where Igbos have invested huge personal/family capital in Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western parts of Nigeria. Igbos are the only ethnic group that invest in other parts, and we do not mean an assault. We are bringing development and services to all corners of Nigeria, where the people have not put their own resources to work for themselves. Igbo's have taken the pains to search for new opportunities for investment, and should not be characterized as anything else. Please don't hate Igbo's when you can compete and invest along side them, we need more investment to grow Nigerian economy. Copy what they are doing and help yourself. Why should something good be regarded as something bad? Posted by NWANZA| 08.06.2008 13:01

Tony  Villager

# 8 Taju tijani is an attention seeking tribalist, writing controversial articles just to get some hits. The last time, he wrote a totally useless, jaundiced tribal article in response to an article written by Sabella Abidde an Ijaw man. Here he is again pandering to his failed one Nigeria which even his so called Nigerian leaders do not beleive in. Then again he imagines only Igbos want out of Nigeria. Bode Eluyera and Remi Oyeyemi, two Yoruba chaps who have been agitating for Nigeria's break up here in the village probably fell from the moon abi? It is a pity that people such as Taju tijani have chosen to remain Slaves to a nation as failed as Nigeria. Someone should tell him, he shouldnt be afraid to stand on his own. The Yoruba nation will definitely do much better on their own without the internal colonialism, mediocrity and contradictions of one Nigeria. Self determination is a human right enshrined in the United Nations charter. Kosovo just got her independence. In the United Kingdom where Taju lives, the Scottish are advocating independence. I wonder why some people feel they must force others to make the same choice of slavery as themselves. Those like Taju tijani who have chosen the bondage of Nigeria with all her injustices, oppression, satanic leaders, misrule etc can keep their Nigeria, but at the same time, they should give those who want to quit the choice to do so. Nationhood should not be by force, but by mutual consent. ::frown::frown::frown::frown::frown: Posted by Tony| 08.06.2008 15:14

draftman  Villager

# 9 I agree with thia author, if the Igbo pp cannot lay down their arms and work for one Nigeria, then they need to move out of our country. The war is over we the real nigerian cannot bow to your demand, you're not the only tribe in nigeria, so play by the rule in place, your grievance should be in an objective international court. NIGERIAN DO NOT OWE IGBO ANYTHING. You need to compete for the resources like every other tribe. Otherwise; we will fight to defend our country, and this time we will finish the job, no mercy. The Igbo have said they are non nigeria thru their spokeperson (Ralph Nwazuruike of MASSOB) Since most Igbo do not condemned this terrorist, agigators group. We the real nigerian are tired of the demand from these non nigerian trouble makers, we should have charged them for treason and lock them up. We do not trust igbo pp with our country, ask any other tribe about ibo pp credibility, they will tell you to be careful with them. We are multi ethnic society, everyone need to compete equally, if we give in to these ibo pp, other will come with their demands, if ibo don't like the system, they should work peacefully to make the change, you get with honey not with vinegar, but since you chose violent, we will be ready to finish the job one and for all. Posted by draftman| 08.06.2008 22:00

Dr. S Adetunji  Villager

# 10 Just to remind you of the type of people we are having to deal with Abacha Never Stole, Say Buhari, Babangida From Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano, 06.09.2008 Add To Favorites Print This Article Post Comment The late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, did not loot the national treasury contrary to the general impression, two military former heads of state have said. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, who ruled Nigeria between 1983 and 1985, and his successor, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, gave Abacha the clean bill in Kano yesterday after the rememberance prayers marking 10 years of the death of Abacha, who ruled between 1993 and 1998. Abacha was accused of stealing nearly £5 billion while in office, out of which over $1 billion has reportedly been recovered from various sources around the world. But Babangida, who described Abacha as a “courageous, loyal and honest military head of state who stood for the unity and development of the country during his years in government”, has dismissed the allegations. He said the looting allegations against Abacha were unfounded and baseless, stressing that “it is not true that he looted public treasury. I knew who Abacha was because I was close to him”. Babangida said: “Abacha was a courageous person who stood firmly in handling the affairs of the country during his regime.” He added that the regime of Abacha brought positive changes in the country which should have been emulated. He said 10 years after the death of Abacha, his contributions to the nation’s economy remain indelible. “There is no doubt, during his administration as head of state, Abacha contributed his best to the nation’s economy which we are still enjoying,” he said. Babangida’s new position however contrasts with what he told Newswatch magazine in July 2000. He had said: “The revelations surprised me. I am surprised, because I didn't know.” He had also explained that Abacha's death brought "relative stability", adding that "it gives us, oh well, let's see, there is hope after all". Babangida, in that interview, also blamed the society for allowing Abacha to grow into the dictator he became. "I feel bad that society failed to realise that they have a duty to protect whatever values they hold dear to their hearts as far as this country is concerned. At any rate, there are people I like and do respect those who stood against the regime, who are not military officers but civilians who are able to speak out. They didn't mince words and if their views had been heard, he wouldn't have ," he had said in response to a question. Buhari, in his own comments yesterday, described the allegations of looting against Abacha as “baseless”, because according to him, “ten years after Abacha, those allegations remain unproven because of lack of facts”. While also commenting, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who took over when Abacha died on June 8, 1998, commended his predecessor for initiating Vision 2010, saying that the economic vision of the present administration termed Vision 2020 is a replica of Abacha’s 2010 initiative. Abubakar also tasked Nigerian politicians to concentrate on how best to contribute to national development instead wasting time and money investigating their predecessors, adding that probing past administrations “does not yield anything positive to the nation and should be discouraged”. Babangida also spoke on the probe of his government by the immediate past administration, saying: “We are still waiting for the outcome of the probe.” The three former leaders sat close to one another during the special prayer session which started exactly 10am and lasted for over one hour at an open compound belonging to the family of the former head of state. The prayer session was attended by former Abacha’s aides, Emirs of Hadejia, Gumel, Jema’a and Chief Fredrick Fasehun of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC). Posted by Dr. S Adetunji| 09.06.2008 02:23

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