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One would have thought that after Nigeria became a republic, the political elites would review the amalgamation process which was mainly an economic affair and also query the Berlin Conference of 1884 that formalized the conquest and merger of pre-colonial territories.

Perhaps they decided to move on or were swayed by the euphoria of Independence. But after the bloody military coups of 1966 that marred the first republic and the persecution that followed, the Igbos have had enough of the selective amnesia.

They returned enmasse to the east. Running for dear life, they massively united along historically fragmented communities to form the independent state of Biafra in May 1967.

Deep at the root of the civil war were unresolved ethno-political, cultural and religious conflicts that preceded independence.

What was presumed will be a wake up call to other ethnic nationalities did not succeed. It appeared Nigeria is worth protecting after all or perhaps some had suddenly realize it is richer keeping a collective purse.

In fact it was worth the lives of two million people, women and children inclusive. It was another World War. Only this time the battlefield was the new Nigeria. World powers took sides, supplied weapons and showed selective solidarity.

The war would later become the model for the world powers' intrusion into third world countries, saving the big theatrics for Syria.

Two million people were sacrificed for Nigeria to survive. The people beating the drums of war now should better dance to their own music. We have learnt from history! We have come to stay!

Abi no be so?

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist/Compere

Ok