OBASANJO'S BBC HARDTALK: WHY IGBOS ARE ANGRY WITH NIGERIA: Response My friends who are not from the East of Nigeria where Igbos come from often ask me why there is so much anger in the East and among Igbos. Some wonder why, despite the famed Igbo” wealth’ and enterprise all over Nigeria, the people still complain that Nigeria is unfair to them. Some insinuate that the anger comes from the loss of the 2015 election by Jonathan who the Igbos heavily backed. And why is it that the current generation of Igbos are so angry as to contemplate carrying arms against the country? With lots following Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB with his secessionist message. Those not following Kanu may despise his antics and rhetoric but are sympathetic to his underlying message. And what is that message? That Igbos don’t feel wanted in Nigeria. That decades of official marginalization and discrimination should be stopped or they should be allowed to take their chances in a new nation. First, for those who think this is all about Jonathan and Buhari. It is not. Igbos were disappointed that Jonathan did not win. But those whose candidates lose elections lick their wounds. It is allowed. It happens when your candidate loses election. Why did the Igbos invest so much emotions in Jonathan, a non-Igbo from Ijaw? It was more because of the fear of their experience in the past 50 years. Nigeria has placed an embargo on any Igbo man becoming Nigerian president and Igbos understand this. Jonathan was the next best thing. Other parts of Nigeria have supported their sons to the presidency. Some have bombed Nigeria into submission to get their sons to Aso Rock. Igbos have little capacity to blackmail Nigeria to the presidency. They chose Jonathan as their “Igbo”. But that’s not to say that they are angry enough because he lost to contemplate going to war on his behalf. Jonathan was not really the model of a President the Igbo would go to war for. And even his Ijaw people have accepted his loss. So? Igbo anger has been building up in Nigeria since the 70s. As kids, people made choices in other parts of Nigeria school years based on the narrative of the Igbo place in Nigeria. They knew about the glass ceiling against Igbos. After the civil war, despite the “No winner, no vanquished” program, Nigeria placed glass ceilings and no-go areas for Igbos. The war reconstruction program was observed more in the breach. There was the “abandoned” property program that was introduced to drive a wedge between components of the former South-East Nigeria. While the country was too embarrassed to put the discrimination program down in an official gazette, it was there for anyone who cared to look. It was evident in the Igbo police officer who stayed in one position while less qualifies juniors progressed to become his bosses. It was evident when no Igbo qualified to become the Inspector General of Police, or lead any division in the armed forces. It was there when "sensitive" or "lucrative" positions were shared in Nigeria and Igbos were conspicuously absent. It was there when Igbos were only fit enough to be made Minister of Information until Obasanjo administration came to power. And even recently, it was there when Buhari appointed 47 people to man the critical roles in his government and no one from the South east was there. Any time there is a federal appointment in Nigeria, its usually the east that is left to shout. It was there from Buhari first term as a Military Junta to his second coming and any other time in-between. The Igbo elite called it marginalization. Other Nigerians countered by saying no part of Nigeria was getting enough. Marginalization was universal. But they forgot something. The Igbo cry of marginalization was official policy. It was expected. It was programmed. And occasionally, key government officials let it slip that Igbos should not complain. After all, they fought a war with Nigeria. Talk about No Victor, No Vanquished. There was a Victor alright. And they were reminded of that at every turn. Every appointment. Every national project was propagated with the glass ceiling in mind to contain the Igbos. How can any nation grow when the leaders are mandated to keep a viable component of her resources subjugated and useless because of fear and insecurity? Nigeria was only pretending. Igbos were licking their wounds and complaining and the rest of Nigeria were too busy to notice. Go to the South-East today. Since the 70s and the oil boom. Nigeria has invested in commercial industries across the country. None has been sited in the South east. None. Refineries, Steel Plants, Cement Firms. Any Industry. The South East was systematically de-industrialized. Even when it was the best location for any industry, there was always a reason why it should not be sited there. What this means was that any Igbo man that wanted to work in a commercial federal establishment had to leave the east. Add this to the indigenization policy of the early 70s that pushed the Igbos out of private companies. It meant that international companies also avoided expansion into the south east. The Nigerian Breweries, the Dunlop and other such firms sited their plants outside the East and only set up distribution centers to sell in the region. This is one of the main reasons the exodus of Igbos from the zone accelerated after the war and continues to this day despite the hostility they face in certain parts of Nigeria. And why most Igbos became traders and commercial business men. Access to organized work either in the government, government commercial institutions and even commercial institutions were limited. This concerted government plan worked so well that the even Igbos began to hate themselves and hate to invest in their zone till this day. The only industrial enterprise in the east are built by easterners; Nnewi, Aba, Onitsha. These are Igbo indigenous industrial cities. The plan was to frustrate them from investing in their zone or force them to move the industry to North or West where it can be taken from them after getting them to transfer the technology. This has been the practice since the end of the war. In addition to this, the Federal Government has systematically made it difficult for Easterners to do commercial business even in the East. The Federal Roads in the East are some of the worst in Nigeria. The Eastern Sea ports have been made ineffective. It was a war to get the Enugu Airport upgraded to an International Airport. The former Finance Minister shed tears on the day the first International Flight landed in Enugu. Yes, Okonjo Iwealla cried! Recently, it was only the South East that was conspicuously missing in the New Railway Plan of the Federal Government. Nigeria has 6 regions and one was missing in a national railway plan while nobody cares. Incidentally, Igbos who reside in the east are the most itinerant in the country and would benefit most from a national transport plan. Even our President Buhari changed the plan to include his village but a major zone of the country was not included. When you go to the east, despite the lack of federal presence, the presence of police all over the east tells a story. They mount road blocks and make it difficult to have commercial activities to run smoothly. Recently, Customs has joined. And lastly the army. It is an occupied territory. They extort money. They intimidate them by all means. They have recently started shooting and killing them. Nigeria has made the east unlivable. They sponsor dubious governors, senators, and political leaders that take orders from the caliphate - Purposely, Carefully. In conversations, people often accuse the east of being clannish or tribalistic. That is far from the truth. No group assimilate or blend in more than the Igbos. They claim Igbos are welcome in all parts of Nigeria, but outsiders cannot come to the East. The question is: why would anyone come to the east? To do what? There is no business to do in the east. Nigeria has ensured that. Why would someone from the South West of Nigeria go to the East to invest? No one would prevent them. But it hardly makes commercial sense. Nigeria has ensured that. Those from the North are there in droves. Igbos love to celebrate with cows. And the cattlemen go there to sell their cattle. No one molests them. In the villages in the East, these northerners live unmolested. But those are the only people who can find commercial reason to be there! So those who wonder why Igbos are angry, wonder no more. While most would not dare carry arms against Nigeria, don’t under estimate the level of disconnection and anger especially among the younger generation who feel hopeless and in prisoned for something they did not do. Nigeria is made of nations that came together to form the country. No nation will like to remain in perpetual servitude or slavery. Igbos were at the forefront in the fight for Nigerian independence against Britain. If they did not allow Britain to subjugate them, they surely will not allow any local power or they may strike at the slightest opportunity at other pseudo dominating power over them. That Nnamdi Kanu’s supporters starred down army tanks with sticks is a sign that the next generation will be ready to fight bare hands if necessary to stop Nigeria treating the Igbo nation as second-class citizens. There will be fiercer and angrier Kanus in the immediate future if Nigeria does not officially stop the “vanquished “program against the Igbos who fought the civil war. You cannot preach *unity* and *indivisibility* of the country on TV and all your actions point to discrimination against the components of the country. It is hypocrisy. It is as dangerous as it is foolhardy. Let those who preach unity walk the talk and stop open discrimination of their countrymen. History has shown that you cannot decree peace. You cannot decree unity. You cannot force any group to belong to a country by force, it may work for a time. But never sustainable. Nigeria has a lot to look forward to as a united country. It also has enough for the regions and nations that make up the country. Our diversity is a blessing. Our failure to reach our potential is caused mostly by the internal contradictions and the inability to build a fair country that can bring out the best out of her component regions. Those who shout most about loving Nigeria today are mostly those its current unfair structure favor. But Nigeria will continue being as strong as its weakest link. And the weak links are all there to see. The East is one of the weakest links. Until it stops being a weak link, Nigeria cannot truly make progress. The Republican News www.twitter.com/RNNetwork1

If the Igbos are wise, they would massively support one of their own for the presidency in 2019. That at least would make it easier for them to get the much needed listening ear for their agitations. But their problem is, they don't even trust themselves.

Majority of the southeast igbos are what they are today due to their resilience and adventurous doggedness, not the opportunity of being a member of the Nigeria entity, that is why they will continue to shout marginalization.

magoo10:
Majority of the southeast igbos are what they are today due to their resilience and adventurous doggedness, not the opportunity of being a member of the Nigeria entity that is why they will continue to shout marginalization.

And more importantly, other Nigerians ALLOWED them the SPACE to sell their imported wares and thrive.

And also Igbo had to start all over after the civil war and there was a critical need to survive. Again thanks to other Nigerians.

Lalasticlala

ChidiAlaigbo:


And more importantly, other Nigerians ALLOWED them the SPACE to sell their imported wares and thrive.

And also Igbo had to start all over after the civil war and there was a critical need to survive. Again thanks to other Nigerians.

You don't allow a fellow citizen a space. The law already mandates that you do so. That is the meaning of one Nigeria that Gowon and his allies fought for.

Also Igbo survival was based on Igbo hardworking spirit. Had nothing to do with other Nigerians.

horsepower101:


You don't allow a fellow citizen a space. The law already mandates that you do so. That is the meaning of one Nigeria that Gowon and his allies fought for.

Also Igbo survival was based on Igbo hardworking spirit. Had nothing to do with other Nigerians.

Ok go and become president of Nigeria na! Shebi the law also mandate it and you are hardworking than the others!

ChidiAlaigbo:


Ok go and become president of Nigeria na! Shebi the law also mandate it and you are hardworking than the others!

The law doesn't hand presidency to anyone. It is on the hands of the voters.

BUT

When it comes to living and working anywhere in Nigeria, no one allows the other to do so. That is already a right to everyone. It is not a favor. Get it dummy.

horsepower101:


The law doesn't hand presidency to anyone. It is on the hands of the voters.

BUT

When it comes to living and working anywhere in Nigeria, no one allows the other to do so. That is already a right to everyone. It is not a favor. Get it dummy.

Yes, you are allowed to do so, get that into your stubborn head! Each and every Nigerian has a homeland.

ChidiAlaigbo:


And more importantly, other Nigerians ALLOWED them the SPACE to sell their imported wares and thrive.

And also Igbo had to start all over after the civil war and there was a critical need to survive. Again thanks to other Nigerians.

Other Nigerians bought their products which were readily made available by the igbo.
It is not a matter of choice it is business,even if they take their products to America,London and other African countries they will still sell as long their products are needed for consumption.

magoo10:
Other Nigerians bought their imported products.

Exactly!

ChidiAlaigbo:


Yes, you are allowed to do so, get that into your stubborn head! Each and every Nigerian has a homeland.

The Nigerian constitution doesn't explicitly recognize "homeland". There is no Yoruba land, igboland or hausaland in the constitution.

Also one thing most Nigerians don't even know is that the constitution doesn't even recognize geopolitical zones.

The constitution technically made all of Nigeria no mans land.

Only restructuring or outright separation will make it possible for you to legally claim your home land exclusively.

magoo10:
Other Nigerians bought their products which were readily made available by the igbo.
It is not a matter of choice it is business,even if they take their products to america,London ,and other African country they will still sell as long their products are needed for consumption.

What igbo traders did in Nigeria was what I call business 101. They filled a void. They go to anywhere and everywhere and sell to the people what they are lacking. This is not done out of charity. This is strictly business.

ChidiAlaigbo:


Exactly!

And services borne out of ingenuity.
Don't confuse social relationships for government responsibility.

horsepower101:


What igbo traders did in Nigeria was what I call business 101. They filled a void. They go to anywhere and everywhere and sell to the people what they are lacking. This is not done out of charity. This is strictly business.

Exactly

Igbo should exercise some patient a wicked ruler like Buhari is not going to rule forever. Nigeria wickedness to Igbo in future will turn to blessing. I have a dream

I'm coming back to this page...

thesicilian:
If the Igbos are wise, they would massively support one of their own for the presidency in 2019. That at least would make it easier for them to get the much needed listening ear for their agitations. But their problem is, they don't even trust themselves.

And when they massively support one of their own, what chances has that person of winning? Very little

I think the Igbo nation should boycott all elections in Igbo land come 2019 .

I think the Igbo nation should keep on agitating for an independence referendum.

Nothing works in Nigeria. I think that Igbo land will grow and proper when we are no longer part of Nigeria

ChidiAlaigbo:


And more importantly, other Nigerians ALLOWED them the SPACE to sell their imported wares and thrive.

And also Igbo had to start all over after the civil war and there was a critical need to survive. Again thanks to other Nigerians.

do you have an option.

There is something abysmally wrong in the ways Igbos are treated, for example Nnamdi Kanu and his family were murdered and everyone pretends nothing happened even Igbo leaders at the National assembly. Igbos are indeed enslaved in Nigeria.If it was a Yoruba son that was killed hell would have been let loose.

GoldNiagara:
There is something abysmally wrong in the ways Igbos are treated, for example Nnamdi Kanu and his family were murdered and everyone pretends nothing happened even Igbo leaders at the National assembly. Igbos are indeed enslaved in Nigeria.If it was a Yoruba son that was killed hell would have been let loose.

you mean the yorubas we know?

gidgiddy:


And when they massively support one of their own, what chances has that person of winning? Very little

I think the Igbo nation should boycott all elections in Igbo land come 2019 .

I think the Igbo nation should keep on agitating for an independence referendum.

Nothing works in Nigeria. I think that Igbo land will grow and proper when we are no longer part of Nigeria

Very high.
In 2015 Buhari had 15million plus votes, while Jonathan had a little under 13million votes. Those were the two major candidates by a distance.
Now according to reliable statistics, the total population of Igbo people in Nigeria is about 32million. At the very least, half of that number (16million) should be above voting age.
Is it even conceivable that a candidate with 16million votes would lose the presidential election in Nigeria? Politicians may lie, but statistics don't.
I still maintain that the problem of the Igbos is the Igbos.

loveth361:
you mean the yorubas we know?

Off all I said, it is the only yoruba mentioned that got your attention, people were murdered. Igbo leaders were complicit by keeping mum. This obsession about yoruba Na wah o. Abiola was killed and you saw what happened and ever since no body mess with them. Yorubas are gonna Bleep you guys in the ass and will keep you quiet perpetually. Hausa will oppress and insults you guys and you will turn to yoruba with empty threat and imaginary attacks.

loveth361:
you mean the yorubas we know?

Which yoruba do you know,i am sure you ought to ask your parent about the black scorpion.That is a Yoruba you guys will pretend you don't know.

GoldNiagara:



Off all I said, it is the only yoruba mentioned that got your attention, people were murdered. Igbo leaders were complicit by keeping mum. This obsession about yoruba Na wah o. Abiola was killed and you saw what happened and ever since no body mess with them. Yorubas are gonna Bleep you guys in the ass and will keep you quiet perpetually. Hausa we oppress and insult you guys.and you will turn to yoruba with empty threat and imaginary attacks.

and what have you people done about your oba of ile ife that was arrested with your brothers.
Your master is still holding them In prison.

thesicilian:


Very high.
In 2015 Buhari had 15million plus votes, while Jonathan had a little under 13million votes. Those were the two major candidates by a distance.
Now according to reliable statistics, the total population of Igbo people in Nigeria is about 32million. At the very least, half of that number (16million) should be above voting age.
Is even conceivable that a candidate with 16million votes would lose the presidential election in Nigeria? Politicians may lie, but statistics don't.
I still maintain that the problem of the Igbos is the Igbos.

I think you forgot the part that a candidate has to win majority in 2 thirds of the states.

Besides, the presidency of Nigeria is not what will solve the problems of Igbos. The Presidency of Obasunjo did not solve the problems of Yorubas, the Presidency of Yaradua did not solve the problem of Hausas, the Presidency of GEJ did not solve the problems of Ijaws and the Presidency of Buhari will not sove the problems of Fulanis.

The Presidency of Nigeria will not help Igbos, what will help Igbos is for them to have their own separate country

gidgiddy:


I think you forgot the part that a candidate has to win majority in 2 thirds of the states.

Besides, the presidency of Nigeria is not what will solve the problems of Igbos. The Presidency of Obasunjo did not solve the problems of Yorubas, the Presidency of Yaradua did not solve the problem of Hausas, the Presidency of GEJ did not solve the problems of Ijaws and the Presidency of Buhari will not sove the problems of Fulanis.

The Presidency of Nigeria will not help Igbos, what will help Igbos is for them to have their own separate country

The same country where a governor sacked fellow Igbos who were non-Abia indigenes from his civil service in order to employ only Abia indigenes?
I think it is you who may have forgotten that the number one problem of the Igbos is not marginalization, but disunity and corrupt Igbo leadership!

IGBO NATION will become a reality in no distant.

Even the dullardeens and Zombies are very aware of this.

they're only scared of what comes next..

IPOB iz not death yet.. the sun will surely set.

nigeria understands the truth... like pregnancy.

the sun will surely rise even in mist of thunderstorm.

already they're scared to death..at the mention of igbos

igbo esika

loveth361:
and what have you people done about your oba of ile ife that was arrested with your brothers.
Your master is still holding them In prison.

First, he is held by the law, secondly they dare not murder him.For you guys your leader was murdered alongside with his father, cousin and dog and what have you guys done nothing, you have all of a sudden developed selective amnesia. Jokers!

GoldNiagara:
Igbos are indeed enslaved in Nigeria.If it was a Yoruba son that was killed hell would have been let loose.

Who told you this? Lt Col Fajuyi, Governor of the Western Region, was abducted and slaughtered, nothing happend

MKO Abiola was abducted and slaughtered, nothing happend

Even Obasunjo was abducted and was about to be wasted when divine intervention saved his neck.

gidgiddy:


Who told you this? Lt Col Fajuyi, Governor of the Western Region, was abducted and slaughtered, nothing happend

MKO Abiola was abducted and slaughtered, nothing happend

Even Obasunjo was abducted and was about to be wasted when divine intervention saved his neck.

Yeah nothing happened! Enough reason why nothing should happened when Kanu was murdered. Can you move on now.

thesicilian:

The same country where a governor sacked fellow Igbos who were non-Abia indigenes from his civil service in order to employ only Abia indigenes?
I think it is you who may have forgotten that the number one problem of the Igbos is not marginalization, but disunity and corrupt Igbo leadership!

Better for you to own your own detached house where you can quarel and make up with your family in peace than to own a flat in a building where you are not only quarelling with your family but you also have to fight for your right amongst other flat owners who all have their own version/vision of how the building should be run.

Igbos are long over due for their own house. We should outgrow this fighting inside Nigeria all the time.