lagcity:

i see guys here mentioning people who are not political leaders or figures.

well, as for me

Chief Obafemi Awolowo: Even many years after his death, our politicians are still trying to gain relevance and votes by invoking his name. As a politican, the fastest way to win hearts and minds in Western Nigeria is by associating with Awo. In many minds, Awo = development.

Sir Ahmadu Bello: see Awo post above, the same applies to Sir Bello. His name still does magic in the North, too.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe : his name doesn't evoke as much awe and emotions as Awo and Bello, but he's alright i guess. we named Airport after him.

Aminu Kano: a true man of his people

Ojukwu: also loved, trusted and respected by his people.

Muhammadu Buhari: love him or hate him, respect for the General cuts across Nigeria.

Shehu Musa Yaradua: scion of Northern nobility. When he died, the whole country was like,"holy crap! this Abacha mofo is crazy! he did this to the top dog?"

Pa Ajasin:: told Abacha where to shove it.

Gani Fawehinmi: respected for his brave fight against injustice. we all thought he had a death wish.

Chief Sunday Awoniyi: respect cuts across Nigeria.

fesse:

All these our fore-fathers have questionable xter and they are behind our ordeal of today. None of them worth being a statesman. Without sentiment, i will give it to MUSA YARADUA, he had a very good and transparent mind for 9ja but unforturnately,he lost his life.

Thatdave:

obasanjo
for successfully introducing democracy and wiping out the millitant odi village. successfully disabling past military presidents from taking over the throne again - babangida and buhari.

GEJ - for presenting true democracy at the expense of PDPs life as a monster party. for refusing to arrest buhari just to keep one nigeria despite the sponsored bomb blasts and inciteful statements.

ZnO:

No question asked: Zik is[b] by FAR[/b] THE GREATEST
The rest are secondary and tertiary entities
Some (e.g., Awo) are not even known beyond their tribal enclaves

Jarus:

Buhari, the only Nigerian that can singlehandedly form a party, get 12m votes within one year, rattle a party that had been existing for more than a decade, a party having billions,a ruling party with incumbency factor etc.

Jarus:

Buhari, the only Nigerian that can singlehandedly form a party, get 12m votes within one year, rattle a party that had been existing for more than a decade, a party having billions,a ruling party with incumbency factor etc.

ZnO:

No question asked: Zik is[b] by FAR[/b] THE GREATEST
The rest are secondary and tertiary entities
Some (e.g., Awo) are not even known beyond their tribal enclaves

selingel:

Well, we are all entitled to our own opinions!.
To me, I will give it to the 3 Wizards:
1. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
2. Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
3. Tafawa Balewa.
These men were wonderful one way or the other. Whoever does not see what they did, does not know Nigerian history. They may not be the best, but merit being mentioned by me!.

My only observation on this thread is that, it has already gone on the tribal end. In fact, I even read where someone said, Awolowo was tribal. If the other 2 were as tribal as he was, I think this nation would have been better. Till tommorow, even non-Yorubas, will ever live to remember this man called "Awo". In fact, under Awo (as 2b, I will mention Lateef Jakande). Awo was tribal, as it may seem, but his people loved him because of all the developmental structures that are even still available till date. I will ask here, what legacy did Zik leave for the then Eastern Nigeria (except for his stand at the national level)? I have been to most places in the current South Eastern land, and even South-South which is even my base, but can hardly say, yes Zik gave us this, so I wont forget him for life. For a tribalist then, the list is endless. I am waiting to be proved wrong. Look at the current South Eastern country, they are still at the beginning level, despite all the greats they too can boast of. So, what did Zik really do? Pardon me, Ojukwu has more respect to me, than Zik. Ojukwu never fought a personal course, but needed the same development he kept seeing in other parts of the nation, and wanted to stop the endless killing of his people, out his domain. Is that man not better than a nationalist, who kept taking of visitors, but members of his house were dieing of hunger, illeracy, erosion menace, and massive killings up there?
In summary, they all tried, but dont nail one for being a tribalist. If one could win one or two stuff for his end, and his people love him for that, then is part of development. Mine is simple, dont do this at the expense of others. Dont even do it the Ibori style (steal and develop your place), for some day, you will go to LONDON, lol.
Just leave a lasting legacy, which people will remember you for. Naming of streets after a man, is not any legacy please! Lets correct that, else people like IBB, will be mentioned amongst the 1st 5 in this nation.
This is my humble observation, and opinion. I think I am entitle to it. Please, rather than quote me, please say your own.

nagoma:

Dear Selingel - what you said about Zik are exactly why he is the greatest. He was for Nigeria and the question is about the greatest Nigrian statesman and not Eastern Nigerian or Igbo statesman. He was head and shoulders above the rest.