₦airaland Forum

Kindly read what Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu wrote about Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his book "Because I Am Involved" page 159- 160.

In political terms, he would be considered an adversary of the igbos given the intense rivalry between him and Dr Nnamdi Azikwe. As a leader of the modern cast, he has left Nigeria standards which are indelible, standards beside which future aspirants to public leadership can be eternally measured. He was firm, articulate, painstaking, and uncompromising. He was, for a long time, the only Nigerian leader who enunciated principles and played down personalities. He was a brilliant political administrator and a most erudite teacher. He not only identified himself wholly with the aspirations of the Yoruba people of Nigeria but also he was able to convince the Yoruba people of Nigeria that he and only he epitomized the highest point of their political aspirations and consciousness. He was loved, he was feared but above all he belonged to the people he professed to lead. At his death I had the singular honour of proposing for him the epitaph that has endured – ‘he was the best President that Nigeria never had’.

Many have wondered what I meant by this, but I believe the statement was clear. Nigeria would have benefited from his presidency because of his inate presidential qualities. Nigeria must continually regret that he never, for many reasons, had the opportunity to serve at the presidential level. Awo was a leader of great stature. He was a leader who was eminently successful. That he did not fulfill a presidential ambition cannot detract from his leadership, and us, poor us, who were not his people, must continue, to regret that our own leaders had not led us as he did his people or achieved for us as he did for his people.

He perceived his job as leading his people and God his soul. He did a lot for them. Whenever he saw an opportunity for his people, he went for it. He had a dream for the Yorubas and was steadfast in the pursuit of that dream. He knew where he was going and took his people with him without deceit. That is why he will remain immortal in the area of his influence.

Onlytruth: No, I only exposed your hypocrisy. All I said was that Nigeria is relatively stable and even growing economically. FACT.
I never said there is absolute peace. BTW the security situation up North is simply because he is Nigeria's president. The Boko Haram we have there now is nothing more than an anti-Jonathan uprising.
But that aside. Let me assume that it is his fault, like it was Gowon's fault for thrashing an Aburi Accord he signed in good faith, and foisted WAR on Nigeria. Why didn't you hypocrites create any insulting name for him for dragging Nigeria into war, and starving innocent kids to death? You didn't because your papa Awo was given the keys to Nigeria's coffers and he was pillaging freely through it and enriching you. Now, when the game has changed, you have woken up to start creating names for a hapless minority president of Nigeria.
Let me tell you, the fact that Jonathan has not clamped down on you two-faced Nigerians is still a wonder to me.
But let's wait till 2015. If he let's you get away with all these insults, then, the names you created for him may be fitting afterall.But let's watch and see.
Nonsense.

Kindly read what Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu wrote about Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his book "Because I Am Involved" page 159- 160.

In political terms, he would be considered an adversary of the igbos given the intense rivalry between him and Dr Nnamdi Azikwe. As a leader of the modern cast, he has left Nigeria standards which are indelible, standards beside which future aspirants to public leadership can be eternally measured. He was firm, articulate, painstaking, and uncompromising. He was, for a long time, the only Nigerian leader who enunciated principles and played down personalities. He was a brilliant political administrator and a most erudite teacher. He not only identified himself wholly with the aspirations of the Yoruba people of Nigeria but also he was able to convince the Yoruba people of Nigeria that he and only he epitomized the highest point of their political aspirations and consciousness. He was loved, he was feared but above all he belonged to the people he professed to lead. At his death I had the singular honour of proposing for him the epitaph that has endured – ‘he was the best President that Nigeria never had’.

Many have wondered what I meant by this, but I believe the statement was clear. Nigeria would have benefited from his presidency because of his inate presidential qualities. Nigeria must continually regret that he never, for many reasons, had the opportunity to serve at the presidential level. Awo was a leader of great stature. He was a leader who was eminently successful. That he did not fulfill a presidential ambition cannot detract from his leadership, and us, poor us, who were not his people, must continue, to regret that our own leaders had not led us as he did his people or achieved for us as he did for his people.

He perceived his job as leading his people and God his soul. He did a lot for them. Whenever he saw an opportunity for his people, he went for it. He had a dream for the Yorubas and was steadfast in the pursuit of that dream. He knew where he was going and took his people with him without deceit. That is why he will remain immortal in the area of his influence.

PointB: I think it is idiotic to ask people to leave their country rather than find a way to make it conducive for them. But I guess you really dont know that for obvious reason.

When did Nigeria become YOUR COUNTRY ?

Moreover I was refering to a region here not the whole country.

[quote author=Dudu_Negro]i think you are projecting your fear in east and at the same time envying the religious balance in west. if all western governors are muslims, how does ithurt a yoruba man, woman or child?

if it hurts an igbo person that the governor of lagos is muslim then this person is not the majority in lagos or in west. the voice of majority yoruba
is content, so why has igbo carry this as a palaver on its head?[/quote]My point exactly.

Obiagu1: It will be a good thing as well if the muslims in the SW think like their christian brothers.

If you think Religion is important in the SW, then you have another thing coming your side brother. We have explained this over and over again, religion cannot be used in the SW.

I would let you into a little secret, using Politics and Ideologies, that is what would work not clans or religions.

PointB: Is that you are that ignorant or plain something worse? how could you ask people to leave their own country? leave for where? is it no longer one country bound in freedom (including of movement)? In anycase how about several foreign national who have naturalise and citizens, would you also suggest they leave the SW?

Guy, if you cannot engage your brain, it is not compulsory you post. something, shutting up might just make u look a more savvy (read intelligent)

errmmm, if you are no longer comfortable with a place, it's laws and way of life, Then by are means it is compulsory you leave that place unless you are bounded by law to stay there.

Foreign Nationals usually adapt to changes in the NEW environment they are going and staying. It is not the first time we have seen White American/ British Muslim. It is not also the first time we have seen an Arab for Iraq who is now a Christian.

So you you can't adapt to the changes which is the Islamization of the Yoruba-speaking state which inculde Delta, then leave. Chekena

Ntns, you expressing concern to their complains would mean their say is taken into account in the SW (LAGOS) and that would never be the case.

In fact as far as I am concern Lagos has never had a Christian Governor and you don't see the indigene/Yorubas complaining so why should an outsider for the east complains be taken to account.

[quote author=Dudu_Negro]you are correct! the op has inferred that when he focuses on a state by state analysis. could states in east escape islamization if his conspiracy is anything to go by? .....and where are eastern states in his list?[/quote]LOL Ntns, leave them to me, They are scared for reasons best known to them. Islamization of the SW has nothing to do with Igbos or east

PointB: Yorubas are not the only Nigerians living in the SW. I wonder how some of you folks think. the insinuation that Yorubas are not concerned (whether right or wrong) doesn't mean other Nigerians shouldnt express their concern.

This makes me laugh . If other NIGERIANS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THE Islamization of the SW THEN THEY SHOULD LEAVE. Expressing your concerns does not make sense and it would NOT BE TAKEN TO ANY ACCOUNT.

[quote author=Dudu_Negro]wassup prince

im really perplexed how they think they understand yoruba society and family unit.[/quote]I seriously don't understand. Maybe they think Yoruba way of thinking = Igbo way of thinking or other extremist.

I can go to a Church if invited and pray their with my Christian brothers and sisters.

Our people say, ti igben syen roun kon shey ti ijapa shey ma roun.

ba mu zata yi kama,

okosodo: Some people might be doing well, but may have the wrong ideologies. Ibos should not follow okorocha as he may lead them the same way azikiwe did............ To slavery

I though you said you were SS lol So what did Azikwe do ?

[quote author=Dudu_Negro]...you are expressing fear for your igbo brothers in west. [size=18pt]yoruba is not concerned by increased or decreased islam activity in west.[/size]

before christianity came to west it was just traditionalists and muslims. when christianity came they had to convert a population that was already either traditionalist or muslim. this is why the different faiths crisscross and zig zag through yoruba family lines. to fear christianity or fear islam or fear traditional religion in yorubaland will be the end of wisdom, because we would then be in fear of our own blood and flesh close knit family.

i cant say the same for igbo christians living in west. yes, they need to be on guard so the influx from north does not change their faith. yiur brothers in north were not so careful....too late for them.[/quote]I really hope he understands this

Its like you people just hate Yorubas from the deep of your hearts . If gej does constant electricity then very good, he would be voted for. In the Sw, there are still some pro gej. The fact just remains gej is slow and we need an active president just like Awolowo did for the west. Ojukwu said it himself that he wished Awolowo was the president and others such as the iddeiot above this comment are blinded by tribalism. Look if apc present fashola in any combo, they would win. Mark these words.

[quote author=Nuzo']Assuming the position has to be occupied by a core APC member as some would want us to believe. Ngige is a better choice.
He also has a way of dislodging godfathers. Isn't it what Nigerians want?[/quote]LOL Ngige is not a better choice unless ofcourse he wants to be Tinubu's new puppet.

Onlytruth: Fair enough questions.

For one, Ngige is a longer serving member of ACN. Secondly, like Rochas, he is also an ex-PDP man. Thirdly, he was also a very well loved ex-governor of a state in Igboland.
Rochas only meets two of the three qualifications. Ngige has been in ACN longer than Rochas has been in APGA. Let's for now forget that APGA is still divided over their membership of APC. So, here you have my honest and fair answer.
A caveat: I could be wrong.

Fair enough, Ok what does Ngige bring to the table apart from getting (which I hope) MAJORITY (Emphasis on MAJORITY) of SEern states and according to myopic people on this site he is not a muslim.

Ngige seem to be a rather lay-back man unlike likes of Rochas and Fashola or Ribadu. You see, in any combination (I hope you are being objective cos I want to be here) apart from the ethnical and religious issue, we need to ensure the the merger is not just another fake government waiting to have their own share.

That was why I strong was against Tinubu. Now Ngige might fill all the criteria for the SE but not for Nigeria. Remember Nigerians ARE TIRED OF THIS ETHNIC THING AND WANT DEVELOPMENT, THE SUFFERING IS TOO MUCH.

Fashola/Ribadu or Fashola/Rochas fits intoo this well

Fashola is very discipline and so is RibadU, Roachas on the other hand is more pro-masses whoch cna be a balance for Ribadu or Fashola's tough laws.

Onlytruth: Alj-harem please repent this year. Why can't you play fair for once in your life?

LOL Ok on a serious note. WHY NOT ROACHES ? WHY NGIGE ?

What are ngige's achievement compare to roaches ?

why not Rocahas ? Why must he be anambran always ?

it's funny how Kiwi996 disappeared after asking him the question

Yes

PointB: Hehehehe Pa Eziachi in his element.

Anyway, I wont even vote him as VP let alone president. SW must learn to respect other regions and have to WAIT. All this gra gra APC politics will not hoodwink anyone. This Nigeria.

if you think respect bigots like you would mean respect, then you must be out of you mind

Alade ina (the wearer of the Crown of fire)

killayut: The man is sick. He even claims to be a Berepiki when he does not even know the meaning of Berepiki and does not know where Berepiki migrated to Bakana from.
He does not even know the meaning of Bakana. He has not even been in Nigeria for about 30 or 40 yrs now and is not in touch. He told us he is hearing voices and thinks he is disturbed by some evil spirit LOL. Am sure he does not speak Kalabari if not he d know Tobara ( te bara ) is Ijaw, Bo is Ijaw . Even the KALABARI goddess That they call WAYINGI is WOYINGI the Ijaw goddess. He never read the history of KALABARI that says Pere-bo KALABARI was born by Mein Owei WHO CAME FROM KOLOKUMA to settle at Obu Amafa. The guy is demented I swear.

LOL Killayut always the Ijaw nationalist.

@ Kiwi992

I just want to understand his point here why Kalabaris are not Ijaws

pazienza: Which one be lagos yorubas? This is arrant nonsense. Those lagosians never saw themselves as yoruba,they simply saw themselves as 'lagosians' they distanced themselves from awolowo and his western region tribal politics.

Very wrong, Lagosian are the core Awoist. Every single royal family and main family in Lagos which inculded Eguns, Aworis and Ijebus were always Awoist. The support of Nnamdi was the fact that Nnamdi at one point deceived us by trying to form a southern party.

Lagosians back then and now would and forever remain awoist. This explains why Nnamdi was almost mobbed by Lagosians after the election.

Symphony007: Tinubu was always a fool so he was dreaming to think he had a shot at the presidency!!

I respect the decision of gen. Buhari, he just showed his words and tears as a man means something. He has stood by the commitment he made before the last election and many nigerian will respect him for it, we will never rule him out as their might still be a future for him but it was smart of him to step off the stage will the crowed loved him.

+ 10 nice one

Jarus: Fashola-Ribadu?

ribadu is as corrupt as tinubu himself. he allowed himself to be used

fashola roaches

Frankie9ice: Fashola for President
Nasir EL-Rufai for VP

Or

Fashola for President
Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa (Govr of Sokoto,'99-2007) for VP

very funny

if buhari is not contesting then roachas is next in line

FASHOLA- ROACHAS 2015 ie if buhari is not contesting


el-rufia is a drowning man

kiwi992, Please I am new and read some of your post. Can you please explain why Kalabari is not part of the Ijaw group ?

please make it simple and short

[quote author=re@lchange]alhaji my friend happy new year o.

but how can you say this when 2 or 3 million people still lay dead because of that
you see?
can we wake them up again?[/quote]My brother I understand and I know we can't wake them up again. Trust me when I say we feel sorry about it, let try and move on, painful as it might seem, please forgive Nigerians. Anyone that says it is not painful must be a heartless being.

[quote author=re@lchange]there is an older agreement which was not honored
it is called the aburi accord![/quote] true ! but that is the past. GEJ should honour his agreement

tomakint: Stop posting ur stu.pidity keeps magnifying per post, indeed you are a certified plague

tomakint: Stop posting ur stu.pidity keeps magnifying per post, indeed you are a certified dolt!

lol i have heard.

tomakint: Really? just like that tomakint is no more andre uweh but now ezeuche, typical

LOOOOOOOL Yes you are ezeuche, Look I am not like every other person on this site, I know what I say when I say it and you are also Point B and ezeuche. Not that it matters anyway. So Tomakint why did you change your moniker? where you scared of your racist surs coming to hunt you later ?

I didn't mean to expose you my brother but you pushed me. I apologise

donedy: Just keep deceiving yourself by classifying any reasonable person as Igbo. it's obvious that the only people jumping and scratching themselves about the book are some, not all, deluded Yoruba. For goodness, I expected Hausa and Fulani to be the people acting this way.

Kogi has nothing against the Igbos.

The worst thing you can do for yourself is to deceive yourself and your fellow Igbo tribalist

Ok lets forget you being Kogi or Igbo now.

How does "Kogi has nothing against the Igbos" got to do with the topic ? You see your folly ? Do you think Hausas or even Fulanis have something against the Igbos ? Do you think Yorubas have something against the Igbos ?

Alliance this, ally that. In reality, a mature mind does not care. Think for a second, why would any group have something against another ? LOL Nairaland Igbos

Don't worry my brother, reduce your insecurity and focus on issues worth focusing on if at all you want to go political.

No one is hunting anyone either does anyone have something against another. People just want peace and all we are doing here is trying to save our image which Achebe is trying so hard to destroy. Debunking his lies does not mean we have something against Igbos.

When young men like you take issues like this personal then it adds a twist to it. Yes a tribal twist. I hope you understand.