₦airaland Forum

Abagworo:
@ezeagu.if you observe igbos well you will notice the "us" versus "them" syndrome in igboland.who are "them"?examples are the onitsha and ngwa.they are minorities inside majority.they feel bad that everything has been grabbed and they now lack the ability to compete with the northern and eastern igbo coalition.ebonyi and enugu peoples are generally easy going and still have very large expanse of land, that is why they seem to take the dominance in good faith.

ChinenyeN:
Quite frankly, I only see the northern-eastern coalitions as presenting a clear problem, if the Ala Igbo country setup leans more toward centralization. A parliamentary setup, along with some level of regional autonomy, by culture-group (province), can help mitigate the intensity of such disadvantages. Those coalitions will still be there though, regardless, but just not in full force. They'll be mitigated.

By the way, Ezeagu, Abagworo's posts seem more geared toward politics than mode of speech. He only touched on the central Igbo issue for a bit, but the rest of the content in his different posts seems more focused on socio-politics.

Nationhood

From Ezeagu
Other thing that may be added is:
- Protection of a language, the national language can be used everywhere without considering other language, because there are no other national languages apart from dialects.
- Protection of culture and history, again you won't have to worry about others
- Strong sense of national identity (you've provided points for why there would be this)
- Clear basic history of the country, there would be one story of origin of the country, even if the story is a myth.
- Easy identification of an original culture for a diaspora (e.g the African diaspora can claim a whole nation and be properly claiming their homeland).


The ramification/implication of nationhood:

- Being able to participate in any organization without origin bearing any relevance
 i.e. a Frenchman can work in all of France without the need for affirmative action'.
- Being able to be from the specific area of birth and not necessarily paternal migration.
 Manchester born parent give birth to children in Liverpool; the children are from Liverpool.
- Being able to run for any governmental position without exclamation emanating from place of origin.
 very obvious,
- Ability to have a defence (army) with a COMMON cause
- Total allegiance to a constitution and to no other interests
- Have DEFINITE geographical boundaries
- Ability to grant citizenship and assimilate people of other races 100% or there about. etc

Now pick your poison:

 Nigeria
    |
  South
    |                                      
 Southeast   Niger delta   Niger delta   Midwest
    |                     |                  |                    |
 Anambra     Midwest       South South     Edo
    |                     |                  |                    |  
   Igbo            Delta            Rivers             Igbo
                          |                  |
                      Igbo             Igbo
etc.

OR

      Africa
         |
[s]       W.Africa Zone 1 (Former Nigeria, Chad, Benin Republic and Togo)[/s]
         |
      Biafra 2.0
    |     |     |
 Alaigbo Ogoni Efik etc.


OR

 Africa
    |
Nigeria
    |
 Alaigbo

I would like to oblige broses Agbaworo, Chinenyen and any other clan 'conspiracists' on the above options.

Onicha, Omabala, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi, Idemili, Oyi, Oka, Orumba, Ayamelum, Njikoka.

Ehugbo, Ivo, Ohaozara, Ezza, Abakeleke, Ikwo, Onicha, Izzi, Ohaukwu, Ishielu, Ebonyi, Mgbo.

Abia: Aba, Ngwa, Umuahia, Ndoki, Ohafia, Aro, Abam, Igbene, Isuikwato, Umunneochi, Ikwuano

Enugu: Ngwo, Enugwu, Nsukka, Ezeagu, Igbo-Etiti, Udi, Oji, Uzo-Uwani, Udenu, Igbo-Eze + Benue Igbo lands (list them)

Going with the town (since folks don't like clan) structure mentioned earlier and reinforced by U. O. Nnadi's article, the above list seems too much w.r.t viability.

30+ and not even on the west of the Niger yet. Some revision is due.

A beautiful piece by Uchenna Odinakachukwu Nnadi.

“While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.” Chinua Achebe

Igbo leadership will be based on EZIOKWU BU NDU and OHA Republicanism.

This means that Town Union will be the base of Igbo representation, and indeed, Igbo governance.



Every Town Union will have to provide Treaties of Umunna/UmuAda/Age-grades making up the town. These treaties are prima facie evidence that they have given their consent (Sovereignty) for association with the said Town. All the treaties throughout Ala Igbo will be the foundation for the charter of Igbo Federation.

The process of obtaining the said Treaties will enhance cohesion, sensitisation and unity of purpose among Ndi Igbo.

Each Town will produce her socio-economic and political Visions, Goals, Aims and Objectives and the strategies for achieving them.

Each Town will nominate her representatives to the LGA where the representatives will collate, harmonise and produce her (LGA) socio-economic and political Visions, Goals, Aims and Objectives and the strategies for achieving them.

Each LGA will nominate her representatives to the STATE (State Assembly) where these representatives will collate, harmonise and produce her (STATE) socio-economic and political Visions, Goals, Aims and Objectives and the strategies for achieving them. At the STATE level each Town must have representative(s).

Each State will nominate her representatives (which must have equitable representatives of all the LGAs in the State) to Ndi Igbo Assembly to collate, harmonise and articulate the people’s socio-economic and political Visions, Goals, Aims and Objectives and the strategies for achieving them. These representatives will produce the roadmap for Ndi Igbo.

Each Town can recall and replace her representatives at any point by the consent of 2/3 of (active) members of the said Town Union.

The above representatives will mount pressure on the elected office holders and civil servants of Igbo descent to ensure that their actions or inactions always, strategically, promote the well being of Ndi Igbo as they run shadow government of Igbo nation. This duality will continue until there is a fundamental restructure of the unitary Federal Republic of Nigeria. Once Igbo nation has autonomy, the Town Union representatives from town to national level will be the Regulatory Arm of the People’s Parliamentary Government (Presidency), while the Prime minister, who shall be only executing will be elected in normal general election.

Security

Ndi Igbo will have national security outfits (including Bakassi) under the control of Ndi Igbo Assembly. These will be centrally in charge of Igbo nation and interstate security issues.

Each State will have her own security outfits totally under the control of the State Assembly. These security outfits will be cascaded down to the Town level.

There will be a security Intelligence Unit, which will be the central reservoir of intelligence of everything affecting and impacting Ala Igbo and Ndi Igbo wherever they may be in the globe. This must be top class (at least as efficient as Mossad, M.15/16, FBI and CIA).

CULTURE

Cultural committee must be formed with equitable representation from all the LGAs to articulate and produce cultural roadmap for Ndi Igbo. This is very, very urgent and so key that no progress can be made in other areas without getting our cultural infrastructure effectively and efficiently running. Pointer is making Igbo language a co-lingua franca with English in the day to day official business of the government of the people; we have to explore making more Igbo films that tell our story as a people, to Ndi Igbo and the world, more so as Ndi Igbo are quite a force in Nollywood, BBC Igbo service and extensive features in Voice of Nigeria (VON).

ECONOMY

Each Town will generate her revenue and contribute certain percentage to the centre for central (national) activities. Ndi Igbo’s economic activities will have to be substantially built up on Cooperative society/group basis. This will take care of dearth of collateral security for credit facilities, bad loans, lack of business continuity inherent in sole-proprietorship and other numerous odds to Igbo businesses of today.

To jumpstart Igbo economy, People’s Assembly will have to collate database of the financial and human resources of Igbo descent. These will be approached to come together to form financial institutions (commercial, merchant and community banks) on cooperative basis and run them as top class financial institutions. These financial institutions will have their headquarters in Ala Igbo.

Economic freedom and security will be entrenched in Ala Igbo with the focus of making it profitably attractive and secure for Ndi Igbo (by extension any investor of whatever descent), wherever they may be, to invest in Ala Igbo with ease. Thus, physical and legal infrastructures will have to be built up. The Economic Intelligence Unit working with socio-economic and political visions of the various Towns will come up with economic blueprint for Ndi Igbo and present same to Ndi Igbo Assembly for adoption and approval.

Top on these infrastructural requirements are;



Functional power stations (coal to start with) to generate up to 50,000MW for Ala Igbo and exploring Azumini river axis for access to international trade through the sea.
Coordinated effective and efficient security all through Ala Igbo in collaboration with the de facto government of the day.
Effective and efficient transport system and Industrial Estates throughout Ala Igbo.
Organically make our educational system the driver of science, technology and knowledge base upon which Igbo aspirations and dreams could be anchored and realized.
Competitive legal framework for harmonious economic activities.


Economic Intelligence Unit/Committee (EIU/C) will be put in place immediately as a databank for collation of all economic activities in Ala Igbo and of all Ndi Igbo wherever they may be in the globe into usable economic intelligence. EIU/C will be the engine room for the production and implementation of economic blueprint of Ndi Igbo. Members must be competent, ready and willing (passion) to fulfil.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Science and technology is the anchor of Ndi Igbo development and progress. Igbo made will have to compete and overtake Taiwan, China and Japan. Environment will have to be created immediately to incubate science and technology. First step is to define our dreams, priorities, goals and strategies in science and technology. Then we will overhaul all educational institutions in Ala Igbo to be in tune with our science and technology dreams and visions. Coal power stations must be pursued vigorously now that coal mining has been deregulated, so that we can generate enough power to support Igbo developmental visions and dreams.

SOCIO-POLITICAL COMMITTE

This committee will have members equitably representing all LGAs. Their major function is proactive monitoring and corrective sanctioning of all Ndi Igbo for any act capable of upturning and/or obstructing Igbo interests as well as advising the People’s Assembly of any activity of other nationals antithetical to Igbo nation’s well being. Here UmuAda Ndi Igbo will have to take the front seat. This committee will be cascaded down to the Town level.

STANDING COMMITTEE

A standing committee will have to be formed immediately in this summit for sensitization and mobilization of Umuada, Umunna, Age-grades and Town unions of Ndi Igbo on the above suggestions.

Their work will be the most important and will determine the Renaissance or death of Ndi Igbo nation. Every discussant here is an ex-officio member of this committee.

Uchenna Odinakachukwu Nnadi.

Obiagu1:
The problem with Igbo Izugbe is that it was created and did not evolve. Use English as an example and understand what I mean. Today England, many regions still have their accents, dialects because it will [b]never [/b]die – it’s actually their first language. But everyone can still read, write in London English (Queen’s English).

Noted.

Umunna,

unanimous decision to jettison Igbo Izugbe (cetral Igbo) and adopt the Enugwu dialect?

I vote yes.

Over to the umunna. . .

Obiagu1:
Clan sentiments are there because we’re still some how attached to our towns. When we become more urban, the clan and clan identity will disappear.
If I may ask you, if you go to Lagos and meet an Igbo man, do you speak your dialect or do you speak a more central Igbo to him if you don’t know is background? It’s us that keep talking about clan, clan, clan, and dialect every time as if it’s the case in the real world. It’s us that want to promote it for no obvious reasons.

The clan issue will keep coming up as long as we are in still in this geographical enclave. Its that phobia that one's uniqueness among Ndigbo could very well be drowned out within the current arrangement that tends to generalize. When Alaigbo comes, the obsessive urge to hold onto clanhood will go out the window in a very short while. But from the start, everyone will need to have a dose of what it feels like to be almost completely autonomous so we can see its no big deal and get over it otherwise the small segregations will occasionally rare their ugly heads.

Obiagu1:
Yeah you said it before. It is similar to what we have today with Igbo. Igbo Izugbe (central Igbo) is not what I speak but was taught in Igbo Izugbe.

Though I have problem with Igbo Izugbe, it should be changed. A more centralized Igbo has naturally evolved over the years due to mixture of several clans. We could comfortable adopt Enugu, Onitsha, Owerri, Aba Igbo and no one will complain as they are near to central that the current Igbo Izugbe is.
In German’s case, they did not make an attempt to use Berlin German like the English who adopted London English as the Queen’s English.

As a matter of fact, when we are settled and the phobia of being swallowed up within a geographical enclave and losing our unique identities (clans/dialects), our languages will become richer as there will be the right 'mixing' between more inter-related kin. Chinua Achebe's gripe with Igbo Izugbe is that it is a strait jacket (a European trait). We are a very artistic people hence the mass dissatisfaction with Igbo Izugbe. I believe Igbo will evolve better but all the dialects need to survive.

Just to go over a few things:

- The sole-focus is on the Ndigbo nation. I believe that proferring solutions to the niggling problems within would go a long way in setting Alaigbo off on the right course. From this discourse, other nations could learn a thing or two for their own betterment.

- Nation and union should be used precisely with possible avoidance of the word 'minority' if we all acknowledge that we are full fledged nations with the implications of nationhood. Thus there is no such thing as Ibibio-Ndigbo nation/country, and other funny permutations, rather the United Biafra is supposed to nurse UNIONS between component nations within a very loose agreement.

- We for formality/courtesy sake see if a United Biafra with a very limited amount of nations (no more than 6 for me) is possible. Other reasons involve keeping the peace with a hot continent esp around us, immigration load (no doubt Chineke has made us a light to other nations), etc.

Please let us proffer possible solutions with every criticism. Dalu

Obiagu1:
I actually did read every single post before I posted.
[/b]Once we form a nation hoping to do “rotational” anything, that nation will die. We can actually survive and progress when our emphasis is “merit”. Merit based is what pushes progress and growth. America and Canada are examples. Merit! Let the best be there, I don’t care.

Acknowledged.

As for the rotation within Alaigbo, that was never mentioned. The end.

For dialects, they will never die but let it be limited to homes, you can speak it you your kids and kindred if you want but it should [b]NEVER found its way to the national/provincial stage even in schools. Believe me, if you promote the study of dialects in schools, they will one day become a pseudo-language and a province can actually ban the use of central Igbo in their province.

If we cannot guarantee this now, then we are not ready for nationhood or perhaps these 'clans' should become separate nations. Ndigbo will never be coerced into accepting or rejecting anything. We are a unique people and hence we cannot equate ourselves to what gives in Nigeria today. There's a doc on dialects I posted. Please read it and see if you can offer any more potent solution to it. This is why we are here. Dalu

Obiagu1:
Alaigbo nation. To me, Biafra is dead.

Nna, please kindly go through this and at least 3 consecutive pages after that. This should shed more light on the situation.

Onicha, Omabala, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi, Idemili, Oyi, Oka, Orumba, Ayamelum, Njikoka.

Ehugbo, Ivo, Ohaozara, Ezza, Abakeleke, Ikwo, Onicha, Izzi, Ohaukwu, Ishielu, Ebonyi, Mgbo.

Abia: Aba, Ngwa, Umuahia, Ndoki, Ohafia, Aro, Abam, Igbene, Isuikwato, Umunneochi, Ikwuano

Enugu: Ngwo, Enugwu, Nsukka, Ezeagu, Igbo-Etiti, Udi, Oji, Uzo-Uwani, Udenu, Igbo-Eze + Benue Igbo lands (list them)

Are these definitive or need a little more verification (esp. with respect to the clan/dialect grouping)?

Getting there. . .

asha 80:
Nobody said the bolded will be the case.each would be allowed to develop its own way and generate its own revenue to run its province.You want strong centre?Alaigbo will even disintigrate faster.

There is what is meant by adapting to the natural instincts of people and also maximizing differences.Youn think germany will survive with totalitarian regime?think again.

This.

chyz:
There was a time i looked on google satellite. The is losts of land in northern igboland area and some in delta. They maybe farmland or land but it is igboland that not too many live there if any at all. That may be a big problem when the country desideds to part ways, thats when different tribes will come to claim whats not theirs, knowingly that it is indeed not theres. Ilajes are having that problem as of now with the Ijaws. I personally have a friend from Ijale, ondo state that says these people constantly give her grandmother problems,destroying her things, and trying to claim their farm land as their own ijaw land.

When Umuigbo are gathered unto their nation, these things will be a foregone issue. As for other nations I believe they can maturely handle this issue as the land ownership (person/organization) you mentioned is very different from a defined national territory (national affair). If anything its the buffer zones (esp. southwards) that I'm worried about.

Obiagu1:
Frankly, I was really pissed off when I read those discussions. What will clan/dialect-led provinces do for us? Every clan teaching their dialect and not Igbo in their provinces, each one clamouring for “rotational president/PM” and quota system?

Alaigbo will even disintegrate before it started, Nigeria 2.0

Where is it stated that the bolded applies? Within Alaigbo (nation) or within United Biafra (union)?

chyz:
well we've pretty much mapped our boundaries. The problem may lie this border areas not really occupied by anybody but are igboland. Tribes like the Ijaw usual like claiming land like that as a way of expansionism.

where is there unoccupied territory within Alaigbo?

asha 80:
I do not see any side stepping here.can you expantiate?

In the current arrangement, Oyi, Ayamelum, Anambra East and Anambra West are the Oru/Olu people. In your list Oyi and Ayamelum are distinct.

Update: I've seen what you did, they are all bordered within the olu axis. Welldone. How about other parts of Anambra; are they okay or need some merger here and there?

Obiagu1:
Please for Christ sake, never talk about clan/dialect-led provincial grouping again!

Chairman no vex, wetin I do?

Its just an outcome of the discussion over the past couple of pages, no biggie there.

ezeagu:
Well to start with what is known as Anambra, much of it would be the same only that the whole 'North' 'South' 'East' and 'West' divisions should be discarded. The name of the river should be changed back to Omabala.

Anambra
Onicha, Omabala, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi, Idemili, Oyi, Oka, Orumba, Ayamelum, Njikoka

Possibly 'Nri' as well for national and tourist purposes which can take up Awka south and parts of Aguata for Igbo-Ukwu.

Seems sound to me; but would mean we would have to sidestep the clan/dialect-led provincial grouping.

chyz:
I think we should now start scarp ourland i drawing boundaries physically. Go to each boundary and sort out any boundary disputes. Historians must be involved, both from home(nigeria) and abroad(british). Also i thing if the people fighting for biafra like the Massob should do is, buy land thatis close to the igboland border from the owners and annex it into our land.

Don't think its that straightforward buddy; Nigeria could buy up Chad following that line.

chyz:
As far as the boudaries go.Do you mean the boundaries within Alaigbo such as territories like Ngwa, mbaise, Aro,etc. or do u mean boundaries separating us from the other tribes?

I mean the boundaries outside separating us from other nations. Looks okay to me with perhaps some Bonny/Opobo inclusions.

What is the consensus on these boundaries of Alaigbo?

On topic please folks , no time for drawbacks.

Eze, onlytruth et al please provinces  .

Richy, have you seen the doc on dialects?

Please can we list the 33 dialects. So far this is all I have:

OWERRI (ISUAMA), ONITSHA, UMUAHIA (OHUHU), ORLU, NGWA, AFIKPO, NSA, OGUTA, ANIOCHA, ECHE, EGBEMA, OKA (AWKA), BONNY-OPOBO, MBAISE, NSUKA, OHUHU, UNWANA, IKA, IKWERE, IZI-EZAA-IKWO-MGBO, OGBAH, UKWUANI-ABOH-NDONI.

Sauce

Possible Oru Province.

The towns are:

- (Ayamelum) Omor, Umueje, Omasi, Igbakwu, Umumbo, Anaku, Umuerum, Ifite Ogwari.
- (Oyi) Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umunya and Nteje
- (Anambra East) Umuleri, Igboariam, Nando, Nsugbe, Aguleri, Otuocha, Ezi Aguluotu, Mkpunando, Enugwu Aguleri and Umuoba Anam
- (Anambra West) Ezi Anam, Ifite Anam, Nzam, Olumbanasa, Oroma-etiti, Umueze-Anam, Umuenwelum Anam

My clan is Oru/Olu. Following the classifications of clans into provinces on this thread would mean that Oyi, Ayamelum, Anambra East and Anambra West would disappear to form Oru province. Thats about a Fifth of Anambra gone (less admin cost rather than littering of LGA's for national moimoi). The towns are:

- (Ayamelum) Omor, Umueje, Omasi, Igbakwu, Umumbo, Anaku, Umuerum, Ifite Ogwari.
- (Oyi) Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umunya and Nteje
- (Anambra East)  Umuleri, Igboariam, Nando, Nsugbe, Aguleri, Otuocha, Ezi Aguluotu, Mkpunando, Enugwu Aguleri and Umuoba Anam
- (Anambra West) Ezi Anam, Ifite Anam, Nzam, Olumbanasa, Oroma-etiti, Umueze-Anam, Umuenwelum Anam

Opinions. . .

Richy et al,

[url=http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.journalofwestafricanlanguages.org%2FFiles%2Fpdf%2F32-12%2F32-12-Ugorji.pdf&rct=j&q=DIALECT%20COMMUNITIES%20AND%20LANGUAGE%20VITALITY%3A%20THE%20CASE%20OF%20IGBO&ei=XDmFTNubJ9mX4gbJ0MDOBQ&usg=AFQjCNFwXsaUsIGqxVkbAtBJuX3_K-XyLQ]This[/url] is a very interesting resource for the language/dialect dichotomy.

P.S. Will be posting some local govt maps for reconfiguration. . .

I will take this post to address a lot of issues raised in later posts.

PhysicsQED: Actually, the myth (and it certainly is a myth) has not at all been quashed. A quick sampling of posts by EzeUche22 and Onlytruth would only reinforce it. Although I have no problem with them as individuals, and they both seem like competent people, they, like yourself, and possibly even Ojukwu himself (if the purported dialogue of a conversation of Ojukwu's about the possible 'incorporation' of the Midwest into Biafra, as mentioned in John de St. Jorre's book about the Nigerian civil war is legitimate), do not seem to have even the slightest comprehension of what the feelings of Nigerian minorities with no cultural ties to Igbos are towards a possible incorporation into Biafra.

If you have been reading this thread, from page 39, you would see that we are talking of a union of nations with the definitions here. As we know, Nigeria does not have this definition. United Biafra is not about Igbo alone (from the discourse from page 39 hitherto). Each ethnic group is regarded as a nation. E.g. Ibibio = nation as Ndigbo = nation within a United Biafra which is quite similar to the UK model albeit freer. Infact with a rotational ceremonial headship (president/prime minister) of 6 months, going by the generic four year, no more than 8 nations can be within this union. There is no question of Ndigbo having any impact on any neighboring nations; they all have their separate laws and constitutions. Please endeavour to read the post on page 39 to get the definition and implications of nationhood. United Biafra is not a nation.

I can assure you all that no matter how good a proposal Biafran supporters think they would be able to offer, it would be vigorously opposed by every vocal and/or educated member of those societies, whether Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, or whatever, not with "diplomatic' or 'formal" negotiation needing to take place, but by a mass repulsion amongst commoners and elites to the idea of going from being a minority in a state fought over by three "unneeded" groups who at least have no say over their local activities and who comprise a country which is seen as a sort of amalgam (even if a bad one) of Africans from a particular geographical area (a mere "geographical expression" to being a minority in a state run (governed) by another ethnicity and associated with it more than it could ever be with their own, which would always make the dominant group (Igbos) the "other," and prevent the possibility of any shared feeling of ownership of a country. The obvious reaction, especially those from areas invaded during the civil war by Biafrans , could never be acceptance, but instead they would each vie for individual independence for their groups, to create a bunch of Equatorial Guineas or Singapores, or form a federation of former minorities, using oil money to become a bunch of Omans or Dubais.

Again refer to first post, part of the semantics involved in split of the status quo is the popularly trotted 'fiefdoms' which are full fledged nations. Also note that this century will herald the disintegration of the colonial contraptions. Going by the post on page 39, there would be at least 500 of these nations. Nothing wrong with that from our point of view but sir, UN will give every of these nations a royal snub (and rightly so, who will bring the funds) and we will shout racism and marginalization. Please let us go beyond sentiments and emotions. I do not like to get involved with other nations but these things would affect us. Imagine peace keeping in no less than 40 nations, no advanced nation one will send anyone to die in S.S Africa go figure.

You may never even have thought in these terms but the near equality of population between the three major groups in the West, East, and North (I know the North as whole is supposedly bigger than the whole south, but I'm just talking about Yorubas, Igbos, and Hausa-Fulanis only) essentially means that in theory, no single group can rule the country. (If the middle belt was not under "core northern" sway (that is, if southern politicians bothered to try and appeal to them), the Hausa-Fulani would not always be ruling Nigeria today.)

This means that no person can actually say that Nigeria as a country "belongs" more to a Yoruba or Igbo than to an Isoko or Itsekiri. In a possible Biafra, if 75% or more of the population is Igbo, and as a result almost every major decision is carried out by an Igbo, will the minorities in that state feel that it is an Igbo country, or that there is actually something like a Biafran nationality to which their ethnic identity is a part of? The tricky part here is that merely reassuring them that that is the case would not make it so; in fact, every association of Biafran success with Igbo efforts or ability, however innocently stated, would chafe at their sense of Biafraness/Biafranity. Unlike in Nigeria, where sensible people see Igbos as Nigerians first, and Igbos second, minorities with no shared cultural ties or history with Igbos would see Igbos as the "other" group, to be opposed or overcome.

Please remind me to come to this later, just had several vein pops.

Onlytruth actually thought at one point that "Edo state proper" could be in Biafra. Which is evidence of sheer cluelessness of the perspectives of others.

He, and others, should know, Urhobos and Itsekiris did not even want to be part of the proposed EDOWA (Edo + Warri) state, and Edos did not want it either, even though these three groups have more ties than some other groups in Nigeria that share states. And some people think they will want to join Biafra, made up of people whom they share very few ties with?

Again read this. From the last schematic Edo on its own could adopt a United Biafra-like config since it has these nation within a slightly well defined border. Forming even a loose union will be chaos because of the overstretch of the tier limit of three.

You might not even know this, but after Biafra, even some Kanuris (descendants of the Kanem-Borno empire) wanted to join forces with their brothers in Chad and resurrect the defunct state rather than being dominated by the larger Hausa-Fulani in Nigeria. Needless to say, they were shut down.

If that happened then, it will happen again, its just a matter of time. Rather than sit-don-looking have you ever thought of the config of you new nation?

What you and him and others need to understand is that without this colonial amalgamation called Nigeria, no group really "needs" any other group or feels it does, nor would any group feel that it was not capable of being on its own when the amalgamation ceased.

The political trend, since before Isaac Boro is towards ethnic autonomy (just think of the proposed Anioma state), which you should actually welcome, as a Biafran, but it might mean that Biafra really might really be Igbo only- which also shouldn't be a problem, since the minorities definitely don't need Igbos and Igbos definitely don't really need the minorities, even if they would be deprived of sea and oil (which many countries function better than Nigeria without).

Again its not by force, I have not held a shotgun behind anyone's back asking to join up. I do it reluctantly but to see if things like freedom of movement, settlement, citizenship, currency etc could be a shared ideal. Being within the current arrangement has brought about 'mixing' thus the numerous 'buffer zone' waiting to erupt when this disintegration occurs. This mixing is not only biological but also economic; just look as Shell's assets and see how they cut through everywhere. This alone is a whooping 68% of why the disintegration is being delayed. I do not need to tell you who would win in a skirmish for patches of land and assets, I however for courtesy present an arrangement where 'everybody wins'. Failure to acknowledge these facts and many others will leave the nations (what you call minorities) in the cold.


Lastly

might really be Igbo only- which also shouldn't be a problem, since the minorities definitely don't need Igbos and Igbos definitely don't really need the minorities, even if they would be deprived of sea and oil (which many countries function better than Nigeria without).

Ogini?

Ahh the old chestnut. I will let my brothers handle this info. . .

Off to work now, will try to catch up and post later this evening.

Jisike . . .

Richy and onlytruth, thanks for the books, will get them asap.

PhysicsQED:
The first modification you can make is with regard to the inclusion of Warri and Ughelli in Biafra. That would never pass.

Noted. However part of the reasons why the nations - Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri are to be included are noted here. They would be informed for diplomatic and formal reasons. From the discourse on this thread so far, the 'big bad Igbo' myth has been largely quashed. None of these nations have anything to lose if anything lots to gain. But as Asha alluded to, no be by force; this new union would have no semblance to Nigeria.

RichyBlacK:
Umunna,

Please look through the notes/references and point out interesting papers that we can look at. The goal is to work from recent papers like Mazi Uzoigwe's paper and use the notes/references to identify older papers of interest.

Enjoy reading!

Muchas gracias, much respect. Still reading. . .

This is the country of the Alaigbo Nation within United Biafra. More definition is required in terms of provinces with towns.
Source

chyz:
Thats the conclusion that I came up with also. Its just unrealistic for us to just give up our dialects. The parliamentary system will be welcoming to the other tribes who would be scared of "igbo domination".

Nations you mean (rotational headship remember).

Any maps/lists of provinces with towns yet?

Also any reps of the Ibibio, Efik, Andoni (sp?), Izon, Ogoni etc to also give their provincial arrangements?

The best description is here (needs some serious revision by the discussions on this thread so far). It should give us a framework to modify.

http://www./biaframap2004.jpg

asha 80:
I have heard that quite a few times.Never new why they did that.

They're a unique English people. Their accent is nearly harder than the Scottish accent for first time hearers. And almost a unique dress code among the girls. Nigerian sailors did a lot of 'work' here in the 70's so there are a number of mixed race people. Very down to earth. But have some very naughty kids. Been through a lot within the nation hence the 'siege mentality' when it come to anything of theirs life the football clubs, beatles, actors comedians (renowned for this) etc.

EzeUche22:
Maybe we Igbos should be more focused on creating our own script using the Nsibidi but adding more symbols to it.

Also, getting rid of unnecessary lects and making every Igbo speak general Igbo. What angers me most is when Igbos speak in their lect so other Igbos present would have a hard time understanding what they are saying. The Northern Igbo clans are notorious for this.

There's something called 'ndebe project' by a young umunne. Do check it out  

ezeagu:
Those were ramifications.

The Northern and Southern English are still only coming out of their wealth disparity. Even still you will hear jokes about each region from the opposite. I thought you were talking about identity, instead of full loyalty.

Those are semantics really. Scousers (north england) feel a tad ill treated within the nation and thus the slogan 'we are not English, we are Scousers', they rally round any true local who makes it nationally or internationally (beatles week just concluded), they have a very distinct accent and nearly a mini culture of their own. I could go on and on especially with this group of people, but despite this Steven Gerrard is still a bonafide member of the national team. People from Liverpool could work in Manchester and London without being put on a 'special list' seeking to redress the wealth disparity (as you mentioned) with the southerner. I believe the ramifications are like raw evidence showing that nationality (even if not 100% but at least 80%) has taken root. In order words a northern Englishman has to try exceedingly hard to come up with excuses that show he is marginalized.

ezeagu:
First of all Japan has no official language, it has recognised languages. Believe it or not there are more than one native peoples of Japan, in fact the Japanese are not the 'original' people of the island. I use Japan because of it's similarities with Igboland and its people.

I believe that you don't need an official language, but 'central Igbo' should be the lingua franca.

If the new country will have other ethnic groups then it should be a federation like Switzerland or the United Kingdom.


I've said this before, but many so called Igbo 'clans' are actually counties, like Orlu which is comprised of different towns and villages.

Done and done.

Now if we can have a map where these things are pointed out, or even a list of counties with their towns. We need to start with something no matter how small.