Politics / Re: Rihanna Speaks on Current Police Arrest: “ Peaceful Protest is a Human Right” by jimi4us: 12:11am On Feb 14, 2021 |
That's why I like Rihanna 1 Like 1 Share |
Politics / Re: Jega: Patriotism Means To Stand By The Country Not By The President by jimi4us: 8:04pm On Feb 13, 2021 |
You brought this fraudster call BUHARI TO US. 9 Likes |
Celebrities / Re: "Your Song Is An Embarrassment To Naija Music"- Kelly Hansome Blasts DJ Cuppy by jimi4us: 2:36pm On Feb 13, 2021 |
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Politics / Re: Disturbing pictures of Fulani herdsmen that were attacked in Ibadan by jimi4us: 2:28pm On Feb 13, 2021 |
Arewa1stSon: Arewa ku farka....
This is not about herdsmen... This is about the north!!
This is an attack on Hausa traders... Because a Hausa man alleged killed a man while fighting!
Waten concern these traders... Concern one Hausa individually fighting a Yoruba man which resulted to his death??
Information reaching us directly from the Hausas in ibadan... Is that their Bussiness places are being burnt down and innocent armless Hausas are being attacked.
Hausa fulanis are all terrorist. nice one from Igboho men 5 Likes |
Crime / Re: Ali Bahago: Bandits Kill Vigilante Leader In Katsina (Photo) by jimi4us: 11:45am On Feb 13, 2021 |
Katsina people voted for change twice, they shouldn't disturb us here |
Politics / Re: Policeman Threatens To Kill Nigerian Journalist, Points Gun At Him (photos) by jimi4us: 11:30am On Feb 13, 2021 |
We've been recruiting thieves and thugs into the Nigerian police and Army for years, now we're seeing the results 2 Likes |
Politics / Re: Ex Ipob Member Burn His Ipob Matterials, Denounce Kanu by jimi4us: 11:23am On Feb 13, 2021 |
God bless Nnamdi Kanu.
His security outfit is now securing our people from Hausa Fulani herdsmen or bandits.
In Nnamdi Kanu we trust, We the true Igbos worldwide salute you sir.
We will deal with saboteurs very soon 18 Likes 2 Shares |
Politics / Re: bandits deserve amnesty like Niger Delta militants –Usman Yusuf by jimi4us: 8:38am On Feb 13, 2021 |
98% of Northerners are in support of Boko Haram |
Politics / Re: Fulani's Are Not Terrorist - Oluwo Of Iwo by jimi4us: 8:36am On Feb 13, 2021 |
This one is still living in denial |
Politics / Re: Police Storm Lekki Toll Gate Ahead Of #OccupyLekkiTollGate Protest (Photos) by jimi4us: 1:41am On Feb 13, 2021 |
HopeVictor: All those people calling me coward because I said we should forget about protest..If you don't go out tomorrow to protest then you know what you are..
And I don't have any RIP to waste either if anything should happen to anybody.. Cowards like you truly deserve these criminal leaders you have. 1 Like |
Politics / Re: Herdsmen Attack Amotekun In Ondo, Shoot Farmer And A Vigilante Dead by jimi4us: 12:06pm On Feb 12, 2021 |
War don start o, these people believe they own south west 6 Likes |
Politics / Re: Nigerian Police Officer Caught On Camera Collecting Bribe. by jimi4us: 11:56am On Feb 12, 2021 |
When corruption index report comes out liar Mohammed will start to argue with his ancestors |
Sports / Re: From Millionaires To Minnows: The Grace To Grass Story Of Heartland by jimi4us: 10:32am On Feb 12, 2021 |
Rochas was the one that bastardized Heartland |
Politics / Re: Stay Away From Any Protest - Igbokwe To Igbos In Lagos by jimi4us: 9:21am On Feb 12, 2021 |
hollah123: because they don't create nuisance everywhere like d developers who own d world.
Na Dem rent white house to d POTUS If Fulanis don't create nuisance, so why are you bastards chasing them away from the land they bought in South West with their hard earned money 4 Likes |
Travel / Re: United Nigeria Airlines To BeginOperation On Friday by jimi4us: 10:46pm On Feb 11, 2021 |
post=98976935:
The Airline is own by private not government, the owner is Dikeora from Ogidi, Anambra state Picture of the planes or |
Travel / Re: United Nigeria Airlines To BeginOperation On Friday by jimi4us: 8:41pm On Feb 11, 2021 |
Abeg where is that Nigerian airline that we launched its logo the other day 24 Likes 3 Shares |
Politics / Re: Keyamo: APC Has No Overall Leader In Delta State by jimi4us: 6:35am On Feb 11, 2021 |
Fight go soon start 5 Likes 1 Share |
Crime / Re: US Seeks To Seize $2 Million From Nigerian Man Arrested For Romance Scam by jimi4us: 6:32am On Feb 11, 2021 |
Destroying Nigerian image abroad is some people job 1 Like |
Politics / Re: Ngozi Iweala Is Complicit To The Mass Murder Of African Children by jimi4us: 3:03am On Feb 11, 2021 |
NuclearWinter: She has been head of GAVI, an organization funded 100% by the Satanic Bill & Melinda Gates foundation which she (Ngozi) is also a board member.
Other than poisoining poor African children to death with Bill Gates' poisonous vaccines she is also heading the IMF Covid 19 Team that is using financial pressure to force poor African countries to subject their population to Bill Gates vaccines which GAVI will be providing free of charge .
Now it has come to light that DPT vaccines provided by GAVI to African countries are responsible to over 50% deaths of toddlers.
The DPT vaccine have been exposed to cause 10 times more fatality than the diseases they claim to prevent.
Read the article below...
It beats my imagination how misleading threads like this are allowed to be on Nairaland. Meanwhile I get ban for minor issues. Lalasticalala and Seun this op needs your attention |
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Politics / Re: Stage Another Protest In Lekki And Get Kicked - ALEG by jimi4us: 10:01am On Feb 10, 2021 |
luluman: If them born you well leave nairaland & stay in front during the protest. I heard this the last time we were there. This time if them born you well come out there and show your face |
Politics / Re: Re: # Occupylekkitollgate Proposed Protest by jimi4us: 8:01am On Feb 10, 2021 |
helinues:
No one can stop this next protest. Come outside we shall meet there |
Politics / Re: Re: # Occupylekkitollgate Proposed Protest by jimi4us: 7:29am On Feb 10, 2021 |
helinues: Only a Yoruba bastard would partake in the proposed occupy Lekki toll gate protest.
We are yet to recover from the last protest and some miscreants want to start new ones..
I can bet it that majority of the organizers of the so called protest are non Yorubas.
Anyways, there is still time for change of mind cos it won't be funny...
Lagos is no longer the capital of Nigeria, anybody that's having grudges with this current government should take their protest to Aso rock..
To be fore warned is to before armed..
Every miscreants wan claim Lagos State. Tinubu is from Osun State, even Osibanjo is from Ogun State. Come outside, we will meet you at the toll gate. Craze dey worry una. |
Politics / Re: Re: # Occupylekkitollgate Proposed Protest by jimi4us: 7:27am On Feb 10, 2021 |
helinues: Only a Yoruba bastard would partake in the proposed occupy Lekki toll gate protest.
We are yet to recover from the last protest and some miscreants want to start new ones..
I can bet it that majority of the organizers of the so called protest are non Yorubas.
Anyways, there is still time for change of mind cos it won't be funny...
Lagos is no longer the capital of Nigeria, anybody that's having grudges with this current government should take their protest to Aso rock..
To be fore warned is to before armed..
Meet me at the toll gate, see if I won't break your big nose 1 Like |
Politics / Re: Stage Another Protest In Lekki And Get Kicked - ALEG by jimi4us: 7:22am On Feb 10, 2021 |
tayooluwole:
I hope you will be there in the front... Bet me it will not be nice this time We shall see about that |
Politics / Re: Stage Another Protest In Lekki And Get Kicked - ALEG by jimi4us: 10:09pm On Feb 09, 2021 |
Nothing can stop this next protest. NOTHING 152 Likes 15 Shares |
Politics / Re: Enugu Chairman Flee As ESN Storm His House For Selling Community Lands To Fulani by jimi4us: 10:06pm On Feb 09, 2021 |
celeiyke: There's no lgc called Enugu west They meant to say Nkanu west |
Politics / Re: Enugu Chairman Flee As ESN Storm His House For Selling Community Lands To Fulani by jimi4us: 10:05pm On Feb 09, 2021 |
I pray God will continue to bless our gallant men.
ESN has come to stay |
Politics / Re: IPOB Cannot Do Anything Ijelespeaks Enters Abia State VIDEO by jimi4us: 9:56pm On Feb 09, 2021 |
No body know him, he's just a Judas in our midst. And will soon be put to rest soon. Now everyone have seen his face in public |
Politics / Re: Why Niger Deltans Do Not Want To Be A Part Of Biafra -- Goodluck Jonathan by jimi4us: 9:49pm On Feb 09, 2021 |
Culwizthedeltan:
Excerpts
I begin this write-up by saying that I mean no ill-thought towards the Biafran struggle or Igbos in general. What I’ve written here are mainly my personal reflections concerning the Niger Delta, especially with regards to non-Igbo groups and their stake in the Biafran movement which has been rebirthed for some time now. I am not a mouthpiece for the Niger Delta but I believe I’ve been in the Niger Delta long enough to know our problems and our stand. I’ve also interacted with many Niger Deltans to know their stand in the Biafran sttruggle.
When I use the term Niger Delta, I am referring to the region covering Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. However, I understand that the region also covers Ondo, Imo, and Abia states. I’m not concerned with the latter because they are either Igbos or Yorubas and have their own struggles. The ethnic groups within my coverage include Urhobo-Isoko, Bini, Esan, Itsekiri, Ijaw-Epie-Ogbia, Ogoni, Afemai, Efik-Annang-Eket-Oron-Ibibio, Ogoja, Ejagham, and other groups in Cross River North. Ikwerre, Ukwuani, Ika, Aniocha, Ogba, and other Igboid groups, are not included. Historically, Biafra covered all the Niger Delta states EXCEPT Delta and Ondo states. This fact must be emphasised.
Pro-Biafrans are welcome to debate and address my issues in a civil manner. I understand that most pro-Biafrans resort to insults when salient issues are addressed.
Please let’s set a good precedence from hereon.
1. Biafra may not be better for Niger Deltans because Niger Deltans may end up living one form of subjugation for another. The argument Igbos have made for their freedom is the desire to be free from Hausa-Yoruba domination. That argument also applies to the average Niger Deltan. Igbo, no doubt, will be the major ethnic group if Biafra is actualised. Ijaws may have a stake due to their numbers. What about the Ogonis, Urhobo-Isokos, Itsekiris, Efiks, etc? Where will they fit in at the national level? The sad reality is that another Nigeria will just be made manifest and resentments will build up. What will really be the fate of minorities? Will they fare better in Biafra or alone? In Nigeria, big groups such as Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo checkmate each other’s excesses very well. Who will checkmate that of Igbos in the new nation?
2. The issue of annexation comes to play. For so long, e-Biafrans have annexed Niger Delta as part of the proposed nation. The map below shows us what Biafrans have drawn to constitute the new nation:? If we judge from this map, it means all groups in the Niger Delta have been annexed. My question is whether the leaders of these groups have been consulted before the annexation was done. I, for one, know that Urhobo-Isoko and Efik-Ibibio leaders have not approved of Biafra neither have anybody in these regions declared Biafra. So how and why were they included in the proposed map? Little things like this bring distrust and I understand that many of these non-Igbo regions have disowned the map and pledged allegiance to Nigeria. The declaration by the Delta State government is a case in point. I see this as forceful annexation. The so-called e-Biafrans have also not done much in calming the nerves of the people of the annexed regions. I’ve seen comments such as “if you don’t like it, go and stay in Sokoto”, “all land in the South is Biafraland”, etc. Is it not ironic that a group of people who want freedom want to annexe others?
3. What languages will be made the official languages of the new nation? I have seen several posts by e-Biafrans where Igbo was proposed as the official language of the new republic. What then will happen to other languages such as Urhobo, Isoko, Okpe, Efik, Ibibio, Oron, Ogoni, Eleme, Okrika, Kalabari, Bini, Esan, etc? Will they die off because of Igbo? Certainly NOT! If English is made the official language, the Igbo majority factor will kick in. If your name isn’t Chukwuemeka or Oliseh, Amarachi or Nneka, etc, you won’t get any appointment nor shall you be recognised. These are things we can’t deny. We are very ethnocentric in Africa.
4. What and what have Igbo nation done for Niger Deltans to gain their trust? Every day I see Igbo youths making enemies where there were none. They constantly use the agency of the internet to sprout controversy, hurl insults at dissenters and make unfounded claims. There is this general air of mistrust for Igbos by some Niger Deltans, particularly by Urhobo-Isoko and Bini people. What have Igbos done to checkmate this? Has any Igbo leader or group extended the hand of friendship to the Niger Deltans. Mistrust cannot be wished away. Most Niger Deltans would rather follow Hausas as slaves than follow Igbos as kings. This is the real reality and truthfully, Igbos caused this.
5. Who will lead the new nation? Obviously, Nnamdi Kanu, their hero, has fought tooth and nails for Biafra and he is currently cooling off in jail. If Biafra comes today, who will be the interim leader and what modalities are in place for subsequent leaders to be elected? Igbos have been the only ones fighting for Biafra since time immemorial with a handful of other groups here and there. Will Igbos allow other groups to rule over them? Will they allow an Urhobo man to be President, for instance? This is not a case of mere wishing. We have to understand that Niger Delta groups MAY NEVER BE ALLOWED TO RULE BIAFRA IF IT IS ACTUALISED.
6. Still on the issue of leaders, are the new leaders going to fall from the skies or they are simply going to change addresses from Abuja to Enugu. If so, what will change in the new nation? It is not arguable that Igbo national leaders are the most corrupt persons in Nigeria. If these same people are the ones to rule the new nation then there is no hope because corruption will be so rife that the economy of the new nation will shut down like a knocked engine. If we argue that new and younger leaders will arise, we still have the issue of who fought for Biafra to contend with. Most pro-Biafrans will not allow someone who sat at the periphery of the struggle to just come and waltz power away from the “heroes” of Biafra. If this is true then we will not have a proper democracy in Biafra.
8. Will Biafra be a utopia? The impression that e-Biafrans give is that Biafra will be perfect and we all know for a fact that this is not true. Apart from the issue of corruption and sentimentalism that have been addressed, we still have the issue of development. Where will money be generated from to develop the nation? In the whole of the proposed Biafra, only Port Harcourt and Onitsha are economically viable cities. Where will the investors come from? Why should they invest in a volatile country? Only in Warri, we have Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo at loggerheads, imagine what would happen to the whole nation. Secondly, I am sure that no Niger Deltan will allow his “oil” to be used to develop Enugu like what happened with Abuja, and is still happening today. Niger Deltans are getting wiser and by the time the new nations are formed, matters that border on oil, wealth distribution and infrastructural development will be raised.
9. The current structure of the proposed nation, as shown in the map earlier embedded, favour Igbos with more states. Urhobo has one, Efik-Ibibio has two, Itsekiri has none, etc. How will this be addressed? Certainly, every ethnic nationality will want adequate representation and so the structure on that map will never work.
10. Last, but not the least, is the issue of referendum. Some Biafrans are already calling for a referendum which will involve all parts of the proposed nation. I am pretty sure how this referendum will turn out. However, for the sake of being hypothetical, let us imagine that some ethnic groups/states vote against Biafra by the majority, what will be their fate at the end of the day? Secondly, will the result of such a referendum be true and honest? I understand that electoral malpractice forms a part of our identity. How are we going to get a true reflection of people’s thoughts? Thirdly, if states and ethnic groups do decide to vote for Biafra, what mechanisms are in place to contain Igbophobia, Igbomania, Igbocentrism, Igbo hegemony, Landgrabbing, and all issues that minorities have raised? Above are the reasons why I feel that Niger Deltans will NOT subscribe to the Biafran movement. I have been very practical, philosophical and hypothetical in my approach. I do not speak for any group or persons but I present these issues for the pro-Biafrans to address. Niger Deltans can raise more issues that I have not raised. Finally, it should be noted that I expect insults directed at my person by e-warriors and keyboard mercenaries, as usual, but I won’t pleasure such persons with answers or altercations. If you raise good points, we can discuss like intellectuals.
Long Live Niger Delta!! Goodluck Jonathan can't be linked with this poorly written English 26 Likes 4 Shares |
Politics / Re: Why Niger Deltans Do Not Want To Be A Part Of Biafra -- Goodluck Jonathan by jimi4us: 9:47pm On Feb 09, 2021 |
Culwizthedeltan:
Excerpts
I begin this write-up by saying that I mean no ill-thought towards the Biafran struggle or Igbos in general. What I’ve written here are mainly my personal reflections concerning the Niger Delta, especially with regards to non-Igbo groups and their stake in the Biafran movement which has been rebirthed for some time now. I am not a mouthpiece for the Niger Delta but I believe I’ve been in the Niger Delta long enough to know our problems and our stand. I’ve also interacted with many Niger Deltans to know their stand in the Biafran sttruggle.
When I use the term Niger Delta, I am referring to the region covering Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. However, I understand that the region also covers Ondo, Imo, and Abia states. I’m not concerned with the latter because they are either Igbos or Yorubas and have their own struggles. The ethnic groups within my coverage include Urhobo-Isoko, Bini, Esan, Itsekiri, Ijaw-Epie-Ogbia, Ogoni, Afemai, Efik-Annang-Eket-Oron-Ibibio, Ogoja, Ejagham, and other groups in Cross River North. Ikwerre, Ukwuani, Ika, Aniocha, Ogba, and other Igboid groups, are not included. Historically, Biafra covered all the Niger Delta states EXCEPT Delta and Ondo states. This fact must be emphasised.
Pro-Biafrans are welcome to debate and address my issues in a civil manner. I understand that most pro-Biafrans resort to insults when salient issues are addressed.
Please let’s set a good precedence from hereon.
1. Biafra may not be better for Niger Deltans because Niger Deltans may end up living one form of subjugation for another. The argument Igbos have made for their freedom is the desire to be free from Hausa-Yoruba domination. That argument also applies to the average Niger Deltan. Igbo, no doubt, will be the major ethnic group if Biafra is actualised. Ijaws may have a stake due to their numbers. What about the Ogonis, Urhobo-Isokos, Itsekiris, Efiks, etc? Where will they fit in at the national level? The sad reality is that another Nigeria will just be made manifest and resentments will build up. What will really be the fate of minorities? Will they fare better in Biafra or alone? In Nigeria, big groups such as Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo checkmate each other’s excesses very well. Who will checkmate that of Igbos in the new nation?
2. The issue of annexation comes to play. For so long, e-Biafrans have annexed Niger Delta as part of the proposed nation. The map below shows us what Biafrans have drawn to constitute the new nation:? If we judge from this map, it means all groups in the Niger Delta have been annexed. My question is whether the leaders of these groups have been consulted before the annexation was done. I, for one, know that Urhobo-Isoko and Efik-Ibibio leaders have not approved of Biafra neither have anybody in these regions declared Biafra. So how and why were they included in the proposed map? Little things like this bring distrust and I understand that many of these non-Igbo regions have disowned the map and pledged allegiance to Nigeria. The declaration by the Delta State government is a case in point. I see this as forceful annexation. The so-called e-Biafrans have also not done much in calming the nerves of the people of the annexed regions. I’ve seen comments such as “if you don’t like it, go and stay in Sokoto”, “all land in the South is Biafraland”, etc. Is it not ironic that a group of people who want freedom want to annexe others?
3. What languages will be made the official languages of the new nation? I have seen several posts by e-Biafrans where Igbo was proposed as the official language of the new republic. What then will happen to other languages such as Urhobo, Isoko, Okpe, Efik, Ibibio, Oron, Ogoni, Eleme, Okrika, Kalabari, Bini, Esan, etc? Will they die off because of Igbo? Certainly NOT! If English is made the official language, the Igbo majority factor will kick in. If your name isn’t Chukwuemeka or Oliseh, Amarachi or Nneka, etc, you won’t get any appointment nor shall you be recognised. These are things we can’t deny. We are very ethnocentric in Africa.
4. What and what have Igbo nation done for Niger Deltans to gain their trust? Every day I see Igbo youths making enemies where there were none. They constantly use the agency of the internet to sprout controversy, hurl insults at dissenters and make unfounded claims. There is this general air of mistrust for Igbos by some Niger Deltans, particularly by Urhobo-Isoko and Bini people. What have Igbos done to checkmate this? Has any Igbo leader or group extended the hand of friendship to the Niger Deltans. Mistrust cannot be wished away. Most Niger Deltans would rather follow Hausas as slaves than follow Igbos as kings. This is the real reality and truthfully, Igbos caused this.
5. Who will lead the new nation? Obviously, Nnamdi Kanu, their hero, has fought tooth and nails for Biafra and he is currently cooling off in jail. If Biafra comes today, who will be the interim leader and what modalities are in place for subsequent leaders to be elected? Igbos have been the only ones fighting for Biafra since time immemorial with a handful of other groups here and there. Will Igbos allow other groups to rule over them? Will they allow an Urhobo man to be President, for instance? This is not a case of mere wishing. We have to understand that Niger Delta groups MAY NEVER BE ALLOWED TO RULE BIAFRA IF IT IS ACTUALISED.
6. Still on the issue of leaders, are the new leaders going to fall from the skies or they are simply going to change addresses from Abuja to Enugu. If so, what will change in the new nation? It is not arguable that Igbo national leaders are the most corrupt persons in Nigeria. If these same people are the ones to rule the new nation then there is no hope because corruption will be so rife that the economy of the new nation will shut down like a knocked engine. If we argue that new and younger leaders will arise, we still have the issue of who fought for Biafra to contend with. Most pro-Biafrans will not allow someone who sat at the periphery of the struggle to just come and waltz power away from the “heroes” of Biafra. If this is true then we will not have a proper democracy in Biafra.
8. Will Biafra be a utopia? The impression that e-Biafrans give is that Biafra will be perfect and we all know for a fact that this is not true. Apart from the issue of corruption and sentimentalism that have been addressed, we still have the issue of development. Where will money be generated from to develop the nation? In the whole of the proposed Biafra, only Port Harcourt and Onitsha are economically viable cities. Where will the investors come from? Why should they invest in a volatile country? Only in Warri, we have Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo at loggerheads, imagine what would happen to the whole nation. Secondly, I am sure that no Niger Deltan will allow his “oil” to be used to develop Enugu like what happened with Abuja, and is still happening today. Niger Deltans are getting wiser and by the time the new nations are formed, matters that border on oil, wealth distribution and infrastructural development will be raised.
9. The current structure of the proposed nation, as shown in the map earlier embedded, favour Igbos with more states. Urhobo has one, Efik-Ibibio has two, Itsekiri has none, etc. How will this be addressed? Certainly, every ethnic nationality will want adequate representation and so the structure on that map will never work.
10. Last, but not the least, is the issue of referendum. Some Biafrans are already calling for a referendum which will involve all parts of the proposed nation. I am pretty sure how this referendum will turn out. However, for the sake of being hypothetical, let us imagine that some ethnic groups/states vote against Biafra by the majority, what will be their fate at the end of the day? Secondly, will the result of such a referendum be true and honest? I understand that electoral malpractice forms a part of our identity. How are we going to get a true reflection of people’s thoughts? Thirdly, if states and ethnic groups do decide to vote for Biafra, what mechanisms are in place to contain Igbophobia, Igbomania, Igbocentrism, Igbo hegemony, Landgrabbing, and all issues that minorities have raised? Above are the reasons why I feel that Niger Deltans will NOT subscribe to the Biafran movement. I have been very practical, philosophical and hypothetical in my approach. I do not speak for any group or persons but I present these issues for the pro-Biafrans to address. Niger Deltans can raise more issues that I have not raised. Finally, it should be noted that I expect insults directed at my person by e-warriors and keyboard mercenaries, as usual, but I won’t pleasure such persons with answers or altercations. If you raise good points, we can discuss like intellectuals.
Long Live Niger Delta!! Even your lies have no link 23 Likes 3 Shares |
Politics / Re: Why Niger Deltans Do Not Want To Be A Part Of Biafra -- Goodluck Jonathan by jimi4us: 9:46pm On Feb 09, 2021 |
Culwizthedeltan:
Excerpts
I begin this write-up by saying that I mean no ill-thought towards the Biafran struggle or Igbos in general. What I’ve written here are mainly my personal reflections concerning the Niger Delta, especially with regards to non-Igbo groups and their stake in the Biafran movement which has been rebirthed for some time now. I am not a mouthpiece for the Niger Delta but I believe I’ve been in the Niger Delta long enough to know our problems and our stand. I’ve also interacted with many Niger Deltans to know their stand in the Biafran sttruggle.
When I use the term Niger Delta, I am referring to the region covering Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. However, I understand that the region also covers Ondo, Imo, and Abia states. I’m not concerned with the latter because they are either Igbos or Yorubas and have their own struggles. The ethnic groups within my coverage include Urhobo-Isoko, Bini, Esan, Itsekiri, Ijaw-Epie-Ogbia, Ogoni, Afemai, Efik-Annang-Eket-Oron-Ibibio, Ogoja, Ejagham, and other groups in Cross River North. Ikwerre, Ukwuani, Ika, Aniocha, Ogba, and other Igboid groups, are not included. Historically, Biafra covered all the Niger Delta states EXCEPT Delta and Ondo states. This fact must be emphasised.
Pro-Biafrans are welcome to debate and address my issues in a civil manner. I understand that most pro-Biafrans resort to insults when salient issues are addressed.
Please let’s set a good precedence from hereon.
1. Biafra may not be better for Niger Deltans because Niger Deltans may end up living one form of subjugation for another. The argument Igbos have made for their freedom is the desire to be free from Hausa-Yoruba domination. That argument also applies to the average Niger Deltan. Igbo, no doubt, will be the major ethnic group if Biafra is actualised. Ijaws may have a stake due to their numbers. What about the Ogonis, Urhobo-Isokos, Itsekiris, Efiks, etc? Where will they fit in at the national level? The sad reality is that another Nigeria will just be made manifest and resentments will build up. What will really be the fate of minorities? Will they fare better in Biafra or alone? In Nigeria, big groups such as Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo checkmate each other’s excesses very well. Who will checkmate that of Igbos in the new nation?
2. The issue of annexation comes to play. For so long, e-Biafrans have annexed Niger Delta as part of the proposed nation. The map below shows us what Biafrans have drawn to constitute the new nation:? If we judge from this map, it means all groups in the Niger Delta have been annexed. My question is whether the leaders of these groups have been consulted before the annexation was done. I, for one, know that Urhobo-Isoko and Efik-Ibibio leaders have not approved of Biafra neither have anybody in these regions declared Biafra. So how and why were they included in the proposed map? Little things like this bring distrust and I understand that many of these non-Igbo regions have disowned the map and pledged allegiance to Nigeria. The declaration by the Delta State government is a case in point. I see this as forceful annexation. The so-called e-Biafrans have also not done much in calming the nerves of the people of the annexed regions. I’ve seen comments such as “if you don’t like it, go and stay in Sokoto”, “all land in the South is Biafraland”, etc. Is it not ironic that a group of people who want freedom want to annexe others?
3. What languages will be made the official languages of the new nation? I have seen several posts by e-Biafrans where Igbo was proposed as the official language of the new republic. What then will happen to other languages such as Urhobo, Isoko, Okpe, Efik, Ibibio, Oron, Ogoni, Eleme, Okrika, Kalabari, Bini, Esan, etc? Will they die off because of Igbo? Certainly NOT! If English is made the official language, the Igbo majority factor will kick in. If your name isn’t Chukwuemeka or Oliseh, Amarachi or Nneka, etc, you won’t get any appointment nor shall you be recognised. These are things we can’t deny. We are very ethnocentric in Africa.
4. What and what have Igbo nation done for Niger Deltans to gain their trust? Every day I see Igbo youths making enemies where there were none. They constantly use the agency of the internet to sprout controversy, hurl insults at dissenters and make unfounded claims. There is this general air of mistrust for Igbos by some Niger Deltans, particularly by Urhobo-Isoko and Bini people. What have Igbos done to checkmate this? Has any Igbo leader or group extended the hand of friendship to the Niger Deltans. Mistrust cannot be wished away. Most Niger Deltans would rather follow Hausas as slaves than follow Igbos as kings. This is the real reality and truthfully, Igbos caused this.
5. Who will lead the new nation? Obviously, Nnamdi Kanu, their hero, has fought tooth and nails for Biafra and he is currently cooling off in jail. If Biafra comes today, who will be the interim leader and what modalities are in place for subsequent leaders to be elected? Igbos have been the only ones fighting for Biafra since time immemorial with a handful of other groups here and there. Will Igbos allow other groups to rule over them? Will they allow an Urhobo man to be President, for instance? This is not a case of mere wishing. We have to understand that Niger Delta groups MAY NEVER BE ALLOWED TO RULE BIAFRA IF IT IS ACTUALISED.
6. Still on the issue of leaders, are the new leaders going to fall from the skies or they are simply going to change addresses from Abuja to Enugu. If so, what will change in the new nation? It is not arguable that Igbo national leaders are the most corrupt persons in Nigeria. If these same people are the ones to rule the new nation then there is no hope because corruption will be so rife that the economy of the new nation will shut down like a knocked engine. If we argue that new and younger leaders will arise, we still have the issue of who fought for Biafra to contend with. Most pro-Biafrans will not allow someone who sat at the periphery of the struggle to just come and waltz power away from the “heroes” of Biafra. If this is true then we will not have a proper democracy in Biafra.
8. Will Biafra be a utopia? The impression that e-Biafrans give is that Biafra will be perfect and we all know for a fact that this is not true. Apart from the issue of corruption and sentimentalism that have been addressed, we still have the issue of development. Where will money be generated from to develop the nation? In the whole of the proposed Biafra, only Port Harcourt and Onitsha are economically viable cities. Where will the investors come from? Why should they invest in a volatile country? Only in Warri, we have Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo at loggerheads, imagine what would happen to the whole nation. Secondly, I am sure that no Niger Deltan will allow his “oil” to be used to develop Enugu like what happened with Abuja, and is still happening today. Niger Deltans are getting wiser and by the time the new nations are formed, matters that border on oil, wealth distribution and infrastructural development will be raised.
9. The current structure of the proposed nation, as shown in the map earlier embedded, favour Igbos with more states. Urhobo has one, Efik-Ibibio has two, Itsekiri has none, etc. How will this be addressed? Certainly, every ethnic nationality will want adequate representation and so the structure on that map will never work.
10. Last, but not the least, is the issue of referendum. Some Biafrans are already calling for a referendum which will involve all parts of the proposed nation. I am pretty sure how this referendum will turn out. However, for the sake of being hypothetical, let us imagine that some ethnic groups/states vote against Biafra by the majority, what will be their fate at the end of the day? Secondly, will the result of such a referendum be true and honest? I understand that electoral malpractice forms a part of our identity. How are we going to get a true reflection of people’s thoughts? Thirdly, if states and ethnic groups do decide to vote for Biafra, what mechanisms are in place to contain Igbophobia, Igbomania, Igbocentrism, Igbo hegemony, Landgrabbing, and all issues that minorities have raised? Above are the reasons why I feel that Niger Deltans will NOT subscribe to the Biafran movement. I have been very practical, philosophical and hypothetical in my approach. I do not speak for any group or persons but I present these issues for the pro-Biafrans to address. Niger Deltans can raise more issues that I have not raised. Finally, it should be noted that I expect insults directed at my person by e-warriors and keyboard mercenaries, as usual, but I won’t pleasure such persons with answers or altercations. If you raise good points, we can discuss like intellectuals.
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