₦airaland Forum

Alkassoum Indatou, defence minister of the Nigér Republic, has revealed how the Nigerien troops, on several occasions, came to Nigeria’s aid to fend off armed rebellion and insurgency.

Mr Indatou specifically described his nation’s alliance with Nigeria as mutually beneficial and long-standing, dating back to the 1967 civil war when they supplied Nigerian soldiers with donkeys and other equipment to fight Biafra secessionists.

Mr Indatou disclosed to quench the recent public outcry over the disbursement of N1.1 billion by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to purchase 10 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles for top government officials in the Niger Republic, which drew the ire of Nigerians. They accused Mr Buhari of squandering the nation’s scarce resources on neighbouring nations.

Reacting to the outcry, Mr Indatou insisted that the Niger Republic was not the only nation benefitting from their alliance. He stressed that Nigeria, on several occasions, had also been the recipient of their benevolence.

“Niger has always been at Nigeria’s side in difficult times, Biafra Niger has sent soldiers and donkeys to defuse the bombs for the benefit of the military,” a translation of Mr Indatou’s French statement showed, to prove that Nigeria has been profiting from the Nigerien government.

The minister further stressed its country’s assistance to Nigerians, revealing that Zamfara residents rely heavily on Nigerien soldiers for protection against bandits and other armed gangs.

He also mentioned that Nigerien soldiers did not hesitate to help Nigerian forces to combat Boko Haram terrorists in Damasak.

“The military from (the) Niger Republic was the first to go into Damasak, which was held by Boko Haram. Several Nigerien military officers lost their lives from the bullets of armed bandits in Zamfara state,” stressed the Niger Republic’s defence minister.

Nigeria is bordered north by the Niger Republic with Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna.

The two nations have maintained friendly relations, especially during Mr Buhari’s regime, which approved a $1.96 billion Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway project and recently N1.14 billion for the procurement of 10 vehicles for Niger’s high-ranking officials.

Sahara Reporters first reported the N1.1 billion vehicle disbursement in June.

Some cities in Nigeria are so good that you won't want to leave once you've visited them.


Here are five cities that should be on your must-see list.


1. Owerri

Owerri is the capital city of Imo State, and it's a bustling, cosmopolitan city that is growing rapidly. Owerri is full of culture, entertainment and commerce. It's also a place with history, but that doesn't mean it's lacking modern features.

If you're interested in art or museums (or if you want to buy yourself a really nice souvenir), there are plenty of galleries showcasing local artwork in Owerri. There are also several shopping malls in Owerri; there's the Shoprite Owerri mall, Aladinma mall, House of Freeda shopping mall and many others. And every night brings exciting opportunities for entertainment at local bars or clubs hosting live music shows from jazz or hip-hop to R&B or rap.
Owerri
Owerri

2. Makurdi

Makurdi, the capital of Benue state, is more than just a city on the way to someplace else. It's a captivating place worth visiting in its own right. Sure, it has fewer crowds, but that also means that it's more calm and has less traffic.

In Makurdi, the food alone will make you want to stay for days; if you like pepper, Benue state's catfish pepper soup is sure to become your new favourite meal. If you like pork, you'll enjoy Makurdi even more.

Makurdi has supermarkets like Nobis, Togo's, and OG Winners Shopping Mall. It also has great restaurants like Steam Fast, Ruthies, and Ark City. And then District 4 lounge, Lido night club, and Okiki lounge are just a few of the clubs and bars in the area. Makurdi is a fun place to be.
Markudi
[img]Markudi[/img]

3. Bauchi

Bauchi is one of the most beautiful cities in the northeast region of Nigeria. It's the perfect place for anyone who loves nature and wants a laid back life.

Bauchi is located about two hours from Jos and it offers some of the most beautiful views in northern Nigeria. The popular Yankari National Park which is home to a diverse array of wildlife such as elephants, baboons, crocodiles and hippos - is located in Bauchi. Wikki springs is another sensational tourist attraction in Bauchi.
Bauchi
[img]Bauchi[/img]

4. Enugu

Enugu is known as "the coal city" because of its numerous coal deposits. However, Enugu has more to offer than just coal. As the capital of Enugu state, it's also a thriving university town that offers plenty of nightlife options and delectable cuisine.

Enugu is home to a number of cultural attractions; Ngwo Pine Forest which features several pine trees, a limestone cave and a waterfall, is located in Enugu. The National Museum of Unity which is home to statues and artifacts from different parts of the country - is also located in Enugu.

You'll enjoy visiting Enugu during any time of year because the climate is quite pleasant all year round; even during the hottest months you should find it comfortable to explore this quintessential Nigerian city.
Enugu
[img]Enugu[/img]

5. Abakaliki

Abakaliki is another fantastic city to check out. It's the capital of Ebonyi state, and it has excellent roads, steady electricity and an enjoyable nightlife. It's Nigeria's best kept secret.

Abakaliki is also a foodie's delight because the food there is very cheap, and when compared to other cities, the accommodation in Abakaliki is also very affordable. Abakaliki is a wonderful place to live because it's relatively stable and the people there are very friendly.
Abakaliki
[img]Abakaliki[/img]

Amnesty International has slammed the Federal Government and the security agencies for failing to investigate the recurring killings by the South-East regional security outfit, Ebubeagu.

This was contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Isa Sanusi, on Tuesday.

AI was reacting to the alleged killing of seven youths by Ebubeagu in Imo State on Sunday.

The human rights group faulted the FG for attributing the killings to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra rather than carrying out proper investigations.

It added that it has documented several cases of extrajudicial executions by law enforcement officers and members of the Ebubeagu security outfit responding to the violence in the South-East.

The Director, Amnesty International Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, stated, “It is horrifying that unarmed young men who clearly posed no threat to anyone were gunned down, in utter disdain for the right to life. Such killings cannot be justified under any circumstances whatsoever.

“Nigerian authorities must end these unlawful killings. Authorities must promptly, thoroughly, and transparently investigate the killings and bring to justice, in fair trials, anyone suspected of criminal responsibility.

“Authorities must also ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families.

“At least seven friends including two siblings were allegedly extrajudicially executed by members of the Ebubeagu state security outfit at Awomamma community in Oru East Local Government of Imo State on 17 July 2022.

“Instead of launching proper investigations into these killings, security and government officials are often quick to claim victims of extrajudicial executions were caught up in shoot-outs or simply label them members of the Eastern Security Network, the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra or unknown gunmen.

“International law requires Nigerian government to promptly investigate unlawful killings with a view to bringing perpetrators to justice.”

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has explained to British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson that his client did not jump bail in 2017 as claimed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari made the claim on Thursday during a bilateral meeting with Johnson on the sideline of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda.

He, then, said that political solution or bail could not be offered to the separatist leader, a statement that has unsettled Kanu’s lawyers and supporters.

Reacting on Saturday as done in previous moments, Ejimakor argued that his client did not jump bail but fled for safety.

Ejimakor had defended Kanu’s departure to the United Kingdom following invasion of his ancestral home in Umuahia, Abia state by security agents where deaths recorded and many injured.

On Saturday, he explained on Twitter by quoting a Court ruling in January this year had asked the Federal Government to apologise and compensate Kanu over attack on his residence by security agents in 2017, and as such it could be regarded that the separatist agitator jumped bail.

“Dear @BorisJohnson: On JUMPING BAIL, the Court ruled that “It is the view of this Court that the Army set out to terminate the life of Nnamdi Kanu. The invasion of his home is so notorious that this Court cannot turn a blind eye to it. He deserves an apology & compensation”. #MNK”

Vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa has dismissed criticisms that does not represent the South Eastern geo-political extraction of Nigeria.

Okowa, while speaking in an interview with Arise News on the The Morning Show, said he does not only represent the South-East, but also represents the South-South regions of the country.

The Delta State governor, who has been described by the PDP presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku as a bridge between the South and North, stated that he has a root in the South-East and the South-South.
Ekiti election

Okowa said, “For me, yes I’m from Delta State. I’m definitely an Igbo man. There’s no doubt about that. I’m from Delta State in the South-South, but if you’re looking at the Igbos across the country, I’m an Igbo man, I can’t be counted out and that is the true situation.”

“The issue of the vice presidency has not been on the debate where it will go to is actually premised on the fact that when the presidential candidate emerges he looks for what possible zone and what person can work with me and what can be part of the team that can make us actually succeed in governing the people aright. I think that is what informed the decision,” he said.

“I am just a lucky person. Being from the South-South I am also an Igbo man and to that extent, I fit into all the divides, because my brother from the South-East, I’m part of them. I am also part of the South-South, but that does not stop the agitation for the future as it stands for the Igbo for the presidency of this country,” he added.

He described Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the PDP as a good sign for the future of the South-East region.

“There are two geo-political zones that feel shortchanged; The North-East (where Atiku is from) and the South-East geo-political zone, because none of them, no son from these zones have actually been president of this nation. They obviously have a point and I believe that we sympathize with them.

“And I believe also that since one of us has emerged from the North-East at this point in time, it’s a good sign for the future, that if the North East has the opportunity and by God’s grace Atiku becomes the president, then it’s a good sign that the South-East will have the opportunity.

“Because the next point in time what we will be talking about is that the South-East itself is the only zone that is left and they will lay claim to it,” he said.

Okowa, who noted that the unity of the country is the most important, said the priority should be given to building the nation and moving the country forward.

He described the selection process of the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates as a good step in the right direction.

The main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has dismissed speculations that its Selection Committee has settled for Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

Vanguard had reported that the PDP Selection Committee, had yesterday, met to fulfill its mandate of recommending a running mate for the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking on the development in Abuja, Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said reports in the media that the PDP has picked Wike could only be in the realm of rumour.

He said the National Working Committee is currently looking into the matter and consulting, in order to consider the best vice presidential candidate for the party in the 2023 elections.

“We have a process as a party, because we are organic. We follow through the processes. We recognize the importance of participatory democracy, ensuring that every stakeholder and organ of the party is involved in our decision-making process,”


“This is the beginning of the process, consideration and advisory body need to get to the level where, in consultation with the presidential candidate, they will deliberate on who is most suitable. That process is ongoing, so any report of a particular candidate at this point is probably premature,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ologunagba, who emphasized that PDP has kickstarted its process, informed that the NWC will be meeting today (Wednesday) at 11 AM, saying that it is expected that the advisory board will be considered.

“We do our things in processes, the process doesn’t just come like you press a computer and get an answer. We follow the process, because human elements are involved, with interests and concerns. We have considered all interests of the country, particularly in terms of unity and capacity,” he said.

Recall Vanguard also reported that the PDP selection committee had recommended the Rivers State governor after 13 of 17 members, who attended the meeting at the PDP National Secretariat, yesterday, voted in favour of Wike. At the meeting, three members voted for others, while the chairman, who can only vote when there is a tie, did not vote.

This was about the when Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, told journalists that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will decide who his running mate would be.

After the PDP primary, Wike had scored 237 against the 371 delegate votes at the PDP presidential primary secured by Atiku, who won the nomination.

DID Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, really imagine himself a president of Nigeria? As a lawyer, former local government chairman, chief of staff to a governor, minister and now two-term Governor of Rivers State, Wike is eminently qualified. But his bad mouth, bellicosity and lack of temperance have just robbed him of a chance to at least secure the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and take it from there.

Wike’s 237-371 votes loss to Atiku Abubakar was a good show. The money which he threw around with mindless abandon went far but not far enough. There are things money cannot buy. Those are the things Wike lacked and Atiku possessed in abundance: ability to make friends and cultivate associates across the divides.

Wike thought that his style of bullying his way through Rivers politics would work at the national level. Tell me, how many past presidents bullied their ways into power? Even Obasanjo as a president had to kneel down for Atiku, his VP, to win his second term in 2003. Muhammadu Buhari adopted deception – “repented democrat” – in 2015.


He humbled himself before Ahmed Tinubu who then helped him to win the presidency. Buhari had failed three previous times because he thought the North alone could catapult him into Aso Villa.

Wike chose to fight individuals and groups rather than make friends and build bridges. He has been raging about being “betrayed”. Wike has also been accused of being a betrayer: he betrayed the South-East. I think his presidential ambition was an overnight fancy. He himself hinted so when he said he decided to run when the 17 Southern Governors resolved that the next president must be from the South. His ambition was a flight of fancy fuelled by his free access to money.

How can an Ikwerre man who desires to be Nigeria’s president distance his people from their larger Igbo national umbrella and hope to go far? The Igbo are among the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and among the top five in Africa. The Igbo nation was chiefly responsible for President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat of Buhari in the 2011 election, which was why Jonathan, an Ijaw man, virtually became an “Igbo president” thereafter.

A wise politician of Ikwerre extraction would identify himself with such a large group, if not on ethnic grounds then for a big home base. Chibuike Amaechi, Wike’s Ikwerre brother, is toeing that path of wisdom and now loudly claims his “Igboness” though he had denied so in the past. Northerners do not talk about tribe. They talk about the North. This creates a sense of unity among them and helps them to dominate the fractious South. Until the Southerners learn to sink their differences and work together, the North will always override them politically and plunder their resources as they have done since independence. It will embolden them further to keep pushing their Islamic agenda towards the eastern flank of the ocean.

From 1999 till date, the South-West and South-South have each produced President and Vice President through the rotation and zoning policy. With the Southern Governors’ resolution that the next president should come from the South after Buhari’s eight years, the South should have come together to support the South- East to take their turn.

If that had happened, the North would have given their support. Even Atiku had promised to support the South-East if the party zoned the presidency directly to it. Why didn’t Wike and other PDP South Governors push for it? The South-East had supported the South-West, North and South-South when the presidency was zoned to them, but when it came to their turn, the likes of Wike decided to play spoilsport.

An unprepared and unfit Wike jumped in from nowhere. Not only that, he went to Anambra State to heap insults on Peter Obi, the most promising South East aspirant. He said Obi “cannot win”. Has Wike won now? He went to Edo State and took on fellow Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in his usual bolekaja (come down let’s fight) way. He also took on his former Northern Man Friday, Aminu Tambuwal. There were media reports that they nearly took to fisticuffs! A presidential aspirant? Fancy having such a character in Aso Rock!

My word of advice for Atiku Abubakar: he is free to consider any Southerner for his running mate. Anyone but Wike. He has no business in the corridors of our presidency. He is too mannerless and divisive. I have my own idea of the future of Nigeria if I had my way.

Whatever Atiku chooses to do, he should be reminded that the PDP presidential ticket he is holding should have gone to the South-East based on the party’s entrenched zoning policy. However, I can understand why PDP did everything in its power to hand it over to Atiku. He is their surest banker for regaining power in 2023.

The party regaining power is more important to the PDP than worthless sectional sentiments. Only a party in power can implement zoning and make it fit. President Olusegun Obasanjo personally implemented zoning in 2007 and he made it stick. But for his failed government, Buhari could have carried out zoning without sweat. I am very positive that Atiku will do the right thing after his presidency if he wins in 2023.

It is natural that Atiku’s running mate should come from the South-East. Apart from prominent party members like Pius Anyim, Osita Chidoka and Ike Ekweremadu, there are also his longtime political associates such as Senator Ben Obi and Emeka Ihedioha. If Atiku still goes outside the South-East to pick his VP, he would be continuing Buhari’s policy of the zone’s political exclusion.

There would be consequences both electorally and otherwise.

Members of the Boko Haram sect have launched a large-scale attack, killing over 60 farmers in Rann, the headquarters of Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.
Several bullet injuries were seen on the bodies of the deceased farmers who were buried on Monday.


Residents told SaharaReporters that many others are yet to be accounted for.
“The Boko Haram terrorists on motorcycles armed with guns and machetes surrounded their farms and started killing them one by one," a villager said.
“Over 50 people were buried in Rann on Monday. As it this morning, more dead bodies have been found; the death toll is over 60 now.”
Boko Haram has increasingly targeted farmers, herders and loggers, accusing them of spying and passing information to the Nigerian military.
They have also been raiding herding communities, stealing cattle, a valuable commodity in the region to fund their operations.
In 2020, the insurgents invaded a rice plantation in Zabarmari, a community in the Jere Local Government Area, killing at least 43 farmers.
Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, have become more ferocious in recent times.
The Nigerian Army has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency has been largely defeated and it frequently underplays any losses.
The terror group has caused over 100,000 deaths and displaced millions of individuals mainly in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

Jihadists kill dozens in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno
At least 50 people were killed by militants on Sunday around the town of Rann in Nigeria's Borno state, in the country's northeastern tip near the border with Cameroon, witnesses told Reuters by phone on Monday.
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Since 2009, Nigeria's northeast and Borno state in particular have been the centre of an insurgency led by the militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Millions have been displaced and some 350,000 people have died from attacks and the subsequent humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations.

Over time, Boko Haram has split with an active offshoot called Islamic State West Africa Province also claiming responsibility for attacks in the west African country.

Local residents blamed the latest attack on Boko Haram. Army spokesman Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"We are all in pain over the killing of our innocent people who were working on their farmland. ... We buried 50 people today in Rann. They were clearing their farmlands ahead of the rainy season, while others went for firewood," Harun Tom, a local farmer, said.

There was palpable fear in some parts of Asaba, the Delta State capital, yesterday, following reports that hoodlums would enforce the previously suspended sit-at-home order on Mondays, declared by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in protest against incarceration of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Earlier in the morning, unknown, in a bid to enforce the order, invaded Asaba, shooting sporadically in the Bonsaac area, off the Asaba-Onitsha expressway, thereby creating apprehension in the state capital as news of the incident spread.

Many institutions of learning in the area hurriedly closed, with some students already turned back and those already on their way to school retuning home. The confusion persisted until mid-morning.

Schools in communities outside the capital city, but close to Onitsha, such as Okwe, Oko, Akwuebulu, Oduke and even Cable Point in Asaba were shut.

Even the expressway was devoid of the usual traffic, with motorists and commuters staying off the road, especially towards Onitsha.

Many shops and business premises in the area did not to open for fear of being attacked and their wares looted.

A trader told The Guardian that it was better not to open and remain on the safe side, because “if anything happens, you are on your own, as the something bad could have happened before the police or anybody could intervene. I decided not to open, but be around and monitor things.”

Another dealer in wooden materials in the nearby plank market, who gave his name simply as Chibuike, said: “What the government is doing to Kanu is not good. They should release him.”

At the usually busy Traffic Light Roundabout, business activities were partial, as some shops, especially those owned by the Igbo, were closed, either out of fear or solidarity.
When contacted, spokesman for the state Police Command, Mr. Bright Edafe, said the Command had drafted personnel to all nook and cranny of state, especially Asaba, to provide security to the people.

Ogbe-Ogonogo Market was paralysed in the early hours of the day, as traders stayed away from their shops, unlike in the early morning when parents who had earlier dropped off their children in schools, hurriedly withdrew them to avoid an unforeseen circumstances.

The Guardian observed that most of the shops were not open for business until noon, with traders milling around and observing the situation. Normal activities returned after noon, as more shops and offices opened for business in the affected areas.

Some of them said they were apprehensive following threat by some hoodlums that the sit-at-home should extend to Asaba.

In most other neighbouring communities, including Okpanam and Ibusa, it was business as usual. When contacted, spokesman for the state Police Command, Mr. Bright Edafe, said the Command had drafted personnel to all nook and cranny of state, especially Asaba, to provide security to the people.

He said he was not aware of any gunshots, but that there was shooting of fire crackers in some areas. He advised residents to go about their normal businesses and activities and disregard the order, now or in future, saying the police were in total control of the situation

Codepain:
You didn't see thousands of Muslims that condemn the barbaric act. You only screenshots the few psycho to paint Islam bad

Several people were killed on Sunday, as Nigerian soldiers were said to have opened fire on residents at Orlu Local Council of Imo State.

It was gathered that the soldiers stormed various communities in the local government in pick-up trucks shortly after nightfall and started shooting sporadically, as they searched for suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) agitators causing mayhem in the state.

It wasn’t clear how many people were killed as of press time, but a source whose neighbour was shot dead by the soldiers said no fewer than four persons had been killed in what appears to be a gross violation of fundamental rights.

“Four people have been killed by the soldiers. They are looked for IPOB members but killing innocent citizens,” he said, pleading anonymity for fear of being attacked.

When contacted yesterday, Imo State police spokesman, Micheal Abattam, confirmed the incident but said he is not authorised to speak on what transpired. He said, “Since the police were not involved in the incident, I can’t speak. The military should speak on what happened there. I don’t work with them.”

Efforts to reach the military were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, did not respond to calls and text messages on the incidents and the number of casualties.

IN another development, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army (NA), on Easter Sunday, neutralised alleged members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Ihioma community in Orlu Local Council of Imo State.

According to army spokesman, Brig. General Onyema Nwachukwu, “Troops on routine patrol encountered members of the group who fired sporadically at Banana Junction to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order on law abiding citizens going about their legitimate businesses.

“The IPOB/ESN criminals, on sighting the troops, withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander vehicle and headed towards Ihioma community for reinforcement.

“In the fire-fight that ensued during the operation, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray. Troops are combing the area in a follow up operations to track down the fleeing dissidents.

MEANWHILE, a group, South East Initiative (SEI), yesterday, called on politicians and other gladiators to save the zone from further destruction by going about their 2023 aspirations in accordance with the rules.

The group lamented the growing insecurity that was daily creating fears in the people and raised concerns about attacks on politicians and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the region.

SEI noted that unless concerted efforts aimed at addressing current security challenges in the zone are made, a time would come when it would be difficult to do any business in the region.

Bulldozer90:
Seems she kept a good record. How come I never heard of her. Where is she from?

First national vice president of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the second republic, Chief (Mrs) Oyibo Odinamadu is dead.

Odinamadu died in the United States of America at the age of 94 years.

Daughter of the deceased, Ifeatu Onubogu made this disclosure in a statement sent to the Nigerian Tribune.

Onubogu wrote: “We thank God for a long life well spent as we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, High Chief (Ichie Sir (Mrs) Oyibo Ekwulo Odinamadu on Wednesday March 30, 2022 at the age of 94.”

During Odinamadu’s lifetime, a staunch Awoist, Ebenezer Babatope described the deceased as a woman who was “very brilliant, strong and militant.”

Babatope lauded Odinamadu for performing excellently as national vice president of the UPN.

Among her many firsts, Odinamadu was the first female university graduate from the former Eastern Region of Nigeria, first Igbo woman to get a driving license and drive a car as well as the first indigenous principal of both Womens’ Training College Enugu and Queens School Enugu.

EastisBae:
There weren't much difference between Lagos and P.H in the 1950's and 1960's. The city was then known as garden city because of its serenity and beauty. By then Igbos had started bringing investments and Igbo Union was headquartered there. Then after the war, they seized Igbo properties and began anti Igbo policy. That was the beginning of the city's downfall. Most of our investments that went to Lagos, Abuja and the rest would have gone to P.H.

If the 1960's momentum had been maintained, Lagos won't even be ahead of P.H today because being the base of the multi billion dollars oil industry would have neutralized Lagos advantage of being the capital. Today, instead of competing with Lagos, P H isn't much better than Owerri. In fact, aside the bridges and a couple of buildings like the secteriate and NDDC, there is nothing more to write home about.