₦airaland Forum

mikeansy:
There is a saying that what a young man sees standing and stretching, oldmen have already seen sitting down.

When a 15year old tries to lecture a 50year old man on socio-cultural issues then it is obvious where Onlytruth is going wrong, and the history of his thought process becomes clearer.

Igbos do not have have to speak with one voice on every issue, all we should ask for is to stand up for what is right at all times.

Ralph Uwechue can not go in the middle of the night concieve a plan, possibly collect money as motivation and come out in the morning to ask us to back up his view and then tell us we must speak with one voice. That is some madness that certainly will not fly in Igboland.

I've tried to argue you on this issue without insults and personal attacks, but it is obvious that you will attack anyone who fails to follow you in challenging Ohanaeze's endorsement of Jonathan. In your frenzy to indict me and my position and "thought process", you fall into the same "fault" you are accusing me of.

If you feel that I have a troubled thinking process for arguing with a 50 year old man, why are you arguing with Uwechue, who is not only older than you but has achieved far more than you in terms of leadership?
What do you know about leadership?

I am an aspiring NATIONAL (Igbo) leader, and one of the things any aspiring leader should learn is to step into the shoes of substantive leaders to view things. How would you make that leader when NO ONE will agree with EVERYTHING you say?

Onye fee eze, eze eru ya! That is a wise Igbo saying.

I could argue with a 50 year old man when I was 15 because he was a trader in Onitsha and I was in secondary school. So in effect I understood certain political issues more than him. I read newspapers and followed Nigerian politics. He only argued like a semi-literate obstinate Igbo man. I have ALWAYS been in leadership positions even from PRIMARY SCHOOL. So I understand leadership.

The most difficult thing for a leader is to lead a TOTALLY REBELLIOUS people. If you could achieve 100 things with normal people, you cannot achieve 2 things with such rebellious people.

Nnewi people say that "Onye isi ike n'ebi na ana okponku" -the rebellious man lives perpetually in a dry and desolate land.

So learn to respect your leaders. It ain't easy being a leader.

Beaf:
I think it is high time all troublesome parasites got a kick in the teeth and learned where their meals are actually come from and who controls the purse strings. Presido form your loyal army jare! Its time to kick some ungrateful arses.

I thought about the same thing. Didn't wanna say it though 'cos of folks who may not accept it. For any change to happen in Nigeria, the real power must change hands. Watch how the guards will be recruited. If Jonathan is planning what I think, it will reflect the REAL federal character. Not the fake population one.

^^

Ya right!
Here is OBJ's father.
laughing my a55 off! 

MetalGong4:
Uwaechue and his Ohaneze leadership are just wasting their time. . . . Igbos would commit a political suicide by supporting Jonathan's ill concieved presidential ambition.

Bros Gong, I really think we should support Jonathan because this zoning thing died when OBJ did a second term in 2003. If we play our cards well, we can get almost everything we want with a Jonathan presidency. He has already demonstrated some good will, and I don't think that men like Uwechue are easily compromised. Moreover I don't think the entire Ohanaeze are fools or have been bought, frankly, not everything is for sale. You can't even buy me , not to talk of those men. We need to start giving our leaders credit. We were here when Dr Dozie Ikedife stood firm against Obasanjo's schemes. If we don't start respecting our leaders, how do we expect other tribes to respect us as a people? They won't. In fact they'll just laugh at us.

FACE:
"You could guess how a meal would taste from the way it smells"

If northerners were interested in Igbo presidency, why did Jonathan become Yaradua's VP in the first place ?

If Yaradua had remained alive to complete "8" years, do you think that they would waved Jonathan goodbye in favour of an Igbo person ?

People from both divide have fought for the presidency from the beginning, so the whole zonal thing has always been a sham, except to the gullible.

I am yet to see any integrity from any of those screaming "zoning", they have all looted public funds at one time or the other and they all display such wealth in a "what can you do style ?" and people still want them to come back ?

In my opinion, Jonathan is not a lot better than the rest, but he is the one eyed man, in the land of blind (PDP).

As for Igbo interests, they would be best served by an Igbo person or their immediate neighbours, especially their far eastern neighbours.

Intelligent dude!

I had thought about the same thing loooong time ago.
I have also listened attentively to all interviews by northerners and I know what I see. Thanks for spotting it too.

ChinenyeN:
Onlytruth, don't be dramatic about all this. No one is even implying that the Igbo cannot try to have one voice. It's just that we fail to see why a socio-cultural organization must dip its hands into politics. Now, if they had started an 'apex Igbo political organization' and chose to voice themselves through such an organization, then you can surely trust that we would not be having this discussion, right now. Otherwise, we would be discussing the question of "Why Jonathan?" rather than the question of "Why are they going out of their way to endorse, the first place?"

You seem to want to debate the question of "Why Jonathan?", failing to understand that those you intend on debating with, came to discuss something else. Makes the whole thing seem as if we aren't even on the same page, to begin with.

Just Saying.

I don't want to debate "why Jonathan?" I want to debate "why not speak with one voice?"
I notice that Ohanaeze is not a political organization, which is why they cannot force their wishes. They are only doing like others in the same Nigeria (Arewa, etc). They can spin out a political organization but that should be a longer term objective. For now, it is all we have. And while we are busy doubting and arguing them, other tribes are moving ahead of us in the scheme of things. We are being marginalized because we lack one voice. It is unfortunate.

^^

I partly agree. 

Giant bureaucracies only complicate simple problems.
Instead of a national guard (to suppress dissent), why not convoke a national conference to discuss how to exist together?

MEND, kidnapping, Boko Haram et al can be solved by divulging power from the center to the regions and states.

If the above is not consultation I wonder what is.

[size=16pt]Why We Endorsed Jonathan, By Ohaneze [/size]

THE President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ambassador .Ralph Uwechue yesterday offered insight into why the group declared support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s election next year.
Uwechue said it took the organization five and half months of quiet consultations with various Igbo groups including churches, before they arrived at their position of supporting Jonathan,  made public recently.

“Towards the end of our consultation, certain senior Igbo people were invited to Enugu and they were hosted by K.U. Kalu. We all discussed the matter, and they also gave their position very clearly. The consultation was climaxed with the traditional rulers. The executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by me, and some other Igbo leaders, including former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Professor Anya O. Anya spent two days in Abakiliki, that was on the October 13 and 14, consulting with the traditional rulers from Southeast zone.

“The first day we met with their caucus, the next day we met with their General Assembly, the two meetings were chaired by His Royal Highness Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, who is the chairman of the Southeast Traditional Council. Anyim and Anya actually addressed the traditional rulers and explained to them the outcome of our consultations with other Igbo groups, and where we are going, the traditional rulers said that they supported our position and asked us to go ahead,” Uwechue said.

He said those who had been attacking the position taken had not been able to pick one hole in what they said.
Uwechue said: “Those who have decided to attack and insult my person on the pages of newspapers are not facing the reality. They are distorting facts and I have pity for them. Some people are saying that they were not consulted, and I ask, those who signed an agreement with some Northerners that Ndigbo should support them in 2011, so that in 2015 they will support Igbo Presidency did they consult Ohanaeze or the governors of the Southeast?”

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27511:why-we-endorsed-jonathan-by-ohaneze&catid=1:national&Itemid=559

This is why I try my best to educate Igbo people about the need for SPEAKING WITH ONE VOICE.

I'm not a "Solomon", but I started arguing with far older men over this same issue when I was only 14 years.

I remember arguing with one man who by my estimation would be around 50 years when I was 15 years old over the same issue. He kept trying to intimidate me into accepting that Igbo lack of one voice is a good thing. I stood my grounds and told him he was wrong.
There is NO WAY we can get our dues in Nigeria or even push for any agenda without speaking with one voice.

In my book, the most foolish Igbo man/woman is anyone telling me that our lack of one voice is a good thing. IT IS NOT.
In fact it is TERRIBLE.

That is why we are cheated on all counts in Nigeria.

The most foolish lion is one which dares to take on a pack of buffaloes alone. It will be trampled to death.

NDIIGBO, LEARN TO ACCEPT WHAT YOUR LEADERS TELL YOU. FOLLOW THEM. IT IS NOT FOOLISHNESS. IT IS WISDOM
Enuf said.

[size=14pt]National Assembly and challenges of fair representation[/size]

By Emeka Umeagbalasi

In 1954, Nigeria opted for Federal System of government, which was retained by subsequent constitutions including the constitution of Nigeria 1999. The federalism started with three regions in 1946/51, four regions in 1963, 12 states in 1967, 19 states in 1976, 21 states in 1987, 30 states in 1991 and 36 states and 774 local government areas in 1996.

At the 1994 Constitutional Conference and in the 1995 Draft Constitution, Nigeria was divided into six geo-political zones of the North West, the North East, the North Central, the South East, the South South and the South West.

50 years after, it is entirely correct to say that there is no equity in the Nigerian federalism, especially in the areas of distribution of national wealth, both human and material wealth, and creation and allocation of states and local government areas. It is on the basis of the foregoing that we critically examined how the Southeast geopolitical zone had fared in the Nigerian federalism in the past 50 years and sadly observed that the zone had been brutally maltreated in many areas including fiscal allocations and allocations of States and Local Government Areas to the zone.     For instance, it is a universal tradition that population, not landmass, is used when creating states and local government areas, but in Nigeria’s case, the reverse seemed to be the case.

thorough check at the allocation of states and local government areas per geo-political zone in Nigeria shows that the Northwest is allocated with seven states, the Northeast six States, the North Central six States, the South South six states, the South West six states, whereas the South East got five states. In the area of Local Government creation, out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, the Northwest got 180 LGAs, the Northeast 122 LGAs, the North Central and the FCT 117 LGAs, the Southwest 137 LGAs, the South South 123 LGAs and the Southeast 95 LGAs. Also the old Kano State, comprising Kano and Jigawa States got 75 LGAs (Kano -44 and Jigawa -31) as against Southeast’s 95 LGAs. Lagos State with a population of about 14million got mere 20 LGAs.

In the area of fiscal allocations, the story was and still is the same. In the block allocations totaling N16.447trillion generated and shared among the three tiers of government in Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, a period of 8 years, the following observations were made: the South South got N2.5trillion, the South West N1.410trillion, the South East N918bn, the Northwest N1.72trillion, the North East N1.169trillion and the North Central N1.119trillion.

Kano State got N370.93bn as against Lagos State’s N331.9bn. Also, out of the sum of N339bn spent on Federal Roads in Nigeria between June 1999 and September 2002, the three geo-political zones in the old North got N192bn  as against N147bn spent in the three geopolitical zones in the old South. In the area of the sum of N147bn spent in old South, South South got N63bn, South West N54bn and South East N30bn.

Furthermore, the use of North South formula in determining the Presidency of the country is grossly lopsided, anachronistic and a threat to Nigerian federalism. Over the years, this dead formula has perpetually kept the Presidency to two old regions of “North” and “West” and perpetually sidelined two other important old Regions of “East” and “Mid West/Middle-belt”. The foregoing burning issues formed the backbone of our letter to the South East Governors’ Forum, dated October 1, 2010 and titled: Nigeria At 50: It Is Time To Think Home.  Also, in recognition of the legislative powers entrusted in the hands of the National Assembly by the 1999 constitution, we addressed another important letter to them, dated October 13, 2010.

As we all know, history only recognizes landmark achievements recorded by persons and bodies including parliaments. History records the late Lord Denning as a great expansionist Law-Lord in the UK. History also remembers the second Republic National Assembly of Nigeria for enacting the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the National Open University of Nigeria Acts in 1983.
History has also taken notice of the enactment of the Nigeria Police Service Commission Act of 2001, the EFCC and ICPC Acts of 2000/2001 by the fourth Republic National Assembly of Nigeria. History does not seem to record the mere passage into law of Appropriation and supplementary Appropriation Bills. Therefore, we want to place it on the parliamentary and public records that there is need to constitutionally divide Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones into a 42- state structure in the following way: North West-zero State, North East one State, Southwest one State, South South one state and South East two states.

The monumental imbalance inherent in the number of and allocation of LGAs will also be redressed in such a way that the Northwest that has 180 LGAs will be disallowed more new LGAs, while other geopolitical zones especially the Southeast zone should be directed to create more LGAs to catch up with the Northwest that already has 180 LGAs.

The “principle of uniformity” created by the 1976 Local Government Reforms may be invoked in this respect. The grossly lopsided revenue sharing formulae should be reworked as well. While we reject in its entirety the allocation ( in principle) of the Nigeria’s Presidency on the basis of “North South”, it is our humbly view that the 1999 constitution,  should be altered to provide for the rotation of same among the six geopolitical zones on the basis of a single term of five years.

Though it is less than eight months to the end of the life of the present National Assembly, but the sooner these issues are critically examined and incorporated into our mother-law, the better for the Nigerian federalism. The Nigerian concept of democracy shall be “a democracy with local contents that is not repugnant to the international standards”.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/10/national-assembly-and-challenges-of-fair-representation/

Another IBB brainchild. I wonder why every major Federal Govt policy must have been initiated by IBB. Na wa o.

In any case let's see how this one unfolds. May be good, provided it is done right.

[size=16pt]FG ponders National Guard[/size]

By Hugo ODIOGOR

NIGERIA may have a national guard under a new security system being considered by the Federal Government to deal with security lapses in the country.

The guard is expected to handle internal security operations such as the recurring Jos civil disturbances, Boko Haram uprisings, and militancy in the Niger Delta.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that following the twin bomb explosions at the Eagles Square in Abuja during the 50th Independence anniversary, President Goodluck Jonathan has decided to set his sight on:

*reorganisation of the nation’s security and intelligence community;
*introduction of technology in the fight against terrorism;
*evolution of a legal framework to strengthen the anti terrorism war;

*creation of a Homeland Ministry to co-ordinate internal security operations; and
*formation of a national guard to take care of civil unrests, kidnapping, electoral violence, illegal oil bunkering, and vandalization of oil and gas facilities and militancy in the oil producing areas, among others.

The President has already initiated the anti terrorism bill and sources told Saturday Vanguard that he “is favourably disposed to the idea of introducing the use of surveillance cameras in public places and government offices”.

Sources said in Abuja that the seat of federal power has become a beehive of activities for foreign security firms seeking government attention for their various public safety and security gadgets security challenges in the country.

Several security companies from the US, Europe, Asia, Middle East and South Africa are said to be exploiting the existing security lapses to market the use of appropriate technologies to tackle the security challenges.

The Chief Executive of one of the foreign security companies told Saturday Vanguard that “crime has attained a higher sophistication and those who have the responsibility to fight crime must step up to the challenges.

Criminals are usually ahead in their planning and strategies while bureaucracies, inadequate funds and logistics often hinder prompt response to crime fighting, so you need the support of technology to compliment human effort. But the important thing is that deterrence is also a factor in crime fighting”

Proactivesecurity system
It was gathered that President Jonathan is set to further tinker with the country’s security system by the end of the year to make it more proactive.

Said one source: “The President is peeved by the fact that those behind the Abuja bomb blasts on October 1 had given a 24 hour warning of their intention to disrupt the event but this was not followed up by the security organizations”. He is said to prefer a security system that is proactive and creative in combating security breaches in the country.

We have seen security failures in the Jos crises, Boko Haram uprisings; kidnappings; MEND attacks and others. The President is intent on doing something fast about our failure in intelligence gathering and the entire security arrangement in this country. On several occasions our security agencies have been caught napping and our physical and state security are in dire need of serious attention.”

Sources said the president is favourably disposed to the idea of creating a ministry to handle home land securities as “distinct from the encumbered the Ministry of Internal Affairs”.

The ministry is expected to co-ordinate the operations and activities of security agencies and para- military and security out fits that deal with physical security matters; check the threats of terrorism and religious up risings;and leave the police and the civil defence corps with the task of dealing with civil crimes”.

On the national guard, it was gathered that under the nation’s democracy the military cannot be saddled with internal security operations such as the ethnic-religious riots in Jos, Bauchi and other parts of northern Nigeria. “

Experience has shown that we need a National guard as the deployment of Military personnel to combat social conflicts have left more casualties and deaths as we saw in Odi, Zaki Biam,Jukun and Gbaramatu.

We know that the Police were over stretched in dealing with crimes and are also stretched in protecting political leaders,”sources said,adding that the proposed National Guard “will be built round the experience and expertise of service personnel who are being made to retire when they are still active.”

A former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Ned Nwoko told Saturday Vanguard the supports the idea of introducing appropriate technology to tackle security challenges in Nigeria, “but there will be the need to review some aspects of our laws to allow the use of technology to tackle crimes as video recordings and technological evidences are not accepted in our law courts”.

He added that the introduction of technological equipment to tackle crime will reduce the lack of clues in investigating crimes but should not infringe on personal liberties.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/10/national-guard-coming/

Ibime:
Do you think every Mathematician can know or even understand all the publications in journals. You think say Mathematics na philosophy wey you go just read like book. A maths Professor could pick up a journal and only understand 2 or 3 articles in there. Chike Obi has obviously solved some Mathematics, submitted it for peer review, and fellow Mathematicians have decided that he used the same method which had been tried 3 years earlier and been disproved. He didn't go beating his chest and making fallacious claims about it so case closed. We are talking about a well respected and pioneer Mathematician in Africa with full Professorship and teaching and research position in one of the best unis in Africa.

Was thinking exactly the same thing.

Maybe Osisikankwu is OBJ's father. rolling on da floor.

^^
To make Katsumoto feel better. . . I'm beginning to see Igbo in OBJs nose. lmao!
I don't do looks though. I do character.

TewMuch:
who were these elders that claimed OBJ was not Yoruba? That is my first question. If they are credible people then it is possible they have carried out investigation's. Yoruba's carry a lot of oral tradition and most can tell you exactly where their family ancestor came from. Also, their neighbors can do the same as well. So maybe someone snitched on OBJ . To the talking about Gorilla's, lets take a look at some Igbo people that look like OBJ. Never seen a Yoruba like OBJ actually. Mostly Igbo's that carry the gorrilla like triat.

www.nairaland.com/attachments/330521_Osisi_Kanku_gifde70c76b27bc9dd3d142c4f5c36f5296

[img]http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:oaEEiQufsgodvM:http://amadeo.blog.com/repository/1273147/4048262.jpg&t=1https://www.allwestafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/402px-A_proud_trio.png

[img]http://www.aug.edu/~artpxh/Class%20files/HUMN2002/IgboArt/IgboWebImages/23TitleManUli1983.jpg[/img]

[img]http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZugY6mI-CazpfbER3CCh0qHZBHJjfC-i0VoLtQ3IRbWAyLEI&t=1&usg=__mA0Z3vl1exDyL3M9pezJ59gje0k=[/img]

[img]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxvx5pz_HobJQBycwnR8Wx5101BoPfoZg3iSSrsli0iZRDoqk&t=1&usg=__X7WcdrQyO7DH8NQDGLcBcKoiW8c=[/img]

[img]http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.punchng.com/images/May/Wednesday/pix200705303523670.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx%3Ftheartic%3DArt200802132205990&usg=__QQvRj0NSNECHo53oSbv6AzLf64M=&h=332&w=256&sz=105&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=5jnbl0XTvHPFDM:&tbnh=142&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3DObasanjo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D617%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=878&vpy=101&dur=5115&hovh=256&hovw=197&tx=107&ty=151&ei=o23LTKDLJ4uisAODsZmTDg&oei=o23LTKDLJ4uisAODsZmTDg&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0[/img]

Una no go kill me here today.

mikeansy:
I thought we were told there was "WIDE" consultations?

That the National Legal Adviser is not in the know even when he is a Goodluck supporter is troubling.

He said there was no NEC meeting, Imeobi or National Assembly where critical decisions are taken. The only way to debunk Nwobi's claim is to advice us of when the NEC or Imeobi meeting was held.

Anything less than that, we can not dismiss the National Legal Adviser on issues concerning Ohaneze and its workings.

That is why I said that you should not expect that EVERY Ohanaeze operative (even a dodgy assistant legal adviser -whatever that means) to fall behind Uwechue. Ohanaeze is not a government. It has no power to sanction any of its officials because each represents a segment of Igbo states. Why haven't we heard from the SECRETARY, or PUBLICITY SECRETARY or any other TOP LEVEL official? It only means that there is a unanimity among the NEC of Ohanaeze on this issue.
I don't know who this guy is. Tomorrow someone claiming another minuscule position of leadership would come out (after being compromised of course ) to tell us another thing. This is part of why I hate cacophony masquerading as republicanism. Igbo must speak with ONE voice, for good or for ill.
I stand with Uwechue.

mikeansy:
Andrew Uweh & Onlytruth

Above is a comment from the[b] National Legal Adviser of Ohaneze Ndigbo[/b] and a self confessed supporter of Jonathan.

This confirms that Ralph Uwechue is exploiting his office on this issue and taking a unilateral decision.

The truth must be held up at all times.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5635825-147/ohanaeze_leaders_disagree_over_jonathan_support.csp

The endorsement is the personal agenda of Ohanaeze President General, Ralph Uwechue, so declared on Thursday by the organisation’s Assistant Legal Adviser, Onyibo Chukwu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Enugu State.

C'mon now Mike! Where is the National Legal Adviser? This is obviously one official speaking through the back window. I need to hear from the first level officials contradicting Uwechue. I have not seen that happen yet.

I hope you don't expect never to see one dodgy character or the other coming out to say whatever they want.
There is no limit to deputies in any organization. There is even the deputy assistant under secretary. 

^^

Dude you are talking to yourself. Can't you see? Sheesh!

Katsumoto:
Don't you ever get tired of being nothing more than a forking tribal bigot? Aren't you able to have intelligent debates without getting into a tirade against Yoruba people or other non-Igbo people? Clearly something is eating you deep. The funny thing is you type these longs essays that are just filled with conjecture and crap. Why don't your posts ever have any facts in them?

Guy, I don't expect you to agree. So stop.

@topic
The same character is why he thought he could kill off Igbo business through federal policy. He thought we'd quit if he tried hard. The same reason he tried to destabilize Anambra state using a local oaf called Chris Uba. He failed in all those, and today, we are moving forward by creating more international scale companies.
If Obasanjo is Igbo, then I am a blond German.  

excanny:
Dude, the argument is about whether OBJ has an Igbo father or a Yoruba father. How do you expect the defence to go on without mentioning the name of these two? Are we trying to hide facts here or seeking for the facts?

The guy is desperate to sell us the wind. We just won't buy it. 
Character speaks more about a person than looks.

excanny:
The[b] Onyejekwe[/b] family should just come out with the true picture of the innocent Igwe(Joseph Okwudili Onyejekwe) to rebutt this callous LIE heaped on their father by these so-called Yoruba elders. 

The two photos are that of the same Olusegun Obasanjo. This is a crafty plot by the Yorubas to get a shot at the presidency before their expected 40-years' waiting period. Sorry to say, it's not gonna work.

Onlytruth You be Onitsha-bred dude. Na you suppose run background check to bust these LIARS. I have a feeling you schooled with some of the Igwe's kids.

chyz1:
[size=18pt]I’m a thorough-bred Yoruba man – Obasanjo[/size]
News Oct 29, 2010


Following comments ahead the 2007 polls, that the South-West, through Obasanjo had held power for eight years and as such should not expect power until 40 years later when the other five zones would have tasted power, some Yoruba leaders alleged that Obasanjo was biologically an Igbo man.

According to them, Obasanjo’s father was Onyekwelu from Onitsha in Anambra State and so his reign should be viewed as an Igbo reign.Unlike Obasanjo, he did not react to the allegation.

I will send errand to "Enu Onicha" tomorrow.
I hope the Onyekwelu family won't mind being "ousted". 

On a serious note, there is NO WAY Obasanjo is Igbo. All you need to do is check out his actions.

His first moment of trial was when Murtala Muhammed was killed in a coup in 1976. He ran away and hid himself until Shehu Musa Yar Adua (late president's senior brother) reassured him of his safety. He sat on the edge till he handed over to Shagari in 1979.
Next was after he became president again in 1999. He basically OVERHAULED (over-killed) the military out of fear. And while he was at it, he kept traveling out of the country. He was testing the boys to be sure he was safe!  He figured that if a coup would happen, it better happen while he was safely out of the country.  NONE happened of course. 
Notice that he never picked on strong opponents. He always picked on powerless folks (Odi, Zaki Biam, MASSOB), and while at it, he insulted them openly.  Another trait.  MEND on the other hand grew strongest under him. He figured he could settle MEND by installing Jonathan, instead of facing them in battle he may lose.

In fact I became convinced that the north had finally lost power when Obasanjo openly endorsed Jonathan. He knew that nothing would happen.

I have to say this, but Yoruba folks don't EVER pick on strong opponents. If they must pick on one, they first weaken the opponent first. That is why they never fought Abacha for all his evils against them. The man remained strong till death. OBJ was in jail and did nothing too. They fought against Biafra because they knew that Biafra was not in a position to win. That is the same reason why the British and some minorities fought against Biafra. If Biafra was well armed, the Yoruba would not have fought against Biafra. They just won't, 'cos they'd lose and they can't have that.  That is also why Awolowo supported using starvation as a weapon against Biafra. He figured that if Biafrans fed themselves well, they would be strong and stand a chance of winning. The next thing was after the war. Awolowo figured that if he allowed Igbos to retrieve their money from banks, they would be too strong to stop from rising again. So he stole their money and gave them 20 pounds instead. Weaken your enemy first, then attack! Almost like AIDS.

This is where Ndigbo can learn a few lessons from Yorubas. We Igbo fight even the strongest enemy without thinking about our chance of winning. A dead lion is worse than a living dog. So we can learn SOME of that.

My main problem is that the south east lack direct international access, though the Enugu international airport under construction should change all that. As far as I'm concerned, the only federal presence we need is that international access way. They should also fix the federal roads and bridges and leave the rest to us. As long as we don't have an Obasanjo type anti-Igbo policy at the federal level, the feds should stay out of our business.
Igbo man will not invest in a place not close to international access. That is just the way it is.

Obasanjo is a thoroughbred Yoruba man. Apart from his looks, his CHARACTER says more about his genetic makeup.
Actually, the man is a TYPICAL Yoruba man. lmao!

Folks are trying to offload him somewhere else.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo: Keeping faith in truth

By Oscar Onwudiwe
Friday, October 29, 2010

Inconsistency (they say) is the hallmark of a good politician,  On the other hand, Consistency should be the hallmark of a socio-cultural group whose modus and purpose are usually altruistic. In this regard, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has kept faith with their pronouncement (as published) on the presidential election and the overflogged issue of zoning.

For those who may not know, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the apex socio-cultural organization of that tribe who are the number one believers in the political territory called Nigeria, having jump- started the struggle for her independence with the sword of truth and logic and a will that knows no defeat.

History must be fair to Ndigbo; the most forgiving tribe in Africa if not the world. They happen to be the victims of the first pogrom & Genocide in Africa. They have suffered political betrayals, persecutions, marginalization, lowest    revenue allocation and bitter conspiracies all borne out of misunderstandings:  yet they forgive, forget and love the perpetrators and oppressors, live and invest more in their land and provide services to them without bitterness. Ndigbo introduced compromise into Nigerian politics and the stabilizing effect has kept the country one till today,  So when Ohanaeze Ndigbo speaks. It is for that tribe that has the highest stakes in the country called Nigeria having with their blood, sweat & tears invested in every corner of the territory of Nigeria.

Leaders of Ohanaeze have always been men of great accomplishments,  Men who are mindful of the peculiar position of the highly misunderstood people that they  lead. Men who know the socio-political history of their people alot more than those who now call themselves politicians– hence Ohanaeze has been consistent. The sound logic employed in the interpretation of the so called zoning formula of the P.D.P gladdens the heart and if this is juxtaposed on earlier pronouncements of Ohanaeze, you see consistency.

In 1998-1999, at the Jos Convention of PDP, an eminent Igbo son was conspired against and betrayed. It was taken in good faith, no bitterness and all Igbos stayed on and voted for P.D.P. By 2001 the normal taking for granted of Ndigbo had begun; so they met under the umbrella of Ohanaeze in Enugu and –resolved to seek the office of the President with vigour come 2003; not for the sake of it, but for the fact that Ndigbo can be a lot more fair at handling national issues since they nurse no bias against any tribe in Nigeria. Moreover, it is justiceable and in-tandem with the spirit of Zoning. However, it did not work out and the nation watched the drama of the PDP primaries at Eagles Square in 2002-2003.  Yet, with no bitterness, the Igbos did not desert PDP, they stayed on till date.

In 2005, Ohanaeze Ndigbo again came out with a time honored statement, they said “ We have served Nigerians for 45 years as supporters, deputies, cheer leaders and the henchmen of Presidents chosen by brother zones during the military era and after. It is only fair and imperative in a democracy, that the baton should be passed on to Igbos, or Ijaws or Ibibio or Urhobos or itsekiris, or Efiks or Annag or Ogonis or Isoko, Ika etc all from the land of the rising sun (East of the Niger and Midwest).”

That demand in 2005, was clearly an equity –oriented formula and for as long as Nigerians remain addicted to the tribal hype, the interest of the various ethnic groups must not be ignored. Now in 2010, Ohanaeze demonstrated integrity and consistency in line with earlier positions on the issue of zoning and said it is fair to support G.E.J from the south-south zone. Again ,you can see the beauty of the Igbo tribe, they are not asking for any promise from the Ijaws who have hardly ever given them any political support since 1959.

Rather in principle, Ohanaeze is saying, Ijaws are part of Nigeria from the South –South zone and they deserve to have the highest office in the land at this time. The south-south zone  even deserved it by 2007. How can one fault that spirit and the logic? If truly we believe in peace and unity.

To the other Igbo brothers who see Nigeria as Northern & Southern protectorate and believe that power would be dashed to them when they support the  North, may I remind them that alliances are kept by respect and or fear and not love. Power in Nigeria is not about individuals, it is about how each tribe can scheme her way into power by obtaining the co-operation of others.

Consistency attracts respect. Group cohesion could stimulate fear. The Ohanaeze message is clear. Ndigbo should stand by what is just. It is just to support G.E.J in the circumstance.

Ohanaeze Nda-ewo!!!

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/opinion/2010/oct/29/opinion-29-10-2010-002.htm

jason12345:
@ bolded

it btw the igbos and the yorubas.

yes i agree the igbos have been marginalised! i'm 100% with you on that. also igbos have quite a store of talents.

but we have to be honest here, the igbos are partly the cause of their marginalisation because they did not produce a presidencial candidate this yr and when they eventually do, they may produce up to 60!!!.

about the media thing, forgive me if i'm ignorant but i think each state produces their news paper and their is a tv station in each state. so, i think it has nothing to do with the SW.

and yes, the igbo candidates you mentioned are more than qualified to replace OBJ talkless of IBB and co.  i agree the igbos have talent and they have been cheated [/b]but about the [b]marginalisation thing, i don't agree.

after GJ, if the igbos can produce a credible candidate then we have to support him!!!!!

In Nigerian situation, cheating is the same thing as marginalization.

jason12345:
yes i need more lessons .

i want to ask, why can't we change this vices in our generation? are we going to allow it to continue forever?? pls educate me

Answer:

Onlytruth:
You want me to educate you on Nigerian politics? Anyway I can give a few lessons. Just be prepared to accept it AS IS.

Lesson No 1: The best NEVER GETS TO BE NIGERIA'S PRESIDENT. -Got that?

Lesson No 3: The only thing uniting Nigeria (fake unity ) is the fear of allowing the Igboman to exercise his God given rights to thrive in Nigeria, or to secede from the country. Got that too?

Now I want to ask you a question. Take an honest look at Nigeria starting from 1960. Take a look at all sectors: politics, military, academics/education, sports, leadership and anything that has to do with excellence. Tell me which tribe has produced the highest number of men/women of excellence?
If you are honest, you would see that the tribe is IGBO.

Now ask yourself, why has that tribe not produced a Nigerian leader for 40 years? If your answer is the civil war, then you are not ready to accept the truth. Soludo for instance did more for Nigeria than Sanusi can ever dream of. Yet, he is out and all his achievements being rubbish by a half quack.

Soludo is by far more qualified to be Nigeria's president today. He is young, exceptionally intelligent and very ambitious and energetic. But notice that Nigeria's south west controlled media never even mention him as a presidential material. You Nigerians want anyone to become president provided he is not Igbo. As I type this, two Igbo ladies are leading the world bank. One is responsible for extricating Nigeria from foreign debt. Either of them would make a far better president than all the pretenders we have contesting today. But why are they not even talked about? Are they not Nigerians?

So, I tell you again. The only point of agreement in Nigeria is that Igboman/woman would not be president. But the irony is that the BEST is Igbo. So be prepared to live with half-baked leaders for a long time. Just don't complain.  

jason12345:
why don't you school me ??  

You want me to educate you on Nigerian politics? Anyway I can give a few lessons. Just be prepared to accept it AS IS.

Lesson No 1: The best NEVER GETS TO BE NIGERIA'S PRESIDENT. -Got that?

Lesson No 2: Pleading for justice and equity NEVER works in Nigeria, only treachery, jipiti, threats and real violence works. Got that?

Lesson No 3: The only thing uniting Nigeria (fake unity ) is the fear of allowing the Igboman to exercise his God given rights to thrive in Nigeria, or to secede from the country. Got that too?

[b]Lesson No 4: [/b]All of the above! Now, GOT THAT?

If you need more lessons, let me know.

jason12345:
that means 2015 the citizens of naija will not vote  . are we now going to start appointing presidents.

dont get me wrong, i would support a credible igbo president for 2015 any time any day

You see this is part of why I say you need to be schooled more on the workings of Nigerian politics.

Anyway @ topic, this is one of the reasons why I think that Uwechue is a consummate leader who is rounded in his thought process. Jonathan (by law) cannot be sworn in THRICE. So, he really cannot contest in 2015. That is a fact (unless someone changes the law to allow THIRD TERM).
So I support Uwechue. All these other guys attacking him are desperately pursuing their political ambitions.

mikeansy:
I think there is clearly something wrong when Ohaneze takes a decision that alienates folks like

Alex Ekwueme, Chukwuma Soludo, Jim Nwobodo, Ken Nnamani, Apugo, Chinwe Obaji, ABC Nwosu, Udenwa, Egwu etc.

These are big wigs in Igboland and[b] if Ohaneze has taken a position that excludes these folks It will really be nice to know why [/b]

Bro Mike I thought about the same thing too. Not that I'm sure, but if you take a careful look at these folks you mentioned, you would see that they are ALL politicians with personal ambitions. Would you rather believe them than dully elected Ohanaeze chieftains with NO KNOWN political ambitions?
Who do you think will likely sell out Ndigbo? I'm really trying not to be presumptuous here. I just think that Ohanaeze's ONLY duty is to fight for and defend Igbo interests. These politicians don't owe us anything, after all we never elected them to speak for us. They are Nigerian politicians.  We elected Ohanaeze to speak for us. So, unless you have concrete evidence to show that Ohanaeze leadership is really a bunch of scoundrels, I really think I would trust them more than politicians.

Andre Uweh:
May your days be long Nwa Nnewi.

Thank you my bro, and may your lineage always produce kings!