₦airaland Forum

I always write about Igbo as a tribe, and I won’t stop writing about them because I have noticed something about them.

Igbo are actually very good people, but many of us have not noticed it. I think our tribalism has created bitterness between them and other tribes. What do I mean? As one country, we have not allowed equality and balance in our politics. Since our democracy started, the Yoruba have ruled, and the Hausa/Fulani have also ruled, but we have refused to give the Igbo the opportunity to rule. We keep denying them that chance.

In 1999, many Igbo people left their own leaders and voted for Obasanjo, and they also supported Yar’Adua. In fact, during Jonathan’s time, I began to understand the Igbo better. They insisted on supporting Jonathan. I thought it was because Jonathan was from the South-South, though not from the South-East, but maybe they understood Buhari better than most of us did. In the end, Buhari turned out to be a disaster.

In 2023, Igbo people refused to vote for Tinubu, and many Yorubas counted it as tribalism, but that is not completely true. In fact, I have seen some Igbo people say they were ready to vote for people like Akinwumi Adesina or Yemi Osinbajo, but Tinubu was a capital NO for them. Personally, I also did not like Tinubu as president, but this is not about me. Meanwhile, Tinubu has also failed woefully.

I think the problem with many Yoruba people is that we are not sincere when discussing tribalism. In fact, tribalism is very strong between the Hausa and the Yoruba. If someone had told me before that Yorubas are this tribalistic, I would not have believed it until Asiwaju became president. Now many people support him whether he performs well or not, simply because he is their tribesman. That is not good.

When we are talking about sincerity in good governance, regardless of tribe, we should give some credit to the Igbo. Yes, some people say Igbo are arrogant or proud and sometimes lack respect, and even they themselves admit that. But when it comes to good governance, they can be very sincere. Look at the case of Ike Ekweremadu in the UK—about 90% of Igbo people supported his prosecution because they believed he failed as a politician.

I have also seen many Igbo people say they would rather vote for Osinbajo or Adesina than some Igbo politicians like Ikpeazu, Orji Uzor Kalu, or even Soludo. So my question is: is it too much for the Igbo to present their own candidate since 1999? Yet some sycophants say the Igbo are the most tribalistic. How?

Another question often asked by Tinubu supporters is: “What would anyone have done differently?” My answer to that foolish question is simple—any failed government should not be given a second term. If we can put our tribes aside and hold leaders accountable, then any government coming after will govern properly because they will understand that what people want is good governance.

But many Yoruba people believe it is better to support your brother even if he performs poorly, as long as he is Yoruba. Many Igbo people would not support such a situation.

When Tinubu brought Ambode in 2015, many Igbo people initially supported Jimi Agbaje of the PDP. But before the end of Ambode’s first term, many Igbo people fell in love with his performance and declared their support for him, even within the APC—a party some people claim Igbo hate. Yet Tinubu and the APC refused to give Ambode a second-term ticket. Whatever happened between them is not my concern, but it shows that Igbo people appreciate good governance.

They believe in Peter Obi’s capacity, and that is why they support him. They are not just following him blindly.

I think if the Igbo are given the chance to rule this country, Nigeria could become better. I am not talking about politicians like Orji Uzor Kalu, Ikpeazu, Soludo, or Ekweremadu. I am talking about Peter Obi. I believe in that man, and I never believed in Tinubu—and he has proved me right.

The Yoruba have ruled more than once and have disappointed many people. The Hausa have also ruled and failed. It may be time to pass the baton and give the Igbo a chance to see what they can do.

When it comes to good governance in Nigeria as a whole—not just at the state level—I believe the Igbo are among the most sincere.

The days of IMPERSONATION and GASLIGHTING are over.

NEVER AGAIN...

Same obsolete method that never worked for them in the past yet they won't stop repeating it

The gaslighting and impersonating are casted already. Make una come up with something different

JohnAOne:
The days of impersonation and GASLIGHTING are over.

You are too inconsequential to be impersonated..

ariesbull:
I always write about Igbo as a tribe, and I won’t stop writing about them because I have noticed something about them.

Igbo are actually very good people, but many of us have not noticed it. I think our tribalism has created bitterness between them and other tribes. What do I mean? As one country, we have not allowed equality and balance in our politics. Since our democracy started, the Yoruba have ruled, and the Hausa/Fulani have also ruled, but we have refused to give the Igbo the opportunity to rule. We keep denying them that chance.

In 1999, many Igbo people left their own leaders and voted for Obasanjo, and they also supported Yar’Adua. In fact, during Jonathan’s time, I began to understand the Igbo better. They insisted on supporting Jonathan. I thought it was because Jonathan was from the South-South, though not from the South-East, but maybe they understood Buhari better than most of us did. In the end, Buhari turned out to be a disaster.

In 2023, Igbo people refused to vote for Tinubu, and many Yorubas counted it as tribalism, but that is not completely true. In fact, I have seen some Igbo people say they were ready to vote for people like Akinwumi Adesina or Yemi Osinbajo, but Tinubu was a capital NO for them. Personally, I also did not like Tinubu as president, but this is not about me. Meanwhile, Tinubu has also failed woefully.

I think the problem with many Yoruba people is that we are not sincere when discussing tribalism. In fact, tribalism is very strong between the Hausa and the Yoruba. If someone had told me before that Yorubas are this tribalistic, I would not have believed it until Asiwaju became president. Now many people support him whether he performs well or not, simply because he is their tribesman. That is not good.

When we are talking about sincerity in good governance, regardless of tribe, we should give some credit to the Igbo. Yes, some people say Igbo are arrogant or proud and sometimes lack respect, and even they themselves admit that. But when it comes to good governance, they can be very sincere. Look at the case of Ike Ekweremadu in the UK—about 90% of Igbo people supported his prosecution because they believed he failed as a politician.

I have also seen many Igbo people say they would rather vote for Osinbajo or Adesina than some Igbo politicians like Ikpeazu, Orji Uzor Kalu, or even Soludo. So my question is: is it too much for the Igbo to present their own candidate since 1999? Yet some sycophants say the Igbo are the most tribalistic. How?

Another question often asked by Tinubu supporters is: “What would anyone have done differently?” My answer to that foolish question is simple—any failed government should not be given a second term. If we can put our tribes aside and hold leaders accountable, then any government coming after will govern properly because they will understand that what people want is good governance.

But many Yoruba people believe it is better to support your brother even if he performs poorly, as long as he is Yoruba. Many Igbo people would not support such a situation.

When Tinubu brought Ambode in 2015, many Igbo people initially supported Jimi Agbaje of the PDP. But before the end of Ambode’s first term, many Igbo people fell in love with his performance and declared their support for him, even within the APC—a party some people claim Igbo hate. Yet Tinubu and the APC refused to give Ambode a second-term ticket. Whatever happened between them is not my concern, but it shows that Igbo people appreciate good governance.

They believe in Peter Obi’s capacity, and that is why they support him. They are not just following him blindly.

I think if the Igbo are given the chance to rule this country, Nigeria could become better. I am not talking about politicians like Orji Uzor Kalu, Ikpeazu, Soludo, or Ekweremadu. I am talking about Peter Obi. I believe in that man, and I never believed in Tinubu—and he has proved me right.

The Yoruba have ruled more than once and have disappointed many people. The Hausa have also ruled and failed. It may be time to pass the baton and give the Igbo a chance to see what they can do.

When it comes to good governance in Nigeria as a whole—not just at the state level—I believe the Igbo are among the most sincere.

It is wonderful Yoruba people like this and my Pastor plus many others like Farotimi, etc that have been saving the Yorubas from nature's payback.

These great and sincere Yorubas like this writer are an asset to the Yoruba race and it is because of them that nature have been postponing payback.


May God bless you and bless the womb that conceived you.

There's nothing terrific about any tribe. What we should pray for as citizens is to have a good leader irrespective of tribe. The North that gave us Buhari also gave us a good Yar Adua. The South West that gave us Tinubu also gave us a Good Obasanjo.

helinues:
Same obsolete method that never worked for them in the past yet they won't stop repeating it

The gaslighting and impersonating are casted already. Make una come up with something different

My brother can you please counter his words with verifiable facts like he also presented without the usual mumbo jumbo?



Igbos maybe anything bad you can think of in your heart and within your tribesmen, but as an Igbo man, we keep records, even amongst us Igbos, we know who is a criminal, who got his wealth through wuruwuru and who got his wealth through hardwork and dedication. We might hail you oh, you might succeed in buying chieftaincy titles with your I'll gotten wealth in Igbo land, but when it comes to selecting our leaders, we are very intentional about it, it is at that time you will see us begin to Torchlight you to your amazement. It is at that time that we start to look for the most credible among us to lead us. This is who Igbos are.


Yes you may say what about this Igbo person that emerged Governor or Senator from Southeast, I can boldly tell you that it's mostly as a result of weak and corrupt Nigerian electoral system that you see known corrupt men and women emerge Igbo political office holders against the wish of the Igbo masses. It happened in Hope Uzodinma before our eyes. Sometimes it's those none Igbos at the federal level that use their influence to promote and exalt the most dishonorable Igbos to become Igbo political leaders against the wish of the Igbo masses.


If Nigeria reforms it's electoral system and rigging and manipulation is reduced to say 90%, I can swear with my life that no man that lack integrity or credibility will emerge Governor or Senator in Southeast.



All what the writer said is nothing but the truth. Like I said, point out his lies or where he said something that is not fact so that we all can see and learn

The truth is bitter,'in a time of deceit,saying the truth is a revolutionary act'.
I give Kudos to the author,not because he justified the stance of Igbos on national affairs but because it takes a man of courage and clear conscience to do this.
Of course the tribal lapdog will be unleashed on him but the truth is sacrosanct.
If the likes of Orji uzor Kalu,Hope Ozodinmma,Rochas etc comes out for presidency,Igbos will be the first to reject them. Give us Akinwumi,Yemi Osinbajo etc we flock behind them. That's the progressive spirit of an Igboman,may be our culture encourages us to choose from the best.

kingthreat:
There's nothing terrific about any tribe. What we should pray for as citizens is to have a good leader irrespective of tribe. The North that gave us Buhari also gave us a good Yar Adua. The South West that gave us Tinubu also gave us a Good Obasanjo.

So why did Yorubas mostly see it as a crime that majority of Igbos supported Peter Obi a wonderful leader that could liberate Nigeria from the shackles of bad leadership? This same Igbos have supported Presidential candidates from many tribes since 1999 and happily, back then, people mocked Igbos that the only reason Igbos cannot produce Nigeria's President is because they are not united, but now that they are united in support of a credible leader, they have turned around to tag it being tribalistic, is it not laughable?



Igbos supported Obasanjo a Yoruba.

Igbos supported Yaradua a Fulani.

Igbos supported Goodluck Jonathan an Ijaw.

Igbos supported Atiku a Fulani.



Before 1999, Igbos abandoned their own illustrious son Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and supported Shehu Shagari an Hausa.


In 1993, Southeast had just 4 states; Imo, Anambra, Abia and Enugu.

MKO Abiola a Yoruba man won Tofa an Hausa man that contested with an Igbo Vice in Anambra state, and the remaining 3 states in the Southeast where Tofa won MKO Abiola, it was a narrow escape as MKO Abiola got more than 45% of total votes cast in those remaining 3 states of the Southeast yet Yorubas keep spreading the lies that Igbos never voted for MKO Abiola.


Go to other regions where MKO Abiola lost, MKO didn't get up to 25%, that is what it means not to vote a candidate in an election.


But a situation a candidate got more than 35% of total votes cast in a state or region, it means that candidate did performed well in that region.

kingthreat:
There's nothing terrific about any tribe. What we should pray for as citizens is to have a good leader irrespective of tribe. The North that gave us Buhari also gave us a good Yar Adua. The South West that gave us Tinubu also gave us a Good Obasanjo.

That's accepting failure as a way of life,let's assume that the north mistakenly gave us Buhari and South West mistakenly gave us Tinubu then why re-enforcing failure by supporting them for a second term. You can't keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

Tinubu only weapon is tribalism

I have noticed that most Yorubas that is supporting tinubu are the Muslims

Even at that, Hope has performed so well in leadership and security compared to what we have in SW .... Igbo leadership standards are high

franchasng:
My brother can you please counter his words with verifiable facts like he also presented without the usual mumbo jumbo?



Igbos maybe anything bad you can think of in your heart and within your tribesmen, but as an Igbo man, we keep records, even amongst us Igbos, we know who is a criminal, who got his wealth through wuruwuru and who got his wealth through hardwork and dedication. We might hail you oh, you might succeed in buying chieftaincy titles with your I'll gotten wealth in Igbo land, but when it comes to selecting our leaders, we are very intentional about it, it is at that time you will see us begin to Torchlight you to your amazement. It is at that time that we start to look for the most credible among us to lead us. This is who Igbos are.


Yes you may say what about this Igbo person that emerged Governor or Senator from Southeast, I can boldly tell you that it's mostly as a result of weak and corrupt Nigerian electoral system that you see known corrupt men and women emerge Igbo political office holders against the wish of the Igbo masses. It happened in Hope Uzodinma before our eyes. Sometimes it's those none Igbos at the federal level that use their influence to promote and exalt the most dishonorable Igbos to become Igbo political leaders against the wish of the Igbo masses.


If Nigeria reforms it's electoral system and rigging and manipulation is reduced to say 90%, I can swear with my life that no man that lack integrity or credibility will emerge Governor or Senator in Southeast.



All what the writer said is nothing but the truth. Like I said, point out his lies or where he said something that is not fact so that we all can see and learn

We Igbos need a seperate country of pur own out of the disastrously failed unworkable British colonial creation called Nigeria

gidgiddy:
We Igbos need a seperate country of pur own out of the disastrously failed unworkable British colonial creation called Nigeria

If you consider how Igbos have invested heavily outside Southeast, then you will begin to realize that breaking up Nigeria is almost impossible in the next 100 years.


I am also s culprit, I even have more investments outside Southeast than in Southeast, and this is the reality for most Igbos today, so it won't be easy even though we wish for that just for peace, progress and security of lives. One thing that make me desire an Igbo separate nation is security. The security situation in Nigeria is scary and I don't see the situation getting better anytime soon. And I know my people, we dont joke with security, so I know an Igbo nation will be highly secured against Islamic terrorists and land grabbers, who pose the biggest threat to Nigeria's security and existence

gidgiddy:
We Igbos need a seperate country of pur own out of the disastrously failed unworkable British colonial creation called Nigeria

Sit at home for over 2 years without FG intervention. How much more do you want to be controlling yourself.

You are getting your Biafra gradually

AustineE1:
The truth is bitter,'in a time of deceit,saying the truth is a revolutionary act'.
I give Kudos to the author,not because he justified the stance of Igbos on national affairs but because it takes a man of courage and clear conscience to this.
Of course the tribal lapdog will be released on him but the truth is sacrosanct.
If the likes of Orji uzor Kalu,Hope Ozodinmma,Rochas etc comes out for presidency,Igbos will be the first to reject them. Give us Akinwumi,Yemi Osinbajo etc we flock behind them. That's the progressive spirit of an Igboman,may be our culture encourages to choose from the best.

I used to discredit Hope Uzodinma....but bro, of recent, I'm beginning accord him an applause.....Personally speaking though, I never believed he would outwork Rochas and ohakim......but the man really has impressed me..

franchasng:
It is wonderful Yoruba people like this and my Pastor plus many others like Farotimi, etc that have been saving the Yorubas from nature's payback.

These great and sincere Yorubas like this writer are an asset to the Yoruba race and it is because of them that nature have been postponing payback.


May God bless you and bless the womb that conceived you.

Which payback? What did Yoruba owe you? You don ment. Kolomental dey worry you

Idaytesj29:
Which payback? What did Yoruba owe you? You don ment. Kolomental dey worry you

People wey lack self awareness, you get time Dey reply them! When time reach , they will always be domesticated.

franchasng:
My brother can you please counter his words with verifiable facts like he also presented without the usual mumbo jumbo?



Igbos maybe anything bad you can think of in your heart and within your tribesmen, but as an Igbo man, we keep records, even amongst us Igbos, we know who is a criminal, who got his wealth through wuruwuru and who got his wealth through hardwork and dedication. We might hail you oh, you might succeed in buying chieftaincy titles with your I'll gotten wealth in Igbo land, but when it comes to selecting our leaders, we are very intentional about it, it is at that time you will see us begin to Torchlight you to your amazement. It is at that time that we start to look for the most credible among us to lead us. This is who Igbos are.


Yes you may say what about this Igbo person that emerged Governor or Senator from Southeast, I can boldly tell you that it's mostly as a result of weak and corrupt Nigerian electoral system that you see known corrupt men and women emerge Igbo political office holders against the wish of the Igbo masses. It happened in Hope Uzodinma before our eyes. Sometimes it's those none Igbos at the federal level that use their influence to promote and exalt the most dishonorable Igbos to become Igbo political leaders against the wish of the Igbo masses.


If Nigeria reforms it's electoral system and rigging and manipulation is reduced to say 90%, I can swear with my life that no man that lack integrity or credibility will emerge Governor or Senator in Southeast.



All what the writer said is nothing but the truth. Like I said, point out his lies or where he said something that is not fact so that we all can see and learn

Maurice ibekwe,hope uzodinma,the 2 ifeanyi ubas,Arthur nzeribe and many others.....this are notable igbo leaders who the world knows have controversial past.

AustineE1:
The truth is bitter,'in a time of deceit,saying the truth is a revolutionary act'.
I give Kudos to the author,not because he justified the stance of Igbos on national affairs but because it takes a man of courage and clear conscience to this.
Of course the tribal lapdog will be released on him but the truth is sacrosanct.
If the likes of Orji uzor Kalu,Hope Ozodinmma,Rochas etc comes out for presidency,Igbos will be the first to reject them. Give us Akinwumi,Yemi Osinbajo etc we flock behind them. That's the progressive spirit of an Igboman,may be our culture encourages to choose from the best.

Same with yorubas....they will take this igbos over sowore..... soludo,moghalu,mbah,otti and some few others.....don't force obi down our throats,he is seen as a bigot by yoruba moslems and a chauvinist by the rest.....Bianca is working quietly in a yoruba govt abd she is doing excellently well,yorubas love her same way igbos do.

There are over 250 tribes that have never ruled too

AustineE1:
That's accepting failure as a way of life,let's assume that the north mistakenly gave us Buhari and South West mistakenly gave us Tinubu then why re-enforcing failure by supporting them for a second term. You can't keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

The failure can be from an Igbo man too. Obi is no saint and neither is he a very effective leader. So stop gaslighting me on accepting failure.

That one concern you.

Lithiumite:
Same with yorubas....they will take this igbos over sowore..... soludo,moghalu,mbah,otti and some few others.....don't force obi down our throats,he is seen as a bigot by yoruba moslems and a chauvinist by the rest.....Bianca is working quietly in a yoruba govt abd she is doing excellently well,yorubas love her same way igbos do.

The very moment a Soludo or Otti etc decides to contest for presidency,that's when you will see the true colour of most Yorubas,he is reminded that he is 'omo igbo' and can not be trusted,just that Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour whom contested for Lagos governorship seat in the last elections were assumed to have an Igbo heritage,they tagged him 'Chinedu omo igbo',and their vulnerable masses followed suit and never gave him a chance. Till this day he is hated in some quarters because he is assumed to be untribalistic and too much of a moderate to be allowed close to the corridors of power.
The tribalistic nature of the Yorubas came to play even at the national level of governance,we can all judge nature of nepotistic appointments as never have been witnessed in the history of this nation,even Buhari the unapologetic Fulani supremacist fared better. Take a look at Lagos,it seems its state sponsored and you could imagine that certain streets bearing the name of Igbos were renamed because they can not believe how a 'Yoruba demi god' like Tinubu could be defeated in a free and fair elections in Lagos even inspite of obvious voters intimidation.

kingthreat:
The failure can be from an Igbo man too. Obi is no saint and neither is he a very effective leader. So stop gaslighting me on accepting failure.

Well suit yourself,we keep moving in vicious cycle,the same reason Nigeria is not making any head ways,we are becoming worst off than we ever have been.
The decisions we make today will determine the country we wish or hope for our children. It's a pity!
We move on!

AustineE1:
Well suit yourself,we keep moving in vicious cycle,the same reason Nigeria is not making any head ways,we are becoming worst off than we ever have been.
The decisions we make today will determine the country we wish or hope for our children. It's a pity!
We move on!

Igbos that have not resolved their individual states problem, na them go solve Nigeria problem?
Stop the gaslight, Igbo president or not we still on a vicious cycle if we have an ineffective president.