₦airaland Forum

Brendaniel:
You may just be declaring a full blown civil war in Nigeria if your suggestion is even brought into any national discussion here in Nigeria, you guys don't just know how(let me use the word graced) you people are with your country's formation, you have just 11 languages, no wonder there is a form of unity among you people and somehow I also noticed that you people's culture and cultural ideologies are closely related, so most of you think alike, so it makes it easier to be united...

Samantha, if only you know what you guys are enjoying with what I wrote up there, each time you think about it, you will just be thanking God, I doubt your suggestion will ever work in Nigeria, why?

Nigeria has over 250 languages and over 250 tribes, in fact I doubt if there is any Nigerian both home and abroad who knows all the names of the languages and tribes with their locations without going into books(not even our president and his entire cabinet), that's just to show you how complex it is.

You have a region of over 20 million people supporting, doing protests for Palestine and Iran and another region of over 20 million people supporting Israel and USA also doing protests, are these not 2 different nations inside one?

Why are they together?

You think Nigeria is the way it is today because of just bad leadership, no... it's mainly because of the differences in ideology(more like everyone agrees to disagree) and then gives room for nonsense to be done, idiots are enthroned and the result is the Nigeria you see today.

To some major tribes, Nigeria is like the English premiership, it is all about we vs them and we must win at any cost even if the country is burnt down to the ground with them in it, it doesn't matter, as long as they believe they are winning it's all good to them( that's the Nigeria you see today)

Let me not bore you with Nigeria's issues, I just want you to understand some things especially when discussing about Nigeria and also appreciate what God's grace has done for you people in SA in this regard, for me I'm majorly after seeing my own tribe leaving this union called Nigeria, I pray for God's grace and guidance to achieve it and on time.

Samantha125:
I still don't see how introducing local languages in your educational system will interfere with anything.

I mean even here in SA, we have different cultural, political, and sociatal ideologies, some are pro Palestine while others are pro Israel, we engage in silly tribal banters and laugh over them, but we never allow our differences to set us apart.

I remember when my husband and I first moved to KZN in 2021, KZN is a Zulu land... I had certain misconceptions about Zulu people because prior the move, I had never really been exposed to them except during our usual family trips across the country and growing up, we'd hear some stereotypes about them that were eventually imbedded in our minds... I'm not gonna lie, the idea of living amongst them kinda made me uncomfortable at first because all my life I had been living in a Bapedi land and had only been exposed to Tsongas, Vendas, Sothos, and Tswanas.

But as we settled in and started socialising with the locals, I started seeing a different side from what I was told and made to believe about the Zulu people... For me it was a learning experience and I loved every moment of it and met some of the friendliest people there, sure, we'd have some of our usual tribal banters every once in a while, but it was never anything serious... When we moved to another province last year in December, it an emotional experience for me because I had already developed a special bond with the people there.

lezz:
South Africa is roughly 60 million with out eleven official languages, why are you suggesting one indigenous language for a people of over 250 million and over 500 languages?

Ard you normal or pap-influenced

Brendaniel:
Have you or anyone you know from your tribe ever being attacked brutalized and stopped from voting on election day just because of the tribe you come in the place you currently stay with your husband?

Do you know anyone from your tribe who has being beheaded from your tribe by another tribe in their region just because of a mere statement?

Has your tribe ever being attacked and killed in hundreds just because of a cartoon that was drawn in Denmark that they knew nothing about?

Has your tribe lost over 3 million of your people just because you people said you are tired of the injustice being meted on you and want to be on your own?


Have you ever being constantly told by certain tribes in your country that your tribe will never be president no matter how good the candidate from your tribe is and during election they actually start attacking your tribe to ensure that?

I'm not here to demonize other tribes but to point out that whatever is making them do what they are doing stems from their cultural or religious ideology and my tribe should not be at the receiving end of whatever they feel is best for them, that's why I want a separation.

The truth is, there are good people in every tribe here in Nigeria, but when you have a majority of people behave a certain way from certain tribes against your own tribe then you have to seek a solution.

I used to be a very patriotic citizen of Nigeria, all that changed when the current and the last president before him came into power, it was like they showed what every major tribe wanted for a country, I just lost hope in the unity.

https://www.nairaland.com/3381130/aliens-land-nigeria-photos

That was me in 2015, i created that fictional article to celebrate our independence day.

Samantha125:
Fine, you've made your point... I normally don't like involving myself in Nigerian politics, but isn't this tribe that you're referring to the same tribe that is known to have quite a reputation outside of Nigeria? The one that would normally deny accountability by deflecting on others?

bong4:
We are not yet ready for this discussion until we stop all this trend to give our children colonial names like "Jaden", "Jason", "Hayden," etc.

Brendaniel:
If you are referring to the Igbo tribe, but we don't deny accountability, yes I acknowledge that the we need to tackle the issue of drug dealing which I strongly believe can be handled by the Igbos.

But let me tell you something you need to know, do you know that these drug dealing is not prevalent in Igbo land, they mostly do it outside Nigeria and one very reason is to make money, I'm not here to justify it, but to let you know that if we had our own country, most likely these thing would have been tackled by Igbos, some tribes here constantly use it to make mockery of my tribe and are usually happy about it, why do you think such people will want to make any effort to put a stop to it?

I'm not here to remove blame from the Igbos, but efforts were made in the past by a fellow Igbo woman to fight the drug issue in Nigeria especially in Igbo land, you can read about her, Dora Akinyuli...

And she achieved a lot of success, ever since she was removed, it has never been as good as she did it, and I don't think any Igbo person has handled that position since then, doesn't that tell you something?

And lastly you shouldn't use a few actions of the Igbos to justify the behavior of the Igbos, we are over 40 million both in Nigeria and worldwide, that's a bit short of the population of the entire SA.

And there is something I noticed about most SA people, if you want I will tell you...

OkanlawonB:
Nothing in life is static, everything about life both physical and otherwise including languages are dynamic.
All languages of the World are constantly being influenced by different everyday factors.
No, the Yoruba language is not being erased

IBB007:
Lol…I disagree with the motion that our native languages are being erased…a country like Nigeria needs a national language so we can understand each other….and no one tribe would want the language of another tribe to be used as the national language so that’s where English comes in

Samantha125:
All I can say is that there isn't any smoke without fire, it can't be that everytime we hear negative news about Nigerians abroad or in diaspora, majority of the time they're always pointing at a specific direction or ethnic group.

I see your points neh, but it's kinda hard for me to believe everything considering the reputation this specific tribe has... If they're not all over social media degrading and demeaning other Nigerian tribes, they're either speaking ill of other African nations or Africans in diaspora.

Brendaniel:
I really think you are mixing things up, firstly I think you need to study about the Igbos in details.

1. Igbos are explorers especially when it has to do with business and making money, so we travel a lot to always explore opportunities in other places, in fact there is a saying that anywhere on earth you go and you don't see an Igbo man, leave that place...

Even in Nigeria, we are the most spread tribe in terms of movement and settlement

So it's normal to see Igbos everywhere, now for every one Igbo person who commits a crime, there are more than 10 who are not committing crime in the same place, so whatever figure you have in your country for committing crimes, count x10 of it for those not committing...

2. About the demeaning and those stuffs you wrote, there is something I noticed about we the Igbos, I think we are usually too explicit with speaking the truth, and some people don't like it, and also some Igbos are a bit loud and braggadocios in nature, this is just who they are and some people don't like it, I think orientation needs to be given from childhood on how to be very sensitive with things they do outside Igbo land, like the king issue in SA, these things are sensitive especially when you know the kind of people you are staying with.

3. Then speaking ill of other African nations or Africans is not true, I think maybe you think all the negative comments comes from the Igbos here, no, I don't want to start mentioning tribes here, but I doubt the claim, for you to make such claim, you should know almost all the tribes in Nigeria with their names, even I can't single out a tribe to put such blame on them because I know so many tribes do it and I cannot in detail link all the names I have seen to all the tribes involved, we have over 250 tribes, so it is not true...

There is something I will explain to you here, Imagine a country where your tribe has to score over 300 to gain admission into a federal school and another is given just 2 to score to gain the same admission into the same federal school, how would you feel?

In the same country you have a region with over 15 million out of school children not because the government neglected them but because they chose not to go to school and your own region has the lowest out of school children in the entire country but they keep telling you, you that your people shouldn't handle the country and causing insecurity and killings all over the country because those children grow up to become terrorists?

And Igbos should keep quiet?

No,

You said something, that there is no smoke without fire, yes, this thing you are seeing happening to the Igbos didn't start today, it started from Britain, they called the Igbos rebellious during colonial time and warned that power should not be given to them because they will rebel against Britain, what does that tell you?

They were afraid of the Igbos that they won't be able to control the Igbos like they are doing to many tribes in Africa presently, If your slave master calls you rebellious it means you are doing the right thing, so what you are seeing today is just some the tribes playing along with what Britain has always wanted, that's why Nigeria is the way it is today, and anyone hating on the Igbos, is only playing along...

For you to know to know just a bit of how media is being used against the Igbos in Nigeria to cause stereotyping, read the article below, this was an extract from a British official who came to Nigeria before independence...

You know very little about Nigeria and Nigerians, you are fed with just the media and just what you see, I don't blame you though, if I were in your shoes. I might see it the same way too, but there is a lot you need to know...

Samantha125:
1. A lot of Nigerian tribes travel the world, yet we hardly hear anything negative about them.

2. So Igbos are too explicit in speaking the truth and others aren't? How typical.

3. I know what I'm talking about because they usually like grandstanding so that anyone who cares to listen can know who they are while viewing others, specifically Africans and black people in diaspora in a condescending manner.

King Sekhukhune of Bapedi land was also considered the British's worst nightmare during the colonial era as all attempts to defeat and disband his kingdom was futile and it wasn't until the British made an alliance with the Swati people to infiltrate the kingdom in exchange of being allocated a portion of the Sekhukhune land, which is now Mpumalanga and have the colonisers serving as their protectorate over Eswatini... That's how king Sekhukhune was finally defeated, yet you don't see us wallowing in self pity and deflecting on the Swati tribe over spilt milk... We picked ourselves up and started on a clean slate... We've long buried the hatchet between us and moved on because we're all victims of colonisation.

So I'm sorry, but I only see victim mentality, deflection, and zero accountability from you guys... There's no way that almost everyone can just be against you for no valid reason within and across the borders of Nigeria considering your track record... Because at the end of the day, actions speak louder than words.

Brendaniel:
So I got banned after replying you, let me just ask you a question so I will know if I am discussing with someone who is rational and logical in reasoning...

Let's assume for a second that what you said about the Igbos is true, what is the offense of the other tribes from Africa you SA people are attacking and telling to go back to their various countries?

Samantha125:
After labelling us xenophobes, now you gonna be asking questions? You guys can't jump into conclusions and then ask questions later.

We do it because we're xenophobes and xenophobia is our hobby...

Brendaniel:
At least explaining why you people are xenophobes may help others understand you people better...

Samantha125:
I think your Igbo brothers would be in a better position to explain everything to you since they're the ones always talking about it all over social media... They know us South Africans far better than we know ourselves...

And if indeed you Igbos were victims in this entire ordeal that you just told me about and the Nigerian media is being used against you, then you guys would've been the last people to be talking about SA and xenophobia, in fact, you'd have been empathising with us as you're the ones who gave us that name alongside some Africans even though it's majorly Igbo people who are always talking about it to an extent that some of us have now accepted it and no longer bothered by it.

jidesp:
Why Modern Development Continues to Leave Nigerian Indigenous Languages Behind

By Babajide E. Ikuyajolu

Brendaniel:
I think there is a mod on my trail,

Samantha, at least I know you well enough to explain things and give answers to portray your country and tribe in a good light, for you to be this deflective then you have nothing to say, you know what your people are doing is evil and you don't want to admit it, why do you guys share similar behaviour with the ....... people in Nigeria?

I had to remove the tribe involved because I am getting banned for mentioning the tribe which the mod placing the ban comes from, you see why i said some people hate the truth and may fight my tribe for speaking the truth.

Samantha125:
It seems like the moderator banned my last comment as well, but it's fine.

I'll only consider everything that you're saying the day you guys start working on your international reputation, publicly holding your people responsible for their illegal dealings abroad, and standing in solidarity with us South Africans during times like now just like some Africans do... Because I've been seeing some Congolese, Tanzanians, and Kenyans speaking up in SA's defence... There's also one Nigerian lady who came forth and spoke up about how she recieved many contacts from Nigerians based here in SA, the Nigerians who know the real truth of what is happening in the country, but are apparently afraid to speak up because they don't want to be viewed as unpatriotic and get attacked by their fellow Nigerians in Nigeria... Honest and law abiding Africans are finally finding the courage to speak up and I love it, hence I've been silent the entire time about what is happening in SA.

Because you can't say you're a victim of brutality and that you want to do right by your people while your people's actions are in contradictory of your statement and labelling others xenophobic for wanting the same for their people... Sure, you might be one of the good ones, but you know what they say, one rotten apple has a tendency spoiling the entire barrel.

Have a good day.

jidesp:
Both of you may likely be banned, because you deviated from the topic.

Tribal matters of Nigeria is a Far deeper conversation. And no matter how much you think you know about Nigerians based on the population living in South Africa. It won’t do justice to ground your point with many Nigerian living in Nigeria.

You speak from experience which is cannot be ruled out equally. However, it’s best to let Tribal matter rest.

I am more interested in knowing if there is a one language in SA that almost every South African could speak.

And, a friend had an experience when another South African at the airport asked authoritatively, the attendant to speak English. Although fluent, her response however was, “English isn’t my first language”.

The other South African apologize and spoke a local language.

Samantha125:
It seems like the moderator banned my last comment as well, but it's fine.

I'll only consider everything that you're saying the day you guys start working on your international reputation, publicly holding your people responsible for their illegal dealings abroad, and standing in solidarity with us South Africans during times like now just like some Africans do... Because I've been seeing some Congolese, Tanzanians, and Kenyans speaking up in SA's defence... There's also one Nigerian lady who came forth and spoke up about how she recieved many contacts from Nigerians based here in SA, the Nigerians who know the real truth of what is happening in the country, but are apparently afraid to speak up because they don't want to be viewed as unpatriotic and get attacked by their fellow Nigerians in Nigeria... Honest and law abiding Africans are finally finding the courage to speak up and I love it, hence I've been silent the entire time about what is happening in SA.

Because you can't say you're a victim of brutality and that you want to do right by your people while your people's actions are in contradictory of your statement and labelling others xenophobic for wanting the same for their people... Sure, you might be one of the good ones, but you know what they say, one rotten apple has a tendency spoiling the entire barrel.

Have a good day.

Brendaniel:
Thanks for your explanation, I get some of your points, however I want you to acknowledge that I am not here to support crimes done by my tribe especially in SA.

I would like you to kindly read these write ups by me in the past before reading my comment to you here, so you would understand me better, I know you hate long write ups, but for the sake of understanding, please just take your time to read up all.

https://www.nairaland.com/post/120874938

https://www.nairaland.com/post/98736929

https://www.nairaland.com/post/59226100

https://www.nairaland.com/post/52458338

https://www.nairaland.com/post/52458338

Between the times I made those comments and now, a lot has changed and a lot has been revealed both from my tribe and those attacking my tribe, like I said earlier. I'm not here to justify any crime from any side but to let you know why I am concerned about anyone attacking my tribe, I will try and make is as brief as possible.

1. I don't support crimes(especially drug related crimes) committed by my tribesmen and I also acknowledge that something seriously needs to be done like I wrote in most of the links up there, I know there has been some little efforts that have been made, but for me it is still not enough, a whole lot more needs to be done.

2. This is where I have issues with most people who attack my tribesmen with any form of justification, Over time I noticed a pattern of behaviour that is similar especially when injustice is hidden behind the claim of trying to correct something.

a[b]) Generalization - Because one man or a few persons commit a crime then it is justification to attack everyone who is from the man's tribe, I have seen innocent people attacked for doing nothing wrong in such cases.[/b]

b) Irrational and Illogical Behaviour with Illegal Actions - Someone commits a crime and boom, everyone from the person tribe is attacked and labeled a criminal, it may seem like the A listed up here, but here is the difference, if truly the person committed a crime, why not single out the person, get him arrested and charge to him to court, let the law take effect on him.

Because I have seen where people were falsely accused and killed just because of their tribe or religion, no crime was committed, then I have also seen where a whole tribe was attacked and stopped from voting because of an unverified accusation, I will explain this:

During the 2023 election in Nigeria, a statement started flying that my tribe is claiming that Lagos is no man's land, for me if any of my tribesman made that statement, he should have an identity, how can you say somebody said something and you cannot produce the person who said it?

Secondly if a crime was actually committed by such a statement, why not arrest the person or sue the entire tribe to court, because there is nowhere under the Nigerian law that even makes such statement a crime, and then my tribesmen were attacked and stopped from voting for a statement that was unverified and not even a crime under the law.

Imagine taking an illegal action against a legal action and nobody was prosecuted for such.

So it just looks like certain people looking for excuses to express hate, some even go as far as making false accusations just to attack the entire tribe.

So my point is this, we are human beings first before tribe, we have laws, if anyone commits a crime, kindly separate the person from his tribe and treat his as a criminal under your made laws to avoid people using jungle justice to express their hate towards anybody, this is not just even about my tribe.

Because once the law is thrown own away for jungle justice, then anything goes, both those who have deep seated hatred and those who feel they are doing the right thing will use that avenue to express it.

That's why I am condemning such attacks on my tribesmen both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria because all the physical attacks on them are not lawful, as long as those attacks are not backed up by the laws of those lands, then it is wrong, that is my point here.

If anyone commits a crime, arrest him and prosecute him, let's all stand against the crimes committed and the xenophobic attacks, none is justified.

Samantha125:
At bolded, we South Africans are also being subjected to the same ideology by your people for trying to do what is right by our people, you can't be expecting objectivity only when you're on the receiving end while using generalisation against others, you might be an exception, but the majority on social media seem to be saying otherwise... So South Africans only dish out what they receive and you can't blame them for defending themselves because your people have made it their duty to keep poking us instead of holding their hooligan brothers accountable for their actions.

And how come when we protest against our own government or against our own people, no one is calling it governmental attacks or fellow South African attacks, but the moment we protest against illegal immigrants, it's xenophobic attacks? Because when the government is sloppy, the people shall govern.

Brendaniel:
So, are you justifying the killings and physical attacks of my tribesmen by your people?

Samantha125:
Answer my question first.

Brendaniel:
Ok, let me answer your question, I have no problem with any protest your people are having, because it lawful, I only have problem with the physical attacks and killings, you guys can protest as much as you want, but don't go physical on human beings...

so can you answer mine now?

Samantha125:
If you're in the country illegally or committing illegal dealings, then it means you're a danger to society and whatever happens to you is none of my concern.

We all know that underworld dealings have their own consequences, you live by a gun, you die by one... If I ask you now to provide me with evidence of your legit and law abiding brothers who were unalived by the alleged "xenophobic attacks", would you do it?

Samantha125:
The apartheid regime only started in 1948.

Hausa could be recognised as an official and national language of Nigeria alongside English since the language makes up the majority.

The schools curriculum would also require alterations so that the learners/students can be eligible to do their native languages as home languages in their schools in accordance to their regions, English as a first additional language, and Hausa as a second additional language... Hausa learners/students could then be given an option to either do Yoruba or Igbo as their second additional language in their schools since they'd have been doing Hausa as their home language.

Samantha125:
If you're in the country illegally or committing illegal dealings, then it means you're a danger to society and whatever happens to you is none of my concern.

We all know that underworld dealings have their own consequences, you live by a gun, you die by one... If I ask you now to provide me with evidence of your legit and law abiding brothers who were unalived by the alleged "xenophobic attacks", would you do it?