meccuno:
well....we all know who and who wrecked Nigeria......1966 - 1970 was a period of 4 years which Nigeria went through crises......but 1970-1999 is equally a longer period of time which the Northerners and the South westerners were in power......they had the chance to make it right.....one thing you should understand is that you have a leader from a tribe is one thing.....and you have the workers who are from a particular tribe is another thing.......e.g former minister of aviation.....there were so many things that happened in the aviation sector which probably most of you didn't know about but that's for another day........you have whatever notions as fact and I am not here to either change ur beliefs.....you can live with it......what caught my fancy was when you said "South westerns will never support their own son who has been found guilty on corruption charges"........what was awolowo convicted for? And what were the allegations labelled against abiola which FELA of blessed memory sang about? To the best of my knowledge,these two men are gods in the SW.......so I don't know what you are talking about

FolarinLondon:


Why can't you guys be honest for once and deal with other people's issue with open mind, impartiality and fairness? Can Biafra accept these stupid conditions from less populated gregion(from Ijaw as a typical example)? I presumed No. So why on earth do you expect a reasonable Yoruba to sell his destiny for a plate of rice.

Thank God we didn't accept these stupid conditions.

Hausa/Fulanis are not the problems of Nigeria. Having taking my time to look into Nigeria history, my conclusion is that Igbo is d problem. I don't want to start any unreasonable argument/debate with you online; I am willing and ready to present my fact and findings on Nairaland instead of arguing blindly and of course you r equally welcome to present your own facts as regards Nigeria history; where it all started, where we got it wrong and still getting wrong......

AlfaSeltzer:


He was a military man and military men don't do diplomacy.

teufelein:
OJUKWU's LETTER TO YORUBAMAN BANJO..."TAKING OUR DESTINIES INTO OUR HANDS"

August 1967

From: The Military Governor, Republic of Biafra, Enugu.

My Dear Victor,

1. For some time now, you and I have been discussing the circumstances that have led to the current and inevitable disintegration of what was the Federation of Nigeria. We have been fully convinced that the aim of the Hausa/Fulani complex has ever been, and will ever remain, the total domination of every other part of what was known as the Federation of Nigeria. It is impossible to forget that the crisis which led to the army take over in January 1966, the coup of the Northern soldiers led by Gowon in July 1966, the wholesale and indiscriminate massacre of the people of what is now Biafra- and, to a less degree, the people of the Mid-West and West, including the Yorubas, were all the direct result of Hausa/Fulani attempt to subjugate and use as tools, the gallant people of Western Nigeria namely the Yorubas. We do not need to remind ourselves of the heavy losses in life and property suffered by the Yoruba people in their fight for justice and freedom during 1965.

2. Sharing.our belief that the people of Yorubaland have a right to live a life of equality and self-respect and justice free of domination and dictatorship from any quarter, you have both identified with the cause of the Biafra struggle for survival and expressed your determination to see the people of Yorubaland freed from Hausa/Fulani domination.
We, the people of Biafra, for our part are willing and have decided to give you and the people of Yorubaland every assistance to achieve your aim.

3. After clearing the whole question with my Executive Council, I, as the Commander in Chief of the Biafran Armed Forces, have decided to place at your disposal Biafran forces, for the liberation of Yorubaland on the following clear conditions:-
(i) You will have nothing to do with the Military Administrator in the Mid-West Territory during your sojourn there prior to your move to the West.
(ii) The willingness and preparedness of Biafra to assist any part of the former Federation of Nigeria wishing and willing to liberate itself from the Hausa/Fulani domination, does not in anyway whatever imply any inclination on her part to compromise her sovereignty or preserve what remains of the defunct Federation of Nigeria. In other words, our sovereignty and break with Nigeria is irrevocable. Nothing must, therefore be said or done by you or any member of the Liberation Army to give a contrary impression.
(iii) Biafra is determined to maintain and safeguard her sovereignty and ensure that her integrity and safety are never again threatened.
(iv) Biafran troops will, after the liberation of the Yorubaland, remain in that territory only for as long as we in Biafra consider it necessary for the Yorubas to consolidate their position and sovereignty against any external threat.
(v) On the liberation of the Yorubaland, you will be appointed as the Military Governor of that territory.
(vi) The liberation of Western Nigeria will be a prelude to the liberation of all Yorubas up to the River Niger and the severance of all connections between the West and the North at Jebba.
(vii) During the period of Biafrans troops’ presence in your territory, all political measures, statements or decrees shall be subject to the approval, in writing by myself or on my authority.
(viii) Should our troops arrive and liberate Lagos, the government of the Republic of Biafra reserves the right to appoint a Military administrator for the territory. Such an Administrator will remain in office until a merger of that territory with Yorubaland is effected by Biafran troops.
(ix) As soon as possible after your appointment as the Military Governor of Western Nigeria and separation of that territory from Nigeria, you and I must meet to discuss:
(a) the duration of stay of Biafran troops in your territory;
(b) the areas and subjects of cooperation between the liberated sovereign states of Western Nigeria, or by what name it may call itself, and Biafra.

4. I do not need to remind you that Biafra regards all Yoruba as friends. As such everything should be done, to ensure the minimum force and loss of life are involved in achieving the objective of liberation.

5. It is essential, in order to avoid misunderstanding or confusion, that all subsequent requests for support be formally made to me by you in writing.

6. Will you please signify in writing, your acceptance of the above conditions so that you may leave for Western Nigeria and lead the army of liberation.

Yours very sincerely,
signed Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu,
Military Governor and Commander in Chief of Biafran Armed Forces

As culled from "A Break in the Silence : Lt. Col. Victor Adebukunola Banjo, pp.66-68, by F. Adetowun Ogunsheye, Spectrum Books, Ibadan, 2001"

SOUNDKING:
The letter was written by a wise president of a nation, extending help 2 another nation, it is not a child's play. But afterall otu osisi can never rukpo the same person anya twice. The first one emego so we could muruanya, now it will be a diffrent akuko o, both Housa and their odibo should kpachara anya o, boys na ewe anger.

FolarinLondon:

If Ojukwu has a good intention towards the liberation, he should have given the Yorubas the opportunity to design their own fate not with these conditions.

Donmarrius:
What's this one saying?.
When you finishes in Igbo demonization spree,let me know.mtchww

T8ksy:




The only snag here is that no-one asked Ojukwu to save the Yorubas. Ojukwu plucked Banjo from prison and sent him on a suicide mission to his ancestral land. l often wonder what Ojukwu would have done had Banjo refused his dumb "Mission Impossible".

Ofukwu hasn't even liberated his own people but he's so eager to liberate his neighbours who did not ask him for help.

FolarinLondon:
I want you to read this with an open mind, impartiality and fault/pick the points/assertions/facts you think are not right from my write up. This is d story of Nigeria; Let's see who is at fault here cos we are always pick on Hausa/Fulanis............

Historically, Hausas/Fulanis formed alliance politically in the first republic while Yoruba party led by Obafemi Awolowo remained active in the west. (Igbos didn't see themselves as slaves to Hausas/Fulanis then cos they are not d Yorubas). Read on pls...

Igbos(Easterners) have always been an active members of every military/civilian government/administrations since the first republic and all the subsequent military administrations. Nnamdi Azikwe was a Governor-General/president while Tafawa Balewa was a prime minister while Yoruba politicians are only active the regional level. Nnamdi Azikwe party formed alliance with Hausa/Fulani party when the latter was unable to win a majority both and nobody screamed blue murder................(Igbos are friends with Hausas not slaves until Yorubas formed alliance with Hausa)

In 1963, the coup that killed a whole lot of Northern and western top military officers and politicians was led by Easterners(Igbos) and no single soul from the East either in military or politics lost his life despite the fact that there was an existing alliance between Igbo party and Hausa/Fulani party; both parties formed that tagged corrupt government(according to Nzeogwu but only Hausa/Fulanis were corrupt in that government with their ally(Akintola) in the west). I presume you can feel the pains of the Northerners and some Westerners.......

Who subsquently became an acting Prime minister when Tafawa Balewa went missing? Nwafo Orizu(Igbo) became an acting Prime minister and subsquently handed over power to Major-General JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi (Igbo), the GOC of the Nigerian Army.

Aguiyi Ironsi(Igbo) became a president and single-handedly destroyed our flourishing regional governments in his quest to have control over all the regional governments. Read this Bro, Aguiyi Ironsi refused to killed or failed to put the coup plotters (Igbos) on a trial as was advised by Northerners' politicians and ended up transfering all these coup plotters to the Eastern prison. Can you imagine Igbos being subjected to this kind of treatment ina ny government? Igbos would definitely screamed blue murder.

Against all advice, Ironsi promulgated Decree Number 34 of 1966, which abrogated the federal system of government and substituted a unitary system. He didn't stopped there, Aguiyi Ironsi went ahead and appointed Igbos to every sensitive governmental positions. The same thing is repeating itself in 2014 again and i am wondering what Igbos would say/do in this century if an Hausa man become a president either in 2015/2019 when everybody has now witnessed their behaviour under Jonathan administration...............

Northerners started their own madness in 1966 i presumed (The Killing of innocent Igbos on the street of Northern Nigeria) which was barbaric but the subsequent coup which equally led to the death of loads of military officers from Eastern part of the country was good and justified to me though cos what goes around, comes around; And to every actions, there must/would be a reaction.

However, Northerners military took over power from where Aguiyi Ironsi left it-Unitary system of government led by Igbo and life has never been the same ever since again.

Second republic came in to place in 1979 and westerners weren't active in this administration because south west party(AG) which was led by chief Obafemi Awolowo narrowly lost the election to Shagari led party. And again, second alliance came between Igbo party and Hausa/Fulanis party...............Westerners remained active in the west throughout this administration. (Igbo never see themselves as slaves to Hausa/Fulanis during this period)

Military took over power again and straight back to where we were after d first republic until Obasanjo(Yoruba) was forced on us by Northern military cabals in 1999. Howerver, Yorubas waited for Obasanjo at the polls and did what was necessary at that point it time; Obansanjo was completely rejected by south westerners through their votes but managed to get Easterners and Northerners votes.

And before i go, Igbos-from Soludo, ezekweseli, Ngozi Iwela, Okadigbos, Adolp Wabara, Nnamani, Ekwerem, Thomas Aguiyi Ironsi, joy ogwu, Iyorcia Iyu, chukwuemeka chikelu, Frank Nweke, Lesley obiora, Okereke-Stock Xchange, DG Nafdac-Dora Akunyili dominated his administration and in Eastern quest to tagged that government a failed government, they failed to realise that it was their brothers and sisters in this goverment that failed cos Obasanjo wouldn't have able to single-handedly taken decisions while people like Nnamani, Okadigbo and Wabara are in Senate...........

And finally, can you now tell me who dominated this existing failed government? Igbos i presumed and d only active member of this administration is Akinwumi who is from Western part of the country and Stellah Oduah(Having seen what she did compare to no attempt in the past, she tried;my own opinion though and d corruption issue is a topic for another day)

South westerns will never support their own son who has been found guilty on corruption charges- Bankole, Bode George could only get things done politically in PDP but let them come to main Yoruba political sphere and see how they would be treated..................

Pls, can u tell me who has been causing problems from what you read up there in all fairness?

teufelein:
OJUKWU's LETTER TO YORUBAMAN BANJO..."TAKING OUR DESTINIES INTO OUR HANDS"

August 1967

From: The Military Governor, Republic of Biafra, Enugu.

My Dear ,in this letter banjo needed to liberate his people that are weak and needs assistance from his friend ojukwu,so do you expect ojukwu to go into the war that will cost life and money without any benefit for his people ? Bro,no good leader will do that,take from America and Europe they will never do it for free,just say majority of Yorubas are afo anu (animal intestine)

1. For some time now, you and I have been discussing the circumstances that have led to the current and inevitable disintegration of what was the Federation of Nigeria. We have been fully convinced that the aim of the Hausa/Fulani complex has ever been, and will ever remain, the total domination of every other part of what was known as the Federation of Nigeria. It is impossible to forget that the crisis which led to the army take over in January 1966, the coup of the Northern soldiers led by Gowon in July 1966, the wholesale and indiscriminate massacre of the people of what is now Biafra- and, to a less degree, the people of the Mid-West and West, including the Yorubas, were all the direct result of Hausa/Fulani attempt to subjugate and use as tools, the gallant people of Western Nigeria namely the Yorubas. We do not need to remind ourselves of the heavy losses in life and property suffered by the Yoruba people in their fight for justice and freedom during 1965.

2. Sharing.our belief that the people of Yorubaland have a right to live a life of equality and self-respect and justice free of domination and dictatorship from any quarter, you have both identified with the cause of the Biafra struggle for survival and expressed your determination to see the people of Yorubaland freed from Hausa/Fulani domination.
We, the people of Biafra, for our part are willing and have decided to give you and the people of Yorubaland every assistance to achieve your aim.

3. After clearing the whole question with my Executive Council, I, as the Commander in Chief of the Biafran Armed Forces, have decided to place at your disposal Biafran forces, for the liberation of Yorubaland on the following clear conditions:-
(i) You will have nothing to do with the Military Administrator in the Mid-West Territory during your sojourn there prior to your move to the West.
(ii) The willingness and preparedness of Biafra to assist any part of the former Federation of Nigeria wishing and willing to liberate itself from the Hausa/Fulani domination, does not in anyway whatever imply any inclination on her part to compromise her sovereignty or preserve what remains of the defunct Federation of Nigeria. In other words, our sovereignty and break with Nigeria is irrevocable. Nothing must, therefore be said or done by you or any member of the Liberation Army to give a contrary impression.
(iii) Biafra is determined to maintain and safeguard her sovereignty and ensure that her integrity and safety are never again threatened.
(iv) Biafran troops will, after the liberation of the Yorubaland, remain in that territory only for as long as we in Biafra consider it necessary for the Yorubas to consolidate their position and sovereignty against any external threat.
(v) On the liberation of the Yorubaland, you will be appointed as the Military Governor of that territory.
(vi) The liberation of Western Nigeria will be a prelude to the liberation of all Yorubas up to the River Niger and the severance of all connections between the West and the North at Jebba.
(vii) During the period of Biafrans troops’ presence in your territory, all political measures, statements or decrees shall be subject to the approval, in writing by myself or on my authority.
(viii) Should our troops arrive and liberate Lagos, the government of the Republic of Biafra reserves the right to appoint a Military administrator for the territory. Such an Administrator will remain in office until a merger of that territory with Yorubaland is effected by Biafran troops.
(ix) As soon as possible after your appointment as the Military Governor of Western Nigeria and separation of that territory from Nigeria, you and I must meet to discuss:
(a) the duration of stay of Biafran troops in your territory;
(b) the areas and subjects of cooperation between the liberated sovereign states of Western Nigeria, or by what name it may call itself, and Biafra.

4. I do not need to remind you that Biafra regards all Yoruba as friends. As such everything should be done, to ensure the minimum force and loss of life are involved in achieving the objective of liberation.

5. It is essential, in order to avoid misunderstanding or confusion, that all subsequent requests for support be formally made to me by you in writing.

6. Will you please signify in writing, your acceptance of the above conditions so that you may leave for Western Nigeria and lead the army of liberation.

Yours very sincerely,
signed Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu,
Military Governor and Commander in Chief of Biafran Armed Forces

As culled from "A Break in the Silence : Lt. Col. Victor Adebukunola Banjo, pp.66-68, by F. Adetowun Ogunsheye, Spectrum Books, Ibadan, 2001"

teufelein:


if only yoruba people had been wise enough to see the wisdom in the gospel as preached by Ojukwu, then by now, freedom would have come to both Ndigbo and them...be reminded at that time yorubas were very weak and needed a big brother to safeguard their territory...by now the yorubas could have be masters in ilorin, kwara state...

Donmarrius:


Did you read

[/](ix) As soon as possible
after your appointment
as the Military Governor
of Western Nigeria and
separation of that
territory from Nigeria,
you and I must meet to
discuss:
(a) the duration of stay
of Biafran troops in your
territory;
(b) the areas and
subjects of cooperation
between the liberated
sovereign states of
Western Nigeria, or by
what name it may call
itself, and Biafra.
4. I do not need to
remind you that Biafra
regards all Yoruba as
friends. As such
everything should be
done, to ensure the
minimum force and loss
of life are involved in
achieving the objective
of liberation.
5. It is essential, in order
to avoid
misunderstanding or
confusion, that all
subsequent requests for
support be formally
made to me by you in
writing.
6. Will you please
signify in writing, your
acceptance of the above
conditions so that you
may leave for Western
Nigeria and lead the
army of liberation.[/b]

FolarinLondon:


Why can't you guys be honest for once and deal with other people's issue with open mind, impartiality and fairness? Can Biafra accept these stupid conditions from less populated region(from Ijaw as a typical example)? I presumed No. So why on earth do you expect a reasonable Yoruba to sell his destiny for a plate of rice.

Thank God we didn't accept these stupid conditions.

Hausa/Fulanis are not the problems of Nigeria. Having taking my time to look into Nigeria history, my conclusion is that Igbo is d problem. I don't want to start any unreasonable argument/debate with you online; I am willing and ready to present my fact and findings on Nairaland instead of arguing blindly and of course you r equally welcome to present your own facts as regards Nigeria history; where it all started, where we got it wrong and still getting wrong......

Donmarrius:
You mean rising to halt the killing of Biafrans as urgently as it demands,is now tagged "rush into disastrious"

WhiteTechnology:
To be frank

Ojukwu's demand was not correct


If I were him, I will tell Banjo to get to the West, train and equip yorubas on modern warfare, after which , he should send back Biafran soldiers once he is sure Odua can be defended .

He should have allowed Yorubas determine their fate


As a true Biafra who believes in truth no matter who is wrong.

Ojukwu f u c k e d up

PenSniper:



'Thank you but you are a rare type amongst the lot.

Donmarrius:


My friend,don't sound as if the peoples General was authocratic.

DIGEST THIS,ESPECIALLY NUMBER ONE;

1. For some time now,
you and I have been
discussing the
circumstances that have
led to the current and
inevitable disintegration
of what was the
Federation of Nigeria.
We have been fully
convinced that the aim
of the Hausa/Fulani
complex has ever been,
and will ever remain,
the total domination of
every other part of
what was known as the
Federation of Nigeria. It
is impossible to forget
that the crisis which led
to the army take over in
January 1966, the coup
of the Northern soldiers
led by Gowon in July
1966, the wholesale
and indiscriminate
massacre of the people
of what is now Biafra-
and, to a less degree,
the people of the Mid-
West and West,
including the Yorubas,
were all the direct result
of Hausa/Fulani attempt
to subjugate and use as
tools, the gallant people
of Western Nigeria
namely the Yorubas. We
do not need to remind
ourselves of the heavy
losses in life and
property suffered by the
Yoruba people in their
fight for justice and
freedom during 1965.
2. Sharing.our belief
that the people of
Yorubaland have a right
to live a life of equality
and self-respect and
justice free of
domination and
dictatorship from any
quarter, you have both
identified with the
cause of the Biafra
struggle for survival and
expressed your
determination to see
the people of
Yorubaland freed from
Hausa/Fulani
domination.
We, the people of Biafra,
for our part are willing
and have decided to
give you and the people
of Yorubaland every
assistance to achieve
your aim.

FolarinLondon:


In law court, a judge would not pick only number 1, he/she would look at every evidence before him/her holistically before making his/her final judgement. Treat people the same way u wish to be treated.

meccuno:
well....we all know who and who wrecked Nigeria......1966 - 1970 was a period of 4 years which Nigeria went through crises......but 1970-1999 is equally a longer period of time which the Northerners and the South westerners were in power......they had the chance to make it right.....one thing you should understand is that you have a leader from a tribe is one thing.....and you have the workers who are from a particular tribe is another thing.......e.g former minister of aviation.....there were so many things that happened in the aviation sector which probably most of you didn't know about but that's for another day........you have whatever notions as fact and I am not here to either change ur beliefs.....you can live with it......what caught my fancy was when you said "South westerns will never support their own son who has been found guilty on corruption charges"........what was awolowo convicted for? And what were the allegations labelled against abiola which FELA of blessed memory sang about? To the best of my knowledge,these two men are gods in the SW.......so I don't know what you are talking about

Donmarrius:
What's this one saying?.
When you finishes in Igbo demonization spree,let me know.mtchww

Dereformer:


Never again brother. I say Never again.

AlfaSeltzer:


He was a military man and military men don't do diplomacy.

PenSniper:


Dont bother yourself. It takes only seasoned and enlightened minds to admit an error and display honesty and transparency devoid of ethnic sentiment on issues and Igbos/Ibos, whatever they call themselves, are not made of such stuff. Augueing with an Ibo over Nigeria/Yoruba issue is like a science professor trying to explain the law of gravity to a 5 year-old kid. For instance, what do you make of a people who enjoy unfettered freedom in the SW, given a commissionership in Lagos State ( the same privileges they deny others in their domain) and still complain of marginalisation ? They murdered peace through tribal bigotry by slaughtering leaders of other regions except their own. In other words, Ifeajuna betrayed the agreed course of the coupists by treachery. But the same people will turn round to accuse the Yoruba of treachery. Finally, Ironsi killed true federalism by fiat thinking he and his Ibo stock would be able to subjugate other regions. They are a people to be loathed and kept at arm's length.

FolarinLondon:



That is the summary of my write up and Nigeria history my brother. Prior to Jonathan administration, I was gunning for Igbo presidency as a result of their marginalisation rhetorics which has become a music to my ears over the years. As at that time, I have not taken my time to look into Nigeria history very well cos I was of opinion that Igbos were being marginalised but as God we have it, Igbos attitude under Jonathan administration was not only shocking, disappointing but repulsive and revealing to me and this attitude of theirs gave birth to my interesting journey into reading and digesting Nigeria history.

I went online, did my research on Nigeria history and what I found was what you clearly stated right there; Igbos were the one who ushered in what we are witnessing today which is tribalism and nepotism at all levels.

Prior to that pogrom in the North, Igbos were doing exactly what they are doing today in South west to the Hausas/Fulanis, thinking those guys were fools and uneducated. Igbos and Yorubas were getting most of the civil servants' jobs in the North without any tribal interferences until Igbos started disrespecting their hosts even rubbing their illiteracy to their faces. The result of their attitude was that pogrom which was well justified to an extent.

And the final one was the Igbos coup; can you just imagine what these people did? killed and maimed other regions politicians/leaders without hurting one single politician from their side despite the fact Igbos party led by Nnamdi Azikwe formed that corrupt(reason for the coup by Izeogwu) government with Hausa/Fulanis party. Who does this for Christ sake and get away with it?

After this failed coup, Hausa/fulanis made up their minds and sealed the fates of Igbos in the north. But surprisingly, Yorubas, allowed Igbos to flourish in the west without any restrictions in any forms. But my brother, Igbos are now making the greatest mistake of their life by touring the path they toured in the North again in South west by their demand for Deputy governor position in South west(the people they hate so much). OPC and Yorubas are watching them just like Hausas/Fulanis were watching them back in the days and i can assure u one thing and that thing is that this beginning of the end of Igbos in south West. They are pushing Yorubas towards what Hausas/Fulanis did to them and that might happen sooner than they expect it.

These are the people who rejected Ngige on the basis of his association with Yorubas/Hausas party and the same people wants to become a deputy governor in other regions. No way!!!! It is high time the message is passed across to Oba Akinolu and other leaders in Lagos state that Igbo should only be given one to two commissioner slots in Lagos and I ll personally see to this petition. Igbos would only be allowed to aspire to governorship position in any south west states until they allow other tribes to become a governor in their own region.

teufelein:
OJUKWU's LETTER TO YORUBAMAN BANJO..."TAKING OUR DESTINIES INTO OUR HANDS"

August 1967

From: The Military Governor, Republic of Biafra, Enugu.

My Dear Victor,

1. For some time now, you and I have been discussing the circumstances that have led to the current and inevitable disintegration of what was the Federation of Nigeria. We have been fully convinced that the aim of the Hausa/Fulani complex has ever been, and will ever remain, the total domination of every other part of what was known as the Federation of Nigeria. It is impossible to forget that the crisis which led to the army take over in January 1966, the coup of the Northern soldiers led by Gowon in July 1966, the wholesale and indiscriminate massacre of the people of what is now Biafra- and, to a less degree, the people of the Mid-West and West, including the Yorubas, were all the direct result of Hausa/Fulani attempt to subjugate and use as tools, the gallant people of Western Nigeria namely the Yorubas. We do not need to remind ourselves of the heavy losses in life and property suffered by the Yoruba people in their fight for justice and freedom during 1965.

2. Sharing.our belief that the people of Yorubaland have a right to live a life of equality and self-respect and justice free of domination and dictatorship from any quarter, you have both identified with the cause of the Biafra struggle for survival and expressed your determination to see the people of Yorubaland freed from Hausa/Fulani domination.
We, the people of Biafra, for our part are willing and have decided to give you and the people of Yorubaland every assistance to achieve your aim.

3. After clearing the whole question with my Executive Council, I, as the Commander in Chief of the Biafran Armed Forces, have decided to place at your disposal Biafran forces, for the liberation of Yorubaland on the following clear conditions:-
(i) You will have nothing to do with the Military Administrator in the Mid-West Territory during your sojourn there prior to your move to the West.
(ii) The willingness and preparedness of Biafra to assist any part of the former Federation of Nigeria wishing and willing to liberate itself from the Hausa/Fulani domination, does not in anyway whatever imply any inclination on her part to compromise her sovereignty or preserve what remains of the defunct Federation of Nigeria. In other words, our sovereignty and break with Nigeria is irrevocable. Nothing must, therefore be said or done by you or any member of the Liberation Army to give a contrary impression.
(iii) Biafra is determined to maintain and safeguard her sovereignty and ensure that her integrity and safety are never again threatened.
(iv) Biafran troops will, after the liberation of the Yorubaland, remain in that territory only for as long as we in Biafra consider it necessary for the Yorubas to consolidate their position and sovereignty against any external threat.
(v) On the liberation of the Yorubaland, you will be appointed as the Military Governor of that territory.
(vi) The liberation of Western Nigeria will be a prelude to the liberation of all Yorubas up to the River Niger and the severance of all connections between the West and the North at Jebba.
(vii) During the period of Biafrans troops’ presence in your territory, all political measures, statements or decrees shall be subject to the approval, in writing by myself or on my authority.
(viii) Should our troops arrive and liberate Lagos, the government of the Republic of Biafra reserves the right to appoint a Military administrator for the territory. Such an Administrator will remain in office until a merger of that territory with Yorubaland is effected by Biafran troops.
(ix) As soon as possible after your appointment as the Military Governor of Western Nigeria and separation of that territory from Nigeria, you and I must meet to discuss:
(a) the duration of stay of Biafran troops in your territory;
(b) the areas and subjects of cooperation between the liberated sovereign states of Western Nigeria, or by what name it may call itself, and Biafra.

4. I do not need to remind you that Biafra regards all Yoruba as friends. As such everything should be done, to ensure the minimum force and loss of life are involved in achieving the objective of liberation.

5. It is essential, in order to avoid misunderstanding or confusion, that all subsequent requests for support be formally made to me by you in writing.

6. Will you please signify in writing, your acceptance of the above conditions so that you may leave for Western Nigeria and lead the army of liberation.

Yours very sincerely,
signed Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu,
Military Governor and Commander in Chief of Biafran Armed Forces

As culled from "A Break in the Silence : Lt. Col. Victor Adebukunola Banjo, pp.66-68, by F. Adetowun Ogunsheye, Spectrum Books, Ibadan, 2001"

FolarinLondon:



That is the summary of my write up and Nigeria history my brother. Prior to Jonathan administration, I was gunning for Igbo presidency as a result of their marginalisation rhetorics which has become a music to my ears over the years. As at that time, I have not taken my time to look into Nigeria history very well cos I was of opinion that Igbos were being marginalised but as God we have it, Igbos attitude under Jonathan administration was not only shocking, disappointing but repulsive and revealing to me and this attitude of theirs gave birth to my interesting journey into reading and digesting Nigeria history.

I went online, did my research on Nigeria history and what I found was what you clearly stated right there; Igbos were the one who ushered in what we are witnessing today which is tribalism and nepotism at all levels.

Prior to that pogrom in the North, Igbos were doing exactly what they are doing today in South west to the Hausas/Fulanis, thinking those guys were fools and uneducated. Igbos and Yorubas were getting most of the civil servants' jobs in the North without any tribal interferences until Igbos started disrespecting their hosts even rubbing their illiteracy to their faces. The result of their attitude was that pogrom which was well justified to an extent.

And the final one was the Igbos coup; can you just imagine what these people did? killed and maimed other regions politicians/leaders without hurting one single politician from their side despite the fact Igbos party led by Nnamdi Azikwe formed that corrupt(reason for the coup by Izeogwu) government with Hausa/Fulanis party. Who does this for Christ sake and get away with it?

After this failed coup, Hausa/fulanis made up their minds and sealed the fates of Igbos in the north. But surprisingly, Yorubas, allowed Igbos to flourish in the west without any restrictions in any forms. But my brother, Igbos are now making the greatest mistake of their life by touring the path they toured in the North again in South west by their demand for Deputy governor position in South west(the people they hate so much). OPC and Yorubas are watching them just like Hausas/Fulanis were watching them back in the days and i can assure u one thing and that thing is that this beginning of the end of Igbos in south West. They are pushing Yorubas towards what Hausas/Fulanis did to them and that might happen sooner than they expect it.

These are the people who rejected Ngige on the basis of his association with Yorubas/Hausas party and the same people wants to become a deputy governor in other regions. No way!!!! It is high time the message is passed across to Oba Akinolu and other leaders in Lagos state that Igbo should only be given one to two commissioner slots in Lagos and I ll personally see to this petition. Igbos would only be allowed to aspire to governorship position in any south west states until they allow other tribes to become a governor in their own region.

PenSniper:


Whether anybody accepts it or not, the pogrom was justified. Reason(s)- The Ibos dined and wined with the North to spite the West. Out of treachery, they adopted military machinery to slaughter their political allies and the West and Midwest. Haven installed Ironsi, they made and distributed posters with Ironsi placing his boot on the head of a fallen Sardauna thus further rubbing salt into the northern injury. We the Yoruba were stupid to have preserved their property and handed same back to them after the war. They repaid us by Azikiwe/North alliance against the West, stoning Awolowo in the East during a campaign and open hatred for us. I hate your suggestion that a commissioner slot be given to them. The theme is - no more privilege for them in the SW. The idea now is that when the bubble bursts, every single Ibo and property in the SW will constitute a collateral damage. I remain committed to avenging the callous murder of Victor Banjo and their treatment of Awolowo. Any Yoruba leader or government that accords them any special recognition from this year will be digging his own grave.