₦airaland Forum

One thing you must understand is that Buhari’s appeal is to a large extent personal, based on his known history and his lifestyle and his vision. That is why he is acceptable to large numbers in the North and across the nation. I have seldom heard him speak about his local government or state such that I might be concerned that he is some petty ethnic chief. That is important for national appeal. He has also given himself good exposure with his previous campaigns. Now based on his political strength in the north, the West recognised a sellable product that they can live with as a partner in power. Thus there is an alliance of equals united in pursuit of the same goal.
The Igbo equivalent would need to also have a demonstrable appeal across the whole east. There is no way around that. But the states are politically fractured with pdp controlling the majority and APGA and APC having one state each. Some Ndigbo may laugh at Buhari, but he has earned his place in the national consciousness by sheer endurance and determination. Jonathan that cruised to power has proved utterly unsuitable and perhaps because he has really never had to refine views and fight for his beliefs. I'm not exactly sure what Ohaneze stands for but in the West we know Tinubu has overthrown Afenifere while still keeping some faith with the Awoist tendencies. Arewa also has its own style.
The Igbo Buhari /supporter would be more focused on the ideas the man brings to the discussion, the policy, the things he wants to achieve, and not simply the fact that he occupies, or wants to occupy a position. The position must be used to the benefit of the country, especially the average Nigerian. I like Rochas and hear good things about him, but politics at its worst is a game of numbers, and the party will ask, how many votes will this man bring to the equation. It may be that he needs to go through the vice president slot first, but if his own home based is still multi-fractured, that time and discussion may never happen.

#change
#GMB
#APC

lazsnaira:
Irrespective of where you come from, the question I want everyone to answer is this: 'If Buhari was an Igbo man?'
Being an Igbo doesn't necessarily mean that you are really awake to the plight of your people. Afterall history had it that the Biafra war was lost due largely to the activities of saboteurs among Ndigbo. Just as you have pointed out earlier that Igbos suffer more victimisation from fellow Igbos. So let us not derail from the main question of this discuss which is 'if Buhari was an Igbo man?'

In my initial response, I tried to answer your question. If Buhari was Igbo, he definitely wouldn't have received the kind of support he receives today and there are clear reasons for that.

Firstly, it is not contestable that the northerners support GMB primarily because he is one of their own so if Buhari was Igbo, the northerners wouldn't support him for obvious reasons, to be clear, the northerners will only massively support their own. With the north out of this discussion, it leaves us with the SW, SS and Middle Belt.

It is a known fact in Nigeria that other ethnic nationalities are threatened by the exceptional potentials, industry and eventual dominating attitude of the Igbos. Wherever you find Igbos, they always diligently and smartly work their way to the top and over the years this has attracted both envy, sheer resentment and in some cases, pure hate by other ethnic nationalities (people tend to hate the player instead of hating the game). Remember, this led to the hatred the Northerners had and still harbour for Igbos since even before independence which eventually led to the war. Even though the SW, SS and MB also share this resentment, it is only to a very mild and cautious degree unlike what the northerners have for us. However, some of our actions and open show of paranoia, senseless clannishness especially in recent times will make even a Delta Igbo man sceptical about supporting a core Igbo.

The recent repulsive clannishness of some (if not majority) of Igbos in this present administration especially as it concerns our shameless defence of certain people and actions 'all because they are Igbo' does not in any way help our public image. A good example was the Stella Oduah case, a person who was caught red handed illegally engaging in extra-budgetary expenses at over-inflated costs. In a split and thoughtless second, a lot of misguided Igbos shamelessly kicked off a nationwide defence of the woman irrespective of her offence and they made it clear to all that she was being supported 'simply because she was Igbo.' Then we had the case of the Australian negotiator alleging that Gen Ihejirika was complicit in the BH saga; this was a case which could not be substantiated by any means but instead of leaving the General to thrash out this silly allegation, instead of waiting to even hear the full story, Igbos again instantly jumped into defence making it very clear he was being defended 'simply because he was Igbo. How do you expect the SW, SS or MB to support us with such brazen show of clannishness?

Now you allege that a number of Igbos in prominent positions were removed after what you term, 'campaigns of calumny' and this is the exact senseless paranoid mentality displayed by most Igbos (since this administration) which will ensure that we will never be trusted by others. You say Igbos were removed from office and I ask, were the allegations against these individuals true or false?... Are you not bothered that someone is caught pants down in some form of malpractice but yet you wish the person should be 'allowed' to continue because he/she is Igbo?... You even scream this in public to the hearing of other ethnic minorities and you expect them to take us serious?...

Again I ask, for those Igbos removed from office, who were they replaced with?... Were they not replaced with fellow Igbos?... Since the reign of GEJ, is it only Igbo ministers or heads of parastatals that have been removed?... The other ethnic nationalities who had their people removed, did they take to the streets to protest removal from office of their brother like we are doing?... Dont you think other ethnic Nationalities would be irritated by our senseless paranoia and clannishness; always thinking that the world is out to harm us?!... What if every other ethnic nationality begins to act the way we act?... Do you think that is healthy for society?

A few prominent Igbos who have tried to point out this our thoughtlessness in recent times have been labelled as lost souls (efulefu). Is this the way you think we can gain the trust of others?

Finally I leave you once again with my original question, "if GEJ was Hausa-Fulani Muslim, would we have supported him and painted him as a Messiah sent directly to rescue us by God?"

Change2015:
One thing you must understand is that Buhari’s appeal is to a large extent personal, based on his known history and his lifestyle and his vision. That is why he is acceptable to large numbers in the North and across the nation. I have seldom heard him speak about his local government or state such that I might be concerned that he is some petty ethnic chief. That is important for national appeal. He has also given himself good exposure with his previous campaigns. Now based on his political strength in the north, the West recognised a sellable product that they can live with as a partner in power. Thus there is an alliance of equals united in pursuit of the same goal.
The Igbo equivalent would need to also have a demonstrable appeal across the whole east. There is no way around that. But the states are politically fractured with pdp controlling the majority and APGA and APC having one state each. Some Ndigbo may laugh at Buhari, but he has earned his place in the national consciousness by sheer endurance and determination. Jonathan that cruised to power has proved utterly unsuitable and perhaps because he has really never had to refine views and fight for his beliefs. I'm not exactly sure what Ohaneze stands for but in the West we know Tinubu has overthrown Afenifere while still keeping some faith with the Awoist tendencies. Arewa also has its own style.
The Igbo Buhari /supporter would be more focused on the ideas the man brings to the discussion, the policy, the things he wants to achieve, and not simply the fact that he occupies, or wants to occupy a position. The position must be used to the benefit of the country, especially the average Nigerian. I like Rochas and hear good things about him, but politics at its worst is a game of numbers, and the party will ask, how many votes will this man bring to the equation. It may be that he needs to go through the vice president slot first, but if his own home based is still multi-fractured, that time and discussion may never happen.

#change
#GMB
#APC

I must admit that yours is the Most Intellectual response so far! Thanks!
Sometimes a lot of people assume that questions are thrown up so that we can abuse ourselves or accuse ourselves, but no, as a new generation of Nigerians we must learn to observe and discuss even the most sensitive of our national issues without having to resort to rancour and vituperations. Because it is only through dialogue and discussions that we can learn to live and love one another.
Once more, thanks for your intellectual input.

obailala:
In my initial response, I tried to answer your question. If Buhari was Igbo, he definitely wouldn't have received the kind of support he receives today and there are clear reasons for that.

Firstly, it is not contestable that the northerners support GMB primarily because he is one of their own so if Buhari was Igbo, the northerners wouldn't support him for obvious reasons, to be clear, the northerners will only massively support their own. With the north out of this discussion, it leaves us with the SW, SS and Middle Belt.

"

I am happy that you have finally taken the discussions in the very manner it ought to be taken.
Let me enlighten you to a little fact which might be responsible for the paranoia which you accused us of being. Ndigbo as an ethnic group have a special history in this country called nigeria. We have a history that is peculiar to us; a history which we share with none but ourselves alone. So it is very normal if we are always observing what other ethnic group think or do about us. And if we get edgy on national issues that involves one of us, it is simply because we as Ndigbo have that special history which I spoke of, and thus we must always watch out for one of our own. Because as you yourself pointed out, all eyes are on us, and when all eyes are on you it breeds hatred, fear&jealousy and many other vicious activities that hatred breeds. When people talk about Igbos playing the victim card, I look at them and tell them I don't blame them. I don't blame them because they have no idea of what we have been through as Ndigbo. I really have to stop here because am getting really tensed up talking about what we have witnessed as Ndigbo in Nigeria. But I must say one thing and I want you bear that in mind; Nigeria may strive but never will be successful except the Igbo Man is given his rightful place in this entity called Nigeria.

If Buhari was ibo, he would have been called an efulefu for not supporting Jonathan

lazsnaira:
I am happy that you have finally taken the discussions in the very manner it ought to be taken.
Let me enlighten you to a little fact which might be responsible for the paranoia which you accused us of being. Ndigbo as an ethnic group have a special history in this country called nigeria. We have a history that is peculiar to us; a history which we share with none but ourselves alone. So it is very normal if we are always observing what other ethnic group think or do about us. And if we get edgy on national issues that involves one of us, it is simply because we as Ndigbo have that special history which I spoke of, and thus we must always watch out for one of our own. Because as you yourself pointed out, all eyes are on us, and when all eyes are on you it breeds hatred, fear&jealousy and many other vicious activities that hatred breeds. When people talk about Igbos playing the victim card, I look at them and tell them I don't blame them. I don't blame them because they have no idea of what we have been through as Ndigbo. I really have to stop here because am getting really tensed up talking about what we have witnessed as Ndigbo in Nigeria. But I must say one thing and I want you bear that in mind; Nigeria may strive but never will be successful except the Igbo Man is given his rightful place in this entity called Nigeria.

I pointed out a very sour tasting precedence where even dishonourable characters were defended unnecessarily all because they were Igbo; an act which does not tell well of Ndigbo at all. You also buttressed my worry in your original statement when you alluded that there were 'campaigns of calumny' against certain Igbos. In my own convictions, I don't believe those individuals were singled out 'because they were Igbo' (as many Igbos claim), this was purely just the same Igbo paranoia playing out because not only Igbos were affected by cabinet reshuffles and the deposed Igbos were replaced by Igbos to maintain the quota system.

What annoys me however is why we have to openly throw our weight behind a person 'who is caught' in malpractice. Even if we must defend our people, it should be done covertly and not in full glare of the world.

lazsnaira:
I must admit that yours is the Most Intellectual response so far! Thanks!
Sometimes a lot of people assume that questions are thrown up so that we can abuse ourselves or accuse ourselves, but no, as a new generation of Nigerians we must learn to observe and discuss even the most sensitive of our national issues without having to resort to rancour and vituperations. Because it is only through dialogue and discussions that we can learn to live and love one another.
Once more, thanks for your intellectual input.

Thanks for your kind words.

#change
#GMB
#APC

WisdomFlakes:
You are so on point with this comment, and I share your sentiment. I see Rochas as probably the next Nigerian President after GMB coz of his across-the-board appeal. But it seems the average South Easterner hates his guts coz he's neither in APGA or PDP. That, to my mind, is warped and twisted.

I beg to disagree with you on Rochas as the next president. The reason is simple, the APC represents the mainstream of yoruba politics which has been out of power since 1999. Obasanjo was more a creation and imposition of the military, and core yoruba politics has never embraced him. After waiting so long and building their strength and unity to what it is now, I can understand why they would think the next turn would be theirs.
A question that must be answered is this. Why are there almost no Ndigbo politicians of cross-state appeal in the East? Why is there no consensus on what Ndigbo want in Nigeria? Why is there no one or group that articulates the desires of the East effectively in a way that galvanises support at all levels of society and also speaks agreeably to the rest of the country?
A yoruba politician can not expect to prosper if he thrashes the legacy of Awolowo and to a lesser extent Jakande, but Azikiwe and Ojukwu have lived to see horrible proof that their influence does not run deep when it comes to electoral support. It makes me wonder because in the north and west you have 'great' governors of the civilian era (Jakande, Rimi, Balarabe Musa, Fashola etc) but in the East we see some vilified like no other (vaguely recalling Mbadinuju).

#change
#GMB
#APC

lazsnaira:
I can categorically tell you Yes! The Ijaws and all the waterside people will support him if he was an Igboman. The Ijaws and the riverine people of niger delta might have lived in the dark in those days of the Biafra war when they were still deluded by the lies from the northerners, but now I do not see them making the same mistake adaka boro & saro wiwa made. And on our own part as Ndigbo it is very wrong for us to think that it is only those in Enugu Abia IMO Eboyi & Anambra states that are Igbo people, we must realize that being an Igbo person is rather defined by language and culture and not the state boundaries created to make Ndigbo look small. There are Ndigbo all over niger delta and the riverine areas and I can tell you categorically that those in the Nigerian made southeastern states are Not more Igbo than those in Niger Delta and the Riverine Areas!

Stop making yourself happy with this submission or assertion; other tribes are spread across the country just like Igbos in riverine or Niger delta.

Change2015:
I beg to disagree with you on Rochas as the next president. The reason is simple, the APC represents the mainstream of yoruba politics which has been out of power since 1999. Obasanjo was more a creation and imposition of the military, and core yoruba politics has never embraced him. After waiting so long and building their strength and unity to what it is now, I can understand why they would think the next turn would be theirs.
A question that must be answered is this. Why are there almost no Ndigbo politicians of cross-state appeal in the East? Why is there no consensus on what Ndigbo want in Nigeria? Why is there no one or group that articulates the desires of the East effectively in a way that galvanises support at all levels of society and also speaks agreeably to the rest of the country?
A yoruba politician can not expect to prosper if he thrashes the legacy of Awolowo and to a lesser extent Jakande, but Azikiwe and Ojukwu have lived to see horrible proof that their influence does not run deep when it comes to electoral support. It makes me wonder because in the north and west you have 'great' governors of the civilian era (Jakande, Rimi, Balarabe Musa, Fashola etc) but in the East we see some vilified like no other (vaguely recalling Mbadinuju).

#change
#GMB
#APC

Thank you for this explanation; perfect submission.

Igbos ll never become a president of this great country going by their repulsive attitude over the years. They have always regarded every truth threw at them as an act of jealousy from other Nigerians.

Igbo man ll easily become a president of this country the moment Igbos stop being tribalistic in all their ways with other Nigerians.

Igbos need either North or South West to become a president of this country but these two Nations ll never trust Igbos with a position of authority. Having Witnessed what Igbos did in 60s and Jonathan administration, it ll be difficult for any Igbo man to be trusted with presidency

Obiagelli:
Good question, another one is if buhari was an igbo, would Igbos have supported him? We have a potential buhari in Rochas Okorocha, he enjoys amazing support in the north and south west but what have we done to him in the east? The OP should also reflect on this.

Keep lying to yourself, He enjoys followership in the north b/c he's playing a minority role in APC, they had the opportunity to make him APC VP candidate and they didn't.
My support for Jonathan is based on what I have observed and not b/c he's Ijaw, if Jonathan was Igbo, I bet you Ijaws will never support him, rather they'll be the first to cast stones @ him, yeah we know the hatred that we ve found ourselves in a country we call our own. But there will be a day for reckoning maybe not in my lifetime or yours.

azimibraun:
Igboman with all his sharpness was decieve by GEJ by simply saying his name is azikiwe. Ameachi has asked the igbo ppl to request GEJ to communicate in igbo language till this moment the igbos have not asked and GEJ hs not spoken igbo. Come to think of it, what ws the role of the south-south ppl during the civil war? Gist has it that the. Igbo man alone held the federal troops for 3yrs. Ijaw Man and co. We're having a swell time drinking and rocking women. Igboman rediscover urself. Am not an igboman sha. I only just lk their hustling spirit.

Is 'Chibuzor' Amaechi an Igboman?

FolarinLondon:
Stop making yourself happy with this submission or assertion; other tribes are spread across the country just like Igbos in riverine or Niger delta.

This is rather meaningless! I can't see your point!

FolarinLondon:
Thank you for this explanation; perfect submission.

Igbos ll never become a president of this great country going by their repulsive attitude over the years. They have always regarded every truth threw at them as an act of jealousy from other Nigerians.

Igbo man ll easily become a president of this country the moment Igbos stop being tribalistic in all their ways with other Nigerians.

Igbos need either North or South West to become a president of this country but these two Nations ll never trust Igbos with a position of authority. Having Witnessed what Igbos did in 60s and Jonathan administration, it ll be difficult for any Igbo man to be trusted with presidency

Your mouth must be as wide as that of Abiola with no control, all you need do is open it as wide as an ape and pour out your rot.

lazsnaira:
Your mouth must be as wide as that of Abiola with no control, all you need do is open it as wide as an ape and pour out your rot.

Following your progenitors' footsteps.....

lazsnaira:
This is rather meaningless! I can't see your point!

Then learn how to read and comprehend

FolarinLondon:
Then learn how to read and comprehend

OK! I will learn how to read and comprehend your tripe! Now please go somewhere else and do your e-battle with your likes!

lazsnaira:
OK! I will learn how to read and comprehend your tripe! Now please go somewhere else and do your e-battle with your likes!

Thk God you r separating the wheat from the chaff.............Lmao!!!!!

I have often hear people say the Jews Control the world economy, who would have thought of that happening with all the antisemitism. This is how the story of Ndigbo will be in the end, it is already so at the moment but in few years time, it will become as pronounced and conspicuous as that of the Jews.