₦airaland Forum

freshvine:
Meritocracy... Education will now be emphasised and fully integrated making choice in every facet of human endeavour.

Fiscal Regime... Disadvantaged states like Bayelsa that owes workers backlogs will now have much more money for both capital and current expenditures. Imagine collapsing the yearly budgetary derivatives of states like Ogun, Kwara, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti and giving it all to Bayelsa since there'll be less state in the new Republic.

Resource control... Dangote, Dantata, indimi, Tinubu, etc will no longer own oil blocks but we'll start hearing names like Sotonye, diepreye, oluka, wonodi etc controlling these blocks.

Religion, custom, tradition and tribe are distinct features of the people of biafra. They eat the same food too.

You are being idealistic.

Mind you, all SSners don't even eat the same food talk less of with SE. Here's the reality :

1. Urhobo/Isoko : Starch and Owho soup (not eaten by any other tribe apart from some Ijaws and Itsekiris)
2. Ibibio-Efik cluster: Afang, Edikaikong (not eaten by any other tribe apart from enthusiasts)
3. Ijaw: I don't even know of their dishes and don't think I can eat them even though I'm Urhobo
4. Ogoni: same as above
5. Bini: same as 3
6. Esan: same as 3
Etc

My point is that all of us in the Niger Delta are worlds apart. We only happen to share a geographical region and common struggles. So your argument of oneness with Igbo is a fallacy. We are not one with Igbo!

freshvine:
The facility Dangote is building in lagos and the proposal of lifting crude to that point, what's that process called?

His sudden interest in Bonny LNG nko?

You're very funny when you said ibos own more oil blocks than the northerners. I'll intend it as a joke

Get your facts right. Igbos own most of the oil wells in Nigeria. Many are owned jointly with Northerners while a few are owned solely by Igbos. Emeka Offor alone own more than 10 oil wells, so also with Andy Uba.

If you need proof of this just say it.

Im an Urhobo nd i dont blive Urhobo will benefit much frm Biafra because majority of Igbos speak ill of us

Zhirinovsky:
Freedom!!!
Truth be told, the Igbos do not go into another man's town on horses and guns to subdue them like the hausa fulanis. Hae you ever heard of an Igbo empire that went into another man's tribe to subdue and enslave them like the Yoruba and fulanis empires of the old?
The Niger Deltans are shooting themselves on the foot by creating enmity with the Igbos. Do you know why SS And SE brotherliness pains the Yorubas? Because the know what it entails. A strong union like the Hausa-fulani which will make a South southerner has a big say in the country and turn a minority into a major stakeholder that the Yorubas can't even match

Ever wondered what 2015 election results would had looked like had it been the Igbos deserted the ijaws?
Each nigerdeltan tribe will hae a say in the Biafran govt unlike in Nigeria where everything is all about the hausa and fulanis. Check out Biafra then, Gen Phillip Effing a calabar man was the second in command. That's how a govt should be. How many of your kinsmen are heading the army? Or in any of the top 4 positions of the govt? Or DSS, SARS?
Some Yorubas and Hausa-fulani event think GEJ is Igbo. Because of how Igbos support him. For an. Igbo man "Agbataobi Onye bu nwanne ya " your neighbor is your brother.

Your argument is solid but they are merely promises. Yorubas can promise us exactly what you are promising now. Apart from that, we'd feel safer dealing with smaller groups like ourselves than with a majority like Igbo.

spreado:
Im an Urhobo nd i dont blive Urhobo will benefit much frm Biafra because majority of Igbos speak ill of us

"much"? Urhobos will not benefit ANYTHING from Biafra! Urhobos and Igbos are worlds apart.

mathy001:
Which 60%? Statements like this are the reason why I will never support any Biafra where minorities are in.
Lets look at the stats now:
Edo: 1 Igbo community (Igbanke), est pop. 20,000
Delta: Just one senatorial district of which Ndokwa and Ika deny being Igbo, est pop. 1.2m
Bayelsa: No Igbo community
Rivers: Igboid groups dominated, est pop. 2m
Akwa Ibom: No Igbo community
Cross Rivers: one or two Igbo settlements, est pop 10,000


How does the above estimated 3.2m Igboid groups account for 60% of Niger Delta's 25milion population?

You see why we will never trust Igbos? You don't yet have Biafra but you feel you own the South. What will then happen when you do?

Just advocate for an igboid country and leave minorities in the South alone. They have nothing to gain but Igbo domination!

The arrogance is irritating. Roping in people without due consultation into your agitations and claiming populations that are not yours?

I consult a lot of elders and youths on this issue time and time again and the general consensus is always that they prefer autonomy to being under the Igbos. Ibos, no matter how nice they sound now, will try to make slaves of the other minority tribes by dominating them through sheer numbers. A typical Ibo man tries to suppress you even in your domain talkless of when outside it.

Biafra is their dream, and I know my people want no part of it.

ezenwajosh:
The sit at home in Niger delta made it clear what they will gain.....don't eat the yam when its not done.....IF U NEED THE LIST OF WHAT THEY WILL GAIN VISIT NNAMDI KANU

Nobody sat at home in the Niger Delta. It was only parts of PH where Igbos are dominant that it was observed. Provide proof that people sat at home rather than go about their normal lives in Warri, Uyo, Yenagoa, and Calabar!

kidaberry:
thank you my brother

kul, that's the truth I really don't want this Biafra stuff to b fruitful because no one knows if they are going to be worse than the Nigeria we have right now

Ballmer:
Am sorry but is Biafra constitutionally recognised in Nigeria ?

That is why the Biafran agitators are seeking referendum. Referendum can make Biafra constitutiinal.

Nigeria its self isnt even constitutional since nobody conducted a referendum for its creation

Develpeast:
When you argue with people online, you should always know that argument breeds emotional outburst whereby 60% of what will be said will be emotional and not logical.

I understand your pains because it makes you feel that igbos are inflating numbers of their people in the south south. But in truth, this should not be the reason why you will not join biafra. If that is your fear, in Biafra, there will not be anything like south south but people known according to tribe. Urhobo tribe will have a nationalistic face and not one of the tribe in big delta.

A biafra will give you an opportunity to sign a document in the presence of AU and the UN to state categorically what you need from the new country based on agreement from stakeholders. Even if its not been touted in the public, everyone knows that no one stupid and everybody will have to come into an agreement before anyone joins the country.

I also fault my people of not coming formerly to engage in profitable conversation with you but I believe that the shout for Biafra is a launching pad for everyone who seek to leave this country to launch his own.

Igbos are a people who voice their minds without even mincing it, many a times, it comes from the wrong source but does not mean they are arrogant. They most say things the way they see it and are not apologetic about it. They will not kill you or forcefully take what is yours, they do not have the mindset.

All these are nothing but mere promises! What have Igbos ever done to make anyone believe in their promises?

The same Igbos that came Lagos is no man's land because their people "developed" it! Why won't you also claim Urhoboland was developed by Igbos as no man's land too?

mathy001:
This is a good point but it is only a promise.

What if that's exactly what the new country stands for?

Candyrain:
What if that's exactly what the new country stands for?

Anyone can stand for anything. That doesn't mean the reality will be as promising as the thought of it.

mathy001:
I'll tell you.

In Nigeria, we have three majority tribes that checkmate each other's excesses.

In Biafra, we'd have just the Igbo and be at their mercy! We can never dream of presidency or national status.

You may say otherwise but that is just talk! Let's face reality! What proof do we have that Igbos will be any better than Hausa in Biafra?

I prefer the devil we know to the angel we don't!

The truth remains that you are scared and in this country, you love playing the little one watching the big boys fight. When the fight comes to you, you will need to call your friends to join you in the battle field which might not always work out well for you because your friends have one or two beef with you.

I believe you say you are urhobo and from what is known in this country, you do not have a fair face in the nation's decision making regarding your tribe. You only depend on the portion that you will get when the south south is called upon. I hope you know this not a fair stand from your tribe because you all need to be heard and when you talk, people will able to listen. Urhobo people need a nationalistic face and Biafra will give you that.

If we come to the worst case scenario, i.e what they say we want your oil. How do you feel when 19 states who do not care about you are receiving more than your tribe receives. You might say delta state receives one of the largest allocations in the country, but what is the share of urhobo people and what is the share of zamfara people in your national cake? igbos are bringing forward, 5 states and a population of 30 million to eat with you, of which they too have oil in their backyard. which is better? A northerner who doesnt even know there is a tribe called urhobo or a tribe who still cherish lives and property and have not in any time taken what is yours.

Urhobos will be richer in biafra, I mean thrice richer than their present wealth in this country. More people will have access to the wealth of its people than what is obtainable in this country.

You have the opportunity to fight for resource control before you join. Isn't that all you want all these years, fighting and crying?

Urhobos do not stand a chance based on ethnic nationality to head this country nigeria, but you have every opportunity to head biafra when you combine forces with other ethnic groups to oust the igbos from the presidency. You know its an easier fight there and you will not deny it. Igbos do not really fight for these positions and they are business minded to chase it most times that is why the east have the lowest voters when it comes to senatorial elections because they simply do not care. If you even look at the presidency, they just dont vote because they do not see it as a success.

mathy001:
Anyone can stand for anything. That doesn't mean the reality will be as promising as the thought of it.

Engaging you in a discuss most times is enervating because you already have your mind made up.

I'll suggest we let things be. We are obviously the majority, if our elders/leaders are able to convince yours of the genuineness of the struggle with no ulterior motives and they buy into it then good and fine and if not still good and fine.

No need for all these back and forth arguments. Let's leave it to our leaders to agree or not to agree. Have a good day

Henrybright:
I really don't know how 60% of igbos make up niger Delta when it is only Abia and IMO are recognised Niger Delta state

What of the igbos in rivers state?

Some people are just typing as if they would have the power in the new country to give Niger delta resource control

mathy001:
All these are nothing but mere promises! What have Igbos ever done to make anyone believe in their promises?

The same Igbos that came Lagos is no man's land because their people "developed" it! Why won't you also claim Urhoboland was developed by Igbos as no man's land too?

Every agitation starts with an idea or a grievance. It also always start from a point source which later spread like fuel. We are in the level of agitation, let everybody who is discontented about the kind of country we are in begin to make noise. If you do not like the way the country been run, make your voice count. That is agitation. That is why they always say 'lovers of freedom'. This is because without you knowing it, people are not free in this country to do what they need to do. Just yesterday, the federal govt revoked license for three south south companies to own an OPL. Is that one freedom to invest?

Do you really think the lagos governor cares about the statement made by igbos that it is a no man's land? The man that got 320 billion naira as IGR is not concerned about what you or I say about his state except he is jobless. So, as a person, this should not be your worry because you know that you are making your money through taxes but they cannot say they want to be the governor of urhobo state. They will not attempt it, so why are you bothered about these things when the main income is being consumed by you.

your are always free to choose any people you feel more comfortable with bro. whether Biafra or Nigeria.

mathy001:
Your argument is solid but they are merely promises. Yorubas can promise us exactly what you are promising now. Apart from that, we'd feel safer dealing with smaller groups like ourselves than with a majority like Igbo.

Igbo frauds

The answer is absolutely nothing.

Even as it is today we are already outnumbered by these parasites both in population and in positions that matters in this country.

Joining Biafra will only make it worse.
Presently Nigeria is dependent on the SS 80%, but with ND in Biafra it will be 99%.
I'm already in a parasitic union, but still I'm alive.
I don't want a union that its level of parastism will kill me.
If you ask me; I'd want a Niger Delta country just for the 6 SS states alone.

Biafra can agitate for whatever they want, but they shouldn't extend their agitation to SS. We've never said we want Biafra neither have we asked for any referendum on our soil.

Fight your battles and leave us alone. Biafra is an ideology of ibos in the SE.
Our struggle here in the SS/ND has nothing to do with biafra.

mathy001:
You are being idealistic.

Mind you, all SSners don't even eat the same food talk less of with SE. Here's the reality :

1. Urhobo/Isoko : Starch and Owho soup (not eaten by any other tribe apart from some Ijaws and Itsekiris)
2. Ibibio-Efik cluster: Afang, Edikaikong (not eaten by any other tribe apart from enthusiasts)
3. Ijaw: I don't even know of their dishes and don't think I can eat them even though I'm Urhobo
4. Ogoni: same as above
5. Bini: same as 3
6. Esan: same as 3
Etc

My point is that all of us in the Niger Delta are worlds apart. We only happen to share a geographical region and common struggles. So your argument of oneness with Igbo is a fallacy. We are not one with Igbo!

It is the ingredient of fraud they have so tenaciously locked unto as if in a death grip, in this their biafran struggle that remains a living curse within it.

They did not even sit with other ethnic groups before thinking (assuming haphazardly) that their sons should go and die for them in their quarell with other people of Nigeria.

Instead of them (less solidly structured historically as they have been) to apologise to us for that initial error made by their own parents, they are oblivious of it and wallow in the mire of it today.

Let me remind you that while the white man paid our kings tax to do business within our domains, it was the white man that had to create and install warrant chiefs for the Igbo people when they wanted to implement indirect rule.

They should henceforth keep quite while the south-south is talking

Candyrain:
Engaging you in a discuss most times is enervating because you already have your mind made up.

I'll suggest we let things be. We are obviously the majority, if our elders/leaders are able to convince yours of the genuineness of the struggle with no ulterior motives and they buy into it then good and fine and if not still good and fine.

No need for all these back and forth arguments. Let's leave it to our leaders to agree or not to agree. Have a good day

I've not made up my mind. Contrary to what you think, I'm going softer these days because I keep seeing things in new lights. I used to be vehemently against Biafra but now I'm totally in support of it. The only clause for me is that minorities may not gain anything from it. So I'm more in support of an Igboid Biafra first before negotiations can be made for other ethnicities to be drafted, IF they are interested in it. That way, there'd be freedom of choice and an example to look upon.

As we read views and argue, however heated they become, our views also change and at the least, we learn from others. As long as the argument does not resort to tribal slurs.

Develpeast:
Every agitation starts with an idea or a grievance. It also always start from a point source which later spread like fuel. We are in the level of agitation, let everybody who is discontented about the kind of country we are in begin to make noise. If you do not like the way the country been run, make your voice count. That is agitation. That is why they always say 'lovers of freedom'. This is because without you knowing it, people are not free in this country to do what they need to do. Just yesterday, the federal govt revoked license for three south south companies to own an OPL. Is that one freedom to invest?

Do you really think the lagos governor cares about the statement made by igbos that it is a no man's land? The man that got 320 billion naira as IGR is not concerned about what you or I say about his state except he is jobless. So, as a person, this should not be your worry because you know that you are making your money through taxes but they cannot say they want to be the governor of urhobo state. They will not attempt it, so why are you bothered about these things when the main income is being consumed by you.

I concede that you make a good defence devoid of emotional rants.

However, the main thing is whether or not Igbos in Biafra will act upon the many promises made. APC also made many promises and Urhobos voted for them, even against their Ijaw brother. Today, Delta Central is APC but we don't have anything to show for it in terms of appointment, developments and what have we.

I still stand on the ground that Igbos should rally Igboid groups first and declare Biafra. The minorities will be the ones to come and negotiate terms of confederation should they like the prospect of the new nation.

mathy001:
I've not made up my mind. Contrary to what you think, I'm going softer these days because I keep seeing things in new lights. I used to be vehemently against Biafra but now I'm totally in support of it. The only clause for me is that minorities may not gain anything from it. So I'm more in support of an Igboid Biafra first before negotiations can be made for other ethnicities to be drafted, IF they are interested in it. That way, there'd be freedom of choice and an example to look upon.

As we read views and argue, however heated they become, our views also change and at the least, we learn from others. As long as the argument does not resort to tribal slurs.

Noted. Thanks

I believe u are for restructuring of the country I suppose and I want to believe u've gone through this thread

https://www.nairaland.com/3831653/fg-why-restructuring-wont-work

That thread made it clear that restructuring in Nigeria is impossible. Igbos calling other ethnic nationalities to join in the struggle is to have a collective voice which would be loud enough that no one can ignore. We all have our various struggles including the Urhobos and this has been on for years, what has been the outcome so far? A lone voice is not always heard.

So in light of what was said in that thread, how else do u think we can push for the restructuring?

Note that before the Igbos set out for all out secession they were for restructuring which was the Aburi Accord.

mathy001:
I concede that you make a good defence devoid of emotional rants.

However, the main thing is whether or not Igbos in Biafra will act upon the many promises made. APC also made many promises and Urhobos voted for them, even against their Ijaw brother. Today, Delta Central is APC but we don't have anything to show for it in terms of appointment, developments and what have we.

I still stand on the ground that Igbos should rally Igboid groups first and declare Biafra. The minorities will be the ones to come and negotiate terms of confederation should they like the prospect of the new nation.

The igboid groups will join the Biafra. Their affinity is closer towards the east than any other place because if they do not, the risk been over-marginalized by the other groups.

In the case of other southerners, it is an advice and I urge you to do it. We will need to sit down and have an agreement whereby anyone in Ogoja will not feel.less of him or herself when they join Biafra. Your leaders will be there and they will list what they want.

The major thing I know the southerners want is the ability to control their resources and if given the opportunity, then there will be no problem coming from any axis.

Ballmer:
Am sorry but is Biafra constitutionally recognised in Nigeria ?

ROFLMAO!!

mathy001:
Nobody sat at home in the Niger Delta. It was only parts of PH where Igbos are dominant that it was observed. Provide proof that people sat at home rather than go about their normal lives in Warri, Uyo, Yenagoa, and Calabar!

What ever that puts your mind at peace

mathy001:
This is a good point but it is only a promise.

It is not a promise it is the responsibility of the people of the Niger Delta to make their ports attractive for importers to choose from if they want to make to make money.

I am sure they are not happy that their ports are not good enough to be used

Develpeast:
The truth remains that you are scared and in this country, you love playing the little one watching the big boys fight. When the fight comes to you, you will need to call your friends to join you in the battle field which might not always work out well for you because your friends have one or two beef with you.

I believe you say you are urhobo and from what is known in this country, you do not have a fair face in the nation's decision making regarding your tribe. You only depend on the portion that you will get when the south south is called upon. I hope you know this not a fair stand from your tribe because you all need to be heard and when you talk, people will able to listen. Urhobo people need a nationalistic face and Biafra will give you that.

If we come to the worst case scenario, i.e what they say we want your oil. How do you feel when 19 states who do not care about you are receiving more than your tribe receives. You might say delta state receives one of the largest allocations in the country, but what is the share of urhobo people and what is the share of zamfara people in your national cake? igbos are bringing forward, 5 states and a population of 30 million to eat with you, of which they too have oil in their backyard. which is better? A northerner who doesnt even know there is a tribe called urhobo or a tribe who still cherish lives and property and have not in any time taken what is yours.

Urhobos will be richer in biafra, I mean thrice richer than their present wealth in this country. More people will have access to the wealth of its people than what is obtainable in this country.

You have the opportunity to fight for resource control before you join. Isn't that all you want all these years, fighting and crying?

Urhobos do not stand a chance based on ethnic nationality to head this country nigeria, but you have every opportunity to head biafra when you combine forces with other ethnic groups to oust the igbos from the presidency. You know its an easier fight there and you will not deny it. Igbos do not really fight for these positions and they are business minded to chase it most times that is why the east have the lowest voters when it comes to senatorial elections because they simply do not care. If you even look at the presidency, they just dont vote because they do not see it as a success.

You have not instilled any reassurance in anybody with this long epistle. It is riddled with inconsistencies. And stop recycling this fallacy that the "Urhobos ....... have every opportunity to head biafra when you combine forces with other ethnic groups to oust the Igbos from the presidency." What strange forces are those? How on earth will an Urhobo man become president in an Igbo-dominated Biafra? Are you talking to schoolkids? Una no even fit tell beta lie. Chai!

laudate:
You have not instilled any reassurance in anybody with this long epistle. It is riddled with inconsistencies. And stop recycling this fallacy that the "Urhobos ....... have every opportunity to head biafra when you combine forces with other ethnic groups to oust the Igbos from the presidency." What strange forces are those? How on earth will an Urhobo man become president in an Igbo-dominated Biafra? Are you talking to schoolkids? Una no even fit tell beta lie. Chai!

Big bross, I'm quoting you after a long time now, I believe that the days of tribal war is coming to an end on this forum..... Don't you think that you have the power to influence the constitution to suit your objective at the initial? To draft it in a way that no ethnic group can have an absolute grip on the presidency as it is obtainable in Nigeria.
I believe that the Biafrans are ready to give ND lot of consensus especially in the area of constitution and structure of the country. One of the major important factor is correct a century old mistake....

Ekinematics:
The answer is absolutely nothing.

Even as it is today we are already outnumbered by these parasites both in population and in positions that matters in this country.

Joining Biafra will only make it worse.
Presently Nigeria is dependent on the SS 80%, but with ND in Biafra it will be 99%.
I'm already in a parasitic union, but still I'm alive.
I don't want a union that its level of parastism will kill me.
If you ask me; I'd want a Niger Delta country just for the 6 SS states alone.

Biafra can agitate for whatever they want, but they shouldn't extend their agitation to SS. We've never said we want Biafra neither have we asked for any referendum on our soil.

Fight your battles and leave us alone. Biafra is an ideology of ibos in the SE.
Our struggle here in the SS/ND has nothing to do with biafra.

Mr man who gave you the right to speak for the Anioma, Obigbo and Egbema people? Did they tell you that they want Niger-Delta republic?

laudate:
You have not instilled any reassurance in anybody with this long epistle. It is riddled with inconsistencies. And stop recycling this fallacy that the "Urhobos ....... have every opportunity to head biafra when you combine forces with other ethnic groups to oust the Igbos from the presidency." What strange forces are those? How on earth will an Urhobo man become president in an Igbo-dominated Biafra? Are you talking to schoolkids? Una no even fit tell beta lie. Chai!

It is you who is seeing the inconsistency. A united south has more influence than the east in Biafra. A united south has no influence against the north talkless of the west in Nigeria. You can debate that all you want.

An urhobo tribe will be well known, better represented in Biafra than Nigeria. You debate that all you want.

Urhobo and other southern minorities have for once in history to negotiate their individual existence before agreeing to be part of a union. If they do not agree, then they opt to stay back with the country.

It is something that you must do and you will not shy away from it. Negotiations must be in place because everyone will be starting from the beginning. It is a big task, but it is worth trying.