₦airaland Forum

Onlytruth: Let me predict what would most likely happen in Lagos after Nigeria's disintegration.
IT DEPENDS ON A LOT OF THINGS.

My quickest guess is that Lagos would become a special separate country like The Vatican. In all, all Lagosians ( residents, owners of land and buildings/investments) would have EQUAL and FULL citizenship rights in the nation of Lagos. The nation of Lagos would relate with all other nations that came out of Nigeria as she may want depending on the political persuasions of Lagos citizens.

The same would likely be Abuja's fate.

Anything short of these will LIKELY lead to conflict, for sure. The conflict may be short lived, or endless depending on how interest groups play the game.

Nwannem I think Lagos will, by default, be part and parcel of Oduaa. The only thing I see is that its status as the financial center of West Africa will take a giant hit as all the new nations will be racing to the top. In the end things will level off and we all will be fine. ekt_bear is very optimistic and there's nothing wrong with it. You know, the easiest way to fail is to fail before you begin.

Anyway, for us in the East it'll be good riddance to bad rubbish, we've not benefited anything from this nation since 1967 so who cares if Nigeria breaks into 1000 tiny bits. What I do know is that in the end people who're culturally compatible will make alliances and do their thing while those that are incompatible will go their separate ways.

antartica: This is really mind-boggling and something the igbos have to start considering.Nigeria is a fragile state that could disappear anytime.

Naturally,the adventurous igbo mind is always on the quest to colonize economically but that could only be applicable in developed or developing societies not in nigeria that is developing backwards with religious fundamentalism and gross moral decadence.

You're right. Like my people say - a fly that fails to heed to wise counsel accompanies the corpse to the grave. I feel sorry for those brothers who put their money anywhere they see "vacant office space to let" in Nigeria, I only hope they're right.

namfav: big mouths no action, says it all about the east, i have nothing further to add

I feel compelled to ask you - What is the action of North East and North West? I'm happy that at least Imo State is enrolling thousands of under-grads as we speak and last time I checked Imo is in the East. Dont get it twisted because we like to discuss our problem in the open, we do it because its a powerful way to nudge ourselves in the right direction. Like I said - dont get it twisted.

Beaf: The amnesty for the real militants has long come and gone.

Those that are just beginning to clamour were never part of the struggle, but are opportunists who want to go abroad for training and such stuff, because they think that is the beginning and end of the ND cause.
Quite a few of them are known armed robbers.

Makes sense.

bashr8: alhajiharem/jason is this meant to deceive us into believeing ur itshekiri try something else

I believe he is, but for alj harem, man - only God knows where hes from - Lol. Though, me think hes probably a normal guy one can hang out with, that is if hes not getting ready to storm NL, Lol.

jason123: The national representative body of the Itsekiris pointed out the obvious and all you can call them is "thieves"? Beaf! Na real wa for you! Anyway, God will judge fairly! One thing is that its not only Ijaws that fought for the Niger-delta! Ilajes and Uhrobos protested few months ago. . .we dey watch!

Do you believe that? Not that I dont believe it, just wondering if you honestly do.

Beaf: Every armed robber is protesting for amnesty.

Beaf do you mind explaining a little bit..

jason123: By DANIEL GUMM

WARRI—THE Itsekiri, under the aegis of Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC, has petitioned the House of Representatives over alleged exclusion of former militants of Itsekiri extraction from the amnesty programme.

The petition, by Messrs David Tonwe and Isaac Dorsu, National President and General Secretary, respectively, to the Speaker, Alhaji Waziri Tambuwal, alleged “we are constrained to draw your attention to the deliberate refusal of the Presidential Special Adviser on Niger Delta, Mr Kingsley Kuku, whose office is saddled with the responsibility of implementing the post-amnesty programme in the Niger Delta region, to accommodate ‘qualified’ youths of Itsekiri extraction into the post-amnesty programme, despite the fact that these former armed youths had given up all illegal arms to representatives of the then amnesty committee.

They had and also completely renounced militancy, in response to the June 2005-2009 proclamation of amnesty for Niger Delta militants.”

The group alleged that “from media reports over 23,000 former armed youths have benefited from the post-amnesty programme. It is now clear to us that Mr Kuku is least interested in accommodating any ‘qualified’ youth of Itsekiri extraction into the post-amnesty programme, and the reason for this anti-Itsekiri position can, among others, be located within the context of the inter-Ijaw and Itsekiri differences.

”Given the extent to which he is prepared to go in denying any Itsekiri youth, irrespective of meeting the necessary requirements for participating in the post-amnesty programme, we are constrained to humbly seek the intervention of this House.”

The petition which was presented on the floor of the House by the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Mr. Daniel Reyenieju, has been referred to the House Committee on Public Petition.”

The House had earlier set up a joint committee to look into the level of implementation of the amnesty programme. The action was necessitated by reports of disgruntlement from different groups and individuals from the Niger Delta region alleging selective approach to the implementation.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/04/itsekiri-protest-exclusion-from-amnesty-programme/

I hope this amnesty thing doesn't end up creating unimaginative and unambitious youths. That number (bolded) is scary, it means Niger Delta has a strong standing army - not that I dont want them to have strong army, but to have 23,000 healthy and agile youths waiting to get monthly allowance from Abuja, even as enticing as it is, may turn out to be dangerous - Reason: it could kill their future by limiting their drive to explore the world out there.

I hope the recipients of these allowances are adding values to their lives by futhering their education. What's happening in the north today should be a good case-study for the youths in ND. The reason I mentioned north, core north to be precise, is that its easy to be laid-back as soon as you think you're in control of some political power or resources and then wake up 20 yrs later to realize you're actually behind those that didnt have that power and resource.

Dont let this allowance fool you - it could be a trojan horse.

Cant see what you did, the pic is dark.

CyberG: @Sam, I will address a short reply because of my perception of you as a moderate NLander - we all have passions that drive us and that is okay!

Citing your post was more of a compliment because you actually made concrete statements not just heap out blanket abuses, insults and insinuation about your feeling - which to a large extent is what a lot of Igbos wish to communicate but rather they would tribally insult. Contrary to your opinion, I am not scapegoating the Ibos - you have no idea of where I am from, where I have lived, or anything about me. The original post I was quoting from, had majority of the tribally slanted abuses from the people I quoted who happen to be mostly Ibos and an ID that appears to be from the SS. It is evident that the problems of Nigeria is the fault every one, there is no part that is a saint but on NL, the two who are always in an "e-fight" are the Ibos and Yorubas. Again, that thread at the time I cited the posts, had mostly terrible comments from these usual tribalists and if there were not any from other tribes, it was because they were not there or dominant or strongly worded to warrant my attention. One more thing, except for the ID Akpan, all the others are known tribalists and that is why you see the likes of Afam4eva already spoiling for a fight he has always lost.

Now, to more general issues. I am confident that I have listed names of people who are obviously Igbos, Yorubas as tribalists in the past. It was a long list and that is here on NLand and I go not by the names but by their established reputation of the IDs. In a recent post, Panzieza (another budding tribalist) lashed out at me for brief comments I made after an Igbo politician championed ethnicity as the basis for the next president. He said GJ should hand over to the Igbos because Ironsi's regime was brief, etc and before I made my comments on how Presidency should not be a "tribe" thing, I gave an history of how Ironsi's regime was short and mirred in violence. That history is well known on NL and there are people who know WAY more than I know about the details but because I mentioned this, some would think it was tribal which it clearly is NOT.

Afam4eva, you know you are a joke saying nice words about Buhari, are you kidding yourself? You are a consummate tribalist, racist KKK trying to BS whoever doesn't know you here! There is hardly any day you do not cuss out the northerners, the westerners, the smaller groups or anyone who doesn't share your tribal world view. Saying you made nice comments is akin to a snake saying: "I saved some chicken eggs from being stolen and eaten today".

Its fine that you tried to squash it by explaining a little bit more. I know it might sound untrue but I really dislike talking about ethnicities and other BS that come with it. Sometimes I'm shocked that I come here only to end up defending my people's stuff, but thats life - you stay long in hell you see the devil, thats what NL is. My only hope is that we dont throw away the humanity in us just because of our divergent opinions on Nigeria.

Anyway, let me say a bit about Buhari issue before I log off. Buhari is very close to Aso Rock yet very far from it. Hes the only person stopping himself from being the president. A good general should know when to change strategy, for Buhari to win he needs to make friends across the board. Nigeria doesnt end in Kano and lagos, it extends to the creeks of Bayelsa and arid lands of the north, it extends from the evergreens of Obudu to the old slave towns of Badagry. The people living in those extremes of Nigeria are ready to welcome and listen to him but the question is - is he ready to go there? The political fight of today is changing, people are speaking and they're being heard gradually.

I feel bad for him because hes one of the least thieving generals and politicians left. I know I'm not really a big fan of Buhari but I have tremendous respect for him for not being a thief like others before and after him. Even though I dont belong to his camp, I'll be ready and willing to give him a try if he can at least re-invent himself and show some seriousness by campaigning everywhere. Its either hes dismissive of other people who are not in the north or he thinks we dont vote. If OBJ can win votes in the East then Buhari can win even more, its like hes given up or something. Hes very close yet too far, sometimes I wonder how he ended up as an unserious contender when IBB and Atiku, known thieves, are pulling weights.

[quote author=One_Naira]Chei see sam using us to do him homework come dey say na testing he wan do. I see what you are doing there sam, you ain't slick.

I wasn't participating in the fight but can I try solving the question? It's actually a good preparation for Mcat so I hope u no mind.

Anyway, I got 119.99km, attached is a picture of how I did it. If I'm wrong, please free to correct me and explain what I did wrong. It'll help me alot

https://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/photobucket398/2012-04-15172219.jpg


***Ejine and bitteyend, especially bitteyend, the english teacher, una can come back to to thread. No need to fear ****[/quote]Sorry, didn't know NL doesn't accept more than 200kb. Had to bring the doc down from 3.2mb to about 176kb, I know the pic is not clear but thats the best I can do now 'cause I'm busy. Whatever you're doing keep it up, keep doing it cause its working.

For the first question, Run-away NLers, the Ans is 11276.45 meters.

Rhino.5dm, my brother I was trying to end the fight. This thing Igbo vs Yoruba thing is no longer funny. Anyway, its been awhile I dealt with finite elements in partial DE. These days computers are widly used in getting more accurate precision without much sweat. Anyway, even though its been a while I can still solve it the brute force way so if you have a problem then lets see it.

Beaf: You know I can do the rest.
But I'm not involved in the argument, so I'm off the hook. The rest should be simple enough for anyone (especially bittyend, the "intellectual'') to solve.

Lol, yea you're right. Knowing that its relativistic is one part which shows your head is not empty after all. Good Beaf, I've always known you're not thick head.

jmaine: Sam . .why you dey fumigate this thread na . . . Na by quantum physics calculation . . you go take know genius . . .abeg free our actors joor : . . .

Ok, they're free now to resume their Oxford English chest beating.
Did you see how the thread became peaceful? I tire for this Igbo-Yoruba endless battle over everything, if its not english today its presidency tomorrow. While we're busy figuring out who speaks better than queen "Eliza" little Jewish nation of Isreal is chunning out loads and loads of Nobel winners in Physics and Chemistry. I tire oh.

Anyway, for those run-away fighters, you're now free to come back.

I've decided to extend it one more time - Yes guys, One hour.

I can see the whole thread is quiet, its like rapture just took place and the angels are gone! Oh what a wonderful day that would be, all the bickering in Oxford english would be no more. And the saints, which I'm hoping to be one of them - thats if I stay away from Nigerialand, would probably be in heaven asking God questions about Stream theory, Lol.

Beaf: ^
I'm late, but...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/math/d/7/c/d7cc8409c4c8040fc4db2ffd8f70fdd8.png

Lorentz transformation... You know the drill!

Ok, thats one step but you're not done yet. Good start though.

Lets give another 20 minutes. First 20 minutes elapsed about 2 minutes ago. Extra 20 minutes for African brothers.

I see everyone is claiming "Oxford, MIT, Stanfod,Yale, Harvad, etc.)
Anyway, it got me thinking maybe I should test the validity of this Oxfordism and MITsm with a relatively easy question. Fellas what field should we test our new smart gods on? Physics ...yeahhhh, thats where smart people slug it out not English, I bet you Einstein, including other great minds, were not good english speakers but they understood one language - maths and phyics. To that end, I'm going to end this fight with a physics problem. Whoever solves it in 20 minutes wins the fight and should considered "great."

Now this is the problem:

Pions are part of a class of short-lived particles called mesons which commonly created during the collisions in scientific accelerators or when cosmic rays collide with particles in the upper part of the earth's atmosphere. A type of pion known as a π+ has a mass of 139.6 MeV/c2. One particular π+ was created during a collision in the earth's upper atmosphere and has an total energy E= 1.4 X 105 MeV. As measured in its own frame, it has a life time of 37 nano sec before it decays

If it decays at a point 143 meters above sea-level, how high above sea-level was the comsic-ray collision that created the pion?

I will signal the end of the context after 20 minutes have elapsed, good luck guys.
One more thing, if you cant solve it then shut up and accept you're not that smart after all.

CyberG, I see you have a burning passion for Nigeria and I like that, but your desire and passion, no matter how great, ended up scapegoating one section, Igbos, and that is whats unsettling for me. Our people say that a wise man does not bring red pepper to an eye clinic - meaning that one should not bring trouble to a reconcilliation meeting. If you want to find solutions, healing, and peace then dont let your actions ruin your objective. This thread is your eye clinic and you brought the red pepper yourself, not me. But on the flipside I believe you're smart enough to cleanse the clinic of the hot chilli so I'll take a bow and let you do your thing.

Below is my complete post on Buhari + a convo with Demdem, enjoy fellas.

[quote author=Sam_Ikenna]There is no doubt Buhari is one of the least corrupt Nigerian leaders since independence, however, to deny that hes not heavy with some bagage is plain silly. Buhari has a polarising presence, whether imaginary or real, that has stuck with him for, perhaps, his lifetime.

I feel the man sha, but what can my feelings do for him - nothing. I think for him to make any political progress he needs to re-learn the political game - make friends from the East-West to North. Campaign for votes from every clan and hamlet, get down to that man on the other side that suspects your steps, if you must smile - smile, if its tearing up before men and women - do it, after all Hillary did it in New Hampshire and she almost derailed Obama.

Finally, Buhari, you have a beef with people from the East as well as West. In the East your sins are that you locked Ekwueme while Shagari was very much a free man. Also, Easterners believed you chased Your brother, Shagari, out because Ekwueme was close to clinching the presidency and that didnt go down well with you. I dont know all the beefs you have with people from the West but the little I know is that you derailed Lagos metro. In the nutshell, you need to debunk all those allegations or own them and appologize. I think If you can come down from that high horse of sainthood and say once and for all that you treated some sections in not so smart way, you'll win many hearts. Many people love you because you're not as corrupt as other leaders we've had but you need to realize you hit some people below the belt when you were in power and sometimes some blows can be personal.

Come down and talk to other people(embrace others - not everyone is Fulani), explain to them what happened during your first reign, and make amends where neccesary. Do that and see how you'll warm your way up to the hearts of many Nigerians. You're one of the few Nigerian leaders that people still have soft spot for and you need to seek out those hearts. Your work is cut out for you - the problem is - are you willing to do it? Or is it going to be like 2011 election again? 2011 election was a defining momment in your political life yet you refused to canvass for votes in the East - Need I say how the East repaid you? Be smart this time if you really want the presidency, making or relying on deals from party heads/chiefs is not the only fight - go talk to regular people.[/quote]

Demdem: ^^^

No on has ever claim Buhari is a saint. No doubt he has faults just like any human however considering the mess we find ourselves today as a nation we all want someone that will deliver. i repect those views u expressed up there but arent weighty enough to nullify him. If the retardeen that never had any political achievement became President so what could have been Buhari's offence 2015 is still far and am not even sure if he will be the man i will support then because of some factors because i envisaged more candidates will show interest however GEJ is a no-no.
Nigerians have never in our history witness so much death during peace time except for this government and most of this is because of his daftness.

[quote author=Sam_Ikenna]Those views shouldn't nullify him - yes, you're right. However, in Nigeria, myth or perception is usually very difficult to kill. Once you're tagged in this nation with something, you're tagged, its almost impossible to wriggle out of it. Buhari is tagged with those things I mentioned in my previous post and its his job to realize it and find ways to debunk and wriggle out of them, failure to do that means dejavu all oll over. This is not about whether hes better than GEJ or JEG, its that hes heavy with some doodoo and he needs to fight harder than his counterparts. I feel sorry for him in a way but at the same time he needs to reinvent himself in a manner that'll appeal to Nigerian electorates from deep south to far north.

If he doesnt know what to say or how to craft a new image for himself there are people that can help him. Winning should be his goal, hes not getting any younger.[/quote]

Demdem: ^^^

No on has ever claim Buhari is a saint. No doubt he has faults just like any human however considering the mess we find ourselves today as a nation we all want someone that will deliver. i repect those views u expressed up there but arent weighty enough to nullify him. If the retardeen that never had any political achievement became President so what could have been Buhari's offence 2015 is still far and am not even sure if he will be the man i will support then because of some factors because i envisaged more candidates will show interest however GEJ is a no-no.
Nigerians have never in our history witness so much death during peace time except for this government and most of this is because of his daftness.

Those views shouldn't nullify him - yes, you're right. However, in Nigeria, myth or perception is usually very difficult to kill. Once you're tagged in this nation with something, you're tagged, its almost impossible to wriggle out of it. Buhari is tagged with those things I mentioned in my previous post and its his job to realize it and find ways to debunk and wriggle out of them, failure to do that means dejavu all oll over. This is not about whether hes better than GEJ or JEG, its that hes heavy with some doodoo and he needs to fight harder than his counterparts. I feel sorry for him in a way but at the same time he needs to reinvent himself in a manner that'll appeal to Nigerian electorates from deep south to far north.

If he doesnt know what to say or how to craft a new image for himself there are people that can help him. Winning should be his goal, hes not getting any younger.

There is no doubt Buhari is one of the least corrupt Nigerian leaders since independence, however, to deny that hes not heavy with some bagage is plain silly. Buhari has a polarising presence, whether imaginary or real, that has stuck with him for, perhaps, his lifetime.

I feel the man sha, but what can my feelings do for him - nothing. I think for him to make any political progress he needs to re-learn the political game - make friends from the East-West to North. Campaign for votes from every clan and hamlet, get down to that man on the other side that suspects your steps, if you must smile - smile, if its tearing up before men and women - do it, after all Hillary did it in New Hampshire and she almost derailed Obama.

Finally, Buhari, you have a beef with people from the East as well as West. In the East your sins are that you locked Ekwueme while Shagari was very much a fre man. Also, Easterners believed you chased Your brother, Shagari, out because Ekwueme was close to clinching the presidency and that didnt go down well with you. I dont know all the beefs you have with people from the West but the little I know is that you derailed Lagos metro. In the nutshell, you need to debunk all those allegations or own them and appologize. I think If you can come down from that high horse of sainthood and say once and for all that you treated some sections in not so smart way, you'll win many hearts. Many people love you because you're not as corrupt as other leaders we've had but you need to realize you hit some people below the belt when you were in power and sometimes some blows can be personal.

Come down and talk to other people(embrace others - not everyone is Fulani), explain to them what happened during your first reign, and make amends where neccesary. Do that and see how you'll warm your way up to the hearts of many Nigerians. You're one of the few Nigerian leaders that people still have soft spot for and you need to seek out those hearts. Your work is cut out for you - the problem is - are you willing to do it? Or is it going to be like 2011 election again? 2011 election was a defining momment in your political life yet you refused to canvass for votes in the East - Need I say how the East repaid you? Be smart this time if you really want the presidency, making or relying on deals from party heads/chiefs is not the only fight - go talk to regular people.

Who blocked the road? You mean a state gov does not know a road in his state is being closed down? How can someone override the authority of the chief executive of a state? What silly nation is this? This is why Nigeria is a messed up place, Abuja doesnt respect the powers of the states. We're all slaves of this unitary mess they call federal system.

How can one be a state gov yet cant control the police chief in his state, if Abuja tells the police chief of a state to withdraw security the gov becomes a toast in a second. We have so much power centered in one spot, Abuja, and its wrong, immoral, illegal, and unholy. Not even a sign-post should be dismantled without the knowledge of a gov of a state.

We've been dealing with this system since 1970 and its time to kill it. We need to revert back to a system where the regions control their policies and programs without been harrased from the center.

Its still early in the day to say who'll win or rule Nigeria beyond 2015. Anything can happen. Who believed GEJ would be our President in 2011? Who knew Umar would die? OBJ was a marked man, remember? - but he ended up in Aso rock. Besides, how are we sure in 2015 GEJ wont get this one single 7yr term thing going? What if we see another one-million man match for GEJ in 2019 asking and begging him to serve a new and final 7yr term? Can you say for sure that you know Nigeria? What if Core north ups their frustrations with a new deadlier Boko Haram after 2015? Do you think the whole nation will frantically give them power because of it? What if a dangerous killer cult emerges from the East in 2015 like Boko Haram is doing now? What if this new group engages in fire arms and bombs smuggling with the intention of turning Nigeria into Somalia?

Nigeria is a very pregnant nation with army of poor masses and every region or zone has some tricks under their sleeves with which they can use to either manipulate the poor or cause mayhem to the general public. May God save us.

They say Igbo must never be president, Hausa-Fulani must never taste power again - I ask who will rule then? Aliens?

eyenCalabar: Oh Igbo and their quest for power! ...even in a virtual land they want to rule. What makes you even feel your subordinates would even respect you? This is a total bull/shitt of the highest order!!!

Are you for real? I dont know when Igbos started delving into Akwaibom/Cross River politics or bad-mouthing their institutions/programs/progress. If you're a true son of Calabar then you ought to have known that. I do hope you've not bought into the usual oke-doke/myth about your friendly neighbours. Eze Ndigbo Nairaland, however good or bad it is, has only one intention - to unite and preach unity of Igbos in any place they find themselves. Its easy to be tempted to ask what purpose this online throne serves - ANSWER = This democratic post/throne is a continuation of our democratic culture since the beginning of Igbo and each time we usher in a new leader in any Igbo community we deepen our believe in our way of life. Eze Igbo, anywhere, has no coercive powers hence the crown wearer can not impose or force anyone to say or act in a manner unpleasing to the subject. To that end I say - We love and practice democracy wherever the environment is conducive enough and I dont see how this peaceful culture and way of life of your good neighbours could have rattled you so much for you to make that ccondescending (bolded) statement above.

Once again I'll reiterate that for the most part we, Igbos, stay out of Efik-Ibibio politics no matter how good or bad it is. We love and respect who you guys are and we deserve to be given same in return.

[quote author=ndu_chucks]Unfortunately, so are the Eastern, Western, and Southern borders. We are a very vulnerable nation. A real external threat to the whole country may very well be what we need to push us towards unity. Tribalism would go out of the window instantly, replaced by nationalism.[/quote]Dont even go there, any huge external threat now will spell doom for Nigeria. Many groups will latch into it and either extract their pound of flesh or call it quits. If you think external threath, especially if its from west, will bring unity, I doubt it, unless its from...say Ghana or Benin republic, etc then I think most Nigerians will see it as an insult for a little nation to bully us.

I would suggest we get our house in order first, charity, they say begins at home. Lets get our how in order through proper structuring of the polity, if we do that I believe this storm will calm down before you know it.

On the issue of Boko Haram, there are quick things FG and fellow Nigerians can do to help bring about result fast. I believe govt and Nigerian people initially mis-read Boko Haram. As bad as we feel that this problem was brought to us by northern leaders' negligence of their people, I think time has come for us to quit this blame game and swing into acrion. To solve the problem of Boko Haram requires not only taking out the hardcore terrorist among them but also realizing that poverty, hopelessness, and dangerous indoctrination helped build this monster. If we kill all of them but fail to even educate and provide hope for the young Almajiris, we would have wasted our bullets. If we believe in One Nigeria then everybody must help, especially Northern brothers, their emirs, and govts to salvage the salvagables and then throw the hardcore unrepentant ones in jail.

Our people say - when handshake passes the wrist it changes from handshake to apprehension. this situation we have now where our citizens are becoming mercenaries thousands of miles away is no longer wii or xbox game, this right here is real and scary. Even if we're to break away and leave the north to face this terror, we're still not completely immuned from any unforeseen event up north. What if in the event of a complete collapse of Nigeria these Boko Boys run the govt of north out of office and we, in the south, are now faced with the reality of a taliban style leadership up north? It means we'll be invading north every year to stop Boko boys from buying or selling uranium.

The reason for my post is to tell brothers and sisters in the south that - this doesnt look good for us. We need to support well meaning northerners and our Govt to kill this virus. Lets support the govt's effort in providing education to the under-privilledge Almajiris whom their fathers, northern leaders, emirs, and FG has failed. While we're on that we should also support and/or pressure our govt through the media and other forums such as this to establish skill acquisition centers for those older and graduated Almajiris that are almost useless in a fast and changing economy such as ours.

What we need to bring about unity right now is not just only external threat, we need work, we need skills, we need better life - an idle mind is the devils domain. We can pretend this mess is only restricted up north but the truth is it will eventually cascade.

On the issue of this call for international airports and seaports, I think the FG is missing a wonderful opportunity to use one stone to kill two birds. The FG's abdication of duty is the reason groups like OPC, MEND, and MASSOB have huge following. Simple thing as to give people that which they need and also deserve is a herculean task for then. Even after we suffered to build Owerri Airport, FG still went ahead to smite our hearts.

For a nation to compete locally and internationally there are certain basic infrastructures that should be in place and its beyond me how our govt is always too quick to come up with words like "vision 2012, vision 2020, Rebranding Nigeria" yet the place they're rebranding is delapidating.

The East deserves and needs international airports, Niger bridge, seaport, dredging of River Niger from PH upto Northern Nigeria. Putting those things in place will enable smooth movement of goods and services, increase economic activities and, most importantly, lift many unemployed out of poverty.

And to be fair, its not only Eastern Nigeria that needs these sort of new infrastructures or rehabilitation of existing ones, some regions also need FG's attention in education, agriculture, roads, etc which brings me to the question - these needs that people demand to be provided with, are they absurd? If we say no, then why cant the FG go ahead and provide these much needed infrastructure that will help make her citizens competitive both in local and international sphere.

We have no business building a nation that competes with her hands tied behind her back. In china, eventhough the govt is irresponsibly clamping down on freedom of speech, one thing they've done quite well is to seek out what exactly makes the life of their people a little easier. In Nigeria, instead of our FG playing the role of economic stimulator it actually plays as our economic hamperer. Since 1970 or there about our FG has been hijacking and dominating the private sector from oil to Nitel to Nepa and what we saw was one castastrophe to another.

Since we all know the FG has been the economic over-lord for a larger chunk of our national life isn't it unholy that after intentionally killing Owerri Airport (Huge sweat of ours that we thought merited international status) they would leave us with nothing? This behavior of Nigerian govt is unacceptable to my generation both in the east and across the nation considering that if the East, just as other regions in this country, were to be on their own they would have all or most of these infrastrutures without breaking a bucket-load of sweat.

We deserve these airports, seaports,and even more. GEJ and NA should not wait for parallel govts to mushroom across the nation before they swing into action, time to act is now.

[quote author=ndu_chucks]This attempt to turn the BH war into a religious war is irresponsible at best.

Stick with discussing Achebe and Ojukwu for now. Happy Easter Monday[/quote]My brother I will not derail this thread. Achebe and Ojukwu are people I respect a lot so I'll rather not veer into areas that usually get people into tribal or political over-drive.

On a lighter note, how was your easter?

emisun: there is this question i av been wanting to ask since i first started taking interest in global affairs and that question-why did the ojukwu led rebellion only lasted for a mere three years when others else where like Tamil tigers,LRA,FARC,PKK etc lasted longer and some of them are still rebelling.

Nigerian civil war was one of the most bitter civil wars ever. 3 million died in a space of 3 years, thats a huge number. Besides, with the kind of direct engagement of Soviet, Britain, Egypt, etc, there is no way that war could have lasted till this day, it would have been ethnic cleansing. The powers that subdued German war machine were in town and they were dealing with people of dark skin, you do the math.

The fact that it even lasted more than 3 months was even a disgrace to FG and britain 'cause they thought they would walk over the entire East in a jiffy.

Anyway, the war is over now so lets hope Boko Haram and its tactics of maiming innocent people in their places of worship dont get us into another huge wahala. I hope the authorities manage this uneasy peace that we still have.