₦airaland Forum

midnighter:
Noted. But I still think he has been able to coast over some difficulties by identifying more with the south-west rather than the south-south

Why this is so, I think, is because he had his tertiary education in Lagos. However, Sowore personally does not identify with any region. He'd tell you he is a Nigerian and only interested in the growth and development of Nigeria. And I'm almost certain you'd never see him in a typical Yoruba attire. He is an activist and that is what makes sense to him the most.

Plus I dont see how you can say that a presidential candidate has never been political. At least there are some games they play to influence the electorate. I have never for once seen him in distinguishing Ijaw attire or even that Fedora hat. Or Ondo Ijaws dont wear that

Sowore's brand of politics is what any activist would play in a saner clime. Call for a better government and even push to be a part of the government to effect the change you want.

The best you'd see Sowore in is similar to what almost revolutionary would don. Sahara Reporters make over a million Naira in revenue monthly. It wouldn't cause Sowore a thing to remain quiet over the affairs of Nigeria. Sowore doesn't need the position. Nigerians need a vibrant, radical approach to governance. South Africa is a testament of this...

Sowore doesn't need to don a Fedora hat to be Ijaw. I have never worn a bead nor don the typical Urhobo in my life. It doesn't make me less an Urhobo man, a proud one at that. He is an activist and that, I'm sure, is why he doesn't do the identity thing.

midnighter:
Are you sure he didnt purposely leave it ambiguous in order to avoid associations with Jonathan?

Politically, its safer for him to resemble Yoruba

Sowore has never been political. Plus the Ijaws understand the variations within them perfectly. South-Western Ijaws found in Ese Odo LG in Ondo State today, though Niger Deltan, don't necessarily see themselves as brothers with those in the South South. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they hate themselves. They are more clannish than the Igbos. Those in the South South see those in the South West as mixed blood, which is where the 'full born' gist of the OP emanated from.

Those in Edo don't necessarily see themselves as kindred with those in Delta, Rivers and even Bayelsa. Everyone faces their business and only see those around them.

Recall Dickson recently referred to a certain LG in Bayelsa as not being real Ijaws and they very well protested by voting against his candidate. That gives you an idea of the clannish nature of the Ijaw man.

In the case of Sowore and Jonathan, it was more of activism and angst than political.

UniportAgbero:
Pls Rivers State ijaws are very educated. We had the earliest contact with the Europeans in Nigeria. Most of the earliest primary and secondary schools were located in ijaw lands. You can Google Okrika, Kalabari, Bonny, Nembe, and Opobo. And yes ijaw is the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria.

This is so wrong. The Benin Kingdom had the first contact (1485) and the Europeans were specifically Portuguese. Lagos second and the creeks of the Delta third.

Lagos had its name in 1472 (Portuguese, meaning Lakes), which means that the South West had contact even before the Benin Kingdom did.

Plus, the Ijaw ethnic group isn't the fourth largest in Nigeria. The claim over time was political and it remains unknown who holds the spot. Beer parlour gossip claim Fulani are spreading on purpose hold this spot.

MyVILLAGEpeople:
wooow

So Sowore is Ijaw Apoi??

like seriously??

There is misconception about Sowore being Yoruba just because he is from Ondo State. It's so wrong. The Ijaw Apoi tribe is an interesting one as they are said to have traveled first to Ilé Ifè before getting to Ondo.

Kennyswagz1:
those ones don use to yoruba already.. I mean the ones for bayelsa

Same thing. Ijaws either along coastlines or on rivers. Interestingly, you tend to have petroleum pipes along coastlines and they tend to take advantage of this. Prior to illegal oil bunkering in the South West, it was a regular in the Niger Delta, and since Ijaws migrate more than other ethnic groups of the Niger Delta, the practice migrated with them as a secondary means of survival, besides fishing. From riverine areas in Lagos, particularly along Mile 12 to Ikorodu and Ese Odo in Ondo State, to Delta, etc... It's the same. Some so-called oil spill and not the works of oil companies. A reasonable amount of them is caused by illegal oil bunkers.

As far back as 1991, in Mile 12, we would see fishes in rivers floating belly up and struggling and this is after the Ijaw dudes in the area had returned from their illegal bunkering activities.

Ademoore07:
Unfortunately, their men don't care about marriage. Family planning is not their things. They can even give to 3 babies in 2 years. If u think im lying, try to visit bayelsa state or ese odo local govt area of ondo state.

This is so true!

KosiGee:
Thanks for your beautiful input. I have actually watched a programme on Tv of some guys who make livings by diving at incredible sea depths scooping sands with buckets and selling them to builders.
I can’t remember what ethnicity they were. It was a dangerous practice and it was reported that fatalities have been recorded. These guys sure have adapted to their environment and way of living but I don’t really believe that ‘throwing’ or even dipping a newborn in the river would determine a ‘freeborn’ or bastard as you called it. That is not possible sir. It’s dangerous and a serious red flag for safeguarding issues.

I think Ijaws and other riverline people should tap into their bond and adaptability with marine life and bring international success to themselves. Maybe they need to move beyond their comfort zones.

I wanted to mention that earlier but thought it wasn't necessary. The Ijaws and the Ilajes are the major people who do that. In Lagos, particularly along the Ikorodu axis, you're more likely to see Ilajes pull that stunt. They abound in Owode and they are responsible for most of the sharp sand supply used in Lagos. I'd like to believe they have a special makeup compared to people who don't spend their lives around water.

As per the emboldened, I know it sounds crazy but it is what they believe. This might sound very irritating but promiscuity was high among the Ilajes, growing up and they suspect almost anything and anyone, particularly with their wives. Way back, a typical Ilaje man who is married wouldn't be bothered sleeping with another man's wife. Like I witnessed brutal moments of confrontations to the point that charms were involved. While this is not the same with the Ijaws, theirs come into play when a man dies and the woman is suspected. I once witnessed an episode whereby a god was invoked to finger who was responsible for poisoning a man and the mat-like god, carried by 6 hefty Ijaw men with leaves in their mouth stunned onlookers that day. I just can't forget.

The practice is weird and crazy but these guys, particularly Ilajes recognize and believe the concept of mermaids and superior spirits in rivers and seas.

About tapping and maximizing their potentials with their water bonds, I doubt. It is fascinating to outsiders to either learn or watch them while they see it as normal, everyday stuff necessary for their survival.

tslimpez:
I think the closest or perhaps the best to the Ijaws are the Ilaje people of Ondo State. Ijaws fish just as Ilajes but their activities in water bodies have transcended beyond just fishing today. Not all Urhobos can swim.

The Ilaje’s are also Ijaw’s ...speak same language

Ilajes are not Ijaws, not even close. I spent my formative years among these two ethnic groups and there's no way you'd tell me this. Till date, I still understand the Ilaje dialect which is a huge variation of the Yoruba language. I don't speak the Ijaw language and don't understand it either but I know for a fact that there is a HUGE gap in intonations and the languages. Again, Ilajes are not Ijaws and they don't speak the same language.

Although there are Ijaws in Ondo State such as the Ijaw Apoi tribe (where Sowore is from) and they are not the same as Ilajes who are a sub-ethnic group of the larger Yoruba ethnic group. As close as the Isokos and Urhobos are, there is a variation in our language, let alone that of the Ijaws and Ilajes.

KosiGee:
How come Ijaws have not been winning gold medals even in All African games.

Ijaws are truly amazing swimmers. I have seen them do the extraordinary in rivers over the years. Like they can submerge longer than the average person. Unfortunately, ball jugglers are more talented than footballers, but it doesn't make them better. You dig? That is the case of the Ijaw people. I'm sure they can better represent Nigeria at swimming competitions with rigorous trainings as their patterns are loose. Tendencies are that longer swimming styles can inhibit their versatility in water as they have not been trained to do that over time.

You wrote that it’s part of your custom to ‘throw’ the baby inside the river!!!...and if it floats, it shows that the baby would be a good swimmer. What happens when the baby fail to float or drown?
If you guys practice that, I think there should be a massive campaign to protest such cruelty and abuse to children.

This practice is not new in any way. The Ijaws and Ilajes almost have this mentality and I have seen them do this upclose. It's their way of checking freeborns and bastards among them. Plus, I have never heard that a child drown through that process neither did I witness one growing up.

If ijaws have failed to develop better lung capacity or even gills to adapt to your marine environment and triumph in international swimming competitions, then your post isn’t worth it.

They have indeed.

Kenyans and Ethiopians are natural born long distance runners, Cubans have a tradition of boxing, Chinese practice karate and they have all made names for themselves in those areas...how can you be praising Ijaw man and his bond with water even before he could blink but nothing has come out of. I doubt if the Ijaws are better swimmers than Urhobo, kalabari and other riverline tribes.

I think the closest or perhaps the best to the Ijaws are the Ilaje people of Ondo State. Ijaws fish just as Ilajes but their activities in water bodies have transcended beyond just fishing today. Not all Urhobos can swim.

Kennyswagz1:
Apart from militancy, ogogoro, violence and fishing, what else is there about ijaws again?

Bunkering... They are the best at it.

The Ijaws are interesting people, sincerely. I grew up with them and the Ilajes and both tribe share an uncanny affinity with water. Strangely, both took me out to the river for my swimming lessons around 11. Crazy experience!

The thread is watery though.

seunmsg:
You really believe the “devil” from nowhere delivered the snake straight to the altar to harm the pastor, right?

Anyway, you’re entitled to believe whatever you want to believe. As far as I am concerned, it is just a badly scripted drama to confuse the shepples. The pastor has achieved his aim and more shepples will show up at the next service.

I already told you I am not religious. It is weird that a venomous snake will move in the direction of a sound save it is being threatened.

It is fine wanting to be a Freeze recruit but it won't hurt to analyze the situation. You can't charm a snake in front of a congregation and except them not to scream 'juju'. My point is, it is not a charmed snake. For the record, African snake charmers only do Cobras. You see them move around with reticulated pythons a whole lot and it is because pythons are non-venomous.

seunmsg:
You mean you’ve never heard about snake charmers? They abound everywhere. Snakes can be easily charmed and controlled.

I have not only heard but seen snake charmers in action and this doesn't look like their modus operandi.

You aren't talking about the vicinity of the church whether or not there are bushes. You just had to mention snake charmers who take time to carefully charm their 'puppet'.

Even if there are bushes around the church, it is weird that a snake found its way towards 'noise area' when it should have ran from it. It is so weird.

seunmsg:
I only pity the gullible members. They would all go home with nothing but false hope after all the drama orchestrated by the pastor who would of course go home fulfilled with a huge pocket.

Inside this life, everybody na scam.

So you believe any rational person will orchestrate with a venomous snake? A single mishap would have been his end there. I am not even religious to begin with but I find this troubling.

anonymuz:
there are single ladies around but just opted for her because of her attitude

Nice.

tyson98:
He don see alert lol

More like Igbo money. All he needs to do now is call is supplier and probably accuse King Sunny Ade of stealing his contents.

anonymuz:
im even dating one

Sorry to quiz... Like there are no single ladies around you or that she has money?

yazga:
Dating rules.

Dear Single mothers, do not date men who are broke. Don't date any man that you would have to feed, clothe and pick his bills. It is a recipe for disaster. You have children to take care of. You don't need an extra grown child.

At least, date a man who picks his own bills, even though he has none to offer you, but let him not be a burden to you. The only people permitted to date broke and hungry guys are strictly single ladies.

At least they can afford to drink ijebu garri together. You have rent, fees, feeding, clothing to handle for yourself and your children. Don't add to your burden by dating a hungry man. Your self preservation should be at the center of your dating decisions.

Don't make life difficult for yourself. It is not love. You have nothing to prove. You are not his mother.

Some of these men are actually very inconsiderate. I don't actually know how a young man will feel comfortable feeding off a woman that has children to take care of. Always ensure that the guy has his own money before you date. Think about your children. Don't put them and yourself in harm's way. This advice is not popular.

I have a friend who has never been married but is so into single mothers. Truth be told, I feel a good guy who has things working out for him shouldn't be involved with a single mother. Not because they are not humans but the idea of starting life with baggage that aren't supposed to be yours is nerve wracking. Why can't I look for a single lady with similar interests, get married to her and live our lives peacefully and happily without wondering or worrying why I am responsible for the upkeep of someone else's children or child in the name of love?

Sad truth... It isn't like most single mothers have great options when they become one. Things change pretty fast and finding love and single, okay dude who'd gladly take up their problems is difficult in today's world.

A man with a reasonable amount of wealth isn't done seeing single ladies, na single mothers remain. This is somewhat insensitive but it is the Gospel truth.

Vaseline King! The kid who messes the bed with lotion and still poses in his sleep!

OEPHIUS:
Breaking!

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, this evening, inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the runway of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to assess the level of work done so far by the construction company handling the project (PW), in keeping with his administration's commitment to the completion of the all-important project.

Picture One:

ENUGU AIRPORT INSPECTION: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (3rd left) interacting with the Manager, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Mrs. Cecilia Oguama (middle), Project Manager, PW, Mr. Mahbub khan, (2nd left), State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani (left) and others, when the governor inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the airport runway, on Wednesday.

Enugu State is in the hands of God! ##

A federal project is what Gburugburu left the government house to visit with cameramen and you run down to Nairaland to post it? This man has no business being a governor.

Ikinternational:
Good for you.
Now use your beliefs to pay rent

You're just looking for someone to do unnecessary arguments with. That one na your own wahala.
Furthermore, there's no doubt in my mind you don't even understand the charge. Doing something illegal does not necessary make one a criminal.
But I believe you're here for agenda programming. Oya continue...

Like seriously?

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FrLukas:
After all the noise, he will be extradited to the US. He will be convicted of the crime. He will serve his jail term. Then maybe after his jail term, he will be extradited to Canada too. Where he will be convicted and jailed again.

You can all scream tribalism all you like.

The US and Canadian justice systems can't be both wrong on this.

Every day for the thief, one day for the owner.

Funny, never thought of this...

therajah:
God please save our nation ftom weed smokers. Imagine this one becomes governor...
Pathetic!! So somebody will because u r developing tbier land want to deal with you.
99% of mansions in america belong to igbos..eheeen..same USA or the one in ur dream after taking weed?
They said somebody brought millions of dollars to thier country in the name of buying aircraft parts and never bought anything, you are talking of marginalization...FUUNKEEEE!!!!
If u smoke n drink, dont drive, dont write, dont talk!! Thats why i pity pple who seek advice on nairaland...just imagine this one advising you...yeh, aye e, ti e ba e!!

You totally missed the sarcasm!

teepain:
I think that was a friendly fire or misfire!

I think I just realized... Gazzy88, sorry oooo... Seems you took a bullet not meant for you

Gazzy88:
Yes you're igbó!

It seems your parents told you there are only two ethnic groups in Nigeria. You must have had a horrible education.

Gazzy88:
You won't have type this rubbish if onyema happens to be a Yoruba man. We already know how you lots cover your criminals with persecution/victimization/marginalization cards. Let onyema go clear his name if he's so innocent. He's a businessman for Pete's sake or doesn't want to protect his business's interest again? Think before you type next time.

Idiot. I'm not even Yoruba to begin with. So where is your craze coming from?

DexterousOne:
The question should be

Why are things like these always tribalised

The question, though rhetorical, should be directed at those who see this and similar others as an attempt to cripple the Igbo people.

He should go and defend himself and clear his name (if he thinks he Is innocent)

He should...

But then
Nigerians will always see things from a tribalised lens

So you're saying he shouldn't again because issues will always be seen from a tribalised viewpoint?

From the dumb afonja throwing aspersions on him and his ethnic group all over social media, to the ipobs defending him gullibly

The dumb Afonjas and every Nigerian stood up to defend Onyema when the first report of his indictment came out. Everything changed the moment his kinsmen started attacking Afonjas alongside the Nigerian government of being responsible and trying to frustrate the Igbo people. Guess what happened after...

I used to be naive and was a non-tribalist until some retired Flat.ties, namely Afam4eva and the likes saw intelligent arguments from tribal angles. And the lesser intelligent ones resorted to name calling and threats. It wasn't so long before I morphed into one.

My point? The victimization mentality, marginalization, persecution mindset and open support for crime just because he is one of us belongs to the Igbos. No matter how good someone is, you are no longer that way if your record is tainted with criminal allegations. Onyema should go and answer to his case and trying to use the head of Nigerians. I respected him a whole lot up until now and I'm fast beginning to see him for the fraud that he is. Of course he isn't the first to go this way and won't be the last.

VillagePipu:
Persecution complex which has eaten into the psyche of a lot of people makes them unable to analyse issues objectively. They see things from the angle of hatred, persecution, marginalisation and so.

Everything that happens to them is as a result of others being jealous of them and persecuting them even when such occurrence is because they were involved in crime and deserve punishment.

They never deserve punishment for wrongdoing, others are always jealous of them and out to get them. Very Idiotic mentality.

If I have my way, I'd kill dumb Nigerian youths who attach the emboldened to issues within a twinkling of an eye. I stand by this word.