ABSTRACT:
When it comes to marginalization in our country Nigeria, the Igbos, unarguably, are at the receiving end. This is further brought to light and greatly convinced by the little or few juicy projects executed by Government at the federal and the sheer starvation of key political office suffered greatly by Ndigbo after 45 years the war of Biafra came to a halt. Amidst these, the persons of Igbo race, tongue and blood appear to be unmoved by the injustice. One wonders about the wherefore of the above assertion, as such, matter of facts. This Essay tries to study and cover the problems contributing to the political decline and lacuna suffered by Igbos and examines if there is any hope and way out. Though the approach is one sided – political to be sure- it yet covers the general interest of Ndigbo.
INTRODUCTION:
It is common-place knowledge that Ndigbo are people of the Southeastern states of Nigeria. The states include Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states. Ibo becomes a unifying language. Of the partiality suffered by Igbos, disturbing questions overtake my thoughts, suchlike: Are the Igbos generally unwilling to participate in matters of politics or is their unwillingness a matter of determinism? Are we bound by fetters of continuously supporting other regions or mainly guided by our conscience? Are there internal wrangling and discord that militate against the general interest of Ndigbo? Do Ndigbo lack the heavyweights and voices that could turnaround the fate that already lives with us? Does the 'fear of the unknown' from the Northern man overshadow and at the same time assault the Igbo man's interest politically? Have all our politicians adopted the philosophy of 'sit-don-dey-look'? What actually went and is going wrong? Do we continue this way? Are Igbos 'ofekes' and 'efulefus' that never knew when the wood of 'Ukwa' tree was shared, who will consequently be and always be 'ndi na amaghi ihe ana eme, ewere ha na eme ihe ana eme'. Are Igbos just spectators in the field of politics? Thanks to the thoughtful brain that gave birth to this wonderful topic as the next question continuously mocking my Igbo origin is perfectly couched in the topic. Thus, Ndigbo ibem, which way foreward?
STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS:
From the above narratives and questions, I have provided a platform upon which the discourse of the way forward of Ndigbo will begin. The questions raised above become important that they can't just be wished away, or one assuming them to be bulk of rhetorical questions needing no answers. For if they form the basis of our discourse, it follows that attempt on them would assist greatly in determining the ultimate cause of the bedevilled political fate we live by and that awaits us in future. And on the other hand, if they don't, then needless is this discourse in the first place. Even, the choice of the topic would not have arisen. In the main and by way of sentential alternative, the whole bulk of questions above would help us identify and understand the problems witch-hunting Ndigbo and militating against our political and collective interests in the Nigerian entity. Hence, identifying the problems that kept us the way we are today and now will go a long way to help recover and a promising future.
Of the bulk questions above, a concise reflection will be given. With this, and as already mentioned above, we will be able to discover the loopholes in our political undertakings and as it affects directly or otherwise the future of every Igbo person. The first question I raised above inquires if Ndigbo are by choice just unwilling in Nigerian project and affairs or if we are determined and consequently helpless to be unwilling by some force(s) indeterminate. To this, I would choose the former. The latter has no foundation in reality and is found wanting in logic. For experience has shown that, as a matter of fact, some Igbo voices are heard when Nigeria and her continuous existence, form the basis of discourse. And even in practical politics, there are prominent Igbos in the field. The issue of determinism does not arise. Otherwise one would even go on to enquire for the brain, though indeterminate as I thought it to be, behind the unnecessary cause – determinism.
This destruction of the latter, paves way for the former to take the stage. Truth be told; It is our sheer unwillingness that kept and is still keeping us the way we are today. For even though some Igbo voices are heard in Nigerian issues, the total figure of voices heard can be generally summarised as a meagre fraction. They are barely enough. One or two trees does not constitute a forest. And this is a wrecking ball to a glorious future of Ndigbo. And though there are millions of Igbos in the field of politics, yet that bad blood of disinterestedness runs virtually in their blood. In other words, almost all our politicians are indifferent in matters of partisan politics and generally, are of little or no involved in issues concerning growth and welfare of Igbo Nation and Nigeria. Scarcely have we had politicians who are ‘absolutely’ selfless and committed to the ‘better-igbo’ project. Almost all our politicians are selfish. It is all about his comfort and that of his generations: countless as they may be, to come.
The second question borders on the support to politicians outside Igbo tribe in their political quest. If indeed we are bound to support others or only acting in accordance with our conscience. This case is not unconnected with the first issue raised. We all are aware of the division that greeted the Ohanaeze during the just concluded 2015 general elections. Some opted for the Otuoke man while others were divided between Daura man and our own Chekwas Okorie. Though they are socio-cultural group and by their ‘credo’, represent the interest of Ndigbo, they could have, in my opinion, remained neutral in choice of candidates. That should not take greater part of our time anyway. The issue here is, are we going to stay at the corner, watching and supporting those from South-western and Northern extraction who understand what it is to fight for large chunk of leadership in Nigeria? Are we really happy and in the purest nature of our conscience, aligning with others to achieve their regional goal, thereby sacrificing our ambition? For me, it is No! It is about time we broke the fetters that bind our freedom and sense of choice-making.
The third question seeks to know if there is seed of discord, grown perhaps, which continuously consign the unity and interests of Ndigbo to eternal flames. This ugly trend poses threat to the future of Ndigbo. No doubt, everyone will agree with me that Igbos do not speak with one voice. Personal interests and thirst for popularity, though uninteresting and cheap as it may sound, becloud the virtuous sense of progressive Igbo nationhood. It is either tussle for supremacy among individuals or the state or area a leader would emerge from. This devaluation or in Nietzche’s standard – ‘Transvaluation of value’, among politicians impedes us back from achieving a noble goal. Sometimes this internal wrangling has a partisan undertone. Hence, Igbo entity becomes secondary in priority list. These conflicts are not even managed properly. I am hurt by the continuous brawls in the APGA and the fate that awaits it. If the party, as initially claimed, was created to fight for the just cause of Ndigbo, and they could not manage their internal difference that led to their initial fractionalization, of which consequence Gover Okorocha’s decamped and the later defection of Mr. Peter Obi – who is seen as a figure, a factor and indeed a material in South-eastern politics – How then could they have managed and genuinely protected the general interests of Ndigbo? Igbos do not speak in one voice as the Awoists and the Born-to-rule mentality do. This is not encouraging for continuous existence and in all, beams its negative light on the future of Ndigbo.
The fourth question wonders if there is at all, any heavy weight politician in Nigeria, who is of Igbo brand or origin. Of course there are. But the ugly thing is that most of them are Esau that sold his birthright to Jacob over a plate of yam porridge. This does not deny that in actuality, we yet have many Igbos of remarkable ethico-managerial substance and of reputable character. But where are they? And even if they are out to represent and fight for Igbo cause, would not the unbridled selfishness of some cabals within the extraction of Ndigbo push with all its energy to overshadow their goodwill?
The next question that follows is if a magic wand is stricken at the core of Igbo being that causes trepidation for the Northerners. To this I take another No for an answer. In short, the Igbos never feared and could not fear the Hausas. This proposition does not arise and even if arises, has no validity. There is no cause for fear. The civil war left us with non-healing wound but our soldiers were gallant and if not for sabotage, would have fought to finish. Rather, it would be my humble submission that the opposite is the case.
THE WAY FORWARD AND CONCLUSION
Having examined all the questions that formed the introductory part, it is clear that there are two recurring vice that cocoons the Igbo-Nation's destiny. They are disunity and selfishness. They are bane of our continuous backwardness in today’s Nigeria. Disunity among Ndigbo is a wrecking ball of the political and national absence and declining relevance we suffer today. The different political parties our politicians belong to define them as there is sharp demarcation along party lines, rather than unified Igbo interest just as the Awoists' ideology held so firm by the South-western people and the heartbreaking born-to-rule philosophy of our Northern counterparts. Almost all the politicians dance to his selfish but dangerous tune. Unfortunately, I and other Igbos praise-sing and celebrate these politicians. I regret and totally frown, even as I condemn in strictest terms, the indifference attitude of the Igbos towards politics and other sensitive issues in Nigeria.
Igbos also seem too poor in terms of negotiation with other regions in order to form a formidable coalition so as to be able to clinch onto power. The Socio-cultural group; The Ohanaeze Ndigbo should rise above 'which-party-or-candidate-to-endorse' drama during the presidential elections and march up against the Awoist interest or the 'Born-to-rule' philosophy.
One thing I have come to realise in Nigeria is that outside PDP which is national, the rest of the political parties seem regional or at best, racial. Exception is not given to the ruling APC because in some angles, that regional cord is yet seen as unbroken. APC is a product of political marriage of three area-political parties - ACN, ANPP and CPC. The ACN is an offshoot of Awo's ideology while CPC covers the interest of the Northern extraction. In the same manner, APGA was birthed to oversee the carter for the well-being of Igbo nation. People of my ilk were of hasty opinion even as we held it sacrosanct or indubitable that the cause Ojukwu fought for would be continued under this platform. But with Ojukwu's death, powers-that-be and those who think that their ambition overrules that of Ndigbo in their nocturnal and day unholy meetings added up to highjack the platform that would have united the interest of Ndigbo in general. To add salt to the injury, one of the sitting governors elected under the platform of APGA in his first tenure entered into an 'only-God-knows-why' alliance with APC for selfish reasons and in not just distant past did Mr. Peter Obi defect to PDP.
Are Igbos 'ofekes' and 'efulefus' that never knew when the wood of 'Ukwa' tree was shared, who will consequently be and always be 'ndi na amaghi ihe ana eme, ewere ha na eme ihe ana eme'. Are Igbos just spectators in the field of politics? Thanks to the thoughtful brain that gave birth to this wonderful topic as the next question continuously mocking my Igbo origin is perfectly couched in the topic. Thus, Ndigbo ibem, which way foreward?
To dwell further on the problems of Ndigbo will take our time and may not favour the restrictions placed on number of words required for this essay. It is very unfortunate that we have performed this badly but having discovered our problems, we have earned a credit but it should not end at discovering our problems but finding solutions. This healing process will require kicking off with recognising that it is about time we woke up from the slumber of indifference and seeming weaknesses that have defined our Igbo personhood. 'I-don’t-care' attitude that becloud our reasoning and that which generally pose a threat to our continuous existence should be cast into flames. Ndigbo should throw every differences and conflicts behind and embrace each other in genuine fraternity. Selflessness matters a lot in achieving a better and glorious Igbo nation. Ndigbo should not shy away from playing vibrant opposition. Needful and of interest to us here, is borrowing a leaf from the famous Arewa Consultative Forum. It is time a strong coalition is formed with the South-south counterpart, with Ndigbo as the frontiers, so as to end this uninteresting and sorry situation we find ourselves in. It is about time the five governors of the south-eastern states threw their party differences behind them and plan for the way out of our misery. Also the clarion call this paper makes is redefinition of entire Ndigbo personhood and our thoughts: for only through this that redemption and glorious future will begin. Until these are done, the possibility of a positive way forward as sought in this Essay would be confined within the strictest term of Marginalization.
God help us.
Wrote from Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
When it comes to marginalization in our country Nigeria, the Igbos, unarguably, are at the receiving end. This is further brought to light and greatly convinced by the little or few juicy projects executed by Government at the federal and the sheer starvation of key political office suffered greatly by Ndigbo after 45 years the war of Biafra came to a halt. Amidst these, the persons of Igbo race, tongue and blood appear to be unmoved by the injustice. One wonders about the wherefore of the above assertion, as such, matter of facts. This Essay tries to study and cover the problems contributing to the political decline and lacuna suffered by Igbos and examines if there is any hope and way out. Though the approach is one sided – political to be sure- it yet covers the general interest of Ndigbo.
INTRODUCTION:
It is common-place knowledge that Ndigbo are people of the Southeastern states of Nigeria. The states include Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states. Ibo becomes a unifying language. Of the partiality suffered by Igbos, disturbing questions overtake my thoughts, suchlike: Are the Igbos generally unwilling to participate in matters of politics or is their unwillingness a matter of determinism? Are we bound by fetters of continuously supporting other regions or mainly guided by our conscience? Are there internal wrangling and discord that militate against the general interest of Ndigbo? Do Ndigbo lack the heavyweights and voices that could turnaround the fate that already lives with us? Does the 'fear of the unknown' from the Northern man overshadow and at the same time assault the Igbo man's interest politically? Have all our politicians adopted the philosophy of 'sit-don-dey-look'? What actually went and is going wrong? Do we continue this way? Are Igbos 'ofekes' and 'efulefus' that never knew when the wood of 'Ukwa' tree was shared, who will consequently be and always be 'ndi na amaghi ihe ana eme, ewere ha na eme ihe ana eme'. Are Igbos just spectators in the field of politics? Thanks to the thoughtful brain that gave birth to this wonderful topic as the next question continuously mocking my Igbo origin is perfectly couched in the topic. Thus, Ndigbo ibem, which way foreward?
STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS:
From the above narratives and questions, I have provided a platform upon which the discourse of the way forward of Ndigbo will begin. The questions raised above become important that they can't just be wished away, or one assuming them to be bulk of rhetorical questions needing no answers. For if they form the basis of our discourse, it follows that attempt on them would assist greatly in determining the ultimate cause of the bedevilled political fate we live by and that awaits us in future. And on the other hand, if they don't, then needless is this discourse in the first place. Even, the choice of the topic would not have arisen. In the main and by way of sentential alternative, the whole bulk of questions above would help us identify and understand the problems witch-hunting Ndigbo and militating against our political and collective interests in the Nigerian entity. Hence, identifying the problems that kept us the way we are today and now will go a long way to help recover and a promising future.
Of the bulk questions above, a concise reflection will be given. With this, and as already mentioned above, we will be able to discover the loopholes in our political undertakings and as it affects directly or otherwise the future of every Igbo person. The first question I raised above inquires if Ndigbo are by choice just unwilling in Nigerian project and affairs or if we are determined and consequently helpless to be unwilling by some force(s) indeterminate. To this, I would choose the former. The latter has no foundation in reality and is found wanting in logic. For experience has shown that, as a matter of fact, some Igbo voices are heard when Nigeria and her continuous existence, form the basis of discourse. And even in practical politics, there are prominent Igbos in the field. The issue of determinism does not arise. Otherwise one would even go on to enquire for the brain, though indeterminate as I thought it to be, behind the unnecessary cause – determinism.
This destruction of the latter, paves way for the former to take the stage. Truth be told; It is our sheer unwillingness that kept and is still keeping us the way we are today. For even though some Igbo voices are heard in Nigerian issues, the total figure of voices heard can be generally summarised as a meagre fraction. They are barely enough. One or two trees does not constitute a forest. And this is a wrecking ball to a glorious future of Ndigbo. And though there are millions of Igbos in the field of politics, yet that bad blood of disinterestedness runs virtually in their blood. In other words, almost all our politicians are indifferent in matters of partisan politics and generally, are of little or no involved in issues concerning growth and welfare of Igbo Nation and Nigeria. Scarcely have we had politicians who are ‘absolutely’ selfless and committed to the ‘better-igbo’ project. Almost all our politicians are selfish. It is all about his comfort and that of his generations: countless as they may be, to come.
The second question borders on the support to politicians outside Igbo tribe in their political quest. If indeed we are bound to support others or only acting in accordance with our conscience. This case is not unconnected with the first issue raised. We all are aware of the division that greeted the Ohanaeze during the just concluded 2015 general elections. Some opted for the Otuoke man while others were divided between Daura man and our own Chekwas Okorie. Though they are socio-cultural group and by their ‘credo’, represent the interest of Ndigbo, they could have, in my opinion, remained neutral in choice of candidates. That should not take greater part of our time anyway. The issue here is, are we going to stay at the corner, watching and supporting those from South-western and Northern extraction who understand what it is to fight for large chunk of leadership in Nigeria? Are we really happy and in the purest nature of our conscience, aligning with others to achieve their regional goal, thereby sacrificing our ambition? For me, it is No! It is about time we broke the fetters that bind our freedom and sense of choice-making.
The third question seeks to know if there is seed of discord, grown perhaps, which continuously consign the unity and interests of Ndigbo to eternal flames. This ugly trend poses threat to the future of Ndigbo. No doubt, everyone will agree with me that Igbos do not speak with one voice. Personal interests and thirst for popularity, though uninteresting and cheap as it may sound, becloud the virtuous sense of progressive Igbo nationhood. It is either tussle for supremacy among individuals or the state or area a leader would emerge from. This devaluation or in Nietzche’s standard – ‘Transvaluation of value’, among politicians impedes us back from achieving a noble goal. Sometimes this internal wrangling has a partisan undertone. Hence, Igbo entity becomes secondary in priority list. These conflicts are not even managed properly. I am hurt by the continuous brawls in the APGA and the fate that awaits it. If the party, as initially claimed, was created to fight for the just cause of Ndigbo, and they could not manage their internal difference that led to their initial fractionalization, of which consequence Gover Okorocha’s decamped and the later defection of Mr. Peter Obi – who is seen as a figure, a factor and indeed a material in South-eastern politics – How then could they have managed and genuinely protected the general interests of Ndigbo? Igbos do not speak in one voice as the Awoists and the Born-to-rule mentality do. This is not encouraging for continuous existence and in all, beams its negative light on the future of Ndigbo.
The fourth question wonders if there is at all, any heavy weight politician in Nigeria, who is of Igbo brand or origin. Of course there are. But the ugly thing is that most of them are Esau that sold his birthright to Jacob over a plate of yam porridge. This does not deny that in actuality, we yet have many Igbos of remarkable ethico-managerial substance and of reputable character. But where are they? And even if they are out to represent and fight for Igbo cause, would not the unbridled selfishness of some cabals within the extraction of Ndigbo push with all its energy to overshadow their goodwill?
The next question that follows is if a magic wand is stricken at the core of Igbo being that causes trepidation for the Northerners. To this I take another No for an answer. In short, the Igbos never feared and could not fear the Hausas. This proposition does not arise and even if arises, has no validity. There is no cause for fear. The civil war left us with non-healing wound but our soldiers were gallant and if not for sabotage, would have fought to finish. Rather, it would be my humble submission that the opposite is the case.
THE WAY FORWARD AND CONCLUSION
Having examined all the questions that formed the introductory part, it is clear that there are two recurring vice that cocoons the Igbo-Nation's destiny. They are disunity and selfishness. They are bane of our continuous backwardness in today’s Nigeria. Disunity among Ndigbo is a wrecking ball of the political and national absence and declining relevance we suffer today. The different political parties our politicians belong to define them as there is sharp demarcation along party lines, rather than unified Igbo interest just as the Awoists' ideology held so firm by the South-western people and the heartbreaking born-to-rule philosophy of our Northern counterparts. Almost all the politicians dance to his selfish but dangerous tune. Unfortunately, I and other Igbos praise-sing and celebrate these politicians. I regret and totally frown, even as I condemn in strictest terms, the indifference attitude of the Igbos towards politics and other sensitive issues in Nigeria.
Igbos also seem too poor in terms of negotiation with other regions in order to form a formidable coalition so as to be able to clinch onto power. The Socio-cultural group; The Ohanaeze Ndigbo should rise above 'which-party-or-candidate-to-endorse' drama during the presidential elections and march up against the Awoist interest or the 'Born-to-rule' philosophy.
One thing I have come to realise in Nigeria is that outside PDP which is national, the rest of the political parties seem regional or at best, racial. Exception is not given to the ruling APC because in some angles, that regional cord is yet seen as unbroken. APC is a product of political marriage of three area-political parties - ACN, ANPP and CPC. The ACN is an offshoot of Awo's ideology while CPC covers the interest of the Northern extraction. In the same manner, APGA was birthed to oversee the carter for the well-being of Igbo nation. People of my ilk were of hasty opinion even as we held it sacrosanct or indubitable that the cause Ojukwu fought for would be continued under this platform. But with Ojukwu's death, powers-that-be and those who think that their ambition overrules that of Ndigbo in their nocturnal and day unholy meetings added up to highjack the platform that would have united the interest of Ndigbo in general. To add salt to the injury, one of the sitting governors elected under the platform of APGA in his first tenure entered into an 'only-God-knows-why' alliance with APC for selfish reasons and in not just distant past did Mr. Peter Obi defect to PDP.
Are Igbos 'ofekes' and 'efulefus' that never knew when the wood of 'Ukwa' tree was shared, who will consequently be and always be 'ndi na amaghi ihe ana eme, ewere ha na eme ihe ana eme'. Are Igbos just spectators in the field of politics? Thanks to the thoughtful brain that gave birth to this wonderful topic as the next question continuously mocking my Igbo origin is perfectly couched in the topic. Thus, Ndigbo ibem, which way foreward?
To dwell further on the problems of Ndigbo will take our time and may not favour the restrictions placed on number of words required for this essay. It is very unfortunate that we have performed this badly but having discovered our problems, we have earned a credit but it should not end at discovering our problems but finding solutions. This healing process will require kicking off with recognising that it is about time we woke up from the slumber of indifference and seeming weaknesses that have defined our Igbo personhood. 'I-don’t-care' attitude that becloud our reasoning and that which generally pose a threat to our continuous existence should be cast into flames. Ndigbo should throw every differences and conflicts behind and embrace each other in genuine fraternity. Selflessness matters a lot in achieving a better and glorious Igbo nation. Ndigbo should not shy away from playing vibrant opposition. Needful and of interest to us here, is borrowing a leaf from the famous Arewa Consultative Forum. It is time a strong coalition is formed with the South-south counterpart, with Ndigbo as the frontiers, so as to end this uninteresting and sorry situation we find ourselves in. It is about time the five governors of the south-eastern states threw their party differences behind them and plan for the way out of our misery. Also the clarion call this paper makes is redefinition of entire Ndigbo personhood and our thoughts: for only through this that redemption and glorious future will begin. Until these are done, the possibility of a positive way forward as sought in this Essay would be confined within the strictest term of Marginalization.
God help us.
Wrote from Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
3 comments:
Ah ah....James are u publishing your project or term paper? This is way too "unbloggish'' A beg try make am coincided and catchy. That's the joy of blogs....nice one though. You are bombing bombs. looooool
Thanks Boss for your observation. Noted.
hmmmm
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