Igbo declared lack of interest in the “ongoing” so-called protests against bad governance, not because they didn’t know there was bad governance, but because the same souls being badly governed have never condemned the isolation of mostly Igbo, and also some Middle Belters and Hausa, for slaughter and annihilation; and, with experience might turn round half way to claim it was Igbo that caused the bad governance protests, with the usual consequences on the Igbo. Igbo and Easterners in general must establish the seriousness of anything before deciding on it, because we desire the salvation of everybody on a common civilizational principle, not ad hoc coalitions to forge ahead against one side today and another tomorrow, ending up with no substantive beneficial change.
Then, the whole show immediately started as suspected: you are protesting against your oppressors, and you have time to negotiate with the same oppressors on how you talk, where to talk, how, where and when to assemble, and other such other pretences . . . discussing how to present your case to a starving and dying populace with the same peoples responsible for their ordeals! And, you will be presenting your case, the “protests,” in concealed corners where you would only be talking to yourselves while “life” or “bad governance” goes on outside the walls . . . and, you are protesting! Plus, you start looting the shops and markets of those you wish to join you. A déja vu!
That was why the Igbo refused to participate, without this being any form of acquiescence to bad governance, of which, by the way, the Igbo have all along been the worst targets in Nigeria.
Therefore, there shall be no warfare, conventional or unconventional by Igbo with the Yoruba or whomsoever in Nigeria. The Igbo decided to be circumspect in Nigerian issues, until it is certain that people mean what they say or desire others to believe.
A real life experience
The author’s father was a sailor; first time the Spanish authorities arrested and seized all their goods on the high seas; next time a British naval squadron along the Gulf of Guinea arrested them at sea and almost killed all of them for trading with a rival (“Panya”/Spanish) territory or power; then almost around or after “independence,” Nigerian authorities helped by British naval patrol arrested, arraigned and jailed them at Calabar Prison.
Inter-African trade, and European foreign intruders labelled them unlawful! This is not to count the number of times tins of excellent palm oil for European industries, crates of Bertola, Pedro Domeque (?), Terry Brandy, and other expensive wines, etc loaded in wooden boats were under stormy weather emptied into the sea to raise the boat and prevent it from sinking. To imagine the type of people who would traverse the seas in wooden boats, two to three inches above the deep and angry waters, daring the elements!
Father, mother, siblings, family, relations, lost the joys of childhood, parenthood, familyhood, smooth schooling – because of Spain, Britain, and neocolonial Nigeria. Conclusion: everything was lost, including those unknowns who perished at sea – but, eventually, the man returned, reorganized his life and rebuilt family, friends and relatives for a better tomorrow.
Investments made elsewhere, especially in such primitive society as Nigeria ultimately belong to those elsewheres, including Lagos. Not all Yoruba are against the Igbo, but those victimizing the Igbo based on “right of way laws,” have gained upper hand. Economists, if we can remember, used to tell us that bad money chases good money away. That is what is happening. Yoruba don’t hate Igbo, but the powerful few who do or appear to, have great reasons for their actions. Reasons so dear to them, given a relationship to inter-elites competitions. Igbo will not fight or go to war with them, but to bear any irrecoverable losses with courage, try reinvest home and carry on their lives. It’s a very cruel and uncivilized situation, but, such things occasionally happen, and life goes on.
History never ends; it never ended with the Idi Amin expulsion of Asians, the dehumanization and expropriation of Jews in nazi Germany with all manner of laws quoted against them, and will not end with the expropriations of property (“Abandoned Property”), mass demolitions, pogroms, genocides, and quit notices in Nigeria, condemned outwardly but seemingly encouraged inwardly.
Despite all this, one thing remains constant: Igbo would never go to war with the Yoruba or whomsoever in Nigeria. Everyone should expunge such thoughts totally; we and Yoruba are related, and it may happen that at some point we will join hands together to achieve a better society for all. Above all, the Yoruba are in control of government and the Igbo have neither the weapons nor the support – and, those victimizing and luring the Igbo know this perfectly well as they know day and night. Igbo position is weak but their wisdom can be strong. Ike nkwucha aburo ujo, nor is ako n’uche cowardice.
The more legitimate Afenifere is continually condemning the Igbo betting going on. Igbo should listen to and woo and encourage them. They are also Yoruba. These types of Yoruba returned Igbo properties, rents and all to them after the war; if new Yoruba elites arise and think that that was a mistake, they should be allowed to have their day. It will also come to pass.
But, if it comes to the worst the Igbo cannot “go to war” or insist on clinging to a life, property or other investments snatched from them by “sons of the soil.” You pack up and go East; initially sudden relocation will be harsh and terrible, but normalize over time. But, never any thought of “war,” conventional or unconventional with anybody, once again falling into the trap of an anti-Igbo genocidal coalition to achieve another round of peace and reconciliation kept alive by no peace and no reconciliation.
Prof. Obasi Igwe
Director, Media and Publicity
United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide.
Aug. 06, 2024.
