Letter to the Igbos
We are Igbos
Let it be known that no Nigerian is more Nigerian than any other Nigerian. It is time for us to stop asking for a place on the Nigerian table. Let it be known that we are beyond Nigeria. Go around Igbo land. Assess and research on the massive development and growth there, and you will discover that the major source of our wealth did not come from Nigeria. It is no myth that Igbos are every where in the world. No matter how outlandish such a place. From Bermuda to Siberia, Igbos are there. And every where we are, we make significant and noticeable impact. The wealth accrued from these itinerant escapades we use to grow significantly the development of our people and place. We are adventurers and global traders. We do not entirely depend on Nigeria for our progress.
Yes, we can beat our chest and dare to boast that compared to any nation or ethnic people in, you will not go to an Igbo village, and see a raffia roofed house of habitation. Unless the owner deliberately desires it so. The grand and imposing mansions that adorn the landscape of this region are testaments to this boast.
There is no Igbo family of five where one of them does not hold at least a secondary school certificate. There are more Igbo graduates per family than any other ethnic people in Africa. This is verifiable.
There is no Igbo family of five of which every member is in the rural area. At least one must be in the urban area or out of the country. A powerful expression of global identity and dual heritage.
In means of transportation, research has revealed that no family of five in Igbo land do not possess at least a bicycle as a means of transport. During festive seasons, the assorted brand of exotic cars that grace the Igbo towns and communities are proof to this claim.
In apparels, the Igbos are one traditional people that are known and lauded for adjusting to every kind of costume and easily adjust to the nuances and even idiosyncrasies of the diverse societies we encounter in our national and global interactions.
This also goes to our taste and food intake. The Igbos are known to accept easily other people’s cuisine. Not only to partake in eating it, but also in preparing such other society’s meals.
These above claims are and more there in UNESCO quality of life assessment data bank.
Therefore, it is time for the Igbos to stop asking any ethnic people, institutions, individuals or groups permission to participate in the Nigerian political space. It is time for such pathetic and very compromising stance to stop. It is almost beggarly. Why should we accept the identity that has been stamped on us. Truth be told, Nigeria needs us far more that we need her. If the Igbos desire the presidency of Nigeria, it is not an issue we need to cow tow to anybody for.
It is now a law to transmit votes electronically, that means rigging of elections has been reduced drastically.
Igbos are only the ethnic nation that have 99% of voters in the South East and second highest voters in other regions in Nigeria.
In the South West, after Yoruba votes, Igbo votes come second. Lagos has the highest number of voters in Nigeria and Igbos are competing with Yorubas in voting power in Lagos.
In the South South, we have indigenous Igbos in all the major cities in that political sphere. Historic facts that have need shrouded will yet surface and reveal these truths. It is just a matter of time. From Benin City, through Sapele, Warri, Port Harcourt and the nook and crannies of Rivers state, to virtually all parts of Akwa Ibom to Calabar, you will see the indelible foot prints of the Igbos past, from the era of interaction with the Nok culture and terra cotta to ancient Nri Kingdom, up to the present.
In the North Central, go to Jos and all the state capitals of the North Central, Igbos are the second largest population after the indigenous people.
In the North West, go to Kano and Kaduna and you will know that Igbos are the second largest population after indigenous people.
In the North East, from the far out Maiduguri to all the state capitals of that political region, the Igbos are thriving and growing exponentially. Their political presence manifesting.
In the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, Igbos are arguably the largest population there today. In the community where I live in Abuja, there are about thirty odd houses in my particular street. I can say with some degree of certainty that amongst these, above twenty of these houses belong to folks of Igbo origin. So is it in the entirety of this territory.
If Igbos truly want to determine who will rule this country today, they will.
There is an ongoing lie, that the Igbo do not support each other. A lie from hell which we have allowed to grow roots. They have conveniently pushed the formidably successful culture of the Apprenticeship Syndrome, which is a most globally lauded support system to look like it is no significance.
It is time to totally change the narrative, and start all over to assert our self into the political narrative if Nigeria. It is sad, that the only ethnic group which really care for Nigeria to work as one, if the others really agree are the Igbos.
We have died and bled for Nigeria. We have projected Nigeria proudly in every mentionable front. That is except for the political front, which because of the absence of the Igbos have slowly cascaded to the putrid and dismal state it presently is in.
Our fathers left for us a most powerful spiritual weapon. This is a greeting, a clarion call, a war chant, a uniting phrase. It is that which distinguishes from any other people. It is called IGBO KWENU!!!
For our fathers know that once we are in agreement, once we unite, once we are in concord, there is no people, situation or challenge we cannot surmount.
Ojukwu gathered us. Nnamdi Kanu, is publicizing us. Now, Peter Obi intends to unite us with all good people, whom we have related with right from before we allowed the white man to put a knife to the bond and cord that had held us together in one accord.
Please, help Nigeria. Nigeria needs to be rescued from the shackles of the ill minded ones that have held her in bondage.
Igbos, it is time to come out from the shadows. It is time to stop complaining. Do not deny yourself your franchise
IT IS TIME TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED.
Peter Obi is the most qualified candidate to lead this country. A beautiful Nigeria is Possible.
I believe that the Obi/Kwankwaso combo is OK to rebrand Nigeria.
