Things almost in place but….
It is an open knowledge that until recently, things almost fell apart (apology to Chinua Achebe). No thanks to the misguided youths (with their ever misguided divisive views and opinions of “other” Nigerians!). No thanks either to the loud silence and complacency (or is it complicity?) of some elder states and non-statesmen alike. Thank God, […]
It is an open knowledge that until recently, things almost fell apart (apology to Chinua Achebe). No thanks to the misguided youths (with their ever misguided divisive views and opinions of “other” Nigerians!). No thanks either to the loud silence and complacency (or is it complicity?) of some elder states and non-statesmen alike. Thank God, many compatriots have risen to national call and (true to expectation!), things are almost falling in place again for the Federal Republic of Nigeria in terms of inclusive narrative for national unity, development and democracy. The quotable quotes of notable compatriots and pan-Nigerian organizations made up my reflections last week. There have been more outpours of significant patriotic words, wondering aloud that with such patriots in the house, how come that some few renegade citizens were allowed with disintegration hysteria from the roof tops? The star words of the past week in defence of the country came from two important and significant duo, namely the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief John Nnia Nwodo the Presidential-general of the Ohaneze Ndigbo. In reacting to the so-called quit notice by a so-called coalition of northern youths, Alhaji rightly observed that joblessness was the reason for the ultimatum. Witness him: “Some guys who have no relevance and values came out to issue a warning that Igbo should leave the North. ‘I am surprised everybody started talking about this nonsense. Why are we talking about it?
“Obviously, in a place where there is a lot of joblessness, it is expected that this kind of jobless people would come out with all sorts of anger.
“We understand the reasons why they are angry, but they cannot justify their action when they have decided not to work.
“They only issue senseless warning to keep themselves relevant,”. No better person can draw the link between idle capacity and mischief than the continent’s number one investor who has commendably turned underdevelopment to opportunities employing hundreds of thousands of youths. Africa’s richest man assured when his refinery project, when completed, would create thousands of direct jobs for the youths and millions of indirect jobs in the value chain. Undoubtedly Dangote’s patriotism remains unparalleled when it comes to investment and that his investments in many sectors have been a key factor behind Nigeria’s improving economy. Whence then the Ministers of trade and investment and employment and labour to compliment Alhaji Aliko in putting other investments in place so as keep the youths out of misguided endeavours?
Chief John Nnia Nwodo who led other national leaders of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, organization to the Anambra State House of Assembly gave a timely warning to the leaders of youth groups championing self rule for the Igbo nation not to arrogate to themselves the supreme leadership of Igboland . According to him, ‘…though Ndigbo were suffering marginalization in the affairs of the country, Igbo was still part and parcel of Nigeria’, adding that in seeking mitigation of the injustices being meted to Ndigbo, civilized approach should be adopted. He reportedly lashed out at the leader of IPOB for, making unguarded utterances that Anambra State governorship election slated for November would not hold. Kanu’s utterance, Nwodo stated, had breached the undertaking he took before him (Nwodo) when he was released from detention. He said, “I’m just being paternal. The way I commended them as my children; is the way I have the right to chastised them when they go wrong. We don’t need this heat up”. Why should Anambra people be denied the opportunity to choose their own leader? Why should any of us who is not from Anambra, no matter how highly placed, descend to the arena and dictate for Anambra people when to vote, whether to vote or who to vote for? “Anambra, nay Igbo, are still part and parcel of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Better late than never that respectable Nigerians and elected governors of the South East are living up to their oats of office to defend the constitution of Nigeria with all its limitation.
Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has also taken a swipe at the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Addressing State House reporters in Abuja, Okorocha said Kanu lacks the ability and influence to lead the Igbo nation to war.
The governor asked Nigerians to treat Kanu as a young man seeking relevance.
According to him, most of the boys clamouring for Biafra are frustrated and are just venting their frustration. Also at the weekend, the past and present Governors of Southeast states and members of the National Assembly have frowned at hate speeches threatening the peace of the nation, thereby calling for the restructuring of the nation.
Ebonyi state governor, Dave Umahi who is the chairman of the forum reportedly said: “Ndigbos are in support of a united Nigeria where peace love fairness, justice equity and equality of opportunity are paramount regardless of greed, ethnicity gender or political affiliations.
“We condemn all or conduct emanating from any segment of Nigeria.’ Again better late than never!