posted
What Nigerians have been clamouring for is a Sovereign National Conference where people elected from every facets of the nation can sit down and critically appraise and review the geo-political entity known as Nigeria. We aren't talking about some hand-picked government agents here.
We need to discuss, and determine what 'national interest' is. People should be able to decide if they want to belong to a country where national interest means: Keeping mute in the face of tyrany and oppression; Nothing happens when southerners and Christians are repeatedly slaughtered in the North in the guise of religious unrest; A seperate set of laws (sharia) is allowed to reign in the north in spite of the national constitution; The Delta people are exploited, suppressed, and terrorised by the federal government when 90% of the nations wealth is derived from their land; Certain tribes sees it as a birthright to produce the leaders of the nation and sacastically refer to others as bloody minorities; A quota system is in place that seek to hold back a certain part of the nation educationally to allow for some people to catch up; You cannot get a job in NNPC Warri, unless your name is either Musa or Shola; If you are Emeka or Efe, you dare not aspire to become a president one day; and a host of other issues which we shall discuss as time goes on.
This dialogue being pursued by Obasanjo happens to fall short of what it is supposed to be. How can someone picked by the government of the day, now turn around to speak against an agenda proposed by that same government?
Obasanjo should know that if you daggle a piece of meat before a hungry lion when what he really wants is a live prey, you might end up as the desired meal. Don't insult 'us'. We want a Sovereign National Conference. Lets discuss 'NIGERIA'.
Posts: 17 | From: London, UK. | Registered: Jan 2005
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Mankelv has been raising some wonderful questions on various threads, questions numerously and previously partially adressed under different topics on this board. These questions remain germane to the positions we claim to take on the issue of our own very survival as informed Blacks and remain germane to our collective consciences as regards the question of the relevance of our generation of West Africans consigned to the geographical space labelled "Nigeria" by your colonial masters.
Where are all the arch radical, boutique-liberal, immoral leftist, board members known as "One Nigerians"?
Where are all the irrationally partisan radical hard right rabid conservative board members known as Ooduans and Arewa's
Where are all the gentleman(woman)ly level headed, moderate to center right leaning board members known as Biafrans who make up the majority of the BNW board?
Are we now so fatigued to respond?
----Where is Nwa-Afor? ----Where is Bolaji Aluko? ----Where is Bamidele (Hahaha haha ha)? ----Adekunle Ngwanu! ----Bababoyz Oya! Enh? ----Crusader/Ripples keezi? ----Muda Haruna how far? ----CEO, are you are! ----Ugali shaga, Ibrahim Dasuki, AdeOlajide, Ineba Jimoh, Kokori wherefore art thou ndi beanyi? ----Nwa-Afor! Nwa-Afor! Nwa-Afor! please my brother pleeeeaase dont run away from this one. Lets talk! O nwannem. Abeg una, no vex my piple. Let's talk!
Mankelv has raised some very good questions, and other than the lone input of the bright Biafran Amadi on another thread, I've seen no other input.
Please lets not be fatigued (nor allow guilty conscience to hold some back ) to revisit the same concerns again, especially toward addressing the genuine questions of a new member who seems to have demonstrated a genuine interest in the nature of his questions.
Mankelv, welcome! the questions you ask are definitely stimulating and my input should be anticipated and is assured herein.
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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That is why some of us have called for a true SNC. Not the type that OBj and his lap dogs are running around town with.
A true SNC will address the structure of our nation.
Mind u, SNC is just a blue print. We need a new national orientation to prepare the whole populace for implementation.
Because Nigerians are very good at drafting good policies and writing such in a way that others marvel at our ingenuity. Our main proble is in implementation.
Lets have ur idea!
Posts: 380 | From: US | Registered: Dec 2004
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I echo your sentiments regarding the above issue, and have expressed my opinions in earlier threads per se. To cut to the chase, I sometimes wonder if Nigerians have the fortitude and gumption to effect change. What is the socio-genetic makeup of the peoples of "Yugoslavia", Ukraine etc, that is lacking in Nigerians. The people MUST really want change for change to occur.
Posts: 119 | From: USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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quote:Mind u, SNC is just a blue print. We need a new national orientation to prepare the whole populace for implementation.
Because Nigerians are very good at drafting good policies and writing such in a way that others marvel at our ingenuity. Our main proble is in implementation
Nwa-Afor,
Ndeewo my brother and thanks for the prompt response.
As one of the progressive thinking, gentleman(woman)ly, level headed, moderate to center right leaning board members known as Biafrans who make up the majority of the BNW board, I will start out by mimmicking Mankelv in asking questions so as not to be presumptuous.
You said "SNC is 'just' a blueprint" Question: Are blueprints meant to be implemented? or are they meant to be framed and mounted on the wall for aesthetic viewing?
You said "We need a new national orientation" Question: So we will have "SNC" then on top of it, we will also have "National Orientation" Question: Who will give us all these?
You said "Nigerians" are very..... Question: Who are these "Nigerians" are....?
You said "Nigerians" are very good at drafting very "good" policy Question: Please name some "very good policies drafted by "Nigerians" and tell us why they are "very good"
You said "Our main problem is in implementation" Question: But Why??? Why??? In a nation where everybody is jolly (the happiest nation in the world or something like that) why have over 10,000 "happy/proud/Nigerian" people been killed (mind you that figure is based on the numbers supplied to BBC by the "Nija" govt and excludes all the flare-ups and extrajudicial killings since 2000 when that statistic of kills was first established)? In a nation where of the "joliest/happiest" people in the world where "good policies" abound, written by presumably good people why is poor implementation a problem?
COULD IT BE THAT....?
Could it be that "Nigerians" are not one people, and have never been?
Could it be that as in the novel; "Animal Farm" : "All "Nigerians" are created equal, but some "Nigerians" are more equal than others?
Could it be that those "Nigerians" who have been created less equal than others have failed to speak out on their own behalf while acting the "good boy" by trying to make Igbos who have repeatedly spoken out look like "unpatriotic" ingrates?
Could it be that those "Nigerians" who view themselves as having been created more equal than others have (and have always had) a different agenda from those whom they view as having been created less equal or equally equal?
Could it be that those "Nigerians" who view themselves as having been created more equal than others will never voluntarilly give up their competitive advantage of higher equality in order to balance the equality level with those viewed as having been created less equal or equally equal?
COULD IT FINALLY BE THAT....?
Could it be that at the end of the day, equal opportunity, equal access, freedom to aspire to heightened levels of equality on the basis of our diverse standards and without artificial hindrance (imposed by those viewing themselves as more equal than us in their claim to the geographical expression called "Nigeria") is what people are seeking after all is said and done?, and that that mere yearning cannot be legitimately dismissed by being labelled by some as "treasonable" "anti-Nigerian" or "unpatriotic" especially by those who have ascribed themselves the goodboy role of "OneNigerian"
CONCLUSION
In the end my brother all I ask is to read the last question again. The key to our problems is in there, also, do not be confused by the satirical references to animal farm, those references are very apt in our situation and appears to be what continues to ail the Blackman world wide: Self deception!
Our solution is simple: STRUCTURE, Self empowerment! Responsibility! Co-habitation on the basis of mutual desire and mutual respect
When Igbos have clamored on the basis of real-time persecution and desperation of threat-to- survival for any of the above "Nigerians" have seen fit to demonize us as non team-players, only to relapse back into the malaise whose simptoms and cure we keep presenting to them.
How do you legislate the above? How do you put together the ideas that will bring it about? who shall do it for you? within what format? by whose oversight? under what trusted vessel/mechanism?
Some Igbos even join in lecturing about "One Nigeria", making themselves out to be goodboys and girls in comparison to our naughty selves. Yet the solution keeps waiting to be accepted.
How ironic would it be if at the end of every self deception those who keep binding themselves up for the evil day, finally adopt something that ends up mimmicking the exact attributes of the Aburi accord, If only having changed its name to assuage their consciences?
How ironic?
But then, I'm only thinking out loud. Abeg no vex!
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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The following was suggested as a possible solution to the current political dynamics in Nigeria. I welcome any input..
"Afrocracy- Afrocracy is a system of government, that embraces the fundamental principles of democracy, with the intrinsic adoption of certain tenets, designed specifically for political governance in Africa and developing nations .
How it is proposed to work: (Nigeria)
1) It is based on the population ratio of a country’s major ethnic groups. Assuming the breakdown of ethnic groups in Nigeria is as follows, Hausa/Fulani 25 percent, Yoruba 22 percent, Igbo 20 percent, others, 33 percent (minority groups). 2) The Presidency will be rotated among the top 3 or 4 major ethnic groups, for a term of 5 years. 3) The National Assembly, will comprise of no less than 75 percent members of ethnic minority groups . (7 year term) 4) The members of the national assembly can be voted into office only by the majority ethnic group(s), not holding the presidency. 5) With regards to the presidency, the ethnic group in line to assume the presidency, must first conduct a primary election in its area. The top two candidates are then presented to be voted for by the other majority group(s) not contesting the presidency.
I do not pretend in any way to claim expertise in this area, I have only propounded this concept, however simplistic in your view, as a way to open serious discussions on this topic.
Given the attendant political problems that African countries have encountered, and particularly Nigeria, it is critically important that a new political structure is developed and adopted, if it is to have a future as a country. "
Posts: 119 | From: USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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quote:.....What is the socio-genetic makeup of the peoples of "Yugoslavia", Ukraine etc, that is lacking in Nigerians. The people MUST really want change for change to occur
Teddy,
My main man! I keep saying it, but you're one refined gentleman, a sight for sore eyes! How goes it buddy? Our threads crossed but the question you posed above is a nagging one that re-echoes itself to those who bury their heads in the sand, looking for the messenger to label and destroy.
PROPHESY? HERE I GO
I'm not a prophet, but its been said that those who speak the truth are prophetic.
I hereby prophesy that until "Nigerians" accept the fact that avoiding the careful address of the issue of socio-cultural difference (as a root-cause to perpertual backwardness) in the pretence toward seeking a utopic "One Nigeria", they will only continue to make the concept of "Nigeria" so abstract as it currently is, as to bear no meaning, attraction, or passion to its supposed beneficiaries other than those basking in self delusive fantasy, immagining themselves to be in the corridors of power by extension of their kinsmen.
YES! PROPHESY, HERE I GO
Until "Nigerians" accept the fact that avoiding the careful address of the issue of socio-cultural difference (as a root-cause to perpertual backwardness), the utopic abstract idea of "OneNigeria" (why not "One Numidiae/Aethiopiae/Soudan/Nigrite/Bifara-Benin-Zanfara as named parts of sub-saharan Africa by the Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, and Arabs) will continue to remain elusive, undefined and unattainable despite the abundant availability of practicable, civilized and easy solutions.
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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quote: It is based on the population ratio of a country’s major ethnic groups. Assuming the breakdown of ethnic groups in Nigeria is as follows, Hausa/Fulani 25 percent, Yoruba 22 percent, Igbo 20 percent, others, 33 percent (minority groups). – Teddy
I just couldn't remain silent anymore due to the offensiveness of certain proposals and especially the crappy figure up there. How exactly did those crooks arrive at this bogus figure? Am I the only fella who is aware of the Hausa/Fulani inclusion of their herds in population count? Any reason why the same Awusa/Fulani refused to a genuine U.N. sponsored census with foreign personel? Guys, let’s quit the deceit none of us were born last night. These days I’ve resolved to avoid too much grammar because there is nothing to be written about the useless country, nigeria that has not been written by a great many Igbo especially our brother Uka and some well meaning minorities, so-called. ” As weird as it seems, in Nigeria they even count goats, sheep, cows and imported laborers from neighboring Moslem countries to increase their number, which screams volumes about them. It is evident from the failure of past attempts to collate and tally the numbers of the so-called citizens of that country that the figure on record is bogus. If you disagree with this statement, encourage a U.N. sponsored census to determine if indeed you guys are what you allege. This is yet another challenge. If you ask me, I did put their population in that country in the fifteen million or less range contrary to the phony and unsubstantiated jump. Respected readers, why do you think the northerners constantly throw monkey wrench whenever a new effort is made to take a complete and unobstructed population count? Their present false claim pure, simple and short.” – 11/27/04 “Umar Bello too Failed to Clear the Quranic Anxieties.” FULL TEXT
Uka:
My dearest brother, save yourself from exhaustion by allowing these guys to continue their sing-songs about their “beloved” country. This fella here sees himself as a Biafran-American with roots from my hometown. I really don’t see anything new to what these guys are writing of late. It’s kinda redundant or should I say recycled news. Let’s face it, nigeria is bad news even to the clueless “One nig” advocates, if they disagree they should tell us ONE thing good about the bastard nation. To me, here’s the last word, the finale, the mother of all these exchanges, “How ironic would it be if at the end of every self deception those who keep binding themselves up for the evil day, finally adopt something that ends up mimmicking the exact attributes of the Aburi accord, If only having changed its name to assuage their consciences?” – Uka.
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2482 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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How i go vex! I respect the way you address issues rather than the person. For me i sometimes ramble, which is Ok for me b/c i no no book ooo!
Yes bros, SNC would be a blue print. U can frame it a put it up on the wall. U can also implement it with sincerity or use it as smokescreen for misguided motives. When i say SNC is a blueprint, i meant its a starting point. we can implement it as we do so encounter some unforseen hicup, which only our sincerity to have a progressive nation will help us overcome.
I also believe we need a new national orientation. Today, our people hail materialism. We have a system where every dick and harry wants to be chief. A system where some one in power abuses his or her position, instead of us all to condenm what the person did, we are quick to claim they are after 'Our Son'. We need a new national orientation whereby we can instil hope in our future leaders. A new national orientation that will start at the elementary level uptill University level. One that every Nigerian can follow along with. No matter the outcome of an SNC, without a new national orientation, we are bound to fall into the same pit as we are now in. Some thing in form of what Idiagbon Started. WAI. Eveb after Idiagbon left, people still think twice before the cross a highway. Look at the Environmental Sanitation, people bought into and worked to make cleaner envrionment. But the govt. did not follow through.
yes ooo, by Nigerians i mean me and u! That is why in most of my write ups, i try to inject starting from self. We can criticize our leaders all we want, if we are not making that difference by where we are now, we are fooling ourslef. That is why OBJ was quick to criticize IBB, only to do worst when he got there. Many are today calling for Tafa's head. And i ask, where u are now are u milking the clock? are u giving bribe or recieveing bribe. We are Nigerians and unless we start from ourself, unless we start that change from our immediate sphere of influence, we are fooling ourself. Just like u are clamouring for a Biafra nation. Who will run Biafra, is it not same politicians of igbo extract? Look at Apga. Okorie vs Umeh, look at Orji kalu? Go read the piece on Chris Ubah and he was welcomed by fellwo igbo men in Nnewi. Look at people like Oliver de Coque, he will praise sing even the devil himself so long as he recieves money! Yes, bros, the Nigerians i mean is me & u.
Nigerians are good at drafting policies. Look at all OBJ speeches, look at NEEDS and other OBJ policies, they look very good on paper. When NEPA boss gives a speech, he sounds good. When they present us with gigantic projects, they sound good. But who monitors succ projects? How did Tafa form new companies and such companies secure police contracts . How could one man be so greedy as to steal 500,000; 1million; 2million; 1billions etc. how could one be so greedy? How could an intellectual in the form of guabade or what is he called head an election like the one on 4-19-03. Look at our sister Okonjo Iweala, She is doing a terrific job, how could she work in a system that is as messed up nija and still expect result? So drafting good policies is one thing, but implementing such is another. (may be i am rambling, but that is me) So Tafa has resigns, what lesson are u giving to those that might want to steal like him? Is accepting his resignation good enough?
Mazi Ukaobasi, Nigerians are not one people. Americans are not one people. Ukranians are not one people. Ghanians are not one people. South Africans are not one people. Russians are not one people.
We can decide to live as one or go our separates ways, that will not solve our inherent problems. Accountability, sincerity, responsibility, justice and fairplay we see us succeding as a nation. Even the Southerners in Nija are not one people. Even the Igbos are not one. Let us fight for justice, accountability and for a responsible govt.
Yes u are right When u say
" COULD IT FINALLY BE THAT....?
Could it be that at the end of the day, equal opportunity, equal access, freedom to aspire to heightened levels of equality on the basis of our diverse standards and without artificial hindrance (imposed by those viewing themselves as more equal than us in their claim to the geographical expression called "Nigeria") is what people are seeking after all is said and done?, and that that mere yearning cannot be legitimately dismissed by being labelled by some as "treasonable" "anti-Nigerian" or "unpatriotic" especially by those who have ascribed themselves the goodboy role of "OneNigerian"
But mind u those that call some unpatriotic are the most unpatriotic. Same siphon our money away, while people like and me and u send money home to help service our economy. So forget what they say and follow their action.
For one thing i agree with 100% when u say...
"Our solution is simple: STRUCTURE, Self empowerment! Responsibility! Co-habitation on the basis of mutual desire and mutual respect"
That is why i will continue to fight for justice for all. I will never accept half measure. I will always start from me, and those close to me.
Ka Chineke Mezie Okwu!
Posts: 380 | From: US | Registered: Dec 2004
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I think it is a useless task to try and have a national discussion in Nigeria at this point in time. Corrupt leaders are entrenched and there are riches at stake. Talk all you like but your talk will not effect the changes needed in that country. It's common knowledge that certain ethnic groups are marginalized. Most notable among these is the Igbo nation. It is so because of historical fears and hatreds. There is also an element of envy because of this people's skill in economic enterprise. Howsoever it be, it will take more than talk among the leaders of the various ethnic groups to effect any change that will be acceptable to all.
The first and major problem to any accord is the religious question. Even if political accord is found, the anti-thetical dynamics of Islam and Christainity will torpedoe any harmony between these two groups. Those who believe that these fundamentally opposed groups can co-exist in peace, equity and mutual respect delude themselves. Why talk with people who have two standards; one for those who believe as they do, and one for those who don't. Everyone knows that this is the case with our Muslim brothers. And I'm sure they will say the same about christians(though they will in fact be wrong). I'm not a Muslim hater but I'm appalled at what passes for godliness with them(God-sanctioned murders(fatwa), unforgiveness(Sharia nonsense) and the like). I'm bold to say THIS IS NOT OF GOD. So if there is to be a national discussion, it must be only among those of the Christian faith; those who are willing to have patience and understanding of one another. This of course will divide the country, the South from the North; and because there is oil and money at stake, there will be a fight. Don't fool yourselves.
I personally think that if there is to be such a dialogue, it should be among the ethnic groups of the South apart from the North. A confederation along these lines would bear better fruit, but the parties must be willing to respect each others' respective cultures, and take positive steps to educate themselves therein, becoming more than just familiar with their close neighbors; they must respect them. They must seek after their common good rather than harshly point out their differences. They must ally themselves to be able to throw off the yoke of the Muslim North forever. After this is done, there will still be major difficulties but the greatest one will be overcome.
In many countries non-violent protests have done much to bring political change but the repression of civil dissent in Nigeria is perhaps greater than what was in certain dictatorial South American countries in the 60's and 70's. I don't think I have to detail names and events to prove my point. There are only two occurences that can possibly effect the radical change needed in Nigeria. One is international(and therefore economic) pressure, and the other is armed conflict. Please understand that I am not advocating violence against any state; I am simply making an observation based on past historical events. I don't expect anyone to publicly comment on the latter but it is an inexorable fact of the history of nations that these things effect change. My preference is always peaceful change.
If peaceful change is to occur, don't expect others to do it for us, there must be an expression of the will of the people that is so profound that the whole world takes notice. Witness Victor Yuschenko's victory in Ukraine made possible by the outpouring of the democratic aspirations of the people of that nation. It became a force that the Russian political establishment could not stop. Americans had no hand in it, neither the French or the British. Those people helped themselves by showing their passion for change and for a democratically elected leader. My fear is that a great man and well-beloved of the people must give his life before the peoples of the South speak with such a voice.
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 660 | From: Valle del Sol | Registered: Nov 2004
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We crossed posts once again, but my brother thank you for the questions you asked and the candid and billiant suggestions you proffered, yet I still believe that sincere as that set of proposals is, it would be wasted against a system whose cynical intent guarantees that failure would always be the outcome of our best efforts, hence while other nations are moving forward, the geographical expression labelled “Nigeria” continues its backward slide.
MeBiafran,
My brother look at this:
MY HERO SPEAKS OUT!
quote: Perspectives: Harebrained By Chuks Iloegbunam VANGUARD Tuesday, January 18, 2005
quote:Originally posted by Greg I think it is a useless task to try and have a national discussion in Nigeria at this point in time. Corrupt leaders are entrenched and there are riches at stake. Talk all you like but your talk will not effect the changes needed in that country
Affirmation: Greg,
I couldnt agree with you more! The current masterminds of the talkshow are the same NADECO pundits whom it is obvious are lacking that basic sincereity to rally the people round their cause. Since violence rules in "Nigeria" they lack not only the military clout to assert themeselves toward an attainable end, they also suffer the total lack of a grassroots motivated trust and following, as a result of which their cause (like every single cause Enahoro has allied himself with from time immemorial) continues to get co-opted and watered down to usless pieces by every monkey tin-pot dictator (military or civilian) that comes along.
quote:Originally posted by Greg Those who believe that these fundamentally opposed groups can co-exist in peace, equity and mutual respect delude themselves. Why talk with people who have two standards; one for those who believe as they do, and one for those who don't.
Affirmation:"Why talk with people who have two standards...."? Good question Greg. The answer is that those doing the talking themselves have two standards and have had ever since independence was sought from the British, and have had ever since they advised Gowon to rennege on Aburi (an agreement forged like cod steel in hot fire) for no justifiable reason other than the primordial fear and jealousy (of Igbos I suppose) which has always blinded Enahoro and others from failing to see their ceding of their manhood to the Fulani.
quote:Originally posted by Greg I personally think that if there is to be such a dialogue, it should be among the ethnic groups of the South apart from the North. A confederation along these lines would bear better fruit
Affirmation:Totally agree again here, yet such a dialogue can only happen on the basis of mutual outcry and mutual tactical support. By this I mean that each group must cry out simultaneously, desist from undermining the other for the sake of short term advantage, and especially desist from encouraging or tolerating efulefu among each group who stray to take advantage at the expense of their own group.
quote:Originally posted by Greg They must seek after their common good rather than harshly point out their differences. They must ally themselves to be able to throw off the yoke of the Muslim North forever. After this is done, there will still be major difficulties but the greatest one will be overcome.
Affirmation: Again in total agreement here in that if the South do not regard our state of being as a state of war, then it continues to behoove individual groups to go it alone or remain a victim to conquest. the results of which in the past rendered entire middlebelt peoples like the Hausas and Nufi's subject to regular and casually frequent Fulani (fillata) slave raids from whence they were either sold to the Arabs or to middlemen who bought and sold them all along the southern coasts to the Europeans.
quote:Originally posted by Greg In many countries non-violent protests have done much to bring political change but the repression of civil dissent in Nigeria is perhaps greater than what was in certain dictatorial South American countries in the 60's and 70's.
Affirmation: Indeed non-violent dissent is seen as a sword which must not be tolerated. In a place like "Nigeria" dissenters are labelled armed robbers and killed by deathsquad gangs who waste and bury them in mass graves to the unalarmed calmness of those southern tribes who believe they're not affected, or that they are in favor, or being woo'd as political brides. Later they keep wondering why all their daughters are turning to the prostitution profession and their sons turning to male prostitution for Fulani customers.
quote:Originally posted by Greg There are only two occurences that can possibly effect the radical change needed in Nigeria. One is international(and therefore economic) pressure, and the other is armed conflict
Affirmation: Bingo! and I shall say no more.
quote:Originally posted by Greg Please understand that I am not advocating violence against any state; I am simply making an observation based on past historical events.
Affirmation: Maaaannn you are understood and highly appreciated.
quote:Originally posted by Greg I don't expect anyone to publicly comment on the latter but it is an inexorable fact of the history of nations that these things effect change. My preference is always peaceful change.
Affirmation: Ditto all the way.
quote:Originally posted by Greg If peaceful change is to occur, don't expect others to do it for us, there must be an expression of the will of the people that is so profound that the whole world takes notice.
Affirmation:Again Ditto. Could'nt be put better.
quote:Originally posted by Greg Those people helped themselves by showing their passion for change and for a democratically elected leader.
Affirmation: Could Enahoro and co be capable of achieving this? NO! Yet if you tried to tell them to quietly go home and sensitize their constituencies, and rouse them up, and therefrom, derive the requsite powerbase needed to make passionate but well leveraged demand for a change of structure to benefit their own posterity, they would be quick to label you as "unpatriotic", and condoning of "Breakup"; Heaven forbid making the "Indivisibility of Nigeria Negotiable" Tufiakwa!!!
TO MY BROTHER NWA-AFOR
Nwa-Afor you stated:
quote:Originally posted by Nwa-Afor For me i sometimes ramble, which is Ok for me b/c i no no book ooo!
I ask; really? You assert that you sometimes ramble, then you go on to forgive yourself, because...You no no book ooo!?
My brother do you have to make yourself a simpleton just to try to sell a point? have you bothered to ask others like me whether "dey no book"? Does one have to "no book" to present their point on this thread raised by Mankelv and being rendered justice by those of us who participate in it?
To me, the main planks of your position remain the following:
1.)----IF PEOPLE ARE GOOD/HONEST/JUST, IT SHALL BE WELL WITH "NIGERIA", WHICH IS AN OTHERWISE WELL FUNCTIONING ENTITY SAVE FOR THE PROLIFERATION OF BADNESS.
2.)----FAILURE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF EXISTING (AND WONDERFULOUSLY FAULTLESS INGENIOUS) POLICY IS A PROBLEM, AND BETTER IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT POLICY IS WHAT IS REQUIRED TO STRAIGTHEN THE COURSE
3.)----A NEW NATIONAL ORIENTATION TO DISABUSE THE PEOPLE OF ALL THEIR BAD HABITS (AS EXEMPLIFIED IN MANY OF THE EXAMPLES OF BADNESS CITED BY YOU) IS REQUIRED AS A CATALYST TO TURN THE PEOPLE TO REPENTANCE AND A NEW RESOLVE TO DO BETTER NEXT TIME
4.)----IT IS USELESS TO SEEK A DIFFERENT STRUCTURE (BE IT LOOSE FEDERATION, OR A CONFEDERATE ARRANGEMENT), BECAUSE THE RESULTANT ENTITY OR ENTITIES WILL STILL BE PEOPLED BY THE SAME FAILED CHARACTERS (AND FAILED APPROACH)CURRENTLY MAKING THE CURRENT ENTITY FAIL
UNDERSTANDING IT ALL
Apart from the first portion of the body of your post, the basic thrust of your whole approach which I sought to encapsulate in the four listed points above seem to be exemplified and substantiated in my eyes by the following lines below:
quote:Nigerians are not one people. Americans are not one people. Ukranians are not one people. Ghanians are not one people. South Africans are not one people. Russians are not one people.
We can decide to live as one or go our separates ways, that will not solve our inherent problems. Accountability, sincerity, responsibility, justice and fairplay we see us succeding as a nation. Even the Southerners in Nija are not one people. Even the Igbos are not one. Let us fight for justice, accountability and for a responsible govt.
Have I recapitulated your main position correctly? If I have please let me know. If I havent, please also let me know my brother, that way I can come to see the same page you're looking at, and endeavor to make my references on that basis for greater clarity as we go along.
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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posted
My fear is that this Obasanjo`s sudden national dialogue is a ruse.Designed to legally rubber stamp his much proposed single 5 years term for elected offices.Instances abound where these intensely self serving rulers attempted to take the sail out of the ship by distortion of popular agitations to serve their interests.Abacha did it with his own constitutional conference in 1995 to give him cover for his life presidency bid.Obasanjo did it with the Oputa Human rights panel whose report and recommendations never saw the light of day just like the Abacha conference.
However,Nigerians must accept that half bread is better than none.While it is particularly sad that Obasanjo and the governors would hand pick the entire delegates,one hopes that the fundermental issues bedeviling our lopsided federation would at least be pondered upon and viable solutions proferred.If the National assembly would guarantee that no conference proferred solution/formula can be changed by executive fiat,then there is some hope.
It is no news that Nigeria isn`t one nation.The constituent six geopolitical regions of nigeria must begin with having greater autonomy and authorithy in their development and resources.The federal government must be restructured in a manner that recognises the equality and representation of the six geopolitical regions.The office of the President MUST be rotational among these constituent six regions say every five years to guarantee a peaceful coexistence and a sense of equality amongst all Nigerians.Then other issues bedeviling the Nigerian state would naturally be addressed appropriately.
Now that President George Bush in his inaugural address sent an unmistakeable message to ALL oppressors and dictators that the days of boundless oppression,genocide and apartheid on all peoples was over.One hopes that MASSOB would have a very clear case when it presents the case of Biafra Republic stemming from the bondage of Igbo People as second class citizens in Nigeria.Where they are habitually discriminated upon,murdered especially in the North and their businesses destroyed while the Federal govt. apparently looks on with somewhat approval or sudden weakness.
If Obasanjo appoints or allows credible people from across all shades of opinion to be elected(Opposition members or not),this conference may delay the detonation of Nigeria.My fear is that he is so blinded by hate to see the harm his dictatorial and intolerant posture is doing.The dictatorial manipulation of this conference`s communique is a harbinger of things to come.May God save us!
quote:The first and major problem to any accord is the religious question. Even if political accord is found, the anti-thetical dynamics of Islam and Christainity will torpedoe any harmony between these two groups. Those who believe that these fundamentally opposed groups can co-exist in peace, equity and mutual respect delude themselves. Why talk with people who have two standards; one for those who believe as they do, and one for those who don't. Everyone knows that this is the case with our Muslim brothers. And I'm sure they will say the same about christians(though they will in fact be wrong). I'm not a Muslim hater but I'm appalled at what passes for godliness with them(God-sanctioned murders(fatwa), unforgiveness(Sharia nonsense) and the like). I'm bold to say THIS IS NOT OF GOD. – Greg
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2482 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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You captured some of my points well. I may be wrong in thinking that the Nigerian experiment will work. But i believe that we have invested so much into this experiment that we should not give up now. May be if we all fight for change of system and not change of individuals things will be better.
That is why i ask again, how many of us here when in Nigeria refuse to give bribe? How many here invest there money in owerri, Enugu, Umuahia and not in Abuja and lagos? We can write all we want about change and its benefit, unless we start from our self, it will be hard to change others.
That is why i seem to be more critical of Igbo politicians. Charity, like they say begins at home.
Greg:
As xtian, i strongly agree with some of ur points. What difference is there b/w a xtian politician and muslim politician? Look at our churches and men of God, how have they shown that we are the salt of the earth? You may be right about the difference between night and day, but our muslim brothers and sisters are as oppressed and suppressed as us. If what u are saying is we go our separate ways, there will still be some of us that will live amongst the muslim north.
I am seriously learning here and i appreciate all input.
Posts: 380 | From: US | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
Thank you my people for the various inputs. I have always said that the saddest thing that ever happened in the geo-polity Nigeria is the failure of the first Biafran Revolution. I say first, because i know it isn't the end of the matter. Though i am not Igbo, it hurts me to see how the Nigerian Nation has dragged them down in so many ways. My elders would say that "when there is sorrow in the Goat's house, the Sheep should think about himself too".
Believe you me! Many people are very angry at the moment, and the Igbos will never "walk alone" again when the bell of freedom is again sounded.
One way or the other, the SNC will pave the way forward. We are not to limit ourselves to the idea, and hope that it will solve the problem of our co-existence as a nation. There is no natural law that says that nigeria must be one.The SNC could as well be the gate-way to self determination that many now clamour for. Setting the ball in motion is the first step that we can take at the SNC.
The British arranged marriage of 1914 has not worked. Ultimately, a divorce is not impossible. How it happens might well be a topic of debate at the SNC.
Posts: 17 | From: London, UK. | Registered: Jan 2005
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UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
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) to revisit the same concerns again, especially toward addressing the genuine questions of a new member who seems to have demonstrated a genuine interest in the nature of his questions.
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