The Igbo traders could shut down the economy of many states in Northern Nigeria. They dominate the spare parts and electronics industries in this zone. So strategic are they to the survival of the overall Nigerian economy.
During the 1966 pogrom very few Nigerians gave them much hope of bouncing back. But they rattled the cynics and forcefully stormed the economic realm. Ten years after the civil war, there was hardly anything to show that they lost war..
Such is is the typical Igbo man- hardworking, enterprising and dynamic.
But in the Nigerian politics they are about the most marginalised. They are hardly united on any issues because self interest and selfishness. Their politics is devoid of principle. They don’t have widely accepted leadership that could mediate their often conflicting interests.
Within a space of about eight years they produced five different Senate Presidents- Ewerem , Okadigbo,, Nwabara, Anyim and Nnamani. All of these because of intrigues and greed.
For the 16 years of the PDP government in Nigeria they benefitted immensely in terms of strategic appointments. For the first time they produced the Chief of Army Staff.
Now less than two years of PDP loss of power, important politicians in the zone like Nnamani and Orji Usor Kalu are seeking refuge in the APC. What a terrible miscalculation. The core APC members hardly trust you because they see you as sheer opportunists. As a matter of fact the APC is a sinking boat that might not float in 2019. The Yoruba component of the party is only looking for the right opportunity to exit. In terms of economic performance the APC is a monumental failure.
My dear Igbo brothers and sisters you are on trip that would lead to your further marginalisation. Retrace your steps, unite and build a strong political platform to negotiate and interact with other groups in the Nigerian politics.
Source: Toba Alabi is Professor of Political Science and Defence Studies. (08036787582)
Written on 5 February, 2017.