This present political season is very strategic just as we gradually approach the polls of next year. This season has also unfolded several episodes of uncertainties in the political sphere as witnessed in the gale of defections, political persecutions, accusation and counter accusations that we have seen in the past few weeks. Since the return of democracy in 1999 we have been through five general elections and each has come with its own uncertainties and drama. Therefore one may feel that this one will certainly come and go just like others; mindless of the implications. However, just before we go for the polls again, I will like to draw the attention of Ndi-Igbo on some consequential issues that have affected our existence in this Nation. There is no doubt that Igbos are very resourceful people but there is one thing which I do not like about our people and that is our habit of forgetfulness. In a marriage that have seen us live together with our northern neighbours for over a century, it is time to ask ourselves “how well have we fared as a people especially since independence?” It is very disturbing that despite our level of education, wisdom, enterprise and exposure, we have comfortably settled in our place as second class citizens in this nation and have accepted our call to servant hood in good fate. No wonder our friends from the north believe that they are born to rule. I used to think that the East is the citadel of wisdom but our acclaimed wisdom has profited us very little especially as regards to politics and governance. This is becoming a threat to the existence of the Igbos and our place in the scheme of things. No wonder our region has continued to suffer the kind of neglect we see. More worrisome is the fact that our leaders whose voices are amplified to speak for the Igbo course have allowed personal and selfish interests suffocate their ability to speak. I am disturbed because some of them are ready to mortgage our ancestral heritage for a plate of porridge just like the biblical Esau. Well, since those who have amplified voices have decided not to speak; we with silent voices will continue to speak hoping that one day we will be heard.
Ndi Igbo, we must not forget how much we have been through in this Nation. Like they say “once beaten twice shy” We must never forget in a hurry the Jos massacre in 1945, the Kano massacre in 1953 and the September 29, 1966 massacre were tens of thousands of our people were slaughtered. We must not also forget the events of the Biafra war from 1967-1970. Our predicaments did not just end there; these massacres continued in Kano 1980, Maiduguri 1982, Yola in 1984, Gombe 1985, Kaduna in 1986, Bauchi in 1991, Funtua in 1993, Kano in 1994, Damboa in 2000 and so many others.
Ununnem we have paid the ultimate price in this Nation and it is time for us to begin to reap the fruits of our sacrifices. As 2019 approaches, we must understand that the time has come for us to rise up and renegotiate the ties that bind us to together with our brothers from the North. We cannot continue being spectators in a stage where we can play lead roles. I do not preach secession but we must as a matter of urgency rise up to emancipate ourselves and liberate ourselves from every form of slavery; no matter the guise.
It is about that time again in our political season when they will dangle carrots in our faces expecting us to jump at them like rabbits. In the face of all these, as we head for the polls, let us not forget that we are they most neglected region, let us not forget that we have been worse hit by the nepotism and bigotry that has characterized this government. Let us not forget that the only international airport in our region is in disdain and has remained in a state of mockery .Let us not forget that our harmless brothers who took to the streets to protest the injustice that we have suffered; demanding for our rights to freedom were confronted by a raging Nigerian Armed forces and labeled terrorists while the Fulani herdsmen who have been on a killing spree are still being pampered with kids glove. Let us not forget that if these brutal demonic agents called herdsmen remain untamed and eventually conquer the Benue, we are most likely going to be their next victims. Let us not forget that they have said and I quote “the constituents, for example, that gave me 97percent (of the vote) cannot in all honesty be treated as the same on issues with constituencies that gave me 5 percent.” Let us not forget that they have told the World Bank to focus their developmental programs on the north. Let us not forget that they did not find any of our sons worthy to head any of our security structures or is it just a mere coincidence that almost all of them come from same region. The list goes on and on but let me stop here for want of space.
Ndi Igbo, the people who rejected us ab initio may never turn back to accept us. Anyone who does not support the Igbo agenda does not deserve our vote. To be fore-warned is to be fore armed.
God bless Ndi Igbo.