THE IGBO’S POLITICAL QUAGMIRE:

Written by LUCAS ANUFORO, Dublin, Ireland:

Email:peter.lemachi@yahoo.com

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”... Douglas MacArthur

It is perspicuous that the Igbo political future in Nigerian politics is gradually dimming like a candle light with little wax. Unfortunately, the Igbo politicians have failed to come to terms with such realism.

These professed political leaders especially those of the new generation have not measured up well with the modern dynamism in politics which the Yoruba and the Hausa have embraced. Some name like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu aka Jagaban an outstanding politician who has galvanised the APC political machine from grass to grace. Even when he was the Lagos state governor between the years 1999-2007 he worked assiduously to sustain the Alliance for Democracy (AD) despite every pressure from the then President Olusegun Obasanjo PDP led government to win Lagos state for his party. Tinubu was re-elected for the second term which he successfully completed his 8 years tenure before, Fashola then took over from him. Fashola is another brilliant and outstanding politician. Tinubu was also instrumental for Buharis’ presidency under the umbrella of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Just to reminisce however, the Yoruba in the past have produced among the best politicians the country ever had. The late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was regarded as the father of the Yoruba contemporary politics was most notable as the outstanding first premier of the Western Region. Chief Awolowo was also seen as the best President the country never had. His track record in politics was immeasurable which the new generation of Yoruba politicians have tapped in and same time follow suit. They’ve shown consistency when compared with their Igbo counterparts that have deviated much from the mainstream politics to mere partisan. This shows lack of confidence and commitment from the Igbo. 

The dismal attitude being displayed by the Igbos in day to day politics of the nation is so pathetic and resentful. They have not put up a good fight in representing the very best interest of the Igbo nation. This set of maladroit and stomach politicians have defiled and tainted themselves in the country political arena all in search of self goal. They showcase themselves as self acclaimed messiahs and scavengers of the people’s interest but unfortunately, they are shysters and self- seekers.

Right from onset, the Igbo people have been known for their self struggle also as an industrious and commerce oriented tribe which their success were embedded on hard work. Igbo have been respected both in and outside the country. Even the post civil war era 1970s saw them as more serious minded people. The Igbo did not only lose the war but they lost virtually everything they’ve worked for. Despite the consequences of the war they still bounced back and continue to succeed in all field of human endeavour.  It is sad to note that due to the bloopers of these diddle politicians Ndigbo are losing their rightful position in the affairs of the nation.

Sometimes one may ask questions about the leadership of Ndigbo and who’s really in charge.  It’s heart-rending to note that after the demised of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegu Ojukwu nobody has ever filled the lacuna he created. Perhaps, some schools of thought may argue or suggest that Ojukwu wasn’t the leader of Ndigbo but he was a man with wisdom and courage as he led Biafra in 30 months civil war against Nigerian government. He never compromised when it comes to the issues of defending the interest of the Igbos. Today the breeds of politicians Igbo produce are the types who care for their stomach, family and cronies.

 In one of the piece I published titled ‘Is it a political sunset for the Igbos?’ The article mostly emphasized much about lack of cohesion and co-operation between the five south- eastern states and the attitude of the some governors toward each other.  However as the saying goes “a house that divided itself cannot stand.” If the Igbo really want to reinvent their political strength the leaders should shy away from greed, love of money, political blackmail against each other and jealousy. They should embrace love, unity and also first, consider the interest of the masses they represent regardless of zone dichotomy.

Most at times the ugly experiences the Igbos are having at the federal level the same discrimination that some parts of eastern states are experiencing from the hands of some governors. Simply because a particular community did not cast their votes to a candidate and when he becomes chief executive of the state the community now turns to be victim of vendetta. No wonders why Jim Rohn put it this way that “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humour, but without folly.” This is a guiding principle for any leader who intend leaving an enduring legacy must abide.

There are many aged Igbo political leaders that are still living today but some have already been forgotten due to the decisions and compromise they’ve made in the past. They staked their political career by betraying their kinsmen just for the sake of get rich- quick syndrome.  This group are the ones the Igbo call ‘efulefu’ who drag the name of the tribe to the mud and portray the Igbos as being greedy. Silent shall they remain till eternity. Amen!  

The Igbo should avoid being precipitous to themselves if they really want sustainable development in south-east especially, now that the leadership has gone back to the north. The years of Jonathan’s presidency Ndigbo did not witness much infrastructural development and capital projects regardless of the intransigent support the south-east accorded him. Regrettably he was seen by the Yoruba as an Igbo extract which also was the case with the northerners they believed that as his middle name is ‘Ebere’ therefore he is an Igbo. It takes rational mind a great deal to dissuade the northerners from such cynicism.

The Igbo should wake up from their kip and face the realities and challenges of the future. At a certain point in time in the history of any country or a state there would be some political or economical setbacks as well as the emergence of era of progression depending on the courage and determination of the leaders. The Igbo need leaders like Mao Tse-tung (1893-1976) a revolutionist who transformed China economy from obscurity to greatness.  Because of his leadership he became probably the most important figure in modern Chinese history.

The new generation of Igbo politicians should appreciate the efforts of the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Michael Okpara, Kingsley Mbadiwe and host of others the (blessed memories) these great men put up good fight by laying down their lives for the betterment of the Igbo nation. That’s why posterity will not be lenient in judgment to those especially, the current  politicians who fail to keep the light burning or malediction, will fall on them as they fail to accomplish the will of the people. 

Time of political jabber or mounting on a podium with long oratory campaign speech is over. What the Igbo people need is good representation at both state and national level. Ndigbo need a vocal voice that will champion and eradicate the Igbo marginalisation in all spheres of the country’s economic and political life.  The leaders should come up with a blueprint agenda towards Igbo presidency in 2019. But this could only happen if they will decide on a platform of mutual agreement within themselves or else, the Yoruba and the Hausa will continue to dictate the pace while the Igbo remains an errand boy in the Nigerian political context. May God bless Ndigbo the land of the rising sun.

Lucas is a freelance Journalist.