In the first part I proposed a unity committee to restructure Nigeria into about 5 confederate states that are independent of each but connected to each other. They support one another with their resources but have full control.
In the second part, I said that if we must stay as it is, we should give the Presidency to the Igbos and let the distrust and hatred end.
In this part, I want to further butress on the point of saving the nation as it is. The victimisation of the Igbos is my primary concern and as a non-Igbo I advocate for a change of attitude towards our eastern brothers. I have been following the non-negotiable and negotiable national news with dismay.
Anyone who thinks that Nigeria future is non-negotiable should do what I am doing now: Stand up for the Igbos. Call for a national gathering and apologise to the Igbos. If I was Igbo I would have demanded to leave too because I know that I cannot be a slave to any man. You either give me freedom or give me death.
Our northern brothers and sisters, western brothers and sisters, southern brothers and sisters must come out and speak for our eastern brothers. The most stupid thing I heard a Nigerian say is; they have forgotten the civil war.
It is despicable and abominable to mention the civil war in ridicule of an Igbo brother or sister. The day we start to carry the Igbo problems as our own that is the day Nigeria choose to be one. Don't let the Igbo cry for themselves; cry for them. Don't let them protest for themselves; protest for them.
I want to hear the presidency say, "I understand your pain and grievances. I will attend to them. I am your brother, father, friend. I am not your enemy and I don't consider you mine." I want to hear words that heal wounds. Sincere words that mend the broken hearts and not words that infuriate the silent.
The silent Igbos are not cowards. Some just don't want unnecessary bloodshed. But that doesn't make them cowards. How do you feel when you are treated with contempt in your own country? Yet you are told you can't have your own country?
I love one Nigeria. I want one Nigeria. I bow my knees every night to pray for one Nigeria. Sorry, I really hope against hope the One Nigeria I was born in and grew to meet will prosper and become the fruitful peaceful land I dream of.
But deep down in my heart I know if the north and other regions do not exalt the east, there will be no prosperity. We must turn to the east in search of answers. We must appeal to a nation in crisis to rise in defence of the Igbos. In the north where so many Igbos have been slaughtered, there must be repentance not reproach, and forgiveness from our eastern brothers not retribution.
Stand up for the Igbo man and request that the government do same.
Written by
Stanley Edokpolo
Author and publisher of Otello Magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment