I do not favour a divided Nigeria for numerous reasons. However, Nigeria seems to be naive about the present trend of events in Eastern Nigeria and the monstrous risk it brings to the table. The call for a breakout State is getting louder and more desperate especially among the youth, who in most countries always constitute the engine of successful uprising. They are more reachable on all variations of social media and have the energy and drive. The movement is getting organized worldwide with branches in many countries as seen on the internet. Let’s remember Tunisia, Georgia, Ukraine, Egypt, Libya, Yemen etc.
I have inquired directly from some moderate and educated activists, on the root cause of these sentiments in favour of a breakout or Biafra. Of all voices, the single common reason I heard from all was the hate-like attitude gaining popularity mainly among our Yoruba brothers and sisters. There were less complains of such slant directed towards the Hausas. It is alleged that an average Yoruba adult attaches strong negative sentiments to the phrase “Igbo man”. The remonstrance goes that Yorubas see Igbos as dominating the real estate business nationwide, trying to dominate commerce in the country and trade only in fake goods. However, the same Igbos I spoke to hold that the terms “Oluwole” and “Tokumbo” are not of Igbo origin and claim that the Yorubas are more fraudulent but louder. In all, this is a very unhealthy strapping debate for citizens of “one nation”. I will be immensely delighted if all I heard from these activists is false.
