By Editor
In a recent article by Tony Nnadi, dated May 24, 2024, a critical examination of the ongoing ethnic tensions and political controversies in Nigeria is presented, raising poignant questions about the lingering effects of the Nigerian Civil War. Nnadi’s article, part of a series of anniversary reminders to Nigeria, scrutinizes recent events in Lagos and Abuja, suggesting that the actions taken against the Igbo community may be indicative of unresolved issues from the civil war era.
The Coastal Highway Controversy
Nnadi highlights the controversy surrounding the Federal Government’s plan to construct a Coastal Highway from Lagos to Calabar, announced in late 2023. He argues that this project, awarded to the Chagoury Brothers’ construction firm, was perceived by many as a distraction from the government’s legitimacy issues and a potential avenue for corruption. The demolition of the Landmark Resort in Victoria Island, which was justified as necessary for the highway’s route, is seen as a targeted attack and part of a larger pattern of mischief against perceived enemies.
Minister Umahi’s Reversal
On May 23, 2024, Works Minister David Umahi announced a sudden change in plans, stating that the government would revert to the original road design to avoid damaging coastal telecommunications cables. This decision would have avoided the demolition of the Landmark Resort, further fueling suspicions of ulterior motives behind the initial demolitions. This move, according to Nnadi, echoes the mysterious fires that gutted Igbo-dominated markets in Lagos following the 2023 presidential election.
The Quit Notices
Nnadi asserts that the pattern of demolitions and market fires in Lagos serves as a practical quit notice to the Igbo community. He points to the antecedents of key figures involved, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chagoury Brothers, as well as Minister Umahi, suggesting that these actions are part of a coordinated effort to displace the Igbo and misappropriate public funds.
Abuja Demolitions
Similar patterns of post-election demolitions targeting Igbo-owned properties in Abuja are highlighted, with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at the center of these actions. Nnadi draws parallels between these demolitions and the historical context of the 1967 North/South-West alliance against the East, indicating that the ethnic tensions from the civil war era are far from resolved.
The Legacy of the 1967 War
The Nigerian Civil War, which ended in 1970, left deep-seated issues that remain unaddressed. Nnadi argues that the 1967 alliance’s victory imposed a unitary constitutional arrangement that continues to fuel disputes and discontent. The ongoing marginalization of the Igbo community is a stark reminder of the unresolved national question.
Nnadi notes that many in the Igbo community have moved on from the idea of a unified Nigeria, recognizing the federation’s demise since the 1966/1967 conflict. The continued targeting of the Igbo community serves as a grim reminder of the unresolved issues that plague Nigeria.
NINAS and the Path to Redemption
The Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS) has been vocal about the need for constitutional reconstruction. Nnadi underscores the urgency of the NINAS 5-Point Proposition, which outlines a pathway to address Nigeria’s structural issues. The recent events in Lagos and Abuja highlight the importance of this proposition.
The demolitions and market fires are not isolated incidents but part of a broader narrative of ethnic and political marginalization. Nnadi suggests that the practical quit notices to the Igbo underscore the failure of Nigeria’s unitary constitution and the need for a new constitutional framework that addresses the aspirations of all its people.
Conclusion: The Need for a New Narrative
Nnadi concludes that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The unresolved tensions from the civil war era continue to manifest in various forms, from targeted demolitions to market fires. These actions serve as stark reminders that the war of 1967 may have ended in military terms, but its legacy persists.
He argues that the future of Nigeria depends on its ability to confront these issues head-on. The NINAS proposition offers a pathway for constitutional reconstruction, but it requires political will and a genuine commitment to national unity. The ongoing marginalization and targeted actions against the Igbo must be addressed for Nigeria to move forward.
Nnadi emphasizes that the Igbo community’s resilience and ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial. The practical quit notices in Lagos and Abuja are not just about physical displacement but about the larger struggle for recognition and equality within the Nigerian state.
In a poignant reflection, Nnadi states that when the epitaph is written on the tombstone of the defunct Federation of Nigeria, it will read: “Nigeria died, trying to kill the Igbo.” This sombre reflection underscores the urgent need for a new national narrative that acknowledges past mistakes and strives for a more inclusive and equitable future.
As Nigeria reflects on these events, Nnadi hopes that the country can find a way to heal its wounds and build a nation that truly represents the aspirations of all its people. The journey will be long and challenging, but it is a journey that must be undertaken if Nigeria is to survive and thrive in the years to come.
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