Ikweremadu and the New Yam Festival in Germany

A very funny drama happened in Germany a few days ago. Many have spoken in favor and against the incident.
It was the former Senate President, Ike Ikweremadu that was embarrassed in Nuremberg, Germany. The Indigenous People of Biafra's (IPOB) leader had  claimed responsibility for the unfortunate incident on behalf of IPOB. He even went ahead threatening all other Igbo political leaders with a similar or worse treatment whenever they go to the West. Femi Fani Kayode in a seemingly word of encouragement had defused the possible arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the dastard act saying that the German Police is not investigating the matter, hence, haven't made any arrest. This is in a response, perhaps, to the call made by the Nigerian Senate for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
Now, irrespective of what you think... whether you agree it was a justified action, a kind of little pay back for the insensitivity of those in power or you are with me in condemning the act as a barbaric and savagery attempt to get even with 'corrupt politicians',I will like to make the following submissions.

It Doesn't Change Anything

Yes, IPOB might have scored a point with the way they have treated the distinguished senator. But, I can assure you that it is not only a very WRONG point but a dirt CHEAP one at that! No, seriously, just because you attacked him at the venue of a ceremony that he was probably invited to attend, does not stop him from visiting again on personal ground. What I think won't happen again is that he attends any other function without well detailed personal security that would prevent a repeat of what happened in Nuremberg. This is why I think it's wrong and very cheap signal...it's a fore-warning to other Igbo political leaders never to attend a public function abroad without the availability of personal bodyguards! 

It Creates A Very Tense Atmosphere
When Ikweremadu arrived at the function, he didn't bother about the security details because he was visiting a home outside his home...his Kiths and Kins had invited him to celebrate the New Yam festival with them, he trusted that everything would be put in place especially SECURITY! Even if he wouldn't to admit it in public, he's disappointed in the organizers of the occasion for the potential lynching he would have suffered in the hands of the IPOB thugs.

The Message is well received by other Igbo political leaders who would find it extremely difficult to mix and mingle with their people for fear of their lives. The Atmosphere in no doubt very tense now...the political leaders are expected to be more defensive and less available to the public. They shall thinking of building a protective fortress around themselves and their families now. Things are going to be a little more difficult for the people at home...thanks to the actions of the IPOB leaders!     

It Might Make The Leaders More Desperate To Cling To Power!
A possible dire consequence of what the IPOB thugs have done is to drive fear into the hearts of the political elite...the fear of being lynched after the expiration of their tenure in office. This might lead to an in increase in their desperate move to remain in the corridor of power for live thereby making it extremely difficult to employ new hands or young bloods to take charge of the affairs of the people. To add salt to sore, it is this same IPOB that would discourage thousands if not millions of eligible voters from voting during elections!What an Irony!
I wouldn't blame any Igbo Politician who would fight tooth and nail to remain in power and in relevance politically now as it has become a matter of life and death. No on won die na!

The Ballot is The Only Way If Truly You Want Them Out!
I'm sorry, but, sometimes, I cannot but question the loyalty and dedication of Namdi Kanu to the Biafra cause. I mean, this near lynching of Ikwremadu seem to have buttressed this fact. For God sake, Ikweremadu was among the few guys that secured Kanu's bail from DSS custody and have been made to face the consequences of the bail since Kanu jumped bail by fleeing to Israel or wherever he fled to. With a guy like Ikweremadu, one would think that Kanu had a better chance at legally realizing the Biafra dream. He could have used him and other political allies of his (Ekweremadu) to install pro Biafra politicians as  the political leaders from the South East or...at least the majority of the Political posts from the East. But, now, he has blown it!
With the Numbers that IPOB claim to have in the South East, if it's anything to go by, they can easily take charge of the whole East...especially with the aid of well exposed and experienced politicians like Ike Ikweremadu, Okorocha, Orji Uzo Kalu  among other political heavy weights of Igbo extractions. It simple and direct that I don't want to believe that he (Kanu) doesn't know about it all and the more reason why I so much question his sincerity about the Biafrian cause!

Some Say It's Karma!
While everyone is talking for or against the incident, there's a third that is less concerned. To them, it is the Law of Karma that have caught up with the Political elites. according to this third party, politicians from the East 'created' Kanu and Radio Biafra to manipulate the Nigerian political atmosphere in their favor...they have been using him and Radio Biafra to create and spread such evil and contagious propaganda like the 'Marginalization of the Igbos' which is still the subject matter for the IPOB members.
They continue telling the whole world that they are marginalized despite the fact that there's hardly a part of the country that doesn't play host to the Igbos and no one hinders their financial prosperity. The Igbos have established businesses in the nooks and crannies of the country just like every other citizens. The only hindrance they have being facing is the political hindrance which is a result of unpredictability of an average Igbo man. Groups like MASSOB and IPOB too poses a major hindrance to the Presidency of the Igbos. This (Presidency of the Igbos) is the only feat they haven't achieved and truth be told, the recent actions of the IPOB have worsen the case for them! 

God Bless Nigeria!

5 MAJOR Reasons Why RevolutionNow Protest Failed

I knew that the Protest would fail right from the moment I heard of it. My sentiments were based on the following points:

The Personality of Sowore
If any protest is to be taken seriously, I don't know in some other climes, but, here, in Nigeria, the person leading the Protest matters a lot! Sowore was the Least qualified for the Job. The Fact that he was one of the candidates that contested the just concluded Presidential elections disqualifies him as any noise he makes from the conclusion of the elections and like a year or two from now could be easily dismissed as mere ranting over his loss in the Presidential elections. It was a big blunder on his part to have conceived the idea of leading the protest.

Calling the Protest a Revolution
The last thing that anybody all over the world, especially, those in government would like to hear is the word 'Revolution'. Sowore should have known better. The tagged name is a bad market...'Revolution Now', Haba! Subhanallah!!!
How do you expect the DSS to fold its arm and watch you set the country ablaze, oga? E no dey work like that. There's a BIG difference between a protest and a revolution. Whether you are armed or not initially, it doesn't matter, that was how most of the protests turned war in the Arab world started. They came unarmed but they encroached and actually trespassed beyond the lines drawn for them by security personnel, the security officers reacted to the disobedience, they felt provoked and angry, then violent, the Police tries to disperse them with tear gas, they refused to bulge, instead, they felt more provoked and started talking hard, before you know it, someone...someone from among the protesters threw the first 'stone', the officers retaliated and that's it...it goes out of control. This is why I hate protests...THEY ARE NEVER PEACEFUL!
 They may start peacefully, but, when the numbers swell...most times, more than expected by the organizers, they loose control, but, they can't admit it. Criminal elements join the protest and gradually increase the tempo...with time they take charge from the original organizers and turn peaceful protesters into a mob! This is the case most of the time!
Some claim the DSS hid under the guise of the coined name of the Protest to arrest Sowore. I'm stating it categorically that they don't have to hide, revolution means forceful take over of government which is a far cry from the meaning and purpose of a peaceful protest whose main aim is the presentation of grievances and making of demands. Please, let us be guided. I would accuse the security agents of negligence if the protest was allowed to go on with that name tag without making arrests! 

The Timing was Awful!
The Arab Spring is still fresh in our memories and the Ugly stories that followed it are still trending. Let alone the fact that the current administration is battling seriously with numerous security challenges that are capable of compromising our sovereignty. It's a miracle that we still manage to keep it together. The Boko Haram is still there...then came, suddenly, the issue of killer herdsmen, then came the issue of cattle rustling/banditry and then kidnappers' activities made the whole thing so scary and almost unbearable. Now, tell me, with the kind of picture I've painted above, is it right to stage a protest of that magnitude at these very trying times?
It's like being provoked to a level that's very close to one's limits by one's parents and wife and one is trying so very hard not to burst out in anger, then, your first child, a teenager, comes around to accuse you of being such a 'bad dad' for not paying his school fees on time, what would you do abeg???
Such protests as this, whereby the demands of the Protesters are not pressing needs that require urgent interventions like the Minimum wage implementation (they are the same old stories we already know and still struggling very hard to manage) ordinarily would fail...it's not rocket science...it's a matter of common sense!

The Demands are a 'Wish-Wash'!
As stated earlier, I, personally, hate protests for their uselessness. Instead of coming out en mass to carry placards, I prefer calling people to resolve the problems our own way. When I read some of the demands they were coming out to protest about, I was disappointed!
I mean, how can a youth like Sowore come out to shout shamelessly in public (in this JET AGE) about poor governance when he's supposed to be on the vanguard inspiring and helping the youths to connect and improve the general standard of living of Nigerians? He's exposed, he's well traveled, on top of that, he's a youth. It was quite disappointing that he came all out to prove IBB right when he said that the youths are not ready to take charge. Now, with the shameful and embarrassing conduct of Sowore, are we truly ready to take charge of the country?
Even me wey never commot from Nigeria before sabi say for this JET AGE and IT world, information and networking are key to rapid economic growth and development! A dedicated social website can be created online where we can meet to share our experience, expertise and vital information about what is currently on ground and how we can upgrade the living standard of the ordinary Nigeria to a much better one. With Social media and networking sites, we can create a gigantic and effective synergy to fund and run corporations that will effect the kind of changes we desire in Nigeria! Kai, nawa o!!!

Protest was Against the Wrong Party
Honestly, if you ask me, the Federal Government is doing EXCELLENTLY WELL as it stands today! It's the State and Local Governments that are not doing that much. This is why I think the Protest was directed towards the wrong party!
Nigeria's government, for the sake of efficiency was sub-divided into 3 namely, the Federal, State and Local governments. The Protest would have made a lot of sense if they were directed towards the state and local governments. These governments go to the FCT on monthly basis to collect allocations that are running into billions. Have you ever taken your time to check on what these billions are used for. This is apart from the internal generated revenues of the states and VAT revenues. What have they been doing with these monies? Nobody is asking!
The Funny thing is that these other 2 tiers of governments are expected to provide virtually the same sets of services that's expected of the Federal Government. I stand to be corrected, most of the security challenges and economic woes of this country are caused PRIMARILY by the inaction and irresponsible disposition of the state and local governments. Well...this is a topic for another day. The point I'm trying to make here is that the FG is not the right government to face...it's actually the State and Local governments who are far, far closer to us than the FG. If Sowore had faced the State governments that are yet to grant the LG's full autonomy as demanded by the FG, it would have been a great success!

At this juncture, I must, commend, the invaluable sacrifices of our Armed forces, the deliberate and unflinching resolve of the current administration never to give up and to fight to the end to ensure that the security of lives, properties and SANITY of the country is guaranteed. Thank you, for being there, REAL Nigerians are grateful and history would NEVER forget these your uncommon patriotic activities to keep the flag flying.

God Bless you,
God Bless Nigeria!!!