NDIGBO: A CALL FOR STRATEGIC RESTRAINT IN NATIONAL AFFAIRS
The suspension of Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has once again thrown Nigeria into turmoil. Emotions are high, and tension is thick in the air. At moments like this, it’s natural to feel the urge to take a stand. But for Ndigbo, there’s wisdom in restraint. This is a South-South issue, and it should be their federal legislators: Senators and House of Representatives members, who lead the charge in addressing this crisis. It’s not our fight to spearhead.
Our history is filled with painful lessons. In 1966, a crisis in Yorubaland spiraled into “Operation Wetie” and a breakdown of constitutional order. Although the turmoil had nothing to do with Igbos, the intervention of military officers was labeled the “Igbo coup.” Suddenly, we bore the blame for a problem that didn’t originate with us.
What followed was devastating: mass killings of Igbos, nationwide hostility, and ultimately the civil war, costing millions of lives. We were misunderstood, scapegoated, and left to face the consequences alone. Even Ojukwu’s gesture of releasing Awolowo from Calabar prison was met with betrayal, as Awolowo later aligned with our adversaries.
That period in our history reminds us of how quickly Ndigbo can become targets when we step into national conflicts. It’s a cautionary tale we cannot ignore.
Today, we see echoes of the past. The disagreement between Wike and Fubara has created tension in Rivers State, but it remains a South-South issue. The pushback against his suspension should naturally come from South-South legislators, who are directly connected to and affected by the matter. Let them take the lead, they are best positioned to advocate for their region.
Our federal legislators should not be dragged into the fray. There is no need to risk being misunderstood or scapegoated yet again. It is neither indifference nor cowardice to step back; it is wisdom. We cannot afford to invite conflict into Igboland over a matter that is not ours to resolve.
Nigeria has always been a challenging space for Ndigbo. Time and again, we have seen how easily our good intentions can be twisted, how quickly we can become targets. This is why restraint, patience, and wisdom must guide us. Let us focus on protecting Igboland, preserving our strength, and prioritizing our collective future.
Let South-South representatives in the National Assembly rise to the occasion and defend their people. It is their fight to fight. Ndigbo, let us watch from the sidelines, guarding against unnecessary turmoil and heeding the lessons history has taught us.
_~ From Awka, Charles Nwufoh offers expert political commentary and opinion_
