This was going to be a response to the heated debate regarding Biafra on NigerianCuriosity's blog. But I decided to make it a post instead. Saves time...

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Ask anyone, I am fiercely pro-Igbo, Igbotic, Igbo-centric whichever. However, I think to embark on another Biafra War excursion would be a mistake of EPIC proportions. I used to think differently - thinking that it would be nice to have a Biafra without the war and bloodshed (my grandparents on both sides lost children to the war and my dad in his teens was forced into the war).

Why have I changed my mind on Biafra? Because I realize that most Nigerian leaders are essentially the same and that corruption and horrible leadership transcends ethnic boundaries. If Biafra were to resurrect successfully, we would still have the same crop of leaders, this time Igbo, getting fat off of oil money. It would just bring our embarrassment to the global forefront. If the Igbos can produce the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu as governor, then count me out of Biafra in which such an agbaro could potentially become president. Nna mehn, when I was home this summer, his PPA campaigns annoyed me to no end because he has done ABSOLUTELY nothing for Igbos.

Mind you, I am for increased decentralization of the federal government and more autonomy of all states whether in the North, South, East or West.

Also, can we all learn to celebrate the diversity that is Nigeria? True, Europeans created this Nigerian union - but we're here right? Personally as an Igbo person, I am for investing in ourselves (Igbos) - that is modernizing our cities, developing our educational institutions and being a little bit selfish in regards to focusing on our issues. I am not only Igbocentric - I am also Umuahia-centric and even furthermore Ohuhu-centric. I think my village is the ish and better than yours. But I also value one Nigeria and the beauty of so many different voices and experiences. So my rallying cry is Ohuhu Kwenu! Igbo Kwenu! and more importantly Nigeria Kwenu!