Zik and Eyo Ita: The Major cause of Minority Hatred Against the Igbo.
While Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo were playing ethnic politics which was and still the reality of Nigeria, Zik with his idealism was playing national politics with his "one Nigeria mantra".
While Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo were playing ethnic politics which was and still the reality of Nigeria, Zik with his idealism was playing national politics with his "one Nigeria mantra".
Achebe said in his booklet, The Trouble with Nigeria, “As a student in Ibadan I was an eye witness to that momentous occasion when Chief Obafemi Awolowo “stole” the leadership of Western Nigeria from Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe in broad daylight ...
on the floor of the Western House of Assembly and sent the great Zik scampering back to the “Niger” whence he came.”
In that same book, Achebe correctly and rightly stated as follows, “Here was a true nationalist (Zik) who championed the noble cause of “one Nigeria”
In that same book, Achebe correctly and rightly stated as follows, “Here was a true nationalist (Zik) who championed the noble cause of “one Nigeria”
to the extent that he contested and won the first general election to the Western House of Assembly. But when Chief Awolowo “stole” the government from him in broad daylight he abandoned his principle which dictated that he should stay in the Western House
as Leader of the Opposition and give battle to Awolowo".
I hope you are following the history.
What did Zik do?
He left his abode in Lagos to East and met the Leader of the Eastern Government of Nigeria in 1951.
Before we proceed, who is Professor Eyo Ita?
I hope you are following the history.
What did Zik do?
He left his abode in Lagos to East and met the Leader of the Eastern Government of Nigeria in 1951.
Before we proceed, who is Professor Eyo Ita?
Eyo Ita was amongst the first Nigerians to study in the United States of America. He was a Nigerian educationist and politician from Ibeno now in Akwa Ibom. A foremost nationalist. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he was the deputy national president of the
National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroon. He was a Leader of Government Business, Eastern Region of Nigeria in 1951-1953 when ethnic politics was first introduced by Obafemi Awolowo who took away Zik's mandate.
How did Zik succeed Eyo Ita?
How did Zik succeed Eyo Ita?
Zik shamelessly returned from the West. Yes I used the word "shamelessly" because he was yet to understand the reality on ground.
Zik ejected this man who was his foremost lieutenant and a fellow nationalist and party member, from office out of selfish interest.
Zik ejected this man who was his foremost lieutenant and a fellow nationalist and party member, from office out of selfish interest.
Zik did the same thing done to him in the West, to this man— Professor Eyo Ita.
Eyo Ita appointed professionals and serious minded fellows into his cabinet. It was said that Zik sacked all and appointed those he could control. O' yes members. This caused serious problem.
Eyo Ita appointed professionals and serious minded fellows into his cabinet. It was said that Zik sacked all and appointed those he could control. O' yes members. This caused serious problem.
The minorities in the Eastern region felt they were being marginalized by the majority group— Igbo.
It was caused by Zik. Just this action by him. Remember, many Igbo opposed Zik, even during the constitutional crisis.
In May 1953, Eyo Ita government collapsed.
It was caused by Zik. Just this action by him. Remember, many Igbo opposed Zik, even during the constitutional crisis.
In May 1953, Eyo Ita government collapsed.
In December, another election was held. Zik from Ọnịcha, displacing Mbanefo of the United National Party. NCNC dominated the House as its leader, Azikiwe assumed office of head of government. Eyo Ita as a leader of minority became the leader of opposition.
Remember, despite Eyo Ita coming from the minority, the Igbo accepted him to rule over them because they believed he was a great material. Of course he was. The same reason Mallam Umaru Altine, became the Mayor of Enugwu in 1950.
Real ethnic politics started when Zik was stripped off his mandate by Awolowo in Western House of Assembly. Prior to that time, as a Nigerian, you could run for an office anywhere you are. That was how Mallam Umaru served as the Mayor of Enugwu in 1950.
It is so unfortunate that Nnamdị Azikiwe's nationalistic and idealistic type of politics didn't help any course.
Nigeria's independence he fought for, he was relegated to almost nothing. Many Igbo politicians are still playing Zik's type of politics. Idealism instead of realism
Nigeria's independence he fought for, he was relegated to almost nothing. Many Igbo politicians are still playing Zik's type of politics. Idealism instead of realism
There are many reasons the Igbo don't see Nnamdị Azikiwe as a leader.
Three main guys then were Zik, Bello and Awo.
While the latter focused on the regional politics, the former focused on the national politics.
Truth is, Nigeria was never one. Ethnicity before nationalism.
Three main guys then were Zik, Bello and Awo.
While the latter focused on the regional politics, the former focused on the national politics.
Truth is, Nigeria was never one. Ethnicity before nationalism.
Before I forget, the hostel at the University of Nigeria Nsụka by name Eyo Ita, opposite St. Peter's was named after Professor Eyo Ita.
The hostel "Awo" was named after Obafemi Awolowo.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, Zik's Flat, UNIZIK, Abuja Airport are named after Nnamdị Azikiwe.
The hostel "Awo" was named after Obafemi Awolowo.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, Zik's Flat, UNIZIK, Abuja Airport are named after Nnamdị Azikiwe.
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