23/11/2025
Are Igbos truly Marginalized?
Nigeria is not made up of only 3 ethnic groups.
Let's stop making it look like Nigeria. .is just Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani,and Igbo. No.
There are several other ethnic groups in Nigeria, whose cases are far worse,and they have not taken up arms against Nigeria.
The Civil war was not fought because Igbos were marginalised. That was not why Ojukwu went to war.
Infact,as at the point of that war,Igbos were in charge of Nigeria.
Igbo produced President. .Zik.
Produced Senate President and Acting President. .Nwafor Orizu.
The most senior Military officer, later to become the 1st Military Head of State. . .Aguiyi Ironsi.
And overtime,many Governors, Senate Presidents,Speakers of House of Representatives, Ministers etc.
So where is the so-called marginalisation?
In the comity of ethnic nationalities. . .Big and small ethnic groups are co- equal.
That's why for instance, in the UN,India with about 6 times Nigeria 's population, has the same vote with Nigeria and Benin Republic.
In Nigeria, no Tiv, Igala Ogoni,Igbira,Efik,Ibibio, etc has been President.
And even in the States they are,most have not been governor.
Yet,they have the same ethnic rights as Yoruba,Igbo,Hausa/ fulani.
So,however Igbos feel. . .their own is far better than many others in Nigeria.
Igbos should stop self pity. Igbos should stop seeing themselves as marginalised and carry themselves as equal stakeholders in Nigeria.
Igbos own Oil Wells. Own Banks. Own Airlines. Own several other businesses like other Nigerians or even more than other Nigerians. ...and one is discriminating against them.
Let's allow Nigeria breathe and take its rightful place in the Comity of Nations.
Even if you make Igbo today,a Country. .there will still be complaints of marginalisation amongst them.
Written by Martins Kpaja in response to the south east agitation that Igbos are been marginalized in Nigeria.