Yoruba Duplicity: Only A Good Turn Deserves Another

 Yoruba Duplicity: Only A Good Turn Deserves Another It is already publicly known that the tussle between the Yorubas and their apparently e...

 Yoruba Duplicity: Only A Good Turn Deserves Another

It is already publicly known that the tussle between the Yorubas and their apparently erstwhile lovers - the north and their elites - has blown up disproportionately especially within these past few days of #EndBadGovernanceProtest aimed against the Tinubu's administration over the worsening economic hardship which skyrocketed under his watch and rule. 

Nevertheless, while the rift between these two aforementioned parties are in public spaces, what is however hidden in plain sight is that this so-called #EndHunger protest championed basically by the north has a sinister political undertone which its ultimate goal are nothing short of the eviction or overthrow of Bola Ahmed Tinubu either by hook or crook out of the corridor of power. 

The whipping of hunger, poverty and hardship sentiments to a tectonic drift of calling for a military takeover and intervention of the Russians as with the confederate states of Alliance of Sahel States [AES] in these past few months and years. All are geared ultimately to one end - displacing Tinubu at all cost. 

It is however important to state, there is a likelihood that the Russians may not be interested in supporting a military takeover in Nigeria as obtained in the AES. The domestic political and also geopolitical realities of Nigeria and countries of the AEScare not same, hence methodology and attitude to work are most likely not applicable. This is not to say that the Russians do not have interest in Nigeria, or more broadly the West Africa sub/gulf region to protect. 

But, the whipping of these Russia 'bogeymen' sentiments are projections which are designed to serve the interest of the northern elites, stakeholders — who are still in essence pro-Anglo Saxons — for a prospective military takeover. Yoruba has on the other hand made the French their shield and protectors in this confrontation. 

President Bola Tinubu blackmailed his way into the seat of power, one must not forget the famous "Emilokan" catchphrase meaning "it is my turn to rule". The north were forced to capitulate into not holding onto power after the 8 years of Buhari's regime. Something they loathe immensely and the aggravation went up when it appeared that President Tinubu appears to be challenging their hegemon in the core state of affairs in Nigeria. 

Furthermore,  he, President Tinubu destroyed any existing bridge or sense of camaraderie between the south and this was firstly, to win the favor of the north before the elections and secondly to allocate and keep the benefits or dividends of whatever is 'achieved' from the seat of power and governance only to his circle and by extension his people - the Yorubas. 

The present fracas is as a result of the duplicity of the Yorubas to have betrayed not only the southerners – who in pre-election era, believed in the culmination of southern interest against an oppressive Fulani-led north. But also the north whom they went into an alliance with and turned around to flaut the terms of the vicious agreements which they knew from the onset was not in the interest of the South nor its people regardless of region or ethnicity. 

Today, the chicken has come home to roost. The ambivalence and silence of the South East and South South combined in this tussle between the Yorubas and the north, cannot be more louder. 

While the Tinubu's administration is beginning to consider rapprochement over its hostile policies against the collective East or even attempting to isolate and woo the South South Geo-zone into its arm as a bargaining chip against the north, abandoning the  South-East. The move is collapsing like a pack of cards. The wounds inflicted by Mr. Tinubu himself in 2015 against Goodluck Jonathan's administration who is from the South South region, are being reopened. 

How far the Yorubas are determined to go to hold unto power is left to be seen in the nearest future. The last, and unarguably the most viable card to play is to facilitate the dissolution of Nigeria, if they are not allowed to continue their tenure. And, whether the northern political elites alongside their western Anglo Saxon allies will let them do that is also a tale which only the future can tell. 

Whatever happens the East must collectively stand to capitalize and proactively defend themselves against any aggression that might ensue as the two parties tussle for power and control rages on. The repetition of 1966 pogroms must not be allowed to repeat itself in this generation. For the sake of the survival, advancement and progression of their various ethnic nations entrapped in Nigeria. The contraption must be renogotiated and eventually dissolved on a peaceful term via a referendum. Let that sink in. Especially in the minds of the stake holders, foreign and local. For lives to be saved, this must be considered and applied 

Family Writers Press International