The Problem with the Old Proposals

Sir:
The previous proposals did not take into account
the fears of the Northern Elders as I have articulated
because the Northern Elders have NEVER made public
any such fears--this is to say, that the restructuring
of Nigeria could diminish their interests. But the Nigerian
Army, this evening, groans as two opposing factions face
off in a final intellectual debate. Time was when the
so-called Dasuki faction evidently, that is openly, represented
the interests of the Hausa-Fulani with allegiance to Sokoto.
I think that Colonel Madaki's groundbreaking interference
in the ways of our fathers in Gongola state began a process
by which the likes of Babangida and Abacha dealt varied
blows to what they like to call "feudalism" in Northern Nigeria.
Alas feudalism did not die. Far from it, I am now entirely allied
with Islamic Nigeria, for as my witness holds, Christianity is
not proven in Southern Nigeria. Sir, the situation is quite
rudimentary to understand, though complex to fix. The Union of
1914, resulting in the political independence of the Nigerian
people, has come full circle. Since the resultant "independent"
Nation has become weaker than the Northern Regional Center, then
the constitution has been suspended in Islamic Nigeria. This intellectual
coup is a response, by Sokoto, to the British and the West African
Frontier Force, far away from home and out of their depth. The Nigerian
people have a tradition of unity that comes with Islamic scholarship.
Though a sedentary lifestyle, and with much to say about recognizing
the benefits of modernity, Northern Nigeria is proven to be able
to organize Nigerians according to a living system that does not
do damage to the dignity of the Negro. As much, sadly, might not
be said of the Wild South, where evidence compounds daily that the
worship of Satan and his ways, especially by certain Military Officers,
is now a natural bent. I do not know any Nigerian Officers of Islamic
circumstance that finds particularly edifying the practice of these
... Egyptian officers... but as they have threatened the integrity
of the Muslim Congregation particular to their environment, I should
warn, with supreme authority, that the religion of Ifa had better be
soon proven, by General Olurin and his likes, to be worthy of our Ancient
Heritage of Nigerians... otherwise, I will arise as a witness against
Southern Nigeria suggesting it finally logical, that since Power is
associated with Godliness, then such can be withheld, where possible,
from those whose way is demonstrably unable to merge with the currently
agreed upon norms of high and noble religions.
It is clear that I do not wish to advocate the continued plundering of
one section of the country for the benefit of others. This is slavery
and I support the right of the people of the Niger Delta to state their
position in the ways in which they feel are legitimate. But ultimately
this farce, that is Nigerian behavior, cannot be tolerated for one
day longer.. sir. So, let it be clear that Usman Dan Fodio's Jihad
is very much alive in the minds of those who can no longer allow the
names of our fathers be trampled upon by the witchcraft of a few
corrupt men. The Nigerian Army is sworn to defend the Nation, but
the use of force is balanced upon legitimacy. Such legitimacy CAN
be granted by Islam. Hardly have we ever seen, Araba Abimbola,
an era in which we can say that the religion of Ifa, as practiced
by certain officers, is quite as worthy. I await the new proposal.. sir.