Less is more! More is less!

Less is more! More is less!

“As at today, these are the current Igbo elites. Nothing significant will happen to the fate of the Igbos as a people till these elite endorse it or are replaced.”

When you ask an average Igbo youth what exactly is the position of Igbo elites on this current agitation for secession, the normal answer is, “which nonsense elites? How are many are they kwanu?”

The simple truth is, you cannot significantly change the course or the tide of history without the backing of a good section of your elites.

The elite is a few but powerful group that determines the fate of the majority all over the world. To override your elites who are the physical guardians of order, you must silently build and ready a new elite.

Unfortunately, Igbos as a people have a total disregard for their elites who represent what they describe as an old and “corrupt” order.

Yet, they are too impatient or ill prepared to build a new elite that will displace the “old” guardians of the realm.

It’s suicidal to bank the collective dreams and aspirations of Ndi Igbo on emerging but weak Igbo characters who are masquerading as elites. Characters who have no real influence in sectors that matter.

As at today, these are the current Igbo elites. Nothing significant will happen to the fate of the Igbos as a people till these elite endorse it or are replaced.

POLITICS
The five South East Governors, the Deputy Speaker of The Federal House of Representatives and the closest Igbo person in the kitchen cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This also includes the Igbo person Mr. President trusts the most.

Additionally, you have sitting Igbo senators who are OGs.

You have people like Peter Obi, Pius Anyim, Rochas Okorocha, Ken Nnamani, Adolphus Wabara, Chris Ngige. These men, as a result of their political past, have attained the lifetime status of national icons. A status that equips them with some level of national and international influence.

FINANCE
Here we have business moguls and captains of industry of international standing. Tony Elumelu should be sitting on top of this table. Unfortunately, Igbos being bad strategists, I am certain Tony may not want to identify as Igbo.

So, we are left with the likes of Allen Onyema, Sir Emeka Offor, Arthur Eze, Cletus Ibeto, Dr. Cosmas Maduka and Stella Okoli.

DIPLOMACY
Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and Emeka Anyaoku are the two Igbos with the international network and contacts. Ngozi is the current DG of World Trade, while Emeka was a former Secretary of Commonwealth.

MEDIA
Chimamada Adichie is the most powerful and recognisable Igbo voice in the world media. This is closely followed by Genevieve Nnaji and Pete Edochie.

ACADEMIA
Prof. Charles Egbu, Dr. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Prof. Dehilia Umunna, Dr. Uzodimma Iweala, Dr. Bennet Ọmalu and Prof. Barth Nnaji.

TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS
Obi of Onicha and Eze Aro

RELIGION
Cardinal Francis Arinze and Chief Nkwo Nnabuchi

As at today, you cannot secede the Igbos out of Nigeria without the covert and overt support of these very few people mentioned above.

You are free to pray, scream, dream, attempt and even dare to break millions of Ndi Igbo out of Nigeria, however, once majority of these elites are against the idea, all the noise will end in dismay.

Oliver De Coque in one of his timeless songs reminded us, ana ewe Obodo ewe, ewelu ndi we Obodo, obodo anaghi eko ka ugbogulu, ana ewe obodo ewe.

Keep planning and dissipating your energy on secession, but if your elites are against it, and you have not changed your elites, then secession will remain an illusion.

Less is more! More is less!