Reality TV star Pere Egbi and comedian Seyi Law, have traded words over the Igbo being tagged the most hated ethnic group in Nigeria.
The former Big Brother Naija, on Tuesday, said that the hate towards the Igbos is real.
According to Pere, who is also an actor, the hate expresses itself in politics, just as he cited that some are of the notion that an Igbo man can never rule Nigeria.
He tweeted: “The hate against the Igbos in Nigeria is real. I AM NOT even Igbo or Yoruba or Hausa and I feel for them. Someone who is in politics once told me that “an Igbo person can never rule Nigeria”. If say Jesus no hold my right hand that day, I for slap am. Online I see lots of hate toward the Igbo tribe.
“This is coming from people within the political space. We have a serious problem in Nigeria and we need to be honest about it and face it head on. This is unfair.”
In response, Seyi Law wrote an epistle to justify that what the Igbo tribe is facing politically may result from their actions.
He wrote: “Pere, I hope we will be discerning enough and wise not to push a narrative of war because of anger. I know that many have called me a tribal bigot for supporting Tinubu, omo ale for not supporting GRV and many more for their own reasons. I have dared them several times to prove all these, but they have failed, and I have concluded that some Nigerians always project their beliefs on others for self-satisfaction.
“While some of your statements might not be entirely wrong, I ask you, in all honesty, that if you have researched and probed deeper, why do some people make such statements? People will come for me definitely, and this is one of the mistakes they keep making. Instead of critically analysing a situation, they believe their anger will change a situation that calls for dialogue.
“What are some of the reasons for this notion you expressed? I have asked questions about this several times, and I have also witnessed some of the answers to the notion. While this is painful to discuss, we must come to the table someday.
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“Firstly, it is the average Igbo man’s individualistic nature. Many people of the other tribes have had dealings with some Igbos that have resulted in bad businesses and cheating. Does this justify the notion for some, yes, and to others, maybe. Politics involves the collective and an individualistic mindset can not drive it to success.
“Secondly, some Igbos don’t have respect for hierarchy or authority, even amongst themselves. They believe that my money places me on equal pedestal with elders as long as I am not begging them for anything. This has always put them in conflict with the culture of other tribes.
“Thirdly, some Igbos express HATE and a sense of superiority over other tribes without decorum. While many may be quiet about expressing that anger about this, they wait for politics to wield their power. The continuous belief that we do it better and denigrating others from other tribes doing it with never make the Igbos attractive in politics.
“{Political antecedents have also contributed to this notion, you stated. From Azikiwe to Aguyi Ironsi, bad political moves have put a lot of resentment in the wheels of the Igbos political aspirations. Dr. Soludo has stated that the mob actions of Peter Obi’s supporters will set Igbos back politically, and this was collaborated by Dr. Nnamani, but instead of heeding a wise counsel, these men were incinerated.
“There are many more to talk about, but I will stop here to receive my whips. While constantly maintained that we must, as a matter of urgency, have a national peace conference to discuss critical issues and resolutions on the Biafra war, national cohesion, political integration, and more, the Igbos must also play their part to foster unity.
“However, this justified your anger. Sometimes, we must learn to sit back, reason deeply, and ask the why? Thanks.”
Meanwhile, Pere Egbi has now responded to Seyi Law, an ardent supporter of Tinubu.
He said the statement “an igbo person will never rule Nigeria” is the most tribalistic, narcissistic, nauseating and demonically influenced thing to say.
In his own words: “So my bro @seyilaw1 my tweet is pretty easy to understand because I cited an example that exuded that hate. Why on earth will any Nigerian of another tribe dare say that an Igbo person would never rule Nigeria? Is any Nigerian more Nigerian than other Nigerians? That statement irked me to my soul. Stop taking my tweet out of context.
“The statement: “An igbo person will never rule Nigeria” is the most tribalistic, narcissistic, nauseating and demonically influenced thing to say. No tribe owns Nigeria. It belongs to every Nigerian from every tribe! For the record, I am NOT igbo, Yoruba or Hausa.”
Reacting to the exchange, a tweep @StFreakingKezy said: “You don’t get the point “Mr. Show Nigeria Army one or two things” We Igbos need to get involved in mainstream politics….
“By the way where was your voice when all these videos were recorded?
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“Few years back Catholic Diocese of Mbaise Imo state refused to acknowledge the Bishop sent to them by the Pope because he was from Anambra state..
“Hausa hate Igbos Yoruba hate Igbos Efik hate Igbos US hates Igbos UK hate Igbos…
“Don’t you think the said “IGBOS” have a problem? We are just too loud and arrogant. Abeg rest!”
@DrVic_Exotic tweeted: “There are many non-Igbos who said an Igbo will rule Nigeria (Pa Adebanjo, Farotimi, Aisha Yesufu, Dr Yunusa, and many millions of young obidients who are non-Igbos. Like I said, the fellow is using that ethnic rant as a strategy to advance their ethnic interests.”
Another tweep, King Solomon wrote: “Pere is in U S A tweeting about Igbo not been recognized, saying his not Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba.Which part of the country are you from then?since you’re not from any of those tribes that you mentioned.”
Vhee told Pere to stop responding to Seyi Law, says the comedian is a full blown tribal bigot.
“Stop responding to seyi . He is a full blown tribal bigot and he is gradually working his way into politics .so don’t expect objectivity from him atall . He must make excuses for people he allign with.”
@arasmarty said: “They make it seem like it’s not democracy. Which the people have to decide who will rule them. Because they know how they can manipulate everything is the reason some set of people think only a certain tribe have the monopoly of ruling and the others don’t. Well Peter is here.”
Ntric said: “It’s quite interesting how @seyilaw1 used your tweet to propagate more bigoted vitriol. He spent time to enumerate his defence of the same notion you kick against. Quite an essay riddled with beer parlor prejudices. I have Yoruba friends who can’t agree with him.
“But I have noticed these abhorrent sentiments are usually entertained by individual of almost uniform level of intelligence or lack of it. So I think it’s time we put these in the right context. These bigots are not unified by tribe but rather mental acuity.”
“@seyilaw1 is SUPPORTING a USA CONVICTED CRIMINAL, a DRUG KING 👑 PIN & a boko haram as revealed by Naajatu and many others, but has the audacity to label igbos cheats and other distractions! What kind of stinking Hypocrisy 😷 do these APC people have like this nitori olohun?” Elle reacted.
