By [Reporter’s Name]
Dr. Austin Orette, an Isoko man from Delta State, has weighed in on the ongoing debate about ethnic identity, marginalization, and political alliances in Nigeria, stressing that tribal fixation is a major stumbling block for national growth.
In his critique titled Igbo Fatal Flaw: A Critical Response, Orette argued that those who see every issue through the lens of ethnicity limit themselves. According to him, while many Nigerians elevate tribal identity above individual capacity, he personally does not define himself solely by his ethnic origin.
He maintained that some ethnic groups, particularly the Igbos, tie their entire sense of power and identity to tribe, which creates a constant feeling of subjugation whenever they are not in control. “It is a sad life when the definition of us becomes the group. This illusion obscures our humanity and real identity as individuals,” he noted.
Orette also highlighted what he described as an inability of the Igbo political class to build sustainable alliances across regions. He recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan, despite appointing several Igbos to his cabinet, could not secure their collective political support, which contributed to his electoral defeat. “Your marginalization is self-imposed,” Orette argued, adding that the Igbo political elite often fail to adopt strategic humility.
Drawing comparisons, he referenced President Bola Tinubu’s political rise, attributing his success to strategic alliance-building and compromise. “For your homework, go and study how Bola Tinubu gained power. He stooped to conquer. I don’t think stooping is in the lexicon of the Igbos. This is why power will always elude you,” Orette asserted.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s structural imbalance remains the bigger problem. Orette called for true restructuring where regions control their resources, arguing that in such a system, ethnic favoritism in federal appointments would matter less.
The Isoko-born commentator concluded by urging the Igbos, and Nigerians at large, to embrace cooperation, discipline, and humility rather than clannishness if they truly seek justice and political relevance.
