Over the past few weeks, readings and videos of the poem “I AM A NIGERIAN” have been circulating on social media, with unknown origins. It has been sent to me several times as an unknown author, both in video and text format. First, I think it’s important to publicly acknowledge yourself as the author of the poem and talk about why you think it resonates now more than ever.
I wrote a poem in 2006 called “I AM A NIGERIAN.” The impetus was three important influences. One was the “Heart of Africa” rebranding campaign by the then federal government. The second is a video of Thabo Mbeki’s 1996 speech “I am an African”. Thirdly, and above all, my late father, Ukpabi Ashika, was an unflinching nationalist whose decision to take on the seemingly suicidal role of East Central Provincial Commissioner at the height of the Civil War in 1967 was summed up in his words: “I am a Nigerian. I was born a Nigerian…and I hope to die a Nigerian.”
Despite the current cacophony of ethnic chauvinism and separatism, I believe that the majority of the people of this country consider themselves first and foremost Nigerians. The well-worn refrain that Nigeria is an artificial construct imposed by the British is trite and frankly unhelpful. We cannot turn back the hands of time and simply reorganize along tribal lines. Nor can we undo the mix that has enriched us socially, economically, culturally and politically for generations. I’ll use my own family as an example.
My father is an Onitsha indigene who was born and spent his formative years in Barkin Ladi, Jos State, attending secondary school in Benin and university in Ibadan. His mother Rebecca, also from Onitsha, grew up primarily in Fulani country and spoke fluent Ffulde. His “second mother” was his step-grandmother Aishethu, a native of Yola, whom his grandfather met in Kano, married, and brought to Onitsha. When my father went to the United States to pursue his master’s degree, he met and married my mother, a fellow graduate student from Owerri who had spent her teenage years in Uyo and Lagos. Their marital home was visited by close friends from all over Igboland as well as from Yola, Taraba, Jos, Ijebu, Warri, Abeokuta and Benin. Currently, my children are Yoruba, my sister’s children are Kalabari and my brother’s wife claims roots in both Lagos and Katsina. I don’t think this diversity in our family is all that unique.
Although the historical performance of our political leaders has been shockingly below average, we, the people, should not abandon our duty of responsible citizenship now. We must not allow corrupt politicians and power-hungry demagogues to appeal to our basest feelings or make us believe that people of other tribes or other religions are the root of all our problems. This is worst-case least common denominator programming. If we choose to consent to such messages, we do so at our own risk.
Nevertheless, our government must also have the courage and sensitivity to recognize that Nigeria’s national politics is not as inclusive for some ethnic groups as for others, and that real political grievances and socio-economic contradictions exist. I truly believe in Nigeria. But I believe that a structure based on true federalism, decentralization of power, resource management and responsible and caring leadership would be better for Nigeria.
I wrote the poem “I am a Nigerian” to celebrate what makes us unique: our diversity, culture, and national identity. We are known around the world as Nigerians, not as Igbos, Hausas, Yoruba or Fulanis. Internationally, we are both admired and criticized, envied and criticized. We are not unknown people from an unknown country. For better or worse, we have made our presence felt. And at a time when every country is struggling to become more globally competitive, we cannot afford to embark on a reductionist trajectory.
“I AM A NIGERIAN” calls us to not only love Nigeria, but to care for Nigeria. We hope this poem evokes pride in our country and reminds us of the brotherhood and community we share with the other 180 million people born under the Nigerian flag. Most of all, I hope this poem helps counter the hateful rhetoric of those who seek to divide us. We cannot allow them to change the story of who we have been, who we are, and who we want to be. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Nkiru Asika writes from Lagos. She is Nigerian.
