[I Love Nigeria]

You make the spurious argument that knowing some Nigerians from Hausaland, Igboland, Yorubaland, Ijawland, etc permits me to generalize about them? That is the exact opposite of what I am saying, there millions of Nigerians constituted in each ethnic group. I lived in Lagos City in the past, and so, I can generalize about 13 million Lagosians? I lived in Abeokuta and I can generalize about every Ogun re?

I lived in Gboko and Makurdi and so, I can speak for millions of Idoma and Tiv peoples?
I lived in Owerri, Nnewi and Oguta, and yes, I can generalize about every Igbo person?
The point which you apparently miss is, GENERALIZATION IS LAZY AND BAD, for every ethnic group.

Secondly, as to the title: Yoruba Gang Busted Or Nigerians Daggers-Drawn)? It was not created by me… it was a title used by those who I actually accused of ethnic bashing and bigotry, in that article and I actually answered the charge which you now repeat. Perhaps you should read that article, and reexamine the title while at it you will find that it came with more.

See here: http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/...2&postcount=48

http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/...0&postcount=15

http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/...6&postcount=12

The title to this article was not chosen to inflame. This title was actually by some Nigerians in debates at various Nigeria related Yahoo Groups; Naijapolitics, edoregeneration@yahoo.co.uk, NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com; naijaintellects@ googlegroups. com talknigeria@ yahoogroups. com; igboevents@yahoogro ups.com; ekitipanupo@ yahoogroups. com, nidoa@yahoogroups. com;Abuja abujanig@yahoogroup s.com; NaijaExcel NaijaExcel@yahoogro ups.com .... etc

And so, I made some comments contributing to the offensively titled debate about the police bust of credit card/identity theft frauds in New York City where I live.

Upon reflection, I decided the mindset which the offensive title coinage reflected needed to be addressed frontally, albeit, with attention-grabbing title of the article. Initially, it was titled longer (Yoruba Gang Busted? Or Nigerians Daggers Drawn?) and this is how this article is published elsewhere, the Yahoo Groups included.

What is occurring here is simply an unintended consequence of my discussion. My plan, tone and presentation was, and is, intended to stem these hostilities between Nigerians. On the contrary, my article is now being used to exacerbate these deep rooted mutual suspicions between Nigerians.

Nigerian is a plural society, a multi lingual, multi cultural and multi religious society, my wish, always, is to focus on the immutable benefits of our diversities. But sadly enough, some, among us, are singularly focused on the negative common denominators.

It is a sad day, for me, that my call for unity, through critical re-examination of our interests in the Nigerian collective, has, unfortunately become the lightning rod and cannon fodder, for all irredeemable anarchists and bigots!

I actually put some efforts into writing this article. And the oxymoronically gifted amongst us, have apparently, not spared a moment to read it and reflect upon the points which I sought to make. How else can anyone explain...the fact that the opposite of what I advocate in the article is exactly what it is now being used for?

The article has been hijacked and the theme derailed. My time, spent on the article is wasted on too many? This is certainly not my idea of a response!

I am used to strident criticisms and even, outright condemnations for my opinions/ideas; using my article as an instrument of hate/violence is quite new to me. It is a new realm of inanity by bigots!

The portion in quotes is excerpted from the "Yoruba Gang" thread, and I already answered that question as to how the title came about and it is verifiable with NaijaPolitics a Nigerian related Yahoo Group

You do not know me and you are probably not familiar with my very expansive view on my Nigerian-ness

I hold no grudge against any ethnic group. I base my feelings about persons on their individual merit or a lack of.

We can disagree, but, it does not have to be because your mother was in a particular state in Nigeria on the date you were born!