Oriental Brothers - Murtala Mohammed | The Failure of the Nigerian Federal Character Commission

Описание: After the Nigerian Civil War (Biafra War), the Federal Military Government introduced policies and institutions to rebuild trust and unify the country. One of the most important was the principle of Federal Character in Nigeria, designed to ensure fairness in government jobs, appointments, and admissions. By the 1979 Constitution and later with the creation of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in 1996, the goal was simple: reflect Nigeria’s diversity — Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Fulani, and more — in every federal institution.

But over time, instead of fairness, Federal Character has often turned into entitlement and mediocrity. What was meant to promote equity has fueled “Èmil’òkàn politics” — the culture of “It’s my turn.” In Nigeria today, citizens ask: Does Federal Character still guarantee fairness? Or has it been reduced to a game of quotas, cabals, and patronage?

This Nostalgiamedia video, part of our weekly program Say A Prayer Guys… May Nigeria Never Happen To You!, connects that story with the timeless music of the Oriental Brothers International Band, pioneers of Nigerian highlife. Formed in 1971 after the Biafra War, the Oriental Brothers — led by Dr. Sir Warrior (Christogonous Ezebuiro Obinna), Dan Satch Opara, and Kabaka Opara — gave a voice to Igbo resilience and the dream of One Nigeria. Their classic song “Murtala Mohammed” mourned the assassinated Head of State but also demanded justice, integrity, and equity in leadership.

Placed side by side, the picture is clear:

-If Federal Character in Nigeria is abused, it reflects politics of selfishness.

-If Èmil’òkàn politics dominates, it reflects leaders putting personal ambition over national unity.

-If Nigeria remains divided, it reflects a failure of both leaders and citizens to rise above patronage.

👉 Watch the full episode here:    • The Federal Character Commission Vs Emilok...  
👉 See the full playlist of Say A Prayer Guys – May Nigeria Never Happen To You! here:    • Say A Prayer Guys... MAY NIGERIA NEVER HAP...  
👉 Check out more Nostalgiamedia videos on Nigerian history, culture, and politics here:    / @maynigerianeverhappentoyou  

Our host, Dr. Richie Adewusi is running a Gofundme campaign to raise funds for the production of a documentary based on his book, 'BIAFRA: Lest We Forget!', by March 2026. Please click this link to find out the full story, and to learn why this is a noble and necessary cause that you should please donate to, thank you. https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-biafra...

If you are searching for: Federal Character in Nigeria, Èmil’òkàn meaning, Nigerian politics, Oriental Brothers highlife music, Murtala Mohammed, One Nigeria, problems of Nigerian leadership, history of Nigerian unity, this video is for you.

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