The most authentic historical accounts often come from ordinary people—especially elderly men and women in remote villages who have no political or economic interests to protect. Unlike politicians, chiefs, religious leaders, or government institutions, these individuals have nothing to gain or lose from telling the truth.
Why Elderly People in Villages Hold the Truth.
They Lived Through the Events.
Many elderly villagers personally witnessed colonial rule, the Nigerian Civil War, and post-independence struggles. Their memories remain unfiltered by political narratives or government propaganda.
They Are Not Seeking Power or Wealth.
Unlike politicians and elites, these elders do not need to rewrite history to fit a political agenda. They share history as they experienced it, rather than shaping it to serve any personal or institutional interests.
Oral Tradition Preserves What Books Don’t.
Many aspects of Nigerian history were never documented in books but were instead passed down through oral storytelling. These elders have kept historical truths alive in their words, unlike modern history books that are often edited to fit a particular narrative.
They Are Not Influenced by Government or Religion.
Traditional rulers and religious leaders sometimes align their accounts with the interests of governments or institutions. In contrast, poor rural elders do not have a system to protect; they simply speak the truth.
Example: The Nigerian Civil War and the Igbo Identity.
Many elderly people in Igbo villages and Ikwerre communities recall how colonial rulers divided ethnic groups, politically separating some Igbo-speaking areas and altering historical narratives. Meanwhile, elites and politicians often promote alternative versions of history for personal or political gain.
The Danger of Ignoring the Real Historians.
Modern Nigeria is filled with manipulated historical narratives—often created to support political structures, ethnic divisions, or economic control. Relying solely on government accounts, religious leaders, or institutional records limits our understanding of the full truth.
To preserve Nigeria’s true history, we must document and share the stories of elders in villages before they are lost forever. If Nigerians truly want to understand their past, they must listen to those who lived it—not those who benefit from rewriting it.
Port Harcourt: A Legacy Shaped by Colonial Politics.
Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, is a vital economic and oil-producing hub. However, its history is deeply rooted in colonial decisions, ethnic identity struggles, and political redefinitions. The city’s founding between 1910 and 1915 was not merely about urban development—it was a turning point that shaped the identity of its indigenous people, particularly the Ikwerre.
The Birth of Port Harcourt: A City Forged by Colonial Ambitions (1910–1915)
The area now known as Port Harcourt was originally occupied by the Ikwerre people, an Igbo-speaking ethnic group. Before colonial interference, these lands were home to small settlements engaged in fishing, farming, and trade with neighboring groups like the Okrika, Kalabari, Ibani (Bonny), and Ogoni. However, British colonial rule saw the region’s potential as a major port city.
In 1912, the British colonial government, under Sir Frederick Lugard, planned a new seaport to transport coal from Enugu. The city was officially established in 1913 and named Port Harcourt after Lewis Vernon Harcourt, the then British Secretary of State for the Colonies. By 1915, the Eastern Railway was extended to Port Harcourt, connecting it to Enugu’s coal mines and transforming it into a strategic economic hub. However, this rapid development displaced the indigenous Ikwerre people, whose lands were taken over without compensation or recognition.
An Igbo-Speaking People With a Disputed Identity.
The Ikwerre people historically spoke a dialect of Igbo, classified as part of the Igboid subgroup within the larger Benue-Congo language family. Their names, customs, and traditions align closely with the Igbo cultural sphere. However, colonial and post-colonial politics led to shifts in identity perception.
How Politics Separated Ikwerre from the Igbo Identity.
Colonial Divide-and-Rule Strategy.
- The British administration classified the Ikwerre separately from the Igbo, despite linguistic and cultural similarities.
- This divide weakened Igbo unity, making it easier for the British to control the region.
Post-Independence Politics & the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
- After independence in 1960, ethnic politics influenced resource distribution and power struggles.
- During the Nigerian Civil War, many Rivers State communities, including some Ikwerre groups, were encouraged to distance themselves from the Igbo due to the war’s association with Biafra.
- The government promoted an identity separate from the Igbo, a move that some embraced for political and economic benefits.
Economic and Resource Control in Rivers State.
- With oil discoveries in Rivers State, some Ikwerre elites aligned with a distinct Rivers identity rather than the Igbo.
- Some feared that a strong Igbo identity could lead to marginalization within the oil-rich state.
More Read
Despite Politics, History and Language Do Not Lie.
While some Ikwerre people insist on being distinct from the Igbo, historical and linguistic evidence suggests that Ikwerre is an Igbo dialect and part of the larger Igbo cultural family. The division was largely influenced by colonial policies, war, and political interests rather than genuine cultural or linguistic differences.
The Unfinished Conversation: Reclaiming History.
Port Harcourt’s history is more than just its British founders—it is the story of the indigenous Ikwerre people, their land, and how colonialism shaped their identity. Understanding these roots is crucial to addressing present-day discussions on ethnic identity, political representation, and resource control in Rivers State and beyond.
What do you think about this historical revelation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
