The propaganda policy by which Britain sought to contain militant nationalism had
thus succeeded, as micro-nationalism triumphed over anti-colonial nationalism in Nigeria. The Igbo, who had unheeded 'the torrent of words and accusations, hurled at them' by the Yoruba (Nigerian Daily Times, 31 December 1947), threatened to ignite 'the fire of Ibo [sic] anger'. An alarmed colonial government threatened at this point to enforce the seditious provision of the criminal code to preserve the peace and unity of Nigeria. A government statement announced the goal of British policy in Nigeria to be a united, self-governing Nigeria, based on 'continuing close and friendly cooperation' of Nigeria's groups. This, it considered as 'essential to the future greatness and prosperity of Nigeria' (Mordi, 2008