REVISITING THE 1967 ASABA GENOCIDE: WAR CRIME UNATTENDED TO

My mission is to waste your best, to cut you off from your stronghold on civilization, advancement and attachment to westernization, you are too beautiful, too polished and automatically all attention goes to you, I cannot control my jealousy and heated envy against you, neither could I afford to blame my fathers for waking-up too late to match your father’s pace with modernity and civilization, on the account of all these I must seek the last reason to kill you, waste your best, dishonor your virgins, rape your wife before your sight at gun point, then kill you, your sisters will I take to wife with zero bride price paid, your under ten sons and brothers will watch me do all these for a hopeless memorial, all these I will do to achieve my mission.

The above was the mission statement that was ringing in the sub-contious minds of all those both Nigerians and their foreign collaborators who planned over many years and eventually over zero crisis swapped on my people like bees, what a shame to them, before the crisis, they helplessly could not match the radiating intelligence and glamour an average Asaba man glows with, it will not surprise you to recall that the great noble laureate, prof. wole Soyinka, in his work, the man died, recorded thus “the western Ibos (of which Asaba is chief) became the most Vulnerable Nigerians……… it required ten positive acts of loyality to one of the rest of the nation to prove themselves human beings. Ever since the Midwest invasion, they had been hounded, killed and considered greatest security risks than the real Igbo themselves human beings. Ever since the Midwest invasion, they had been hounded, killed and considered greatest Security risks than the real Igbo themselves”.

What other way can a Nigerian elite judge the situation at that critical days of horrow, that a mans advancement and inclination to civilization should attract for him such an un-negotiated wickedness, we and our future generation can neither stop talking, writing and publishing this ugly part of our history nor forget the trauma, poverty, crime and other alien vices the genocide established on our soil, on the question of whether we will forgive those who wasted our best and plunged us into poverty, lack and vulnerability, I ask you what will you do if you were in our shoes?.

Local and international press review attest to these horrible war crimes, of genocide magnitude, only a spineless mortal will not quake at the revelation of what befell the Asaba people during these dark days of massacre.

How else can we reflect on the media reports of the New York review of 21st December 1967, which reports in part “In some areas outside the east…… western Ibos were killed by local people with at least the acquiescence of the federal forces…. Over 1,000 western Ibo civilians perished in Benin in this way”

In the same light the Washington morning post of 27th September 1967, published that “after the federal troops took over Benin……. Federal troops killed armless western Ibo Civilians after a house – to house search”

You cannot beat the revelations of New York times of 10th January 1968, with the reports that “federal troops…. Killed, or stood by while mobs killed more than 5,000 western Ibos in warri, Sapele, Benin, Agbor etc”.

The London observer of 21st January 1968 captured a vivid picture of what Asaba suffered thus “the greatest single massacre occurred in the western Ibo town of Asaba where Over 700 Asaba male were lined up and shot”

Mr. Stephen lewis, a United Nations observer and Canadian M.P. give the real economical loss we suffered as a people, which loss we are yet to recover completely from, his reports as published by London guardian of October 11, 1968 flows thus: “The federal troops went on further and murdered innocent western Ibo men, women and children in their thousands from Benin to Asaba. Nigeria Lost in few months over sixty percent of her university graduates and eighty percent of PhD holders, among them were permanent secretaries, Judges, professors, statemen, clergymen and missionaries….. if my foreign observer says there is no genocide in western Ibo lands, he is either on the patrol of Britain or a bloody fool……….the conduct of the federal troops after the recapture of the Midwest was another massacre (genocide) of the western Ibos”

Jack shepherd, the editor of look magazine on the pages of the November 26th 1968 edition reported that ‘perhaps 8,000 western Ibo civilians died when the Midwest was liberated by troops under Col muritala mohammed………. Between 400 and 1000 men died in Ishiagu, federal troops shot at women and children as they moved with automatic weapons through every hut.

The personal account of General Cyrill Iweze boosts the veracity of the above position, which reads “ignoring his colleagues, I was given maximum cooperation by my Brigade major, Muhammadu Buhari, I succeeded in linking up Ogidi and Onitsha. The significance of this crucial victory by the federal army inomically executed by an Igbo officer can be imagined when the battle for Onitsha throughout the war remained the most deadly. Suspected by his comrades, marked down by his tribesmen, Iwezes greatest nightmare was to unfold immediately the Biaframs surrendered.

His celebrations were short lived, because his home town of Isheagu had been razed to the ground, he had lost 21 family members and the royal father, Obi Onyema was brutally killed”.

Delta State is safe for Investors….Efianya

Delta state is safe for governance, business and development, all that is needed is for all Deltans to come together, join forces at continually keeping the state safe, these were the position of Ogbueshi John Efianya, when he spoke exclusively with ASABA POST NEWS-WIRE, as he hosted friends, well-wishers, political allies and loyalists to an end of year celebration at his Asaba Country Home,  he spoke on other issues, read on.  

Can you share with us what is happening in your premises today?

Well, today I am marking an end of year party for my people, friends, well-wishers and loyalists, am thankful to God and also to Rt. Hon Victor Ochie, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, who gave me the opportunity to serve as a Senior Special Assistance at the state assembly.

How do you feel about the large crowd of people gathered today?

You see what else can I feel other than to thank my God, because in spite of all that have happened, today I am still being appreciated by my people and I thank God that they have come to demonstrate their unalloyed support and loyalty to me, indeed I am very happy.   

Over the media both online and print media, is the speculation that Delta State is not safe for investors, what is your opinion?

Delta State is particularly and well positioned for peace, the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has provided the atmosphere for peace, today in the state peace still stands supreme above all agenda. Anyone thinking about insecurity in the state is talking out of their own vain imagination, I want to tell you point blank that Delta State is safe for governance, development, business and investment.

What is your rating of security in the state?

Very very high (3 times) more than what our enemies are thinking about, I am sure that with the programs of our Dear amiable state Governor, Dr. Eweta Emmanuel Uduaghan and with the legislative support of the Speaker of the Delta State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon Victor Ochei, it is evident that the establishment of peaceful order and continuity of government is sure, the state is well positioned for peace and grassroot driven development, Delta State is the safest haven for direct foreign investment.

Finally, what is your message to your friends, well-wishers and loyalists, who are celebrating with you today?

I appreciate them and urge them to look up to the finger of God, so that the force of integration will give them reason to enjoy more successful dividends of democracy, they must look forward to our brothers the governor and the speaker for direction, development, quality leadership  and good governance that will continue to drive grassroot development.

Ondo Chief, 2 others Kill best friend for ritual

by Sunday Aborisade

The Ondo State Police Command is investigating three individuals in the state for allegedly killing their childhood friend for ritual.

Our correspondent learnt that the suspects are, Chief Babatunde Olumofe; a worker of 7up Bottling Company Limited, Ijora, Lagos State, Mr. Sunday Akeju; and another man identified simply as Eso.

The suspects and the victim, Mr. Olufemi Ogunkorede, were said to have built their personal houses near each other in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

It was learnt that Oumofe, Akeju and Eso suspects carried out the act at Erusu Akoko area of Ondo last week. They were said to have tricked Ogunkorede (53), an indigene of Ilu Omoba-Ekiti, Ekiti State to the town last Saturday on the pretext that Olumofe was going to bury his late mother.

They were said to have bought and given a new cloth to Ogunkorede as the Aso Ebi for the occasion.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that as soon as they arrived at Erusu-Akoko, the suspects handed over Ogunkorede to a witch doctor, who allegedly killed him.

The suspects were said to have dumped his corpse along a major highway and claimed he was killed by armed robbers.

They later reported the case to the police at Erusu-Akoko police post.

However, when the case was transferred to the Oke Agbe police station, the Divisional Police Officer was told that the deceased merely slumped and died. The discrepancy made the police to investigate further.

A source in the town confided in our correspondent that trouble started about three years ago when Olumofe, who was to be honoured with a chieftaincy title, invited Ogunkorode to celebrate with him.

Olumofe and Ogunkorode allegedly carried out some activities that were considered sacrilegious by some traditionalists in the town. The source added that the traditionalists had been mounting pressures on Olumofe to re-invite his friend for necessary rites to appease certain gods in the town.

It was believed that the victim’s death would bring back peace between Olumofe and the traditionalists.

It was learnt that as soon as the murder was discovered, it sparked off a cold war between the people of Erusu-Akoko and Ilu Omoba-Ekiti. The latter allegedly chased away representatives of the former who were in their town to plead for forgiveness.

The source said, “Delegates from Erusu, including some chiefs were in Ilu Omoba-Ekiti last Sunday in connection with the case.

The Public Relations Officer for the state police command, Mr. Aremu Adeniran, confirmed the development.

He said one of the perpetrators of the act had been arrested and that a case of murder had been established against him.

However, Ogunkorode family members through their spokesperson, Mr. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, told our correspondent on the telephone that Olumofe and Akeju were in police custody.

IGBOS - IT’S TIME TO TAKE STOCK - WAKE UP!!!

        
        Those who have read the book “Cry the beloved country” (story about South Africa at the ebb of political turbulence) - by Alan Paton,  may want to use a similar phrase for the Igbo Nation - in words such as “Cry the  beloved nation.” In Cry the beloved country, A black country preacher went to Johannesburg seeking his brother, sister, and son, and found a chaotic world torn by racial politics. 

Aided by a noble minister, he finds that his three relations have become a revolutionary, a prostitute, and a murderer. Salvaging what he could of the family, he returns to the countryside to try to begin life anew.
        
        For many Igbos, the picture painted above may be similar to what is happening at this time as Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Assassinations, lynching, envy, greed, lack of love, looting of government treasury, lack of jobs and vocations for the youth, infrastructure, amenities, etc., for the people, seem to have taken over Igbo land. However, the question we should be asking ourselves is mainly this - What remains to be salvaged in the midst of the atrocities listed above and others not mentioned. As we keep that thought and question in mind, let us move a step further.
        
        Igbo forums, associations, yahoo groups, etc. have created beautiful and wonderful platforms for many Igbo  - both erudite, commonsensical, not so erudite, the academia, journalists, professors, lawyers, engineers, doctors, accountants, teachers, etc., both in Nigeria, and in the Diaspora to put mind and thought together regarding events in our country Nigeria in general and Igbo land in particular. The forums created and those who have founded them are laudable as well as commendable. On the other hand, according to many critics, certain language usage on these forums has become a source of concern to peace - loving personalities and individuals. Some of the words spoken leave a lot of room for questioning and doubts as to whether they are serving the right purposes and indeed progressing the causes, unity, and progress, for which the forums are intended and created, 
        
                       
        Some people use these forums for name-calling, abusive language, incendiaries, invectives, that would cause others to wonder in disbelief. Both those who call and are called names have children, relatives and are Igbos as well.  The question arises as to whether well-meaning people should be washing their dirty linens in public? Subjective criticisms, name - calling, fruitless arguments without solutions will not lead the Igbo nation anywhere in the Nigerian polity at this time. It is time to cease from the overdrawn debates, show-off of academic qualifications, grammatical aggrandizement, fault-finding, finger-pointing, who-will-win-the-debate syndrome, who-speaks-the-better-English syndrome and other syndromes that have retrogressed the Igbos - (particularly Imo Igbos) in the Nigerian polity.
        
        Internet forums, groups, associations, etc. should be platforms for progressive debates, suggestions and recommendations for problem-solving processes, unity, progress and teaching the youth and our children the way to go. This is because our children are watching and they are good readers as well. 
        
        We cannot continue to pursue or trail the same unyielding routes in our discourses every year and expect to make progress. If a route is not yielding good harvest, it is to be closed or modified, whichever is more productive and cost-effective.  Based on certain behavioral manifestations of some Igbos, it is then not surprising that the Igbo are yet to be recognized as catalysts of political change by powerful nations. This is because many have refused to look beyond their faces. Some have refused to follow the light at the end of the tunnel. Others have become very individualistic to their own detriment as they continually refuse to see the good in others. Many find it difficult to cooperate or work well with others. Everyone wants to be captain of the ship. These people tend to forget that too many captains drown the ship. They have refused to be cooperative. They talk about being their “brothers’ keepers and at the slightest provocation will become brothers’ kdnappers. Furthermore, the wealthy do not look out for the poor and as a result, the poor does not seem to care about the wealthy. For these and other reasons, the Igbo nation is faced presently, with anarchy, kidnapping, 419, armed robbery, etc., etc.
        
        Many progressive nations have realized the power behind “The Law” and Culture. Not so, for Igbos who have no written law or legally-binding instruments, yet are ready to assimilate any foreign culture with the hunger of a wolf. They want to speak English better than the Englishman does. As a result many of their children including mine cannot speak Igbo very well. They were so willing and quick to abandon their culture during colonization to their peril. The Hausas have ingrained Sharia and their written law into the Nigerian constitution and laws of the nation. Yorubas have written law - researched and ingrained into the Nigerian legal system.  Igbos where are yours?  Many of you are erudite scholars, highly intelligent individuals, yet delight in castigating each other instead of working together for progress. “If it is not me, it cannot be some-one-else syndrome has eaten into the fabric of the nation. “If it is not Orlu it cannot be Owerri or Mbano or Mbaise.” “If it is not Mbaise, it cannot be Mbaitolu,” etc., etc.” These syndromes are ruining Igbo political system, if there is one. It is time for change. 
        
        Suffice then to ask the following questions now. Nd’Igbo, who are your heroes?  Who are your benefactors? Who are your founding fathers? Who are your mentors?  You say “Igbo enwegh eze,” What happened to your “Council of Nzes” How come you have that word “Eze” in your language, if the position did not exist? Those who invented the phrase of lack of leadership or rulership commenced the setting up of anarchy in the Igbo nation, unfortunately.  Even now, Igbos still fail to acknowledge their heroes. Who are your The Igbo leaders? To many of you, Zik was not good, Ibiam, Okpara, Mbadiwe, (may their heroic souls rest in peace) were not good enough, Ojukwu is not good, who is good? Who do you fear? No-one? Not god? This is unfortunate. However, the fact remains and is glaring that progressive people and nations acquire their inspiration, motivation, and goal-attainment vigor through positive emulation, of attributes of their passed heroes, leaders,  mentors, benefactors, generations. Is it not because we lacked positive emulation that the children who are criminals did not imbibe those attributes, mores, character, culture, nationalistic tendencies to be humane and forward-looking individuals? Is it then surprising that many youths have now formed a major and integral part of a nation where anything goes and nothing can be done about it? Is it perplexing that many have found recourse and fulfillment in vices such as cultism, armed robbery, 419, kidnapping of parents, siblings, and relatives (to get rich quick),  prostitution, looting of government treasury, etc. Is this because “Igbos have no eze,” no law or binding legal system, no taboos, lack respect, discipline, and fear and therefore, anything goes and many parents did not portray themselves as their children’s heroes?”
        
        Notwithstanding the seeming helplessness of the situation described above, not all is lost. America for example, started with some native Americans, a few colonists, no unifying laws and no constitution. Today, it is the greatest country in the world, despite the economic meltdown. It did not happen in a day. America listened to heroes, developed a culture of containment, assimilation of all entities, worked with inventors, talented people, erudite people, laws, pacts, agreements, legal / binding contract-signings, and the spirit of nationhood. American schoolbooks and literature are rife, preponderant and overflowing with stories of American heroes past and present. American society is one of hero-worship. Nd’Igbo cannot change the course of nature. Not everyone can be a national hero. That is the truth of the matter. However, identify and name your heroes, tell their stories for your children to emulate. In addition, Igbo parents must endeavor to be heroes to your children and not “villains, kidnappers, looters of government coffers, and / or thieves. In addition, heroism does not come in one gender. United Kingdom also has heroes. It has the strongest dynasty headed by a woman. This is because heroism and bravery does not discriminate. We must acknowledge talent and worship our heroes, whether they be male or female. Hero-worship builds positive attributes. Mahatma Ghandi, American presidents, inventors, Nobel laureates, astronauts,  national leaders, Ben Gurion of Israel, Mandella of South Africa, Nkrumah of Ghana, Aguiyi Ironsi, Muritala Mohammed, Othman Dan Fodio, Awolowo, Zik, of Nigeria, Golda Meir of Israel, and so many, many others living or dead were and are heroes, worthy of note. Thieves, looters, killers, kidnappers are never heroes no matter how their pictures are modified or painted. Nd’Igbo must have heroes for our children’s positive advancement.   
        
        One more thing, it is also a case of concern that the Nd’Igbo have the largest turn out of cultural organizations. Every town wants to segregate itself from its neighbor for financial gains. This is ruining Igbo progress. However, it is commendable that recently many are beginning to see the positive attributes of coming together instead of disintegration. Indeed, it is high time the Nd’Igbo started seeing themselves as one physical and spiritual nation. Forget not that disintegration breeds disunity. It is not by happenstance that you all speak one language. Nature has a reason for that to happen. “Oh, he or she is from Anambra, or from Imo so I cannot deal with him or her” is another very bad syndrome. The time has come for Igbos like the Jews, the Europeans, and many other nations begin to see themselves as one, if they really desire progress and change. No matter where the Yorubas or Hausas are is in the world, they work together and see themselves as Omo Yoruba or Dan Arewa, respectively. Many Nd’Igbo on the other hand see themselves as from Imo, Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Cross-river, Bayelsa, etc.  To be progressive and to cease from the underdog stature in Nigerian politics, this mentality needs a reverse. If you speak Igbo, you are IGBO. No human-created or imposed boundary can change that. Coming together will give you more power, more influence, recognition, and dignity. Disintegration, and disassociating will only lead to segregation  and isolationist tendencies. We should remember that The European Union recognizes the power and strength in pulling resources and population together. Igbos must emulate positive tendencies and process, when they happen.
        
        Great nations were built on unity of purpose, clear goals, heroism, discipline, clear opportunities for all citizens, laws, rules, regulations, agreement, culture, and not on selfishness, greed, avarice, indiscipline, individualism, anarchy, “winner takes all” effect, etc. Thus, it is indeed time for the Igbo people to set standards, and guidelines for rulership and leadership. It is time for the people to demand good education, vocation, and labor, for their children and youth. It is time to demand salary and payment at appropriate time for the workers, parents and heads of households, Government money is not private property to be shared among friends or between family members. Money meant for industries, salaries, infrastructure, vocation, labor, jobs, seem to be concentrated in the hands of individuals. That is why in Imo State and all over Nigeria, private homes are sprouting up like flowers in spring and summer while schools are dilapidated, and the youths are jobless. This is because money is held in private hands as liquid cash. That is also, why people are able to bring out tens of millions of naira when their relatives are kidnapped. As a result, kidnapping is thriving and the perpetrators know this. If the liquid cash is plunged into building industries, providing jobs, building requisite infrastructure, there will be no ready liquid cash for armed robbers and kidnappers and these crimes will minimize. In fact, money is worth more when it is used to build, advance and progress humans and society. 
        
        My people, the time is now for deliberate and quiet revolutions in many aspects of Igbo life and culture in order to give the nationhood the dignity deserving of it. Without doing this, the IGBO nation and all of the South East of Nigeria will continue to be in perpetual anarchy and turmoil.   We must recognize heroes. Pave new ways and routes to move forward. The time is now for a reawakening to revolutionize culture, create and produce our written laws that will be integrated into the national legal system. It is time to refuse looters and thieves as leaders and rulers. It is time to be heroes for our children. It is the time to build and stop tearing down. The time is now to take stock. We have slept for too long. We must wake up.



If I say that I'm impressed with this unprecedented pieces of advice to my Igbo people, I minimize the importance of the time, energy and effort that you put into this wonderful, cerebral discourse. If I didn't know you very well, I may have fallen into the usual shameful, chauvinistic, tired machismo and macho temptation of thinking that this may have been the handiwork of my menfolk who continue to dominate and bestride Igboland today like a Collosus. Isn't time to try our women on the corridors of power. But I know you very well. I'm proud to have been associated with you at our Imo Association, NY where I've watched how you tackle every issue with characteristic aplomb. I know the quality, the pain, the finesse, thoughfulness and thoroghness you bring to any subject that you handle. You may have set out to advice our people but inadvertently ended up giving them a "Bible" a GPS to get out of the irretrievable quagmire of confusion, directionless they have fallen into. Currently, Igbo land can be likened to a rudderless ship in a tempestous sea. I'm surprised that you did not emphasize that we have superceded our Yoruba neighbors as the worst noisemakers in the world today. The difference however is that while we share this commonality, we have nothing to show for it. The only good thing that comes out of this shameful exuberance is that we have elevatdd it to a profession called, Otimkpu. Hence, you now watch in desperation, young and old chorusing and extoling the qualities of thieves and looters in our midst. What a shame! The day of reckoning is around the corner.

Thank you for this piece. I have already printed and saved in my drawer and will treasure it all my life. May I however put a little damper to your commendable effort. I doubt very much that they will read it. Music played to the deaf is a lost music.




Thank you McLord for seeing the difference in Dr. Emihe's essay as opposed to others that have hidden agenda in their writing. Some were sent to write, others write to attract attention, while others write to impress. Emihe, by this writing, wrote out of the abundant of her heart as she touched knowns and unknowns, the speakables and unspeakables alike.

I have known Emihe for a while now but recently have worked closely with her as she serves as the chairperson of Education committee of our cherished Imo Association and a member of our political activities committee where she is the secretary. As the education committee Chair, she just handed me a ten page memo of her road map towards the activities of the committee. Dr. Emihe, though physically shy, is mentally upbeat and averse on diverse issues as can be deduced from the present essay.

She spoke like the old prophets who first spell out doom but later come with a consolation. She admonished Nd'Igbo at the beginning for their verses but later consoles them and  proffers solutions. She calls for a revolution, a different kind of revolution. Not the kind that comes with maming and destruction but a deliberate and quiet revolutions in many aspects of Igbo life and culture. This sounds like the Jesus message of his kingdom and kingship which was very much misunderstood in the world of his time. A revolution without human cost is truly not easy to understand in the world of our time. Specifically she says it is time to be heroes of our children, time to refuse looters and thieves as leaders and rulers, time to build and stop tearing down, time to take stock, time for awakening to revolutionize our culture and produce our written laws that will be integrated into our national legal system, among others.

Her call may not be the first in nature or of its kind but the more things are happening, the more the very obvious start to make more sense. Igbo used to have Ofo na Ogu which guided their actions both in private and in public. Since the later have been systematically destroyed, maybe the call for a formal written law of the land (the so called customary laws) may be in order.




Those who have read the book “Cry the beloved country” (story about South Africa at the ebb of political turbulence) - by Alan Paton,  may want to use a similar phrase for the Igbo Nation - in words such as “Cry the  beloved nation.” In Cry the beloved country, A black country preacher went to Johannesburg seeking his brother, sister, and son, and found a chaotic world torn by racial politics. Aided by a noble minister, he finds that his three relations have become a revolutionary, a prostitute, and a murderer. Salvaging what he could of the family, he returns to the countryside to try to begin life anew.

For many Igbos, the picture painted above may be similar to what is happening at this time as Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Assassinations, lynching, envy, greed, lack of love, looting of government treasury, lack of jobs and vocations for the youth, infrastructure, amenities, etc., for the people, seem to have taken over Igbo land. However, the question we should be asking ourselves is mainly this - What remains to be salvaged in the midst of the atrocities listed above and others not mentioned. As we keep that thought and question in mind, let us move a step further.

Igbo forums, associations, yahoo groups, etc. have created beautiful and wonderful platforms for many Igbo  - both erudite, commonsensical, not so erudite, the academia, journalists, professors, lawyers, engineers, doctors, accountants, teachers, etc., both in Nigeria, and in the Diaspora to put mind and thought together regarding events in our country Nigeria in general and Igbo land in particular. The forums created and those who have founded them are laudable as well as commendable. On the other hand, according to many critics, certain language usage on these forums has become a source of concern to peace - loving personalities and individuals. Some of the words spoken leave a lot of room for questioning and doubts as to whether they are serving the right purposes and indeed progressing the causes, unity, and progress, for which the forums are intended and created, 

               
Some people use these forums for name-calling, abusive language, incendiaries, invectives, that would cause others to wonder in disbelief. Both those who call and are called names have children, relatives and are Igbos as well.  The question arises as to whether well-meaning people should be washing their dirty linens in public? Subjective criticisms, name - calling, fruitless arguments without solutions will not lead the Igbo nation anywhere in the Nigerian polity at this time. It is time to cease from the overdrawn debates, show-off of academic qualifications, grammatical aggrandizement, fault-finding, finger-pointing, who-will-win-the-debate syndrome, who-speaks-the-better-English syndrome and other syndromes that have retrogressed the Igbos - (particularly Imo Igbos) in the Nigerian polity.

Internet forums, groups, associations, etc. should be platforms for progressive debates, suggestions and recommendations for problem-solving processes, unity, progress and teaching the youth and our children the way to go. This is because our children are watching and they are good readers as well. 

We cannot continue to pursue or trail the same unyielding routes in our discourses every year and expect to make progress. If a route is not yielding good harvest, it is to be closed or modified, whichever is more productive and cost-effective.  Based on certain behavioral manifestations of some Igbos, it is then not surprising that the Igbo are yet to be recognized as catalysts of political change by powerful nations. This is because many have refused to look beyond their faces. Some have refused to follow the light at the end of the tunnel. Others have become very individualistic to their own detriment as they continually refuse to see the good in others. Many find it difficult to cooperate or work well with others. Everyone wants to be captain of the ship. These people tend to forget that too many captains drown the ship. They have refused to be cooperative. They talk about being their “brothers’ keepers and at the slightest provocation will become brothers’ kdnappers. Furthermore, the wealthy do not look out for the poor and as a result, the poor does not seem to care about the wealthy. For these and other reasons, the Igbo nation is faced presently, with anarchy, kidnapping, 419, armed robbery, etc., etc.

Many progressive nations have realized the power behind “The Law” and Culture. Not so, for Igbos who have no written law or legally-binding instruments, yet are ready to assimilate any foreign culture with the hunger of a wolf. They want to speak English better than the Englishman does. As a result many of their children including mine cannot speak Igbo very well. They were so willing and quick to abandon their culture during colonization to their peril. The Hausas have ingrained Sharia and their written law into the Nigerian constitution and laws of the nation. Yorubas have written law - researched and ingrained into the Nigerian legal system.  Igbos where are yours?  Many of you are erudite scholars, highly intelligent individuals, yet delight in castigating each other instead of working together for progress. “If it is not me, it cannot be some-one-else syndrome has eaten into the fabric of the nation. “If it is not Orlu it cannot be Owerri or Mbano or Mbaise.” “If it is not Mbaise, it cannot be Mbaitolu,” etc., etc.” These syndromes are ruining Igbo political system, if there is one. It is time for change. 

Suffice then to ask the following questions now. Nd’Igbo, who are your heroes?  Who are your benefactors? Who are your founding fathers? Who are your mentors?  You say “Igbo enwegh eze,” What happened to your “Council of Nzes” How come you have that word “Eze” in your language, if the position did not exist? Those who invented the phrase of lack of leadership or rulership commenced the setting up of anarchy in the Igbo nation, unfortunately.  Even now, Igbos still fail to acknowledge their heroes. Who are your The Igbo leaders? To many of you, Zik was not good, Ibiam, Okpara, Mbadiwe, (may their heroic souls rest in peace) were not good enough, Ojukwu is not good, who is good? Who do you fear? No-one? Not god? This is unfortunate. However, the fact remains and is glaring that progressive people and nations acquire their inspiration, motivation, and goal-attainment vigor through positive emulation, of attributes of their passed heroes, leaders,  mentors, benefactors, generations. Is it not because we lacked positive emulation that the children who are criminals did not imbibe those attributes, mores, character, culture, nationalistic tendencies to be humane and forward-looking individuals? Is it then surprising that many youths have now formed a major and integral part of a nation where anything goes and nothing can be done about it? Is it perplexing that many have found recourse and fulfillment in vices such as cultism, armed robbery, 419, kidnapping of parents, siblings, and relatives (to get rich quick),  prostitution, looting of government treasury, etc. Is this because “Igbos have no eze,” no law or binding legal system, no taboos, lack respect, discipline, and fear and therefore, anything goes and many parents did not portray themselves as their children’s heroes?”

Notwithstanding the seeming helplessness of the situation described above, not all is lost. America for example, started with some native Americans, a few colonists, no unifying laws and no constitution. Today, it is the greatest country in the world, despite the economic meltdown. It did not happen in a day. America listened to heroes, developed a culture of containment, assimilation of all entities, worked with inventors, talented people, erudite people, laws, pacts, agreements, legal / binding contract-signings, and the spirit of nationhood. American schoolbooks and literature are rife, preponderant and overflowing with stories of American heroes past and present. American society is one of hero-worship. Nd’Igbo cannot change the course of nature. Not everyone can be a national hero. That is the truth of the matter. However, identify and name your heroes, tell their stories for your children to emulate. In addition, Igbo parents must endeavor to be heroes to your children and not “villains, kidnappers, looters of government coffers, and / or thieves. In addition, heroism does not come in one gender. United Kingdom also has heroes. It has the strongest dynasty headed by a woman. This is because heroism and bravery does not discriminate. We must acknowledge talent and worship our heroes, whether they be male or female. Hero-worship builds positive attributes. Mahatma Ghandi, American presidents, inventors, Nobel laureates, astronauts,  national leaders, Ben Gurion of Israel, Mandella of South Africa, Nkrumah of Ghana, Aguiyi Ironsi, Muritala Mohammed, Othman Dan Fodio, Awolowo, Zik, of Nigeria, Golda Meir of Israel, and so many, many others living or dead were and are heroes, worthy of note. Thieves, looters, killers, kidnappers are never heroes no matter how their pictures are modified or painted. Nd’Igbo must have heroes for our children’s positive advancement.   

One more thing, it is also a case of concern that the Nd’Igbo have the largest turn out of cultural organizations. Every town wants to segregate itself from its neighbor for financial gains. This is ruining Igbo progress. However, it is commendable that recently many are beginning to see the positive attributes of coming together instead of disintegration. Indeed, it is high time the Nd’Igbo started seeing themselves as one physical and spiritual nation. Forget not that disintegration breeds disunity. It is not by happenstance that you all speak one language. Nature has a reason for that to happen. “Oh, he or she is from Anambra, or from Imo so I cannot deal with him or her” is another very bad syndrome. The time has come for Igbos like the Jews, the Europeans, and many other nations begin to see themselves as one, if they really desire progress and change. No matter where the Yorubas or Hausas are is in the world, they work together and see themselves as Omo Yoruba or Dan Arewa, respectively. Many Nd’Igbo on the other hand see themselves as from Imo, Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Cross-river, Bayelsa, etc.  To be progressive and to cease from the underdog stature in Nigerian politics, this mentality needs a reverse. If you speak Igbo, you are IGBO. No human-created or imposed boundary can change that. Coming together will give you more power, more influence, recognition, and dignity. Disintegration, and disassociating will only lead to segregation  and isolationist tendencies. We should remember that The European Union recognizes the power and strength in pulling resources and population together. Igbos must emulate positive tendencies and process, when they happen.

Great nations were built on unity of purpose, clear goals, heroism, discipline, clear opportunities for all citizens, laws, rules, regulations, agreement, culture, and not on selfishness, greed, avarice, indiscipline, individualism, anarchy, “winner takes all” effect, etc. Thus, it is indeed time for the Igbo people to set standards, and guidelines for rulership and leadership. It is time for the people to demand good education, vocation, and labor, for their children and youth. It is time to demand salary and payment at appropriate time for the workers, parents and heads of households, Government money is not private property to be shared among friends or between family members. Money meant for industries, salaries, infrastructure, vocation, labor, jobs, seem to be concentrated in the hands of individuals. That is why in Imo State and all over Nigeria, private homes are sprouting up like flowers in spring and summer while schools are dilapidated, and the youths are jobless. This is because money is held in private hands as liquid cash. That is also, why people are able to bring out tens of millions of naira when their relatives are kidnapped. As a result, kidnapping is thriving and the perpetrators know this. If the liquid cash is plunged into building industries, providing jobs, building requisite infrastructure, there will be no ready liquid cash for armed robbers and kidnappers and these crimes will minimize. In fact, money is worth more when it is used to build, advance and progress humans and society. 

My people, the time is now for deliberate and quiet revolutions in many aspects of Igbo life and culture in order to give the nationhood the dignity deserving of it. Without doing this, the IGBO nation and all of the South East of Nigeria will continue to be in perpetual anarchy and turmoil.   We must recognize heroes. Pave new ways and routes to move forward. The time is now for a reawakening to revolutionize culture, create and produce our written laws that will be integrated into the national legal system. It is time to refuse looters and thieves as leaders and rulers. It is time to be heroes for our children. It is the time to build and stop tearing down. The time is now to take stock. We have slept for too long. We must wake up.



I Do Not Care what anybody says, but a Call Without The Coming Together of Honest Minds, will make the Call redaundant!! Yes, in order to make any Progress, we MUST sign up to get together, else it will still be our Usuals: OKE NA OHIA, NGWERI NA UZO!! Some will call this mindset, "Igbo Republican Nature", and I will call it Retrogressive Mindset!! MAKANA GIDI-GIDI WU UGWU EZE.

 Absolutely Nothing takes place towards Progress and Development without Our Coming Together as a Grand Beginning; followed by Working together as a group with Sound ideas, as a Process; and subsequently followed with Execution of the Sound Ideas so Refined, in order to make any Tangible Progress and Development!!

We, as Ndi-Igbo, definitely cannot achieve all of the above, if some of us are Very Dishonest, and prefer to Operate Under Masks!! These Kinds Not being Real to themselves and to their own people. If some of us are just intersted in false and empty Positions and titles to boost deflated ego, in these unions of Togetherness; and if some come with hidden agenda, Jealousy, Envy, and Dirty hands.
Nevertheless, those who volunteer their time to Honestly answer this kind of Call are, in my book, Honorable Men and Women Ndi-Igbo Ji Aga Mba!! Idealogy may differ, but Let the Mission of IGBO EMANCIPATION Remain the Main Goalof Focus. Therefore, other unions can also Emerge to Merge at certain Point in time, when All of us get More Educated!! Otoiheoma Egbe.