By Ojoajogwu Ochada
Far from the nomenclature of the ceaseless agitations, it is important we call a spade, a spade simply because wisdom is profitable to direct. Everybody cannot be confused at the same time except we choose to wallow in the corridors of ignorance.
In the mid 20th century, the struggle for the Republic of Biafra was centered around one man — Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu — which in turn triggered the Nigerian Civil War (1967-70).
Today, the Independent People of Biafra (IPoB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) proscribed as a Terrorist Group are wrecking untold havocs in search of egocentric succession. Unfortunately, many Nigerians are shying aware from this fact because of sheer ignorance and crude sentiments.
If the doctrine of ONE NIGERIA which was championed by the Nationalists is suffocating today, it is as a result of levity, nepotism, ethnicity and corruption. Many Nigerians are ignorantly aligning with tribal sentiments while the national cause that is supposed to glue citizens is often neglected.
As a student of History, I beg to disagree. It is time to tell ourselves the truth irrespective of whose ox is gored. In the last days of the initial Biafran Turmoil, let it be recalled that Ojukwu fled the shores of Nigeria, abandoning the struggle he ignited. In the contemporary era, two reasons are adduced: he left the country to save his people and secondly, he ran away for his dear life by handing over power to his then second in command, Philip Effiong. These are popular and unpopular opinions perhaps it depends on the margins by which you understand the rationale for his actions.
In my views, he escaped conquest in order to save his people because millions of Igbos died in the course of the Civil War. Let it also be told that a number of other ethnic groups died in that war. It was a time of sacrifice in the journey of building Nigeria. Even the United States of America once fought a Civil War – let us dig deep into the annals of history.
Be that as it may, Ojukwu gave up on the struggle for Biafra. He insisted on the Unity of Nigeria and this is the more reason he was accorded a full military burial when he died on the 26 of November 2011. Had it been he continued the Biafran Struggle, the Nigerian government would not have given him that national respect.
Ojukwu later believed in unity in diversity. He contested the 2003 Presidential Election in Nigeria and was the second runner-up in the General Election while Muhammadu Buhari was the first runner-up. Had it been he never believed in Nigeria or realised his mistakes, Ojukwu wouldn’t have contested.
Let the truth be told: what Nnamdi Kanu is doing or have done is many miles different from Ojukwu’s struggle. Kanu is doing it wrongly and getting it all wrong. As a Rebel Leader, he incited violence and terrorism while residing abroad. This is not Ojukwu’s modus operandi. Shortly before the Civil War, Ojukwu advised all Easterners residing in other parts of Nigeria (especially the North) to return to their various extractions because according to him, their safety was no longer guaranteed. In contrast to Kanu’s ideology, Ojukwu protected his people – the Igbos.
Ojukwu issued this order not as the C-in-C but as the Governor of the Eastern Region. In what capacity is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu issuing directives or misleading his people? In Kanu’s case, he issued threats at intervals and instigated more crisis through Radio Biafra. While Ojukwu was pro-Igbo, Kanu is strongly an anti-Igbo but unfortunately so many Igbos are falling for his over indulgence. The Igbos are hardworking people. They are industrious innovators par excellence. How then do you call for a “sit at home” on a Monday morning?
There can never be two governments in one nation. Nnamdi Kanu just like the bandits and terrorists operating in Northern Nigeria crossed his bounds. The rights of a citizen in any sovereign nation does not dignify terrorism, hate speech or disrespect for constitutional authorities. The recent wave of genocide twists in line with President Donald Trump’s perceived intervention is comic. The killings in Nigeria are not in anyway targeted solely at Igbo Christians as speculated in some quarters. It is a national problem of which the people of the Middle Belt Region (especially in Kogi, Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states) are feeling more of the heat. Let it not be twisted.
If Nigeria is anticipated to divide tomorrow, Nnamdi Kanu is not the Messiah ordained to lead the Igbos to the promise land. He is doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. Who is deceiving who? Do you know the numbers of Igbos who died amidst the whole struggle for Nnamdi Kanu’s 21st century call for Biafra? Did Ojukwu ever called for the killings of his people (Ndi’Igbo) or he protected their interests? Nnamdi Kanu’s idealism is different from Ojukwu’s orientation. For instance, I remember the case of an Igbo woman — a military officer — who was slaughtered in a trending video alongside her fiancé on her way to her traditional wedding. Her only crime was because she was a serving military personnel.
The outings of IPoB and ESN does not conform to the struggle of Ojukwu who is notably the first to kickstart this agitation. If it was realistic, Ojukwu wouldn’t have abandoned it. He weighed the options and settled for the best when he realised his mistakes and opted to believe in the doctrine of one united Nigeria. Ojukwu never allowed anyone to hijack the movement at least in his lifetime. Kanu’s intentions may be pure in thoughts but he could not control the mercenaries he recruited as a result of his careless statements. If there is genocide in Nigeria today, it is not targeted at the Igbos; many parts of Nigeria are experiencing these setbacks. This is the truth and nothing but the truth.
© Ajogwu Black Lion
