By Thomas Thomas and Nsikak Etuk
The late Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu was probably West Africa’s wealthiest man at the time; and owned business chains, and several properties in Nigeria and West Africa. Shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War, he reportedly warned his son (Lt. Col. Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu), not to go ahead with plans to declare the Republic of Biafra, as any attempt to secede from Nigeria would fail, and Ibos would lose their investments all over Nigeria. The younger disregarded the elder’s advice, and went ahead to declare the Republic of Biafra a separate entity from Nigeria. ‘Project Biafra’ failed, as his wise old father had predicted; but not without taking a monumental toll on life, well-being, and property. Several people died and were maimed in the 30 month-long war; countless families were displaced, and destinies, shattered permanently; apart from the extensive loss of public and private property. Ibos should have learnt the lesson the elder Ojukwu tried to teach his son, that Project Biafra will always fail.
I am of polygamous paternal grand-parentage, with two Igbo step-grandmothers, alongside others from Ibibio and non-Ibibio tribes. Members of my polygamous paternal family also intermarried extensively with people from other Nigerian tribes; which means, I have blood relatives of Ibo, Benin, and Yoruba origin. I have also lived in all the former nineteen States of Nigeria; attended schools in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba-land; and conveniently mixed with people of these tribes; which reasonably entitles me to lay claim to an informed personal opinion about members of most Nigerian ethnic groupings. Honestly, and without intending any insult, I find it more difficult to relate with most Ibos, than I do relating with members of other major Nigerian ethnic extractions.
Apart from such excesses as being domineering, loud, assertive, and brash; as well as the most ‘quick-money’ minded, I can’t fathom why they treat others (especially the Ibibios) with disdain. I wonder why an Ibibioman cannot be Chairman of any Mechanic Village in Igboland; or why he should find it difficult to run a successful business in Igboland that creates competition with Ibos. I had first-hand experience in the 1990’s when I would drive to Aba, only to be accosted by Ibo street-urchins at traffic hold-ups, who would demand for every kind of permit, license, authorization; or charge me with one default or the other, simply because my vehicle registration plates bore Akwa Ibom State. I also wonder why their Nollywood movies feature “Ekaettes”, “Imabongs”, etc, as housemaids; and “Okons”, “Akpans”, and “Etims” as houseboys, or gatemen. I wonder why an Ibo comedian made a joke out of the fallacious claim that ‘Calabar girls’ are strong and versatile in ‘bed’ because they eat dog meat. I also honestly find the Ibos to be very exploitative of our girls, and hate to see them ‘chat’ our girls up, because ultimately, they exploit our girls’ (unenviable distinction of being the most stupid and brainless girls in Nigeria, who are sworn to living off men, instead of trying to earn independent livelihoods); to abuse and scandalize them. This is a lesson our girls never learn. Permit me to narrate a true story.
I once sat out for drinks with friends, at a venue where several Ibos were also drinking. A pretty Akwa Ibom girl (whose name I later learnt was Idong), walked by, into the shop, and a local boy whispered: “Baby girl, ame yaya akpa” (Baby girl you are very beautiful)”. She fixed him a thorny stare (full of scorn), hissed, and walked away, probably feeling insulted. After she passed the Igbo boys table, one of them claimed he’d had sex with her. The others hushed him for always making up stories; even challenging him to mention her name. The claimant persisted in his assertion, even adding that he’d used his fingers in the ‘act’, and they had smelt so foul thereafter that for three days, he couldn’t use them to eat. He claimed he’d forgotten her name, but dared them to a ‘N1,000 per-person wager’ to prove his point. They agreed and put their money down. Immediately the girl came out of the shop, he called out to her: “Baby, long time oh”. She turned lazily to look at him; then smiled, and made an about-turn to his table. “See your life?” she cooed; and he offered the lame excuse of having lost his phone (and her number). She wrapped an arm around him, as he introduced his friends; and she took turns greeting them, while they chatted and she gave him her number again. After that, he promised to call her, whispered what I supposed were ‘endearments’ because she giggled like a toy, and looked at him ‘with affection’, before she left. She had hardly gone out of earshot when the Ibo boys burst into muffled laughter, and the winner of the bet gathered his booty; while I dropped my head in shame.
The present agitation for Biafra makes me wonder if Ibo youths do not know about the odious record their predecessors created before, during, and after the Civil War, in their interaction with other ethnic minorities. I wonder if their elders have not come to the realization that a Project Biafra would never earn them any interest from the banks of collective purpose and civility, into which they never saved a farthing. Those agitating for Biafra on the grounds of marginalization, insult our sensibilities, because they fail to note that the Ibos have produced two Nigerian Leaders: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; and Major General Aguiyi Ironsi. Although President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is Ijaw, I’ve always wondered if he is part Ibo, because of his two Ibo names ‘Ebele’ and ‘Azikiwe’. The Ibo’s have also had two Vice Presidents (or number two men): Dr Alex Ekwueme (President Shagari’s Vice President); and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (General Babangida’s Chief of General Staff). They have produced seven out of Nigeria’s eleven Senate Presidents’ since independence: (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; Dr. Nwafor Orizu; Chief Ameh Ebute; Dr. Chuba Okadigbo; Chief Anyim Pius Anyim; Chief Adolphous Wabara; and Dr. Ken Nnamani). The non-Ibos were: Chief Joseph Wayas (Cross River); Iyorcha Ayu (Benue); David Mark (Niger); and the incumbent Dr. Bukola Saraki (Kwara). They have produced two of the nine Speakers’ of the House of Representatives (Chief Jaja Nwachukwu; and Dr. Edwin Ume Ezeoke); while the West produced two (Oladimeji Bankole and Patricia Etteh); and the North produced five: (Salisu Buhari; Ghali Umar Na’Abba; Aminu Masari; Aminu Tambuwal; and the incumbent Yakubu Dogara). The Ibos should remember that they have produced three of the twelve Chairmen of Nigeria’s Electoral Umpire Bodies (now INEC). They include: Professors Eme Awa (Abia); Humphrey Nwosu (Anambra); and Maurice Iwu (Imo). There were two Akwa Ibomites (Eyo Esua; and Prof Okon Edet Uya); one Cross Riverian (Chief Michael Ani); two Edo State indigenes (Justice Ephraim Akpata; and Abel Guobadia); one from Delta State (Ovie Whiskey); one from Rivers State (Sumner Dagogo Jack); and two Northerners (Attahiru Jega; and his successor and incumbent, Prof Mahmood Yakubu).
In the Nigerian Federal Cabinet of 1960, the Ibos had majority members, including: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Governor General); and four Ibo Ministers: Chief Jaja Wachukwu (Foreign Affairs); Chief Aja Nwachukwu (Education); Chief Raymond Njoku (Transport); and Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe (Commerce). The Yorubas had four Ministers: Chief SL Akintola (Communications); JM Johnson (Internal Affairs); Kola Balogun (Information); and Ayo Rosiji (Health); the North had only two (the federal Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; and the Minister for Labor and Mines, Mohammed Ribadu); while the Mid-West had only one (Chief Festus Okotie Eboh, the Minister of Finance). Yet, when the Ibo coupists claimed the government was corrupt, and struck, they didn’t kill any Ibos, but killed Sir Tafawa Balewa, Festus Okotie Eboh, and S.L. Akintola, amongst others.
In the immediate past government of President Goodluck Jonathan, Ibos also held very prominent offices. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iwealla was Coordinating Minster of the Economy and Minister of Finance; (and held the same office earlier under President Obasanjo). Anyim Pius Anyim was Secretary to the Government of the Federation; (and was Senate President under President Obasanjo). Mr. Godwin Emefiele was Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. During President Obasanjo’s administration, Dr Charles Soludo, (an Ibo man) was CBN Governor; while late Prof. Dora Akunyili (another Ibo), was NAFDAC Chairman. Under President Jonathan also, Nigeria had an Ibo Chief of Army Staff (General Emeka Ihejirika); and an Ibo Surveyor General of the Federation (Peter Chigozie).
Ibos like Emeka Nkem Mba headed the NBC; while NIMET, PENCOM, FERMA, NCDA, NAMA, NCATY, FIRO, NUC, NTDC, NERDC, and NEXIM were headed by: Dr Anthony Anuforo; Chinebo Onuoha; Engr. Chukwu Amuchi; Ernest Nwankpa; Engr. Nnamdi Udoh; Capt. Chinere Kalu; Dr. (Mrs.) GN Elemo; Prof Julius Okojie; Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; Prof. Godswill Obume; and Mr. R.R. Orya, respectively; (all Ibos). The Chairman of the Investments and Securities Tribunal was an Igbo woman Mrs. Nnena Orji; while the Directors General of the Budget Office of the Federation, the BPP, SEC, NSE, PENCOM, Housing Fund, and NOA, (Bright Okogwu; Emeka Eze, Arumna Oteh, Oscar Onyema, Chindelu Onuoha, Sunny Iruoha; and Mike Omeri; respectively) were all Ibos. The Managing Directors of AMCON; Bank of Industry; and Sovereign Wealth Fund (Chike Obi, Evelyn Oputa, and Uche Orji) were Ibos. I could go on and on but for space; but then, the truth is that the list of Ibos who have held prominent positions in Nigeria is endless; and so the cry of marginalization does not hold water. If the agitators claim that roads in the South-East have suffered terrible decline, they should query the immediate past government (or governments) for the neglect during their tenures.
Let common sense prevail against any selfish intentions, as nobody would want to be reminded of the gory events which ended forty-five years ago. The ravages of the Civil War may have slipped into the subconscious of many who lived through the period, but then it may constitute a page in the history books to those who were not born. To this latter group, war presents stark realities, which are so real and alive; and would cost a lot more in terms of destructive potential, because of the advancement in weapons of warfare, and the rise in population. War means no law; no banks; no Police; no Courts; no Magistrates or Judges. It means no account, or control; but sheer lawlessness. It means evicting yourself from your luxurious home and living in the bush, as during war, any hoodlum with a gun could break into your home and rape your wife and daughters in your presence; and you would be powerless to stop him, or bring him to justice.
During war, a father could run away and abandon his toddler (never to see the child again) at the scare of machine-gun fire. So could a mother. During war, a parent would readily throw away (or abandon) a fussy or noisy baby or child, to escape detection or the attention of enemy soldiers who may be on the prowl. During war, there will be no markets, shops, businesses to operate, etc. There will be no electricity or pipe borne water. There will be no GSM Service Providers; and your chickens, goats, and livestock would be forcefully taken at will by any armed person; as life during war belongs to marauders. War means loss, loss, loss; death disease, lack, and hunger; and no sane Nigerian would encourage another war.
I urge all well-meaning Ibos to distance themselves from anything ‘Biafra’; and from any secessionist plans. The Ibos who sparked off the Civil War, owe members of other ethnic minorities in the East, unreserved apologies for engaging them in a senseless war which won them nothing, but loss, starvation, and death. No ‘right-thinking’ ethnic minority in the East will support Biafra, because apart from being a fruitless endeavor, it will ultimately be injurious to them, as it was in the past. We are all better off as a part of Nigeria. I urge all well-meaning citizens of every tribe in Nigeria, to remain committed to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and in his ability to (with their help), steer Nigeria back along the path of greatness. Buhari’s track record of integrity and incorruptibility should inspire our confidence. Let the Ibos not once again present any obstacles to a peaceful and safe Nigeria. Let us live as one country in peace, love, and unity; with the hope that under a Buhari government, we are more certain of focus, direction, and progress, than we were during the tenure of any other administration. Please my Ibo brothers, let wisdom dictate that you sheathe your swords, because you will never win yourselves this ‘dream Republic’ you call ‘Biafra’. God save and prosper a united Nigeria.
With contributions from Nsikak Etuk
The late Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu was probably West Africa’s wealthiest man at the time; and owned business chains, and several properties in Nigeria and West Africa. Shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War, he reportedly warned his son (Lt. Col. Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu), not to go ahead with plans to declare the Republic of Biafra, as any attempt to secede from Nigeria would fail, and Ibos would lose their investments all over Nigeria. The younger disregarded the elder’s advice, and went ahead to declare the Republic of Biafra a separate entity from Nigeria. ‘Project Biafra’ failed, as his wise old father had predicted; but not without taking a monumental toll on life, well-being, and property. Several people died and were maimed in the 30 month-long war; countless families were displaced, and destinies, shattered permanently; apart from the extensive loss of public and private property. Ibos should have learnt the lesson the elder Ojukwu tried to teach his son, that Project Biafra will always fail.
I honestly believe that even if a referendum is held; Project Biafra would still fail, because of Biafra’s geographical disadvantage (with five largely-landlocked States); and the certainty that no other ethnic minority in the region, will ever join in any Biafra Project; as they would have learnt lifelong lessons about the Ibos, from before, during, and after the Civil War.
I am of polygamous paternal grand-parentage, with two Igbo step-grandmothers, alongside others from Ibibio and non-Ibibio tribes. Members of my polygamous paternal family also intermarried extensively with people from other Nigerian tribes; which means, I have blood relatives of Ibo, Benin, and Yoruba origin. I have also lived in all the former nineteen States of Nigeria; attended schools in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba-land; and conveniently mixed with people of these tribes; which reasonably entitles me to lay claim to an informed personal opinion about members of most Nigerian ethnic groupings. Honestly, and without intending any insult, I find it more difficult to relate with most Ibos, than I do relating with members of other major Nigerian ethnic extractions.
Apart from such excesses as being domineering, loud, assertive, and brash; as well as the most ‘quick-money’ minded, I can’t fathom why they treat others (especially the Ibibios) with disdain. I wonder why an Ibibioman cannot be Chairman of any Mechanic Village in Igboland; or why he should find it difficult to run a successful business in Igboland that creates competition with Ibos. I had first-hand experience in the 1990’s when I would drive to Aba, only to be accosted by Ibo street-urchins at traffic hold-ups, who would demand for every kind of permit, license, authorization; or charge me with one default or the other, simply because my vehicle registration plates bore Akwa Ibom State. I also wonder why their Nollywood movies feature “Ekaettes”, “Imabongs”, etc, as housemaids; and “Okons”, “Akpans”, and “Etims” as houseboys, or gatemen. I wonder why an Ibo comedian made a joke out of the fallacious claim that ‘Calabar girls’ are strong and versatile in ‘bed’ because they eat dog meat. I also honestly find the Ibos to be very exploitative of our girls, and hate to see them ‘chat’ our girls up, because ultimately, they exploit our girls’ (unenviable distinction of being the most stupid and brainless girls in Nigeria, who are sworn to living off men, instead of trying to earn independent livelihoods); to abuse and scandalize them. This is a lesson our girls never learn. Permit me to narrate a true story.
I once sat out for drinks with friends, at a venue where several Ibos were also drinking. A pretty Akwa Ibom girl (whose name I later learnt was Idong), walked by, into the shop, and a local boy whispered: “Baby girl, ame yaya akpa” (Baby girl you are very beautiful)”. She fixed him a thorny stare (full of scorn), hissed, and walked away, probably feeling insulted. After she passed the Igbo boys table, one of them claimed he’d had sex with her. The others hushed him for always making up stories; even challenging him to mention her name. The claimant persisted in his assertion, even adding that he’d used his fingers in the ‘act’, and they had smelt so foul thereafter that for three days, he couldn’t use them to eat. He claimed he’d forgotten her name, but dared them to a ‘N1,000 per-person wager’ to prove his point. They agreed and put their money down. Immediately the girl came out of the shop, he called out to her: “Baby, long time oh”. She turned lazily to look at him; then smiled, and made an about-turn to his table. “See your life?” she cooed; and he offered the lame excuse of having lost his phone (and her number). She wrapped an arm around him, as he introduced his friends; and she took turns greeting them, while they chatted and she gave him her number again. After that, he promised to call her, whispered what I supposed were ‘endearments’ because she giggled like a toy, and looked at him ‘with affection’, before she left. She had hardly gone out of earshot when the Ibo boys burst into muffled laughter, and the winner of the bet gathered his booty; while I dropped my head in shame.
The present agitation for Biafra makes me wonder if Ibo youths do not know about the odious record their predecessors created before, during, and after the Civil War, in their interaction with other ethnic minorities. I wonder if their elders have not come to the realization that a Project Biafra would never earn them any interest from the banks of collective purpose and civility, into which they never saved a farthing. Those agitating for Biafra on the grounds of marginalization, insult our sensibilities, because they fail to note that the Ibos have produced two Nigerian Leaders: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; and Major General Aguiyi Ironsi. Although President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is Ijaw, I’ve always wondered if he is part Ibo, because of his two Ibo names ‘Ebele’ and ‘Azikiwe’. The Ibo’s have also had two Vice Presidents (or number two men): Dr Alex Ekwueme (President Shagari’s Vice President); and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (General Babangida’s Chief of General Staff). They have produced seven out of Nigeria’s eleven Senate Presidents’ since independence: (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; Dr. Nwafor Orizu; Chief Ameh Ebute; Dr. Chuba Okadigbo; Chief Anyim Pius Anyim; Chief Adolphous Wabara; and Dr. Ken Nnamani). The non-Ibos were: Chief Joseph Wayas (Cross River); Iyorcha Ayu (Benue); David Mark (Niger); and the incumbent Dr. Bukola Saraki (Kwara). They have produced two of the nine Speakers’ of the House of Representatives (Chief Jaja Nwachukwu; and Dr. Edwin Ume Ezeoke); while the West produced two (Oladimeji Bankole and Patricia Etteh); and the North produced five: (Salisu Buhari; Ghali Umar Na’Abba; Aminu Masari; Aminu Tambuwal; and the incumbent Yakubu Dogara). The Ibos should remember that they have produced three of the twelve Chairmen of Nigeria’s Electoral Umpire Bodies (now INEC). They include: Professors Eme Awa (Abia); Humphrey Nwosu (Anambra); and Maurice Iwu (Imo). There were two Akwa Ibomites (Eyo Esua; and Prof Okon Edet Uya); one Cross Riverian (Chief Michael Ani); two Edo State indigenes (Justice Ephraim Akpata; and Abel Guobadia); one from Delta State (Ovie Whiskey); one from Rivers State (Sumner Dagogo Jack); and two Northerners (Attahiru Jega; and his successor and incumbent, Prof Mahmood Yakubu).
In the Nigerian Federal Cabinet of 1960, the Ibos had majority members, including: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Governor General); and four Ibo Ministers: Chief Jaja Wachukwu (Foreign Affairs); Chief Aja Nwachukwu (Education); Chief Raymond Njoku (Transport); and Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe (Commerce). The Yorubas had four Ministers: Chief SL Akintola (Communications); JM Johnson (Internal Affairs); Kola Balogun (Information); and Ayo Rosiji (Health); the North had only two (the federal Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; and the Minister for Labor and Mines, Mohammed Ribadu); while the Mid-West had only one (Chief Festus Okotie Eboh, the Minister of Finance). Yet, when the Ibo coupists claimed the government was corrupt, and struck, they didn’t kill any Ibos, but killed Sir Tafawa Balewa, Festus Okotie Eboh, and S.L. Akintola, amongst others.
In the immediate past government of President Goodluck Jonathan, Ibos also held very prominent offices. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iwealla was Coordinating Minster of the Economy and Minister of Finance; (and held the same office earlier under President Obasanjo). Anyim Pius Anyim was Secretary to the Government of the Federation; (and was Senate President under President Obasanjo). Mr. Godwin Emefiele was Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. During President Obasanjo’s administration, Dr Charles Soludo, (an Ibo man) was CBN Governor; while late Prof. Dora Akunyili (another Ibo), was NAFDAC Chairman. Under President Jonathan also, Nigeria had an Ibo Chief of Army Staff (General Emeka Ihejirika); and an Ibo Surveyor General of the Federation (Peter Chigozie).
Ibos like Emeka Nkem Mba headed the NBC; while NIMET, PENCOM, FERMA, NCDA, NAMA, NCATY, FIRO, NUC, NTDC, NERDC, and NEXIM were headed by: Dr Anthony Anuforo; Chinebo Onuoha; Engr. Chukwu Amuchi; Ernest Nwankpa; Engr. Nnamdi Udoh; Capt. Chinere Kalu; Dr. (Mrs.) GN Elemo; Prof Julius Okojie; Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; Prof. Godswill Obume; and Mr. R.R. Orya, respectively; (all Ibos). The Chairman of the Investments and Securities Tribunal was an Igbo woman Mrs. Nnena Orji; while the Directors General of the Budget Office of the Federation, the BPP, SEC, NSE, PENCOM, Housing Fund, and NOA, (Bright Okogwu; Emeka Eze, Arumna Oteh, Oscar Onyema, Chindelu Onuoha, Sunny Iruoha; and Mike Omeri; respectively) were all Ibos. The Managing Directors of AMCON; Bank of Industry; and Sovereign Wealth Fund (Chike Obi, Evelyn Oputa, and Uche Orji) were Ibos. I could go on and on but for space; but then, the truth is that the list of Ibos who have held prominent positions in Nigeria is endless; and so the cry of marginalization does not hold water. If the agitators claim that roads in the South-East have suffered terrible decline, they should query the immediate past government (or governments) for the neglect during their tenures.
Let common sense prevail against any selfish intentions, as nobody would want to be reminded of the gory events which ended forty-five years ago. The ravages of the Civil War may have slipped into the subconscious of many who lived through the period, but then it may constitute a page in the history books to those who were not born. To this latter group, war presents stark realities, which are so real and alive; and would cost a lot more in terms of destructive potential, because of the advancement in weapons of warfare, and the rise in population. War means no law; no banks; no Police; no Courts; no Magistrates or Judges. It means no account, or control; but sheer lawlessness. It means evicting yourself from your luxurious home and living in the bush, as during war, any hoodlum with a gun could break into your home and rape your wife and daughters in your presence; and you would be powerless to stop him, or bring him to justice.
During war, a father could run away and abandon his toddler (never to see the child again) at the scare of machine-gun fire. So could a mother. During war, a parent would readily throw away (or abandon) a fussy or noisy baby or child, to escape detection or the attention of enemy soldiers who may be on the prowl. During war, there will be no markets, shops, businesses to operate, etc. There will be no electricity or pipe borne water. There will be no GSM Service Providers; and your chickens, goats, and livestock would be forcefully taken at will by any armed person; as life during war belongs to marauders. War means loss, loss, loss; death disease, lack, and hunger; and no sane Nigerian would encourage another war.
I urge all well-meaning Ibos to distance themselves from anything ‘Biafra’; and from any secessionist plans. The Ibos who sparked off the Civil War, owe members of other ethnic minorities in the East, unreserved apologies for engaging them in a senseless war which won them nothing, but loss, starvation, and death. No ‘right-thinking’ ethnic minority in the East will support Biafra, because apart from being a fruitless endeavor, it will ultimately be injurious to them, as it was in the past. We are all better off as a part of Nigeria. I urge all well-meaning citizens of every tribe in Nigeria, to remain committed to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and in his ability to (with their help), steer Nigeria back along the path of greatness. Buhari’s track record of integrity and incorruptibility should inspire our confidence. Let the Ibos not once again present any obstacles to a peaceful and safe Nigeria. Let us live as one country in peace, love, and unity; with the hope that under a Buhari government, we are more certain of focus, direction, and progress, than we were during the tenure of any other administration. Please my Ibo brothers, let wisdom dictate that you sheathe your swords, because you will never win yourselves this ‘dream Republic’ you call ‘Biafra’. God save and prosper a united Nigeria.
With contributions from Nsikak Etuk
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