INTERVIEW: Nkechi Anayo-Iloputaife: Grace, Anointing Are Not Gender Specific

Harford Anayo Iloputaife. Image: Omah Diegu/Iloputaife Blog

BY MARY NNAH

Twenty-five years after the sudden demise of the founder of Faith Revival Ministries World Outreach aka Victory Christian Church, Bishop Harford Anayo Iloputaife, his widow, Dr. Nkechi, in this interview with MARY NNAH, shared the challenges she faced after his demise, her pet projects, as well as a forthcoming programme tagged “Celebration of the Legend” put in place to celebrate the life and times of her late husband, and other sundry issues. Excerpts;

Let’s talk about the forthcoming programme tagged, “Celebration of the Legend”

Bishop Harford AnayoIloputaife was the ‘real deal’. He loved God unreservedly and served people selflessly. He was passionate about his call. ‘Church is about people, and I will give my life for it’ reveals his philosophy and principles. He combined ministry and family life well, there was no dichotomy. Though ministry was busy, he found creative ways for his family members. He believed ones’ dedication to God should not be at the expense of his family life. Devotion to God should be seen in our commitment to family life so; he was a great preacher and a great husband.

The legend will live in the heart of everyone that truly knew him forever. He was such a phenomenon, a very interesting person to meet. He exemplified Christlikeness in his brief passage, and left a legacy of faith with us. We are celebrating charisma, character, integrity, class etc. His departure was sudden, we were not prepared for it and the crisis introduced more issues that are anything but benign from betrayals and abandonment to conspiracy and intimidation by the powers that be to say the least.

In the natural, the ministry didn’t have a chance of survival, but 25 years after, we are still here to the glory of God. In celebrating the legend, the vessel God used to establish this commission who created the spiritual content that has kept this ministry focused on God and His Word, we celebrate God’s goodness and, greatness and faithfulness. Only God could have done this.

What does this event really mean to you as a widow, host and the ministry?

I am very grateful to God for the opportunity to celebrate 25 years of widowhood, He fought my battles. I was shattered, wounded and abandoned. My future and that of Victory Christian Church was bleak. Some people took advantage of that to create mayhem. Though, I was named the Vice President of the ministry from the beginning, when it didn’t look anything but a child’s play. While he was alive, my office and person enjoyed the respect and the honour of my status. But it was different without him. I had to deal with gender discrimination, plight of widowhood and the loneliness of leadership. Severally in the first five years, I tried to quit, but God won’t let me, and Bishop Mike Okonkwo was of great encouragement.

In 1995, we had the flagship church in Victory Village, Onitsha in Anambra State; Isolo in Lagos; Owerri in Imo State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State on rented properties. Today, we have 18 churches in their very choice properties except one. This number may not impress everyone but I am very grateful to God for His grace and mercy. I had to deal with enemies inside and outside, diabolical machinations and stiff satanic oppositions not to mention the harassment and intimidation from the powers that be. I am not where I want to be, but I am very thankful of God’s help these past 25 years. We have entered our Jubilee period having waited out the troubled times which God has turned to His treasures. I am celebrating jubilee.

The sudden vacuum created by your late husband’s transition to glory marked your leadership for 25 years, how challenging has this been?
Quite frankly, it has not been a stroll in the park, but God has been present the whole time. He promised to help me and He did. Generally, leadership across every spectrum is challenging, but the circumstance of gender discrimination is the fundamental problem in my case. God has continued to defend my authority with bold statements of supports in many ways. He is truly the Husband of the widow, and I will continue to depend on Him for every step of the way ahead.

This celebration also marks 25 years of my leadership. Haters will criticise me for my mistakes, but before you do, remember I was the chief mourner and did not have a prior preparation for the sudden vacuum. Trust me, God who put me on that seat anticipated the mess and used it anyway. Don’t you think God would have used a man if He wanted, but He chose a woman? With God it is not about gender but grace. My husband raised me to believe that what a man can do spiritually, a woman can as well because grace and anointing are not gender specific. I celebrate God’s help these 25 years so come celebrate with me. I am sure my husband will join well-wishers to celebrate God’s grace upon my life as we kick start the event on February 1.

What role would the bishop play in Nigeria and the body of Christ if he were to be around?

He was legendary! He actually lived many years ahead of himself. He said things would not get better in Nigeria and around the world because God is shaking and challenging every system that perpetuates its glory above the Glory of God. He was a Prophetic voice. He emphasised that the only way out for the church is faith in the unadulterated Word of God. He upheld the whole counsel of God, but he was post redemption.

His character of integrity and excellence would have qualified him as one of the few voices of God in the Christian Community and in the nation. This is the main reason for the satanic and political conspiracy to take him out. But it wouldn’t have happened if God did not permit it. He lived for God and spoke out for Him in his brief but impactful passage. God measures life by significance not duration. It will be a wasted life to God for one to live a long time for the devil and to perpetuate his personal glory.

Let’s talk about the church and the state of the nation, where are we?
The church seems to have lost its bearing because of the impact of corrupt and inept leadership. A major component of leadership is influence which the church has lost and therefore has become marginalised. The leaders are occupied with competitive jealousy, self-gratification and aggrandisement, and have had to compromise true Christianity. Syncretism has actively become part of the church today. Our reputation is at an alarming low. We have lost our voice.

The decade of 2020, is the period of God’s Glory. It will be marked by divine visitation. The church will come into alignment with God’s agenda in preparation for the Rapture. God is always on top of His game.

The political landscape of the nation as well as the economy needs the help of God. The problem of the nation is largely traceable to the failure of the church to live up to its mandate and provide spiritual leadership as the ‘Salt and Light’. But God has plan for Nigeria!

Very importantly, generational shift… where are the children born and raised in the church for governance and leadership, especially when the church has abandoned her tasks towards godly families.

The erosion of godly values in human families have compromised proper child upbringing which has impacted negatively on the human society. Generational shift has always been part of God’s eternal order. Psalms 145:4. Children are God’s link to successive human generations.

God is eternal and humans are transient and as such, every plan of God for mankind must have a provision for carrying it to successive generations, and children are the link. The mood of the 21st Century is not God-friendly, and the impact of Information Technology and social media has exacerbated the erosion of godly values.

The family is the bedrock of every institution, the first human institution given to mankind by God. It is the first platform for inculcating values and ethics, and the first unit of socialisation. God gave the church the mandate and authority to uphold family values, so it is the first responsibility of the church to intentionally crusade family values. The pastor’s family should mirror commitment to family life. Church life should be organised around family life.

The church must be strategic and intentional with their programme content. We can employ contemporary methods to drive church growth and widen our scope of evangelisation to reach the young ‘unchurched’ demographic of the society without compromising the spiritual content. The church needs the wisdom of God to balance the sacred and secular deliberately or we run amuck, and loose our future leaders who are to uphold godly legacies.

What should people expect from the event?

The event is designed to celebrate God’s greatness and faithfulness, and the memory of His servant every Sunday in February which was his month of birth, death and burial. We have invited some of the leaders that were present in his life, and his friends and colleagues in the College of Bishops created by Archbishop Benson Idahosa, our father of very blessed memory of which such personalities as Bishop David Oyedepo are a part of. My brother and our friend Rev Dr Emiko Amotsuka will be there as usual. Archbishop Joseph Ojo will be speaking. To close the celebration on the last Sunday of the month, which is February 23, Bishop Mike Okonkwo. The Sunday services will hold at 9am at Victory Village opposite Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos.

Also, to commemorate his memory, every Wednesday throughout the month, we will have an interactive session on dating, courtship and marriage at 5pm same venue. He was dedicated to this subject in his time here. He addressed other subjects such as politics and maximised manhood. We expect to receive these eminent personalities, and the grace of God upon their lives will bless the august gathering of God’s people. The memory of the Just is blessed. Proverbs 10:7.

The general public are all invited to come celebrate with us as you cried with us 25 years ago. February 18, 1995 was the day the man of God was laid to rest. The motorcade that escorted him from Ikeja to his final resting place invited the stillness and serenity of Heaven. There was a Holy hush throughout the nation. As soon as the casket was lowered, he was saluted by a brief shower. On that day, Nigeria stood still, even the government of the day was not at peace. Contractors across all religions whose services were contracted for Victory Village including the road safety authority of our area mourned with tears. The church community mourned. Come celebrate God’s Goodness with us. God kept us!

I especially invite everyone of Victory heritage to come celebrate their Papa. You can only have one spiritual father but many instructors. 1st Corinthians 4:15. See you there!

Have you forgiven those who murdered your husband?
Sure I have! Forgiveness is freedom

How would you describe yourself?

I revere God, and love Him with all my heart, mind and strength. I cannot compromise this for anything.

What led you to set up your empowerment scheme where widows are trained with vocational skills and scholarship awards given to children?
Widows and their families are neglected. But God is concerned about this demographic of the society. James 1:27. The word of God says empowering widows and their children is true measure of obedience to God and prove of practical Christianity. The government and the church must look into the plight of widows and their families; they are part of our society. I am trusting God for provisions to enable me do more. It’s a good thing to do!

What is your advice to Christian women, some of whom are leaders in various churches?
To fear God, make His word final authority, and spend time with Him through His word and prayer. Be sure to avoid shortcuts. Don’t fake it, be the real deal. Secondly, believe in yourself, be sure in your own skin and don’t compete with anyone. By all means be and do you. Finally, don’t apologise for being a leading woman, with God it is not about gender but grace.

Would you advise that Christians go into politics?

Yes, if God called them for governance. It is not enough to pray for change, but participating and persevering in the process is part of the Christian Cultural Mandate. Matthew 5:13-14. Jesus gave His church a leadership mandate. The church needs a new transformation theology to equip Christians participate in the process of change in the society they are all called to serve.

What is the way forward for the church, the government and believers?

God ordained all authorities to promote unity and peace in the human society. Romans 13:1-7. The spiritual and civil authorities are ordained to work together for the good of all. A good Christian should be a good citizen; it is part of the believer’s cultural mandate to lead an honest and godly life as the image bearers of Jesus Christ. The signs of the end are upon us, God is shaking every human system to set the stage for His glory in these last days before the rapture. Habakkuk 2:12-16. The pressure all human systems face today is an indication that humans are not in control, but God is. All flesh must seek the Glory of the God of Heaven.

SOURCE: THIS DAY LIVE

Belemaoil Donates Duplex, Music House To Jim Rex Lawson’s Band Member

Tein jack Rich, Belemaoil. Image via Concordia

BY THE TIDE EDITORIAL

A 74 year old music legend and a surviving member of the Jim Rex Lawson Music Band Tamunoemi Gold is now a beneficiary of a 5-Bedroom Duplex, a Music House and Instruments in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The gesture is an empowerment initiative by the Belemaoil Joint Venture in collaboration with the Jack-Rich Tein Aid Foundation and Belema Aid Foundation for the advancement of Music, Arts and Culture in the Niger Delta.

The Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom King T.J.T Princewill represented by his Secretary Alabo Prince Dateme who commissioned the building said the Kingdom is pleased with the donor who is an ilustrious son of Kalabari Kingdom Engr. Tein Jack-Rich, for identifying and encouraging what he described as a rare musical talent of Tamunoemi Gold.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Pedro Diaz represented by the General Manager, Geosolutions, Mr. Sunday Akpaduado during the commissioning of the building in Buguma on 28th January 2020, said the gesture was an act of magnanimity by the Founder and President of Belemaoil which coincided with his birthday.

He said the company is committed in making visible footprint in its areas of operation.
According to Mr Akpaduado “Today is a very important day to all of us in Belemaoil and I believe, to many people here in Kalabari and other people in Rivers State. I do not know the extent of my joy. When I look back and I look at history, I believe today is a very special day. I don’t know how many people are happy today. I am directed by Engr. Tein Jack-Rich, he is our Founder, he is our mentor, he is our driver; and the Managing Director of Belemaoil, Mr. Pedro Diaz. You have heard some history about the origin of this building. Today is to celebrate the culture of Kalabari Kingdom, the culture of our people in the riverine area, the culture of Nigeria, because Kalabari is a significant place in this country by way of knowledge, by way of achievement. There are many significant people that have risen from this Kingdom, then came our Engr. Tein. Some of our projects are all over the place. We want our identity to be in all the rural communities where we dwell, where we make our money, that is the idea and I believe”.

For his part, the Manager, External Relations, Belemaoil, Samuel Abel-Jumbo said the gesture is in recognition of the impact of the beneficiary in Music, Arts and Culture in Kalabari Kingdom, Niger Delta and the country at large.

“Belemaoil has a Founder/President who is very desirous in empowering humanity. This is one of such gestures that demonstrates his desire to support humanity, to empower humanity, to take mankind from a particular stage to a higher stage. Like they used to say that charity begins at home. The Founder/President of Belemaoil, Tein Jack-Rich has started this demonstration from his home, from his kingdom, Kalabari Kingdom, from Rivers State. So we are very proud to associate with this project that was initiated by the Founder/President of Belemaoil, Tein Jack-Rich in collaboration with Belema Aid Foundation and the Jack-Rich Tein Aid Foundation. This is not just Kalabari music, it is music as a whole. It is for the youths of the Niger Delta, youths of the Kalabari Kingdom to have access to such opportunities that will be able to re-focus, re-direct and re-channel their strength and energy into much more productive ventures and the likes of Tamunoemi Gold provides that opportunity. His generation has what they will be celebrated for what they were able to bring to bear in music and art, so we won’t allow their generation to pass-by without transmitting what they have to the upcoming generation.

Belemaoil, while we do things like infrastructural development and buildings here and there, water provision, we also do things like economic empowerment and intellectual capacity development. So this is a demonstration that Tamunoemi Gold has created an impact, not just in Kalabari, within the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large”.

Also, speaking, Prominent Niger Delta Leader, Asari Dokubo commended Belemaoil for giving the beneficiary a new lease of life by recognition his impact in the music and culture of Kalabari Kingdom.

“For me, this is one of the greatest opportunities that has been given. Mr. Tamunoemi Gold has been resurrected, he was dead. This has not happened before. A lot of persons will say we are flattering people. If your brother is doing the right thing you have to praise him. Shell and Chevron are the main oil companies that were operating in this part of the world in Kalabari land we have never seen something like this before now. Who would have remembered Tamunoemi Gold if not for one of his sons. So what Tein Jack-Rich is doing, what Belemaoil is doing, has never happened before, we are very very grateful and on-behalf of Tamunoemi Gold and others like him, we want to tell Belemaoil a big thank you for what has happened and we encourage that more people should benefit from what is happening today. I feel like crying because I know Tamunoemi Gold, he is my cousin and lifting him out, lifting him up is something that should enliven and excite everyone of us. Belemaoil should continue to set the pace for our people”.

For the Chairman, Interim Committee of Performing Musician Association of Nigeria, PMAN, Rivers State Chapter, Mr. Arthur Pepple Jnr. the gesture was the first of its kind.

He said “I am here with our elder, a veteran, a legend, Mr. Tamunoemi Gold, who has just been given a very wonderful edifice by our brother and friend from the Niger Delta, Founder/President of Belemaoil, Engr. Tein Jack-Rich, a man who has been supporting Entertainment business in Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Today happens to be one of the greatest days for entertainers in Rivers State and in Niger Delta because we have not seen such an empowerment before. We say a very big thank you to Tein Jack-Rich. We say thank you and may God continue to bless you”.

The music legend and beneficiary Tamunoemi Gold who thrilled guests at the occasion with his musical performance expressed gratitude to the Founder and President of Belemaoil Mr. Tein Jack-Rich saying it would prolong his life.

Mr. Gold said “I’m the happiest man today in this world. I am 74 today and for me to have a building of my own especially with musical instrument means a lot. Now it has prolonged my life. I have nothing more to say but I give Ten Jack-Rich to the control and guide of Almighty God and I pray to God to prolong his life more than mine. I think I am the first person, of all the musicians that have benefitted from such gesture. No musician has gotten such gift before now. Music has to do with passion, it is a gift from God. Music calls those who like it. There are those who just play it. But I love music and that was why I learnt it from my childhood till now”.

In his own remarks, the Amanyanabo of Kula Kingdom and Chairman Kula Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, King (Dr.) Kroma Eleki,(JP), Sara XIV, commended the Founder/President of Belemaoil Producing Limited for resuscitating the ailing Akaso Cultural Society of Kalabari Kingdom with the donation of the Musical House to the Kalabari music legend Tamunoemi Gold.
King Kroma said “I am one of the patrons of Akaso Cultural Society (ACS), I love culture. Today, while we are thanking Tein Jack-Rich for this kind gesture we should also appeal to our young ones not to allow ACS to die. Because about four years ago when I saw some of them and I told them look, ACS is dying and they told me ACS will not die. And today by the special grace of God Engr. Tein Jack-Rich, Founder/President of Belemaoil has come to resuscitate the ailing and dying association. So, young ones, try to emulate the footsteps of Tamunoemi so that we will revive ACS”.
For his part, The Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass and former Governor old Rivers State, HRM King Alfred Diete Spiff who was represented by Prince Iwefa Aganaba described music as a veritable tool for economic growth.

He opined that such empowerment initiative by the Founder and President of Belemaoil would preserve the culture of Kalabari Kingdom which he described as priceless.

Mr Aganaba said “The music industry today is booming and is one of the credible tools for economic growth. Cultural music is unique, it is priceless so there should be measures to train the next generation. Commended the very special initiative and to tell him that he has done what coming generations will emulate. We encourage him not to stop doing what he is doing”.

Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include Paramount Ruler and head of Belema Community, King Bourdillon Ekine, Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo amongst others.

Anambra 2021: Breaking Down The Interests

BY MACANTHONY NWOKOYE

The game rallies for Anambra. Politicians, of all types, are milling out and lining the streets in wait to secure the peoples mandate to take the baton from the incumbent, Willie Obiano, whose outing has left the people praying for a messiah. However, the question now is, from where will the messiah come?

As it is, the majority of Anambra people no longer feel attached to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as they were in the days of Peter Obi. They have also followed him to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which they see as a better platform to address the leadership vacuum created by the exit of Obi from APGA. As it is, PDP now houses majority of aspirants seeking to swing the political pendulum of the state. This is because of the understanding that APGA had long foreclosed its options in seeking to get a candidate that is widely acceptable to the generality of the people.

For this reason, PDP has such persons as Amb. Ike Oligbo, High Chief Obiora Okonkwo, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Chief Godwin Ezeemo, Godwin Maduka, Osita Chidoka, Valentine Ozigbo, Chris Azubogu and a few others who are yet to make public their interest, though they are expected to do so.

Amb. Ike Oligbo: Not popular among the people, Ike Oligbo is best known as a United Kingdom-based lawyer and businessman. His entering the fray is seen just as an attempt to announce and establish himself within Anambra political circles for future opportunities. He is not seen to be on the ground, though he has unveiled a campaign office in Awka. Declaring his intention to contest for the prime state office, Oligbo promised to do more to lift the state and return it to the path of growth. However, pundits in the state believe that he cannot move the rocks for PDP and as such is not deeply in the race.

Dr. Obiora Okonkwo: This Russia-trained political economist and doctor of philosophy has established himself as a formidable force in the race towards 2021. He is easily the biggest name in the mix and has his name on almost every tongue in the state. He is liked by the people and has large followership. His name, Dikeora, resonates around the state as an intellectual, philanthropist, humanist, culture enthusiast and deeply Catholic.

Political pundits in the state argue that the PDP ticket is easily his, given his wide acceptability in the state arising from widely celebrated recognition by traditional rulers from the three senatorial zones of the state for his continued promotion of culture and traditions of the people as well as his youth empowerment programmes.

Okonkwo, who has lived in Nigeria since he returned to the country from Russia where he studied for his first, second and doctoral degrees, and has very extensive development allies in Europe and America, is a lover of God and the people. His annual Iri Ji, celebrated at his country home in Ogidi, has become a signature festival for the celebration of the life and customs of the people and attracts the who is who in the state. His impact on youth development is not restricted to lectures, but extends to financial support for skills acquisition and start-ups, the reason he was voted Rotary International Youth Leadership Icon 2019. The youths prefer him.

His intellectual prowess is also not in doubt. He always leaves his audience begging for more each time he mounts the podium to dissect contemporary issues on diverse topics. He has delivered several of such lectures in universities, town halls and special occasions. For instance, last December 28, while others where revelling in the Christmas mood, Dr. Okonkwo was on the podium at the Umunri Colloquium at Enugu-Ukwu Civic Centre dissecting topical issues on “Ndigbo in Contemporary Nigeria: A Social, Cultural, Political and Economic Reflection.”

He also instituted a study on the main Market, Onitsha, which he said is a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo. A deeply Igboman at heart, Okonkwo believes that the apprenticeship system in Igboland ought to be revitalised as it is the biggest venture capital system in the world.

He is an astute businessman who is looking to storm the aviation sector of the Nigerian economy with another of his signature projects, which will expand his employee base. At the moment, he has about 600 persons, Nigerians and expatriates, on his payroll.

Sen. Uche Ekwunife: There have been serious doubts about Sen. Ekwunife’s availability for the governorship race. She has shied away from publicly declaring her intentions and allowing her social media team to keep propping her name. Pundits believe that she is measuring her steps so as to avoid a mistake that may become fatal to her politics. Though she is seen as the darling of Anambra women, she is confused as to which section of the state she stands with. At present, she represents Anambra Central in the Senate but is being propped to contest for the governorship for Anambra South. This is attracting for her the ire of serious-minded people in both zones.

Ekwunife has no record of philanthropy, something that the Anambra elite count as giving back to society and lifting the poor. She has, however, attempted to make up for this by struggling to attract projects to her zone from the Senate. Though there are attempts by her followers to pass same off as her work of philanthropy, pundits argue that constituency projects cannot be passed off as works of philanthropy. Ekwunife’s support base in the Old Aguata Union has also been depleted by the entrance of Valentine Ozigbo in the race. There are also insinuations that her actual intention is to use the off-season 2021 election to bargain for a spot in the Senate of 2023. She, however, has Victor Umeh to contend with then.

Finally, Ekwunife represents the butterfly of Anambra politics. This is something people of the state do not like. They dislike fair-weather politicians. She has oscillated like a fan between parties. Like a butterfly, she has perched on almost every political party in Anambra in her desperation to remain relevant.

Valentine Ozigbo: Val, as he is popularly called, is not known to have any weight in Anambra politics. He is also not known to the grassroots. Pundits see his aspiration much in the same way the see that of Ike Oligbo, as an effort to begin a journey that would make them much more appreciable in the politics of the future. Certainly, not in 2021.

Ozigbo’s landmark post on his biodata was being president of Transnational Corporation, otherwise, Transcorp. As president, he is an employee of the corporation and does not even have controlling shares in the business, implying that he has made no significant impact, either in job creation or philanthropy, in the life of the people of the state.

Godwin Ezeemo: He has become one of the perennial aspirants to the governorship of Anambra State such that he now sounds like a broken record. Pundits don’t give him a chance to succeed in this quest. It is believed that he has overstayed his welcome on the scene, something that works contrary to the expectation of the people of the state. Many in Anambra believe that being perpetually in the governorship contest is a sign of idleness. Therefore, many argue that Ezeemo ought to have moved on to other things or, at best, look towards the Senate.

Chris Azubogu: For many, Azubogu, who is a member of the House of Representatives, comes across as serious-minded. However, he is seen as greedy and unbending. According to those who think this way, Azubogu, who represents Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, is in his third tenure at the House and as such had usurped the chance of other sections of the constituency to also take a shot at the office. They argue that he ought to have given way, after his second tenure, for other sections of the constituency, in the spirit of equity. Many in his constituency are also disappointed that despite being a third-term member of the House, Azubogu was not considered fit to chair any of the over 80 committees of the House, a development that pundits argue is a statement on his capacity and competence.

Dr. Godwin Maduka: This United States of America-based medical doctor has been an influence in his village. He has built police station, court house and judges’ residence, the tallest building in his village and lots more. Beyond that, he has had very little or no impact on youth development and promotion of the culture of the people. He is deeply disconnected with Anambra, save for his occasional holiday in his village. He is also not known to have publicly disclosed his intention despite media push. Pundits believe that he is not interested in the governorship of Anambra as he is in his job in the US and in completing a hospital project he is said to have initial several years ago.

Nigeria And Nd'Igbo: 50 Years After The Civil War

President Goodluck Jonathan speaks to the media on the situation in Chibok and the success of the World Economic Forum in Abuja May 9, 2014. Image: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters

BY GOZIE IROGBOLI

It is difficult to believe that it is over 50 years since the end of Nigeria Civil War, what with the scars and the wounds that seem to fester and become more malignant and the ensuing cold war that has refused to abate.

Although the war ended on a no-victor-no-vanquished note and a promise of reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation as pronounced by the Gowon-led federal government, yet the real war continued in a more insidious and sinister manner.

Apart from the initial punitive measures immediately after the war there has been series of obnoxious measures to stymie development in the Southeast.

There is no visible federal government presence in Igbo heartland. Every successive government follows the same repressive pattern except for the brief periods when IBB and GEJ were in power.

Thus, ndi-Igbo have continued to experience insufferable marginalization. Every geopolitical zone in the country has at least six states, only Southeast, the Igbo strong hold has five.

The Southeast has the fewest number of local government areas and is least represented in the National Assembly and in the government.

Over 70% of travelers and over 70% of importers in the country are Igbo yet the seaports in the Southeast and the geographically contiguous South-south region are made not to function.

There is no international airport in the Southeast. The only one built by GEJ has been tactically closed down for almost one year now.

They are made very vulnerable by their ubiquity in every city and every nook and cranny of the country; a clandestine design by those in power since the end of the war.

Apart from the government sphere, the war also continued in the most unusual place—in the press—that is supposed to be the bastion of truth.

The Nigerian Press in particular has been most unfair to ndi-Igbo in its reportage, analysis and interpretation of events and in gate-keeping functions.

Igbo are not in power yet they are blamed for all the woes of the nation. Hard work is mischievously misinterpreted to mean love for money. It is fashionable to attack the Igbo man and many revel in doing it.

Ndi-Igbo have continued to live like endangered species in Nigeria. They bear the brunt of every religious and politically instigated disturbance in the country.

It is disheartening that in the post-civil war Nigeria ndi-Igbo have continued to lose thousands of its own through organized and systemic riots, sometimes for inane reasons like the February 2006 attack over a cartoon in a Danish newspaper and the November 2002 Kaduna riot over Miss World Beauty pageant in Abuja. No one was arrested or tried for any of these.

The exact cause of the war has been misinterpreted and manipulated by the obscurantist and suppressionists to justify the pogrom committed and to justify the continued obnoxious policies against ndi-Igbo in Nigeria.

The popular opinion is that ndi-Igbo planned coup against Nigeria and took up arms against Nigeria. But the truth suppressed is that Ndi-Igbo did not fight Nigeria.

They acted in self defence. The coup of January 1966 was the misdemeanor of a few ideologically misguided young military officers who were goaded by false notion of patriotism.

They were influenced by the ideology of the Eastern Bloc that was the rave of the 60s and incited by the press that were in sympathy with the Action Group (AG) and its leaders jailed for plotting to overthrow the Tafawa Belewa government.

Although the bulk of the officers that planned the coup were of Igbo extraction, yet officers from other ethnic groups were also involved.

The leader of the coup, Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu, was born and bred in Kaduna. His middle name was Kaduna. He was more Hausa than Igbo. He came from Okpanam, a place he rarely visited when he was alive, in present day Delta State.

The obscurantist would not tell us that those who frustrated the-said Igbo coup were Igbo officers. General Ironsi quelled the mutiny in Lagos while Lt. Col. Ojukwu who was the garrison commander in Kano stopped the revolt in the North.

Lt. Col. Arthur Unegbe an Igbo officer who was the Quartermaster-General of the Army then was killed by the mutineers for refusing to hand in the key to the armoury. Zik of Africa was out of the country on medical treatment as at the time of the coup and could not have been killed in absentia.

The mutineers did not operate in Enugu because apparently they did not want create diplomatic row as Okpara was hosting the Prime Minister of Seychelles Island in Enugu.

Chief Ladoke Akintola was killed because he resisted the coup plotters when they came for him. The same people that killed Akintola spared Remi Fani-Kayode, drove him to Lagos and released him.

The misinterpretation of the January 1966 Coup was what led to the counter coup of July 1966 and the consequent pogrom in the North.

At four different occasions: in May 29th, July 29th, September 29th and October 29th, 1966, over 50,000 Igbo were butchered and hundreds of thousands of others raped, maimed, robbed, displaced and dehumanized in the most horrendous circumstances and till date no person or group has been held to account for that.

It is also worthy to note that the organized attack on Igbo predates the January 1966 coup. In 1945, there was attack on Ndi-Igbo in Jos and in May 1953 there was attack on Igbo in Kano over a harmless motion for self-rule moved by Enahoro on the floor of the Federal House.

Thus, the federal government refusal to protect ndi-Igbo during the genocide of 1966 and 1967 and the flagrant refusal to implement the Aburi Accord was what led the civil war.

The problem of Nigeria today is poverty, corruption and bad leadership and none of these is the making of the Igbo man. Igbo man has not been at helm of affairs since 1966 to date and yet when their traducers want to pass blame they call the Igbo man. Why would Nigerians spare the buttocks that fart and give knock to the head that has done nothing wrong?

Why are Nigerians venting their frustration on the hapless Igbo man when those who brought us to this sorry state of affairs are prancing around? Since the end of the war, they have not been in government meaning they are not the cause of the problem ravaging the land.

In fact, among the few people that have acquitted themselves creditably in public office since the current democratic dispensation are people of Igbo extraction: Dora Akunyili, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Charles Soludo, and Peter Obi.

Nigerians should know that the injustice that led to the civil war is still staring us menacingly in the face today. Fifty years after the fratricidal war, there is no glimmer of hope of unity and national cohesion. There is no sense of nationhood.

When Martin Luther King (Jr.) said in his famous speech that he had a dream, there were discrimination, racism and white supremacists in America but he was optimistic because those who rule America were intelligent statesmen, nationalists and patriots. Nobody can say that in the present day Nigeria except hypocrites and those suffering from self-delusion.

Nigeria will benefit more from integration yet the drones that control the state affairs want the status quo sustained for parochial reasons.

Nigeria should restructure along the recommendations of the Aburi Accord or split peacefully. Other nations have done so in the past. Our so-called unity is not cast on stone. It is indeed negotiable!

SOURCE: THE NATION

Anambra Young Writers Hold First Reading In 2020

It was literary and educative as usual, as young writers in Anambra State, under the umbrella of Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter held their first reading for the year 2020, being one of their activities to herald and launch the new literary year.

The event which held at the Prof. Kenneth Dike Central E-Library, Awka, the Anambra State Capital, attracted young and established writers from the various nooks and crannies of the state who gathered to explore literature and discuss their works with people of like minds.

Speaking at the event, the convener and Coordinator of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter), Mr. Izunna Okafor said the reading which is the association's monthly ritual, holds on last Saturdays of every month at the library, and is primarily aimed at giving writers (both the burgeoning and the established) a platform and opportunity to showcase their talents, read, discuss and analyze their works, other literary works, and literature in general with fellow writers, as well as encouraging and promoting reading cultures.

He highlighted some of the benefits the monthly reading accrues to writers, especially the bourgeoning ones, and called on the members to take full advantage of it to maximise their creativity and potentials, even as he also called on other writers in the state to join the association, in order to peak their writing career and attain greater prominence as writers.

Mr. Okafor who himself is a published and award-winnig author rolled out some of the projects and programmes the association intends to pursue this year, to include the annual Chinua Achebe Literary Festival, membership capacity building, creative writing workshop, visiting secondary schools on poetry coaching, flagging off radio programs, among others.

Contributing, the Secretary General of the association, Miss Maureen Onyinyechi Kenneth welcomed the old and new members to the 2020 literary year, threw more lights on the registration process, and further charged the members to be dedicated and committed to their art this year than never before.

In their separate reactions, some of the new members who witnessed the reading for the first time, including Barr. Nnenna Nwafor-Orizu, Miss Jacinta Oluoha, Miss Oluchi Gloria John, Obichukwu Emeka and Onyedikachi Anyaonyeabor registered their heartfelt joy and expressed satisfaction with the process, outcome and impact of the reading, confessing their resolve to always identify with the association in all her activities.

Other old members who attended the reading, including the Financial Secretary, Mr. Valentine Muoma; Michael Ogbonnaya and Christopher Unachukwu, donated their opinions and views on the way forward of the association in the year 2020.

Society of Young Nigerian Writers is a forum for young/established writers, and literary enthusiasts in Nigeria; and has branches across the 36 states of the federation.

The Anambra Chapter of the forum has been the literary body hosting the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival which comes up annually every 16th November (Achebe's date of birth), since 2016.

SOURCE: THE NIGERIAN VOICE

IGBO POLITICS: The Imo Conundrum

BY DONS EZE

I do not like attributing a peculiar attitude, behaviour, or characteristic to any one particular group of people, language group, religious group, tribe, etc., and using it as basis for reaching a conclusion in an argument. This is because any such conclusion may not likely follow from its premises.

Besides, drawing up conclusion in an argument based on one’s place of birth or where one comes from may largely be abusive, or fallacious . In logic, we call it “Argumentum ad Hominem”. That is to say, argument based on a person’s place of birth, or his origin.”Can anything good come from Nazareth?” That was the question Nathaniel asked when he was told about the person of Jesus Christ, which is a fallacy or fallacious.

When we were growing up, they used to tell us stories about a certain group of Igbo people who were very noted for personal enjoyment, that is, who love to enjoy themselves. They would spend endless hours in beer parlours, eating and drinking, and would tell whoever cared: “Ntaruma ugba, Nghuruma mminyi, Ndi agbaagba ruruma”. (While I will be eating and drinking, let those building zinc houses continue with whatever they doing). I do not know the truthfulness or otherwise of this story, but we still joke with it.

Imo State, since the recent Supreme Court judgement where the last suddenly becomes the first, is becoming very interesting. Everybody there wants to become part of the winning team, whether that win was by fair or foul means. Nobody wants to be in opposition. Everybody wants to have a bite in the largesse of government. They all want enjoyment, no suffering.

Since Senator Hope Uzodinma was pronounced the new Governor of Imo State, things have suddenly changed. Look at the rate Imo State politicians have been resigning from their previous political parties to join the winning party. Before that Supreme Court judgement, the standing of various political parties in the Imo State House of Assembly were as follows:

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 13 members; the Action Alliance (AA), 8 members; the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 6 members; and the All Progressives Congress (APC), zero member.

But like the Supreme Court verdict, everything has changed. The All Progressives Congress (APC), which formerly had no member in the State Assembly, presently has 18 members, while the Peoples Democratic Party, originally with 13 members, is now having only 8 members. The rest of the other political parties have emptied their members into the APC. That is Nigerian politics for you.

We do not know what is responsible for this dramatic turn around, whether it is part of the hallmark or characteristic of this group of Igbo people who were noted for enjoyment, or whether it is externally induced, or both.

In the present political dispensation, Imo State appears to be the only state in the country that does not have attachment to any political party. They always change political parties like undies.

At the onset of the current democratic governance in 1999, Imo people voted for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had Achike Udenwa as its Gubernatorial flag bear. When Achike Udenwa served out his tenure as Governor in 2007, Imo people switched over to the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), with Ikedi Ohakim flying the Gubernatorial flag of the party. Ohakim later left PPA and decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party as Governor.

In 2011, Imo people abandoned both the PDP and Ikedi Ohakim, and voted for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with Rochas Okorocha as Gubernatorial candidate. Okorocha later left APGA and crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Imo people followed him there.

When Rochas Okorocha was in his best elements, virtually every Imo person was singing his praises and hailing him. They saw Okorocha as their redeemer, but at the twilight of Okorocha’s administration, Imo people turned their back on him. That was why in spite of the larger than life presence of Rochas Okorocha during the last general election, the people of Imo State voted for the PDP and Emeka Ihedioha.

Now that the Supreme Court has thought otherwise and proclaimed Hope Uzodinma of the APC as the winner of the March 9, 2019 Gubernatorial election in the state, Imo people begin to troop back in large numbers to the APC. Even Okorocha who previously had proclaimed Hope Uzodinma as his worst enemy, has suddenly turned round to embrace the man.

Thus, while some people may believe pressures from outside to be the reason for what is currently happening in Imo State, others, however, impugn financial inducements and the character of some Imo people, who are pleasure loving, as actually responsible.

Many people are still in dilemma, going by what is presently happening in this self-acclaimed “Igbo heartland”, whether Imo people could still be counted in the struggle of the Igbo people to have a respectable place in the Nigerian political scene. Perhaps, they may be tempted to describe the people of Imo State as unreliable, or not to be trusted in the struggle for the Igbo cause.

Imo State under Rochas Okorocha was their target for a berth in their plan to capture Igboland, but that had failed to materialise. Will the new man in the saddle provide that launch pad? We keep our fingers crossed. Interestingly, they had told us that they will capture three states in the South East in 2023!

We do not want to insinuate that everybody in Imo State is cash and carry, or not principled. On the contrary. There are many respectable and responsible people in Imo State who are in tune with the Igbo cause. They should stamp their feet and not allow the few bad eggs in their midst to dent or spoil their credentials.

SOURCE: NATIONAL ACCORD

Uzodinma Forfeits Security Votes

Hope Uzodinma

BY GIBSON ACHONU

OWERRI (PUNCH)--Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Wednesday announced that he had forfeited his security vote to enable him to meet up with the economic challenges in the state, especially the payment of salaries and pension.

The governor spoke when he met with the Imo Economic Development Initiative led by Prof. Maurice Iwu, at the Government House in Owerri.

He said he took the decision because of paucity of funds.

He also revealed that his next plan was to establish power and petrochemical plants, boost electricity supply and review the 2020 budget to address the current problems militating against development in the state.

The governor also announced plans to launch a special security outfit to tackle criminals, revealing that over 100 vehicles had been procured for the purpose.

“A new Sheriff is in town and I must deliver,” he said.

Copyright PUNCH.

Defections: PDP Seeks Fresh Assembly Poll In Imo

Kola Ologbondiyan. Image courtesy of Punch

BY SUCCESS NWOGU

ABUJA (PUNCH)--The Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct fresh elections in those Imo State constituencies where state lawmakers elected on the platform of the PDP defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, made the call at a press conference in Abuja.

He said the lawmakers had decided to abdicate the mandate they held on the PDP platform to defect to the APC for their alleged selfish gains.

He described their action as unpatriotic and an unpardonable betrayal of the people of their respective constituencies who chose and identified with the ideals and visions of the PDP as the platform for their representation at the state assembly.

He said, “The PDP holds that the defectors are fully aware of the grave implication of their actions to the effect that by their defection to the APC, they have automatically lost their seats and membership of the Imo State House of Assembly as they can only hold such position on the mandate of the party on which they were elected, the PDP.

“It is settled under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), that a legislator who defects from a party on the platform of which he was elected a member of a legislative house automatically loses his or her membership of that house as the seat belongs to the political party and not the individual.

“These defectors have vacated their seats; they no longer have a place in the state assembly, as there is no division or merger of any kind in the PDP at any level whatsoever.

“The PDP is therefore left with no other option but to request the INEC to immediately commence the processes for the conduct of fresh elections into the respective state constituencies where the legislators have vacated their seats, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.”

Copyright PUNCH.

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Imo State House Of Opportunists

Joel Nwokeoma. Image: Facebook

BY JOEL NWOKEOMA

Everybody knew it was going to happen. It was as clear as daylight follows darkness: the defection of the members of the Imo State House of Assembly from the now dismantled ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to the new ruling party, the All Progressives Congress. It was just a matter of days, political observers predicted. Admittedly, this is not strange in Nigerian politics. The only thing strange would have been if it never happened at all as it has been ingrained in the DNA of Nigerian politicians, shorn of any pretensions to discernible ideology, agenda and principles, to crawl to the political divide where their pastures are evidently greener and their proverbial bread more buttered. In pursuit of the Fayosian stomach infrastructure political tendency.

But nobody ever envisaged what has happened in the Imo Assembly in the last couple of days would be so sudden. Even a Rev. Fr. Ejikeme Mbaka, famed for his prophecy that changed the Imo political landscape, may not have got it spot on that, less than seven days after the change of guard in the state, occasioned by the Supreme Court judgement on January 14, which sacked the PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha as governor of the state and ordered the APC’s Hope Uzodinma to be sworn in immediately in his stead, the PDP lawmakers, until now in the majority with 18 out of the 27 members of the state assembly, would speedily dash to the camp of the opposing APC like a goat on heat. The apex court had declared Uzodinma, who originally came fourth, the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

Days after the judgement that effected the unplanned shift of power locus, nine members of the House of Assembly, including the Minority Leader, Ekene Nnodumele (Orlu, APGA), quickly defected to the APC. Others were four members of the Action Alliance, namely, Arthur Egwim, (Ideato North); Obinna Okwara, (Nkwere); Johnson Duru (Ideato South) and Ngozi Obiefule (Isu); two from the All Progressive Grand Alliance (the minority leader and Paul Emeziem, Onuimo) and three others from the PDP (Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, Nwangele; Chidiebere Ogbunikpa, Okigwe, and Hercles Okoro, Ohaji/Egbema). Then, on Tuesday, the mother of all defections took place when the Speaker, Collins Chiji, led seven other members of his party (PDP) on a mass defection to the APC, thereby automatically handing over an absolute majority to the APC, which on inauguration of the eighth assembly on June 9 had no single member! Aboard the train in this latest self-aggrandising expedition are Uche Ogbuagu (Ikeduru), Dominic Ezerioha (Oru West) Chigozie Nwaneri (Oru East), Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West), Kennedy Ibe (Obowo) Onyemaechi Njoku (Ihitte/Uboma), and Eddy Obinna (Aboh Mbaise). Obinna, incidentally, is the person representing Ihedioha at the parliament and until the judgement the bride of the parliament because of his closeness to the ousted governor, while Ogbuagu, the famous comedian and owner of a radio station, was an Ihedioha ally and accompanied him to his overseas trip shortly before his ouster. That, however, is the nature of politicians, ever unreliable and unpredictable.

The reasons adduced for the defections range from the ludicrous to the preposterous and to the outright absurd. The speaker said it was to “engender executive-legislative working relationship” while Ogbuagu, in a signed statement, said his was “inevitable following the ugly circumstances and unfair treatment meted out to me by the PDP.” Then, Ihedioha’s representative said, “Since we lost the case at the Supreme Court, I have tried several times to call Emeka Ihedioha without succeeding, tried to reach him to no avail. How am I expected to work with a leader who abandons his followers whenever tragedy happens?” As if that was not bad enough, the state PDP chairman, Charles Ezekwem, abandoned the ship midway in troubled waters on Tuesday, saying, “There was a conspiracy to disgrace me out of office two days to the Supreme Court’s judgment. They contacted somebody who will replace me but the plot leaked…I resigned to save my political career.” All self-serving concoctions.

Following the gale of defections, however, the APC now has 18 lawmakers with the PDP having just eight and the AA left with a solitary member. (Uju Onwudiwe (Njaba), who was declared the winner of the supplementary election held last Saturday, on the AA platform, has not been sworn in by the speaker, but if her antecedents are anything to go by, she is in the warm embrace of the APC the moment she is sworn in anytime soon.) Ironically, barely a month ago, the House had a membership comprising the PDP 18, the AA eight, and the APC and APGA one each.

As close watchers of political developments in the country are wont to agree, political prostitution has been the defining feature of the Fourth Republic, though defection in Nigeria’s political history dates back to the First Republic, in that episodic incident at the Western Regional House of Assembly when lawmakers earlier elected on the banner of the National Council of Nigerians and Cameroons, later changed to the National Council of Nigerian Citizens, led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, “cross-carpeted” to the opposing Action Group led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, denying Azikiwe the simple majority his party needed to form the government of the region. Some political scientists like Okwudiba Nnoli argue that that was the origin of ethnic politics in Nigeria. Nnoli, in particular, has a seminal work aptly titled, Ethnic Politics in Nigeria (1978), discussing this phenomenon. But what unfolded in Imo State this week is unprecedented and perfidious. For the eight years Peter Obi, then of APGA, governed Anambra State, the opposition PDP dominated the 30-member state House of Assembly. Even though APGA has its root in Anambra, the PDP lawmakers stayed put in their party. Little wonder, the state experienced its golden era during that period. Currently, the PDP’s Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto is governing a state whose legislature has the APC enjoying a narrow majority of 15 to 14. That balance is needed to check executive excesses.

There is no report any of the Imo lawmakers held a consultative meeting with their constituents whom they begged with salt and pepper eight months ago for this same job before defection. Apparently, there is no need for the electorate anymore because after elections, voters are expendable entities to political actors. As an electoral system analyst, Jide Ojo, said, “What those MPs did is a flagrant abuse of legal provisions on defection. There must be division in their former party which I am unaware is the situation in Imo.” Opportunism trumped procedures.

Now, if lawmakers represent the sensibilities, aspirations, value propositions, and interests of their constituents, when did those Imo lawmakers consult their constituencies before embarking on their mass defections? If not, why can’t the various constituencies start a recall process to defang this band of opportunists masquerading as democrats? Section 109 (1)(g) of the constitution which provides that, “a member of the House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if …(g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected” supports this position. Otherwise, the court should be approached by aggrieved constituents to adjudicate on this matter.

In a piece entitled, Nigerian politicians as kalo kalo players, (The PUNCH, August 10, 2018), I observed that when the selfish interests of politicians “are no more served or their positions are weakened in one platform, you see them engage in hollow consultations to seek rapprochement even with fellows they had viciously fought with the night before.” That was what happened in Imo.

I noted that “until the electorate realise that the politicians, who tread this landscape, are same of the same, can change camps at the drop of the hat, care less about how many are killed by bandits on the road and at home, without any fightback of note from underequipped and underwhelming security agencies, or die in unresourced hospitals or are holed up in underfunded schools while their children get the best from public funds overseas, they will continue to wail…election after election.”

I reiterate the need for systematic citizen mobilisation and engagement by civil society and vigourous enlightenment by the media to bring an end to this reign of transactional politics that favours only the politicians in order to unleash the potent force of democracy in Nigeria. Let more people with pedigree and what Muiz Banire called Alternative Address take to politics, however dirty it may be, to salvage our democracy. Like Charles de Gaulle said, politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians. Sad that under Rochas Okorocha, the joke in Imo was, Akpuola gi? (Have you been moulded?) Now, it is, Idifectikwala? (Have you not defected?)

Contact Nwokeoma at: Jnwokeoma@punchng.com Phone: 07085183894

Imo Legislators’ Hasty Alliance With Uzodimma Dangerous

Hope Uzodinma

BY GILBERT EKEZIE

An entrepreneur and Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Jude Elswitch Limited, Dr Jude Adindu Nnanna has expressed fears over the quick alliance by some members of the Imo State House of Assembly from PDP, APGA and AA with the incumbent governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, describing it as a dangerous game that may not be for the best interest of the people. He also called on Ihedioha to go back to the drawing board and wait for another opportunity.

What is your reaction on the recent Supreme Court ruling on Imo State Governorship election of March 9, 2019?

Though, I am not an expert in law but I had the opportunity to read people and some experts’ opinions too, on the matter and, all they are saying is that the Supreme Court dealt with the facts and evidence before them, and gave the judgment. I can only look at it politically and the internal political arrangement in the state. The tripod on which Imo State politics is based, has been disoriented. We have Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu zones in the state and justice and equity demand that it is the turn of Owerri zone to produce the governor, which they did. Unfortunately, it has happened the way it did. So, now the pendulum has been changed by the ruling of the Supreme court that Hope Uzodimma from the same Orlu zone that had already ruled the state for 16 years before Ihedioha came in, should continue. Obviously, that is going to bring a disaffection among the people, no matter how anybody may see it.

I believe that you read Ihedioha’s statement to the people of Imo State after he was sacked by the Supreme Court, could you react on that?

No doubt, the Supreme Court’s verdict, came as a rude shock and surprise, considering the facts on ground, legal precedence and clear verdict of Imo People on March 9, 2019, that returned him as governor, with the highest valid votes of 273,404. He did not agree with the judgement and described it as unfair, unjust and does not reflect the voting that took place during the elections. He also said the ruling did not take care of the sensibilities of the people of Imo State. But as a true democrat, he had no option, but to respect the outcome of that judgement. He promised that he and his team shall always cherish the tremendous goodwill and support given to them as they grappled with setting up a new administration to rebuild a state that was devastated by bad governance. Notwithstanding, he still went ahead to appeal to all Imolites, especially his teeming supporters to remain calm and to shun any action that is capable of resulting in a breach of the peace, and that there can always be different parties, but only one Imo State. Having looked at the above statements, I see him as a man of peace who wants Imo to move forward, knowing full well that there are more and better opportunities tomorrow.

Ihedioha urged Imo people to extend to Uzodimma, the same support they gave to him, as it is his wish that his successor will continue on the path he had set for the rebuilding of Imo State. How does that go with you?

I think he did that as one who has a good spirit and that is how it is supposed to be. There is need for Imo people to support Uzodimma’s government, so that he would consolidate on the progress and milestones Ihedioha’s administration achieved within seven months. I heard him thanking all for their support which saw him achieve so much and reversed the negative trajectory of Imo State within a space of seven months. He said Imo State was looking good again and was declared the least corrupt state in the country, the fastest state growing economy in Nigeria and the most improved, in terms of the deployment of Information Technology in service delivery. He also said that Imo infrastructure was significantly coming to life; civil servants and pensioners were now being paid as and when due and optimism returned to Imo State. It is on record that we were acclaimed as the most sports and Diaspora friendly state. Most importantly, we returned life and activities to our local governments. Yes, we had good plans to make Imo the centre piece of commerce, industry, technology, tourism by providing good leadership and first class infrastructure. Under our watch, Imo became safe with our systematic approach to securing lives and property.

Ihedioha claimed that his mandate was truncated and cut short by the Supreme Court, in contravention of the will of the people, even when he had a good relationship with the people and employed regular consultations and dialogue as a tool of political discourse; what are the expectations from the new government?
The expectations are not far-fetched. Agreed that many are aggrieved on the outcome of the Supreme court ruling, but that will not last for too long. We need to move on for the best interest of our state.

Did you foresee his emergence as governor?

Not at all, and I think nobody did. Even a pool stake in his permutation, could not have imagined that things could turn out the way it did. It all came to all as a surprise. It has beaten all our imagination and they say in our usual parlance that it could be that the hand of God is in it. So, we pray that his emergence should be for the interest of Imo people. Looking at his name Hope, Uzodimma and Imo State being known formally as the Land of Hope, we may believe that Hope has come to govern the Land of Hope. Therefore, it is expected that Imo people will no longer continue to hope, as this is the fulfillment of all our hopes. We are not going to ask whether the road will be good; it is good already as his surname, Uzodimma implies because there is something in a name. Hopefully, the long awaited hope, has come to fulfillment.

What is your advice for the people of Imo state?
I believe that Imo State is suffering from the same political problem Nigeria is having. If we think about political re-engineering and re-orientation, whereby when you talk about democracy, everybody should feel being carried along. And, the judgment has been passed, and unfortunately to some people, the Supreme Court put to rest every other discussions. Senator Hope Uzodimma is like a child of circumstance, a destiny child, because ordinarily, if the first is disqualified, the second would have taken the position. But unfortunately, you could see that the fourth now took the first position. So, my advice is that we should give him the support. Imo state is our own. There is nothing we can do about it.

As a stakeholder in Imo State, what do you think are the expectations of Governor Hope Uzodimma?
I want him to run an all-inclusive government, by carrying people along. He should be spiritual, think, seek advice and have an open door policy. He has the opportunity to still play his card and role well. He should not discontinue certain projects Ihedioha started. He should invite people and study the projects and anyone that is for the good and general interest of the people, he should adopt them. It has nothing to do with political party but about people of the state. Meritocracy should be his watchword. He should profile the people, those who have the merit, should be co-opted into the government. Those who have shown some pedigrees and have done well in their various fields, those who through their opinions or actions, have shown sincerity and honesty to work for the state, should be co opted. He has a history to make. He has history to make and therefore put party politics aside.

Many received the news of the removal of Ihedioha with shock, why was it so?
I will say that 100 percent of Imo people received the news with shock. Some had pleasant shock, while others were unpleasantly shocked because nobody saw it coming. Though many say it was played out of a written script by some powers, whether physical or spiritual, that is a different issue. All I know is that we were all taken by surprise. However, the Uzodimma we are talking about is a big fish in the field of politics, not a push-over. He also has his own followers. As we are talking, many of his opponents, including the House of Assembly members have come to pinch tent with him.

How do you see the alliance, especially that of Imo Legislators who were not members of APC with Governor Uzodimma?

Yes, we read that some Imo House of Assembly members from PDP, APGA and AA have joined APC that had no single member in the House. In fact, it is dangerous for such spontaneous alliance to take place. I wish it is for the good of Imo people. It is just like an enemy to your enemy becoming your friend.

What is your advice to Ihedioha concerning the issue?

Emeka Ihedioha should take it as an act of God, and should therefore go back to the drawing board. Believe me, within the next four years, if the people, out of sympathy, feel he was robbed, they will definitely bring him back. He is part of Imo State and should not cut off himself. He should try to show his relevance in the state, even in his private capacity and one-time governor of the state.

On what areas do you want Governor Uzodimma to focus for now?

Good road is for everybody, and it is a duty the government owes the people. The government of Ihedioha made Imo roads motorable and people are commending him for the palliative measures. That enhanced flow of traffic at major areas across the state. And, if he was able to do that within seven months, it means, he would have done more if given the opportunity. Therefore, Senator Hope Uzodimma should take the issue of roads in Imo State as his priority for now, followed by other projects and programmes.

SOURCE: SUN NEWS

Obiano Floats Free Medical Scheme For Ex-Biafran Soldiers

Anambra State Governor Willie Obiana. Image: Facebook

BY TONY OKAFOR

AWKA (PUNCH)--Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has announced a free medical scheme for ex-Biafran soldiers in the state.

He said the gesture was part of the activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Civil War.

The war, which lasted from 1967 to 1970, was between pro-secessionists of the defunct Eastern Region led by the late Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and the Federal Government.

The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Don Adinuba, said the veterans would receive medical treatment through the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme.

He said also included in the free health scheme were former players of the Rangers International Football Club of Enugu who played for the team between 1970 and early 1980s.

He said, “This is in recognition of their pre-eminent role in lifting up the spirit of Igbo people at the end of the civil war.

“The veterans are, therefore, required to register with the state health insurance scheme. A committee to conduct a census of the veterans is to be set up shortly under the leadership of Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi (retd.).

“The committee has one month to submit a list of all the veterans in the state regardless of whether they are indigenes of Anambra State or not.”

Adinuba added that since Obiano assumed office in March 2014, a large number of people had approached the governor for financial assistance for the veterans, just as many of them had been soliciting help directly.

“Most of the veterans are now old and frail and a good number of them suffer from various disabilities as a result of gunshots and other war-related experiences. In other words, they cannot fend for themselves and many of them do not have relatives rich enough to take care of them.”

Copyright PUNCH.

Contact: theeditor@punchng.com

Gender Violence: South East With Highest Number Of Cases — NHRC

Illustration via National Catholic Reporter

BY CHINONSO ALOZIE

OWERRI (VANGUARD)--The South-East zone has topped other regions in Nigeria, with the highest number on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV, in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, yesterday in Owerri, made the disclosure on the ongoing public hearing and investigation into cases of sexual-based violence in the country.

He added that out of the 114 cases received from the six geo-political zones of the country, that South East region has 41 number of the cases. 

It was followed by South-South (26) North Central (19), South West (15) and North East (4). According to Ojukwu, “The core mandate of the Commission is to promote, protect and enforce the human rights of Nigerians and all living within the country. In realizing these mandate, the Commission can investigate all alleged cases of human rights violations as well as monitoring developments in various thematic areas. 

“Human rights; assisting victims of human rights violations through appropriate awards and compensation; bringing its findings to the attention of the government to ensure government compliance with its international and regional human rights obligations, etc. 

“So far, the Panel has received one hundred and fourteen (114) complaints/memo across the six (6) geo-political zones with South East accounting for the highest number of forty-one (41) representing 36% of the total complaints received. North Central accounts for nineteen (19); North West has twelve (12); South-South has twenty-six (26); South West fifteen (12); and North East four (4). 

“This is to enable the panel to have firsthand information on a different type of cases being handled/managed by the centres. The Commission after its sittings in Owerri will replicate this sitting in Abakaliki, Benin City, Calabar, Kano, Yola and a return to Abuja to complete pending complaints before it. 

“This will enable all victims of all SGBV all over the federation to be heard. We, therefore, urge other victims of sexual and gender-based violence to forward their complaints to the Panel. The Panel assures of adequate protection of identity whereof victim(s).

” He highlighted further that, “The essence of this Public sitting is to check the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria and increase access of Nigerians to the services of the Commission to seek for accountability where there is evidence to indicate that any officer or officials or any individuals have been involved in acts of sexual and gender-based violence. 

“The public sitting is also to provide opportunities for a fair hearing to both complainants and alleged violators and to mainstream human rights norms and tenets into the operations of AEPB, Law enforcement officials and members of the public, etc in line with global best practices and internationally accepted human rights standards. 

“The public inquiry will furthermore provide stakeholders opportunity to contribute ideas on how best to develop guidelines and policy on sexual and gender-based violence for institutions, MDAs, public and private organizations and homes that can serve as good practices against the backdrop of reported cases of abuse. 

“May I use this opportunity to commend the complainants and the public for the courage to lodge their complaints and submit memoranda to this Panel despite some reported cases of intimidation. 

“I want to assure all that this Panel and the Commission will adhere to the principles of a fair hearing in discharging its functions and will not stand idle and watch while the fundamental human rights of citizens being trampled upon and violated by law enforcement agencies, entities or individuals. 

“The Panel will sit in private when the situation demands to protect the victims from stigmatization and other challenges associated with Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cases.”

SOURCE: VANGUARD

INTERVIEW: Ojukwu Gave Me Staff Of Office In Chekwas Okorie’s Presence

Nnanna Ukaegbu

BY UGOCHUKWU ALARIBE

All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, chieftain, Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu, speaks on the crisis rocking the party and the call for election in Abia North among other issues.

 BY UGOCHUKWU ALARIBE

EXCERPTS:

Your party, APGA, has been torn apart by crisis. What is the way forward? 

APGA has no elected official across the federation. There was an attempt albeit illegally to organize congresses to elect national, state, local government and ward officers of the party which was apposite to the APGA Constitution. The tenure of the last executive expired on the 15th of May 2019. A High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State ordered then-national executive of the party to hold a national convention and other congresses on or before 15th of May, 2019 which was their last day in office. Under the APGA Constitution, only the sitting executive committee can conduct elective congresses. The APGA Constitution also envisages a situation whereby the executive may not be able to conduct elective congresses within its tenure. In such instance, the Constitution provides for convocation of a national convention solely for the purpose of extending the tenure of the executive committee by not more than 90 days. In this instance, this was not done, the party waited for the expiration of their tenure. But rather than seek for extension after their tenure, they proceeded to organize congresses after a court had found that their tenure had expired. Another court in Kwale , Delta State, struck out the congresses they held. And as of today, APGA has no valid ward, local government, state, zonal and national officers. Anybody parading himself as such is fake and deceiving the public. Conversely, owing to the order of court in Abia State, I remain in office pending the determination of the substantive suit we filed. The order of the court pronouncing me Chairman is now subject to a suit at the Court of Appeal. Until this order is set aside, I remain in office. Therefore, I’m the only remaining officer of APGA across the federation. Other offices have expired by effluxion of time. I am technically the Acting National Chairman of APGA and I have written to INEC informing them about the state of affairs in the party as well as my desire to proceed to convene the relevant congresses and convention to elect new officers of the party.

 Way forward for APGA 

The way forward is to return to the APGA Constitution and the visions of the founding fathers of the party. I’m in touch with most of the founding fathers of APGA, they are not happy with the sordid state of affairs in the party. Some of them have left, but I have a special covenant with APGA, and without risk of contradiction, I hold the sacred ‘ofo’ of the party given to me on the 17th of January, 2004 by Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State and witnessed by the founding chairman of APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie and Chief Onwuka Ukwa. That ‘ofo’ resides with me till date. I can’t abandon it for anything; this is why I remain in APGA. And this is why I am committed to putting the party back on track on the vision of its founding fathers.

On Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Gov. Willie Obiano

 I leave him to be judged by history. If he is doing well, it is up to him. If he is paying Ojukwu in good coin, it is also up to him.

Why has APGA not won any state beside Anambra? 

This is not true. APGA won Imo State in 2011. In 2015, we were on the verge of winning Abia before the forces of darkness truncated that victory. It is still the same forces of darkness that had kept the party in limbo. The struggle for the soul of APGA and to reposition the party started after the 2019 elections .I know before the 2021 polls in Anambra, we will get our acts together. APGA will show why it is a mass oriented party. We are sure of not only retaining Anambra, but also overriding the South-East. We won’t zone gov ticket for Anambra 2021 — PDP Abia North no longer has representation in the Senate following the imprisonment of Chief Orji Uzor Kalu.

What is your take on the matter? 

There is nothing strange in Abia North not having a representative at the Senate. I rely on the pronouncement of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division while ruling on Kalu’s application for bail. One of the grounds Kalu relied for bail was that he ought to be allowed to go and represent his senatorial district who voted for him. And the judge reminded him that his senatorial district knew he was under trial and they also knew the likelihood of his conviction and voted him. So, the senatorial district knew the risk they were taking by voting and this can no longer be used as an excuse for bail. The senatorial zone took the risk and now they are suffering it. The only unique thing in the case of Kalu and Abia North is the reluctance of the Senate to apply the basic laws under Sections 66 and 68 of the Constitution which talk about the issue of eligibility for membership of legislative houses in Nigeria. From December 5th when he was convicted, Kalu ceased to be a member of the Senate. This is the law of the land.

Under which law are people saying he should be allowed to exhaust his right to appeal? 

Those canvassing such views are relying on the provisions of the Electoral Act, but they forgot that the Constitution supersedes the Act. The provision of the law that an a elected member will remain in office until he exhausts his right of appeal only relate stop the challenge to the seat which he occupies, not when it rests on his qualification to assume office. The Nigerian Constitution provides qualification for a person to be a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives. One of the qualifications is that you must not be under a sentence from any court in Nigeria bordering on fraud or financial misappropriation. Therefore, with his imprisonment by the court, Kalu has lost the qualification to continue to sit in the Senate or receive allowances. This is the position of the law. It was not made to victimize Kalu, it was stated clearly in our law books.

Are you not worried that the matter took more than eight years before conclusion? 

I am not worried; the issue is that in Nigeria we are yet to determine if we really want to fight corruption or condone it. And the APC led Federal Government is guilty of double standard in the anti graft war. If government is really committed to fight corruption, the Senate won’t have said they will continue to pay Kalu’s salaries and allowances until he exhausts his right of appeal. In America, would a convicted senator remain in his position receiving salaries? There are cases on the matter, but in Nigeria, look at what the Senate said, trying to circumvent the law. It is a dangerous precedent; I pray they understand the implication of their action on the matter. We have already written the INEC asking them to come and conduct another election in the zone. We have given them seven-day ultimatum to activate the process of conducting fresh election in the zone. We have also written to the Senate President Ahmed Lawan to respect his oath of office to uphold the laws of the land.

How can the Senate make a statement that the Abia North seat is not vacant and that Kalu will be receiving salaries? 

It is an embarrassing to read such statement confirming illegality from a majestic body like the Senate. Even if Kalu gets bail, his conviction by the court stands. A conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction is not subject to stay of execution. The wording of the Constitution on conviction has nothing to do with bail or being free to move about. The operative word is under a sentence from a court. Therefore, Kalu has been sentenced by a court of competent jurisdiction and no longer fit to sit in the hallowed chambers of the Senate. This is the law.

 Marginalization of Ndigbo 

It is the turn of Ndigbo to produce the President of Nigeria. Until we do, the civil war still rages. Until Jimmy Carter who hails from the South of America became the President of the US, the country never really saw their civil war come to an end. Until an Igbo becomes President, the civil war has not ended.


SOURCE: VANGUARD

Imo Guber Election And Supreme Court Judgment

BY KENNETH OKONKWO

Robert H. Jackson, a judge of the American Supreme Court, introspectively said of his court, “we are not final because we are infallible, but we are infallible only because we are final”. This is an admission by a respected jurist from America that even the Supreme Court is fallible but because of their finality, their decision is binding on all. The major pillar of democracy is a periodic, free, fair and credible election. Another pillar of democracy is rule of law and yet another important pillar of democracy is an impartial and independent judiciary. The election is purely carried on by politicians, so also is the making of the law, which forms the foundation of the election. This means that if the politicians decide today to play by the rules during elections, which they gave to themselves, and honourably accept the outcomes of elections, the judiciary will become irrelevant to the political evolution of Nigeria.

Throughout my adult life, it was only once that the American presidential election was settled by the Supreme Court and even at that, the loser at the Supreme Court, Al Gore, disagreed with the judgment but accepted it. The whole world was sympathetic to him because he won the popular vote with 50,999,897 votes to George Walker Bush’s 50,456,002 votes. But the law in America is that presidential election is won, not by popular votes, but by electoral votes. Each state is allocated an electoral vote depending on certain criteria and whoever wins the state, wins the electoral vote of the state. There is a total of 537 electoral votes and whoever wins 270 electoral votes is declared the winner irrespective of whatever is his popular vote. To make the matter more painful for Al Gore, the determinant state in dispute, Florida, was governed by Jeb Bush, the younger brother of his main opponent, George Bush. The difference in popular votes in Florida was about 300 and it was believed that some votes from some polling units were unaccounted for. Some votes were also unjustifiably excluded. Eventually, the electoral vote of Florida was added to George Bush and he scored 271 electoral votes as against Al Gore’s 266 to clinch the Presidency. It was his experience in that election that inspired him to make the popular statement that in an election everybody must ensure that not only should every vote be counted, but that every vote counts.

Whenever a judgment is given by any court, before you criticize, you must first of all ask what the law says about it. In Imo election, Emeka Ihedioha scored 273,404 votes, but did not score 25% of the votes in two third of the 27 LGAs of Imo State and was declared the winner of the election. He scored 25% in about 12 LGAs, whereas he needed to have scored 25% in about 18 LGAs to be declared the winner. INEC was, therefore, wrong in declaring him the winner because the law states that one must have the highest number of votes cast, including scoring 25% of the votes in two third of the 27 LGAs before being declared the winner. INEC would have ordered a rerun election between the first two candidates to determine the eventual winner. (Please see Section 179 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended). Hope Uzodinma scored 96,458 votes, but claimed that his votes in 388 units amounting to about 213,667 votes were wrongfully excluded by INEC, which if added to his score will give him victory in the election by a total of about 310,125 votes. The Supreme Court agreed with him and declared him winner. The law is that INEC has no power to exclude the valid votes of a candidate.

But the cardinal question is if votes from 388 units were excluded, why would INEC go further to declare a winner, when the position of the law is that if the number of voters in the voters’ register in the polling units where elections did not hold exceed the difference between the votes garnered by the first two candidates in an election, INEC shall not declare a winner, but order a rerun to determine the eventual winner. The rerun in this case is for all the candidates in the election not only for the first two candidates. This is because the results of the final election may affect the outcome of the election. This was why Prince Abubakar Audu was not declared the winner of the Kogi election, but a rerun was rather ordered by INEC. It is obvious that by the number of votes, 213, 669, Hope Uzodimma adduced were excluded from his votes, the number of voters in the voters’ register in the 388 polling units exceed the difference between the votes of the first two candidates which stood at 273,404 – 190,364 = 83,040 on the day INEC declared Emeka Ihedioha the duly elected governor of Imo State. The Supreme Court has decided in Wike’s case that it is the number of voters in the voters’ register that is considered when determining over voting not the number of accredited voters by the card reader, so INEC’s argument of over voting based on the accredited voters as reason to exclude the results cannot be legally sustained because the votes were still less than the voters in the register of the 388 units. We must also note that if the number of accredited voters in the excluded polling units are added to the total number of accredited voters in the declared results, it may add up. So ab initio, in the eyes of the law, Emeka Ihedioha did not win the Imo State election. The blame for the electoral quagmire in Imo State should first and foremost be laid on the doorsteps of INEC.

However, is the law which holds that it is the manual register that will be considered in determining over voting rather than the card reader just? It is obvious that even if the number of votes acclaimed excluded are less than the number in the manual register but more than the accredited voters, it is commonsensical that there is over voting otherwise the whole essence of accreditation would be defeated. Unfortunately this is so because the card reader has not been recognised in the Electoral Act which also prohibits electronic voting or transmission of results (Please see Section 52(2) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended). If the law seems unjust, INEC fails to perform its duty rightly, politicians fail to play politics fairly and by the rules, it would not be surprised for the Supreme Court to deliver judgement questionably. It is a systemic abuse and failure.

Politicians and INEC should immediately repent from their electoral dubiousness. They must realise that no condition is permanent. The unjust rules you make today may be used against you tomorrow. The Electoral Act must be urgently amended to make it rather difficult for a politician to bring in such volume of results to INEC and make it impossible for INEC to reject them. The conduct of INEC in the 2019 Imo elections must be thoroughly investigated with a view to sanctioning the erring officials to deter others in future. Our Courts must rise to such occasions to give judgement based on justice and not claim to follow rigidly some provisions of a statute that will lead to absurdity. History has shown that great jurists of the past have interpreted the law purposefully to guarantee justice, after all, one of the canons of interpretation of the law, gives judges the right to depart from the ordinary meaning of the words of a statute if applying it will lead to absurdity. It appears to me that awarding a politician votes in excess of the accredited votes looks absurd no matter the position of the law because it couldn’t have been the intendment of the framers of the law to have votes in excess of the accredited voters. Justice must not only be done but must be seen as done. Justice in Imo election may have been done but it may not have been seen as done. This means that we need to do more to sanitize our elections and make them more acceptable to all in future.

The ball is not in the judiciary’s court, it lies squarely in the politicians’ court. If the Okorocha clan and the Hope Uzodimma clan had worked together to contest under the APC ticket, Hope Uzodimma would have won outrightly and this would have prevented all this embarrassment on everybody. If the PDP had given us an Electoral Act that addressed these challenges during its 16 years sojourn at Aso Rock, they may not be on the receiving end today. If APC fails to perfect the Electoral Act today, they may be at the receiving end tomorrow. There is no doubt that history can be mad at times but history must be made all the time. Truth be told, there are periods when politics can be unfair but politicians must learn to disagree at times but accept the outcome of results for the common good of themselves and their party.

They must avoid the courts as means of settling political disagreements. Political disagreements are better settled politically through dialogue, negotiations and compromise. Four years is around the corner and the patient dog eats the fattest bone. They must realize that God rules in the affairs of men and all powers are ordained by God. He gives power to whom He wishes and we must submit ourselves to the majesty of His heavenly Lordship. The rulers of the earth may be the Kings but God is the King of kings. The judges may be the lords but God is the Lord of lords. Since history seemed to be mad in Imo election, I submit that the best authority to appeal to is God and let His will be done in Imo state.

BOOK REVIEW: Igbo: A people On The Brink

BY CHIDIEBERE IWUOHA

 A Nation On The Brink
 By Ukaegbu Chukwunenye Napoleon
Keoni Networks, Okada books
 448pp;  2019



A Nation on the Brink, written by Ukaegbu Chukwunenye Napoleon, a young Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, consists of 20 chapters and divided into two parts. It is a product of ten-year research into the problems of Africa and the entire black race. Having seen the situation of black people in the Western World, the author decided he would look into problems and see if he could find some answers to their collective problems or at least, add to the body of knowledge that could help the future generations to find answers to the problems.

According to the author, “In the course of this study, I realised that Igbo people are central to the problems and solutions of the black people. One, what we call black race or black people outside Africa is actually 60% of Igbo origin. This is because when European slave traders noticed the unique characteristics and deposition of this group, they became their focus such that over 60% of Africa slaves were Igbos.

“Therefore, to solve the problems of Africa and black race, we must solve the problem of Ndi Igbo. We have what it takes to save the entire black race, but we don’t seem to know it. So, the first thing to do since my research is about the black race is to start from Ndi Igbo to wake them up to those things that are making it difficult for them to take their place in history before I publish the book about the black race. When that time comes, Ndi Igbo will be ready to take their place and lead Africa and black people out of European economic bondage.”

Ukaegbu also notes in A Nation on the Brink that Ndigbo like to set up businesses wherever they go, because it is their nature to create wealth wherever they are welcomed, being descendants of Gad in the Holy Bible: “Gad means wealth, that’s why the whole world knows Igbos have the secret of wealth creation”.

However, he says, in the case of the present structure of Nigeria, it is now a very big problem for them, because it has made them to forget their homeland and fight over other people’s homeland, especially as the laws and economic policies of Nigeria today deny the Southeast necessary infrastructure. He sees it as a deliberate plan to pull Igbos out of their homeland, so that they can use their wealth, both human and materials to develop other parts of Nigeria, while their homeland is neglected.

The author also believes that it is impossible for the Southeast geopolitical zone to make the impact it should, as long as wealthy Igbos and their politicians think they benefit more in the present structure of Nigeria, and that is more worrisome as there is no unity of purpose and no agreed leadership system at home any more through which they can agree on any political agenda. As a result, the power at the center finds it easy to manipulate those notables and use them against any political agenda, the region might have. This situation, he said, creates an ugly situation whereby Igbo can never be politically relevant in Nigeria and will find it difficult to produce a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, and if they do, it would be in the characters of those believed to be agents of the ruling class who would use their position to destroy Ndi Igbo or Ala Igbo the more.

A Nation on the Brink reminds us that no matter where we go and what we believe outside, we must make our homeland look like home again, because our dignity as a people depends on it and our success as a nation can only be guaranteed if we create an economy in the homeland that will work for Ndi Igbo, whether they remain part of Nigeria or not.

The author does not mince words: “It is because we have ignored our homeland for too long in pursuit of green pasture where we think that the grass is greener than it is at home, that is why Ndi Igbo are in disarray. We have built business empires everywhere in the colonial enclave of Nigeria, but have neglected our homeland. We turn forests into modern cities everywhere, but allow Ala Igbo to become derelict which has made the wise word of our fathers ‘Aku ruo ulo ‘(Invest at home) as a sad joke.”

He argues, too: “Our leadership at home has continued to fail, because our leaders left the homeland in search of contracts in Abuja and to pursue their businesses in Lagos, while our homeland is in crisis and no one seems to care about how our cultures, values and traditions are fading away. He, therefore, calls on the Igbo to pull back and rebuild their own nation as other groups have done, learn how to live in a complex country like Nigeria and yet do well as a people.

The author of this book deserves encomiums for delivering his message like a professor is giving his audience tips on how to prevent an impending calamity or proffering solution to it. He talks like a poet, a social crusader, a patriot, a visionary, a political leader, a prophet, and what have you. In fact, A Nation on the Brink is a must read for every Igbo man desirous of a handbook or companion rich contents on what every Igbo man ought to know in today’s world.

SOURCE: SUN NEWS