While we strongly condemn the invasion of Igboland, particularly Abia State, by men of the Nigerian army, and the intimidation, abuse and stamping upon the civil rights of the people that followed, we must also condemn unapologetically and in strong terms, the insensitivity, crass ignorance, show of arrogance, craze and foolishness exhibited by Nnamdi Kanu. It is on record that he consistently misled, to a larger extent, an intimidating population of ndi-Igbo, mostly those along the illiterate line and many who may belong to the class of the unemployed. He did a great job in telling them what they wanted to hear and they wholly bought into his thinking. The protests, as far as they were peaceful, especially as often claimed were okay, the formation of a squad armed or not, within an independent entity was totally unintelligent and stupid. Also, the declaration to boycott, stop or interrupt the forthcoming Anambra Gubernatorial elections is also another ill-informed thinking. It’s myopic too. It may be recalled that Ralph Uwazuluike who leads MASSOB once advised ndi-Igbo to boycott the last general census and many, especially and again amongst the illiterate class did. Today, revenues that comes to the southeast is meagre solely because of that one million dollar worth of mistake. Today, while Kanu and his IPOB asks people to boycott this forthcoming State elections, remembering the past and to avoid a repeat, Uwazuluike and his group are telling people not to boycott the election that produces democratically elected leaders. Nnamdi Kanu’s unguarded and reckless utterances, his show of craze and consistent abuse on the entity, Nigeria and her leaders ignited the fire that is currently burning in the South East, particularly in Umuahia, Abia State. This is sad! Unfortunately, whilst the python dances in Abia state, the Kanu man who many went as far as kissing his feet, worshiping and some ignorant fellows equating him with Jesus, as the true messiah of ndi-Igbo and others, taking him as god, Kanu has suddenly gone undercover. No one knows where and how he is. Some claim he is under house arrest, while others says he is on the run, underground. Meanwhile, his followers are been maltreated, beaten to pump, made to lie in dirty waters, some to drink from it and other classes of ill-treatments and torture which we must again, speak up against and call evil been done by the men of the Nigerian military. Kanu caused these problems. The Nigerian security outfit knew that this is how it begins. This was how Niger delta militants began. This was how the killer squad, Boko Haram was founded. It’s from unguarded speeches, very hateful ones, to drawing huge followership brought about by sentiments of majorly brainwashed illiterates, and where the nation’s security continues to neglect them, then comes a terrorist gang. There is nothing brainwashing hasn’t done and cannot do. For Mr. Kanu to have left behind within the prison walls some of those who stood strongly by him and fought with him shows the character he is made of. Mandela turned down in more than three occasions, an option to be released without his team from the prison. Kanu sorted for medical attention and under stringent agreement terms and conditions which were miraculously met, to have suddenly turnaround to continue, in total disregard for the court directives and bond which were signed on his behalf by different people, is an insult on an independent nation. The Nigerian Government had been more than gracious to him, they should have long rearrested him for beating his bail condition, but they let him be. The fire burning was lighted up by him. That Kanu has dual citizenship means a lot. That his family is based abroad matters too. That some wealthy Igbo sons and daughters gift him money as donations for his push reads a lot too. And that just like Ojukwu during the Biafran conflict, none, not even one of Kanu’s close allies, family or friends have died thus far from the stray bullets of trigger happy Nigerian military or police, but mainly helpless, lowly, poor and misguided few means more than a lot. Today, he may have more followership than Ojukwu and Uwazuluike combined isn’t in doubt, and that he is taken like a god, especially where he even introduced Judaism which in all honesty is to serve his myopic and sentimentally driven argument of the Igbos history which has less or nothing to add up to the debate is worrisome. He who does not know where rain began beating him, will definitely not know where or when it dries up on him. We have failed to learn from history aloud and that’s why the drums of war continue to sound and genocide maybe in the offing. The acts of 1966 to 1970 pogrom is not worth repeating ever again, not here and definitely not anywhere else. Persons who have seen war never pray for a repeat, those who saw Nigerian/Biafran conflict will always conclude, “agha-ajoka”. My father would conclude, “it’s not even what you wish your enemies”. No doubt, ndi-Igbo aren’t been treated fairly within the entity, Nigeria, but even so, not all rights are gotten by war, struggles and fight. If it did come, how prepared are we? How many Igbos have as little as den gun? Or are we gonna fight with matchets, bows, arrows, sticks and bare hands? We have no fire and gun power capacity or capability. The Nigerian army has more than enough. We must be smart enough to known when to start and when exactly to stop. Kanu pushed his luck too far and the Nigerian military having been fed up with him chose to step in before it turns into a full blown land of lawlessness where anything goes. Again, no human-being should be put through the torture young Igbos I saw on clips are subjected to on the streets of Umuahia and Aba road. No human should go through those. It’s abuse of their rights as humans and it’s evil even before God. The Nigerian military must be disciplined and civil enough in dealing with this problem, Igbo lives matter. We are not in war time yet, they are only to come and foster peace and stop further breakdown of law and order, not to cause harm and fear amongst the people. Ndi-Igbo are peace loving people, they obey the rule of law, they are hardworking people and they are literate and vast in many fronts. No doubt, no nation state would tolerate the continual misdirection of the IPOB leader where he went as far as to institute what he called the Biafran Secret Service within a democratic entity, who does that? No serious-minded leader would condone that. Worse still, definitely not under the watch of a retired military General. Next week, the world will gather in New York, United States for the usual UN General Assembly meeting. World leaders are expected to attend and the Nigerian President would be there too. Ndi-Igbo should buy into the opportunity, send representatives and make your voices heard. This is our time to shine, the United Nations is the right way to go, not street protests where our beloved ones are continually killed and the sponsors run undercover. At the break of war, when it was about consuming the rest of us all back in 1970, Ojukwu ran away, flying through the Uli airstrip to Ivory Coast to seek asylum. Nnamdi Kanu is only human with no messiac power, since he is not god, even before the actual war comes, he may depart from us all. It is good to fight for causes you believe in, but it’s more intelligent to live a coward, inorder to fight another day than to fight a hero to die wastefully. Those who die in war receive gun salute, while those who survive war receive Medal of Honor, where even medals handed down for those who died means absolutely less or nothing. Those who fight and survive in war, tell the tales of war, while they who die in war times are used as tales of that war. Igbo parents should immediately call their children to order, let them stay alive and out of trouble. No one, not even the revered Nelson Mandela may be mourned for a lifetime, we must learn to live together as brothers or die wastefully as fools. Nigeria isn’t working no doubt, it’s either we fix it or simply breakaway peacefully, still boils down to the United Nations, not war! Therefore, while we strongly condemn the militarization of the South East and the intimidation and show of craze and force that has followed, we must also speak truth to power and lay facts bare, Nnamdi Kanu is also guilty. Many writers and commentators have failed to establish this fact, maybe for fear of intimidation, harassment or usual insults by Biafran apologists. Also, not all Igbos want to be Biafrans. Kanu was and is guilty from a constructive, descent and unbiased point of view. These facts needs to be established. We want Biafra, but please not through any sort of bloodshed. The struggle isn’t worth any bloodshed. We must seek and push for it through the right channels, the UN remains our best bet. We must inform the litanies of those who have been brainwashed and misled. Igbo lives matter![myad]
President Buhari with R-L: First Lady of Uganda H.E. Mrs Janet Museveni, Wife of Nigerian President Mrs Aisha Buhari and President of the Republic of Uganda H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Musveni during a courtesy call to the State House on 15th Sept 2017. | credit: Femi Adesina
Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, has told the First Lady of the Republic of Uganda, Janet Museven that she has been fully engaged in finding solutions to the social and economic challenges faced by women and youths in Nigeria. Aisha Buhari, who received the Ugandan First Lady at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that she had since resolved to change the negative narratives associated with women and children in Nigeria through activities that have direct impact on their livelihood. She said that the areas of concentration in this regard were in health, empowerment and education. Aisha Buhari told Mrs. Museveni, who doubles as Minister of Education and Sports in her country, that she shared a common vision for women and children with the Ugandan First Lady. Wife of Nigerian President said that some of the programmes in her Future Assured project, include screening of more than 20,000 women for medical conditions on cervical cancer, hypertension and diabetes. “Through my mobile outreach programme we also provide essentials medical services in all six geopolitical zones of the country.” She said that she is championing the return of community learning centres across the country to make it easy for women to acquire education and that a Youth Education Empowerment Programme (YEEP) had already commenced, aimed at training them to meet requirements for entry into tertiary institutions. Earlier, Mrs. Janet Museveni had said that she had come to learn from Aisha Buhari about her efforts in the cause of women and children. She said that she had made it a habit to learn from the successes of other first ladies so that she can better serve the people of her country. Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of some literatures on Future Assured Programme to the visiting first lady.[myad]
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina state has called on all Nigerians to rally round the Muhammadu Buhari government to quickly put a stop to the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which he likened to Boko Haram. Governor Masari, who spoke to news men today, Friday, shortly after observing Friday (Jum’at) Prayer along with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa Mosque in Abuja, said: “when we heard the problem of Boko Haram in this country when it started, we all looked the other way and it nearly consumed the nation. “So, under this circumstance, any agitation that is likely to lead the nation to the kind of problem we have to support the government to quickly stop it.” He said that his government in Katsina state has put in necessary measures to ensure that the people living in the state, irrespective of where they come from, go about their businesses in safety, with their lives and properties protected. “On the general note on what is going on in the country, I think there is need for Nigerians to be very responsible in terms of dealing with issue of this kind in this country.”
President Muhammadu Buhari and President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Musveni
The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has arrived in Nigeria ahead of the inauguration of Course 26 training programme of the college. Of the National Defence College of Nigeria, Abuja where he will deliver an inauguration lecture. Museveni, who on his arrival today in Nigeria, was conferred with the Key to the City of Abuja by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, making him a Honorary Citizenship of Abuja, also visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Ugandan President will talk, in his lecture at the Defence Collage, on: “Sub-Regional Cooperation and Stability of Member States: Economic Community of East African States in Perspectives.” He is expected to x-ray the challenges confronting efforts being made to build and sustain regional economic cooperation institutions from the perspective of the East African experience.[myad]
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has observed that this generation is at the threshold of history to effect positive change in the lives of the people. He said: “we are, therefore, in a real sense, a generation at the threshold of history, saddled with the responsibility of bringing about the change that will alter our development trajectory for the benefit of our people and planet.” Professor Osinbajo who spoke today, Friday, at the inauguration of the Presidential Council on the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that the SDGs, which is a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity, capture the urgency and range of the major challenges that confront humanity, especially the developing nations “They underscore the reality that only a global partnership supporting home grown and inclusive solutions stands a chance of achieving the goals. “Building on the millennium development goals, the SDGS open up new priorities such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice. The goals are interconnected.” Osinbajo said that succeeding in one will involve dealing with issues fundamentally associated with another, adding that witg a number of time-bound targets and indicators against which national progress will be measured till 2030, the SDGs have begun to galvanize development planning and execution globally. “Our government has taken the firm view that the implementation of the SDGs Agenda has and will have decisive implications for Nigeria’s development; which explains why the SDGs occupy a prominent place in our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which the President launched in April to guide Nigeria along the path of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Progress on the Goals will have a positive effect on our poverty and unemployment numbers. It will reduce the number of mothers who die during childbirth and our children who are unable to mark their fifth birthday, and, of course, the figures also of out-of-school children. “It will empower our girls and women, and bridge the gender inequality gap. Success with the implementation of the SDGs will have an impact on our cities, and on the quality of the lives of those who live within them. “It is, therefore, clear that the achievement of the goals equals a quantum socio-economic leap for Nigeria. Failure to achieve the SDGs will have existential implications for our generation and for those yet unborn.” The Vice President said thst the Presidential Council on SDGs will provide policy direction for the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria, and ensure that there is coherence at the national and sub-national levels. He said that the council’s work will be crucial for resource mobilization, prioritization of interventions, periodic assessment, as well as the overall oversight of SDGs implementation.[myad]
The southeast governors forum has distanced themselves from the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and proscribed the activities of the group in all the states in the region. The forum called President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the military from the region. These points emanated from a communique which was read by the Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum and governor of Ebonyi state, Governor Dave Umahi, after the meeting of the forum, which was held today, Friday at Enugu State government House. The meeting was attended by Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu; Dave Umahi of Ebonyi; Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Willie Obiano of Anambra as well as Deputy Governor of Imo state, Eze Madumere. Others at the meeting were the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Generalk Adamu Abubakar.[myad]
Not long ago, while I was waiting to be called for the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC), my brother, who had graduated before me was posted to serve in Yobe, one of the states the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents declared their caliphate. Former President Goodluck Jonathan had just then, declared a state of emergency in the three states ravaged by Boko Haram group, signalling a total and comprehensive military operations in the region. Immediately after the declaration of the state of emergency in the Northeast region, I responded in fear with a piece, titled: “So that state of emergency does not turn into military terrorism.” The reason for this unprepared article, was not because I just wanted to write about the development but because I was obviously expressing fear of the safety of my brother who was due to assume orientation camp and other innocent Nigerians living in the region. My fear was so intense that I was picturing how the post-emergency rule in the region would look like. As a matter of fact, while my mother and other family members were discussing whether my brother should abandon the program if the NYSC management would not re-deploy him to other states, he received a cheering message from NYSC, directing him to report at their Abuja camp for the three weeks orientation programme. I, who was still waiting for the next batch to be mobilised, was fervently praying to God not to let the management post me to any of the northern states in spite of the fact that I am from Kogi state, which is in North central. Fortunately, a few months later, I was posted to Abia state in the Southeast: the state which happens to now house the melting point for Biafra agitation. I received the news of my posting with mixed feelings. First, I heaved a sigh of relief for the fact that I was posted out of the war zone (Northeast). Secondly, I was scared of my sojourn in the ‘Nyamiri’ region, as it’s fondly called, for my one-year compulsory programme. My second reason above was hinged on the narratives that the Southeast region was not conducive to serve, especially for practising Muslims. I decided to go and experience for myself how the region would be. Surprisingly, on getting there, I noticed that the region was very peaceful and more conducive than even my home state, Kogi. I explored the state, (the God’s own state) from Umuahia to Aba to Arochukwu, Ohafia and others. Everywhere was peaceful and the Igbo people I met were wonderful. I saw Mosques virtually in all local governments I went to. We observed Friday prayer freely. At my place of primary assignment, we would go out any time, though I avoided night outings. So, it is disheartening to now be confronted with the reality that the Eastern region that was enjoying peaceful atmosphere while many people in the Northeast were admiring them suddenly allow a young guy to slide it into a war zone. It would be recalled that few weeks after Dr Goodluck Azikiwe Ebele Jonathan fantastically lost in a general election that produced Muhammadu Buhari as president, a young Igbo guy emerged from far away London to declare what many people would probably describe as war against the Nigerian state, making all sort of inflammatory statements even when Buhari had not been sworn in as president of the federal republic of Nigeria. The Igbo elites, who we all know, massively opposed the Buhari presidency, supposed to have understood the possible political reality that would follow such action and be mindful of their subsequent behaviour so that they would not be labeled as enemies of Nigerians. They should have swiftly confronted the young guy from far away London to desist from making inflammatory statements and inciting people against the new leadership of the country. But, the Igbo elites were either none concern about the damage the guy is doing to their collective political stand, or some of them were indirectly supporting Nnamdi Kanu’s unhealthy Biafra campaign, using it to hold the newly elected president to ransom. The Igbo could not easily realize that what the young guy was cooking for the region was far more than they can chew. The Igbo could barely notice how millions of displaced victims of Boko Haram and military operations in the Northeast were admiring peace in Southeast region. They show open hatred for, and fear of Buhari in their psyche. It is so palpable that one cannot mistake it. Now that the military has declared the IPOB as terrorist group, it’s probably too late for the Igbo leaders to condemn the violent approach of the IPOB. One may guess however that there is a slim chance for them to urgently retrace their step by teaming up with the federal government to quell the unholy crusade of IPOB. This will help prevent the gullible youths in the region being transformed into armed militias that may induce a total and comprehensive military operations which could, in turn, lead to the rebirth of the Northeast experience in the Southeast. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine!
President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to leave Nigeria on Sunday for New York, the United States of America to attend the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. A statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina today, Friday, said that the high point of Buhari’s visit will be his participation in the General Debate during which he will deliver the country’s National Statement. The statement said that the theme for this year’s Debate is: “Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet.” “President Buhari will join other world leaders at the welcoming reception to be hosted by the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and also hold a bilateral meeting with the UN scribe. “Equally, the Nigerian leader will hold a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump of the United States of America, along with other world leaders.” The statement said that during the General Assembly, Nigeria will participate in high level meetings on ‘Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Building Momentum for Change,’ the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a High Level Event organized by the African Union under its Theme of the Year: ‘Roadmap on the Demographic Dividend: from Commitment to Action,’ among others. It said that President Buhari and members of his delegation will strive to project Nigeria as a strong moral force and responsible member of the international community during the session. “Nigeria’s commitment to global peace, security and development will also be reaffirmed and where necessary, the need for increased international cooperation in the fight against corruption. “Other priorities for the Nigerian delegation at UNGA 72 include strengthening human rights institutions; the rule of law; support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of terrorist acts and recent flooding, and mitigating the effects of Climate Change. The Nigerian delegation will also canvass the support of UN member states for the Buhari Administration’s efforts towards combating illicit financial flows in order to foster sustainable development.” The statement said that President Buhari will be accompanied by the governors of Zamfara, Ebonyi and Ondo States, and key cabinet ministers. It confirmed that President Buhari will transit through London on his way back to the country. [myad]
Nigeria has declared the Nnamdi Kanu’s Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation. The nation’s Defense Headquarters, which made the declaration today in a statement said that IPOB has been posing a security challenge to Nigeria as a Country and that it had been metamorphosing from one stage to the other. “After due professional analysis and recent developments, it has become expedient, to notify the general public that the claim by IPOB actors that the organization is non violent is not true. “Hence, the need to bring to public awareness the true and current state of IPOB. “In this regard, some of their actions, clandestinely and actively, that have been terrorising the general public among others include: a. The formation of a Biafra Secret Service. b. Claimed formation of Biafra National Guard. c. Unauthorised blocking of public access roads. d. Extortion of money from innocent civilians at illegal road blocks. e. Militant possession and use of weapons (stones, molotov cocktails, machetes and broken bottles among others) on a military patrol on 10 September 2017. f. Physical confrontation of troops by Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB actors at a check point on 11 September 2017 and also attempts to snatch their rifles. g. Attack by IPOB members, on a military check point on 12 September 2017, at Isialangwa, where one IPOB actor attempted to snatch a female soldier’s rifle.” The statement, signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche, said: “from the foregoing, the Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to confirm to the general public that IPOB from all intent, plan and purpose as analysed, is a militant terrorist organisation. “Therefore, parents and particularly unsuspecting residents of the South East and other Nigerians should advice their wards to desist from joining the group.” The statement said that the Defence Headquarters is committed to handling all the security challenges in the Country even as it assured all Nigerians of the protection of lives and property. [myad]
The Nigerian Army has faulted the announcement yesterday, by the Abia state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, that its officers would withdraw from the South East from today, Friday, saying that instead the Egwu Eke Exercise (Python Dance would fully take off today as scheduled This was even as the Army denied the rumour makiong that rounds that its officers invaded some communities in Abia state, saying: we want to firmly reiterate that there is no invasion of any community by the soldiers in Abia State and in the entire South Eastern part of Nigeria.” In a separate statements by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman and Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 82 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Sagir Musa, the Nigerian Army described the Abia state governor’s announcement of withdrawal of army as mere rumour. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Abia State Governor in his speech stated that “there will be gradual withdrawal of soldiers on the streets of Aba and Umuahia from tomorrow.” “This should not be misconstrued as withdrawing of troops earmarked for Exercise EGWU EKE II. The General Officer Commanding 82 Division has not said such thing. “Consequently, we wish to state that Exercise EGWU EKE II is commencing tomorrow as scheduled. Commanders have been instructed to ensure that all hands are on deck to commence the Exercise to its logical completion. We wish to state further that the successful completion of the exercise will dovetail into the various states security outfits till the end of this year. “Members of the public especially in the areas where the exercise will take place are please enjoined to go about their lawful businesses. We wish to also state that we would not allow any individual or group to jeopardize the conduct of the field training exercise through unlawful or criminal activities. Hoodlums and criminal elements are once again warned to be law abiding and not cause any breach of peace. “We hereby reiterate that our troops would conduct themselves in the best professional manner, abide by the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct in line with requirements of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Any act of indiscipline by any of our personnel would be decisively dealt with. While we enjoin all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, the Nigerian Army urge all to support the troops as they carry out their constitutional duties and make Exercise EGWU EKE II a success.” The Army said that those it called mischief makers, propagandists and supporters of violent secessionist agitation as well as any other person or group with criminal disposition are the ones that are wickedly peddling the rumour that its officers invaded communities. “Soldiers in Aba are lawfully deployed, with clear mandate, Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct to combat identified obvious security challenges in the South East Nigeria. “Thus, issues of kidnappings, cultism, farmers -herdsmen clashes, violent secessionist agitation and insurgency of any form among other menaces have been made severally and soundly clear as the focus and target of Exercise EGWU EKE 11. “The earlier we appreciate this and work together, the better for the peace and security of our state.” [myad]
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[myad]
The southeast governors forum has distanced themselves from the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and proscribed the activities of the group in all the states in the region.
Not long ago, while I was waiting to be called for the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC), my brother, who had graduated before me was posted to serve in Yobe, one of the states the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents declared their caliphate.
Nnamdi Kanu, A Coward In Fool’s Clothing, By Tobenna Obiano
It is on record that he consistently misled, to a larger extent, an intimidating population of ndi-Igbo, mostly those along the illiterate line and many who may belong to the class of the unemployed. He did a great job in telling them what they wanted to hear and they wholly bought into his thinking.
The protests, as far as they were peaceful, especially as often claimed were okay, the formation of a squad armed or not, within an independent entity was totally unintelligent and stupid. Also, the declaration to boycott, stop or interrupt the forthcoming Anambra Gubernatorial elections is also another ill-informed thinking. It’s myopic too.
It may be recalled that Ralph Uwazuluike who leads MASSOB once advised ndi-Igbo to boycott the last general census and many, especially and again amongst the illiterate class did. Today, revenues that comes to the southeast is meagre solely because of that one million dollar worth of mistake. Today, while Kanu and his IPOB asks people to boycott this forthcoming State elections, remembering the past and to avoid a repeat, Uwazuluike and his group are telling people not to boycott the election that produces democratically elected leaders.
Nnamdi Kanu’s unguarded and reckless utterances, his show of craze and consistent abuse on the entity, Nigeria and her leaders ignited the fire that is currently burning in the South East, particularly in Umuahia, Abia State. This is sad!
Unfortunately, whilst the python dances in Abia state, the Kanu man who many went as far as kissing his feet, worshiping and some ignorant fellows equating him with Jesus, as the true messiah of ndi-Igbo and others, taking him as god, Kanu has suddenly gone undercover. No one knows where and how he is. Some claim he is under house arrest, while others says he is on the run, underground. Meanwhile, his followers are been maltreated, beaten to pump, made to lie in dirty waters, some to drink from it and other classes of ill-treatments and torture which we must again, speak up against and call evil been done by the men of the Nigerian military.
Kanu caused these problems. The Nigerian security outfit knew that this is how it begins. This was how Niger delta militants began. This was how the killer squad, Boko Haram was founded. It’s from unguarded speeches, very hateful ones, to drawing huge followership brought about by sentiments of majorly brainwashed illiterates, and where the nation’s security continues to neglect them, then comes a terrorist gang. There is nothing brainwashing hasn’t done and cannot do.
For Mr. Kanu to have left behind within the prison walls some of those who stood strongly by him and fought with him shows the character he is made of. Mandela turned down in more than three occasions, an option to be released without his team from the prison. Kanu sorted for medical attention and under stringent agreement terms and conditions which were miraculously met, to have suddenly turnaround to continue, in total disregard for the court directives and bond which were signed on his behalf by different people, is an insult on an independent nation. The Nigerian Government had been more than gracious to him, they should have long rearrested him for beating his bail condition, but they let him be. The fire burning was lighted up by him.
That Kanu has dual citizenship means a lot. That his family is based abroad matters too. That some wealthy Igbo sons and daughters gift him money as donations for his push reads a lot too. And that just like Ojukwu during the Biafran conflict, none, not even one of Kanu’s close allies, family or friends have died thus far from the stray bullets of trigger happy Nigerian military or police, but mainly helpless, lowly, poor and misguided few means more than a lot.
Today, he may have more followership than Ojukwu and Uwazuluike combined isn’t in doubt, and that he is taken like a god, especially where he even introduced Judaism which in all honesty is to serve his myopic and sentimentally driven argument of the Igbos history which has less or nothing to add up to the debate is worrisome.
He who does not know where rain began beating him, will definitely not know where or when it dries up on him. We have failed to learn from history aloud and that’s why the drums of war continue to sound and genocide maybe in the offing. The acts of 1966 to 1970 pogrom is not worth repeating ever again, not here and definitely not anywhere else. Persons who have seen war never pray for a repeat, those who saw Nigerian/Biafran conflict will always conclude, “agha-ajoka”. My father would conclude, “it’s not even what you wish your enemies”.
No doubt, ndi-Igbo aren’t been treated fairly within the entity, Nigeria, but even so, not all rights are gotten by war, struggles and fight. If it did come, how prepared are we? How many Igbos have as little as den gun? Or are we gonna fight with matchets, bows, arrows, sticks and bare hands? We have no fire and gun power capacity or capability. The Nigerian army has more than enough. We must be smart enough to known when to start and when exactly to stop. Kanu pushed his luck too far and the Nigerian military having been fed up with him chose to step in before it turns into a full blown land of lawlessness where anything goes.
Again, no human-being should be put through the torture young Igbos I saw on clips are subjected to on the streets of Umuahia and Aba road. No human should go through those. It’s abuse of their rights as humans and it’s evil even before God. The Nigerian military must be disciplined and civil enough in dealing with this problem, Igbo lives matter. We are not in war time yet, they are only to come and foster peace and stop further breakdown of law and order, not to cause harm and fear amongst the people.
Ndi-Igbo are peace loving people, they obey the rule of law, they are hardworking people and they are literate and vast in many fronts.
No doubt, no nation state would tolerate the continual misdirection of the IPOB leader where he went as far as to institute what he called the Biafran Secret Service within a democratic entity, who does that? No serious-minded leader would condone that. Worse still, definitely not under the watch of a retired military General.
Next week, the world will gather in New York, United States for the usual UN General Assembly meeting. World leaders are expected to attend and the Nigerian President would be there too. Ndi-Igbo should buy into the opportunity, send representatives and make your voices heard. This is our time to shine, the United Nations is the right way to go, not street protests where our beloved ones are continually killed and the sponsors run undercover.
At the break of war, when it was about consuming the rest of us all back in 1970, Ojukwu ran away, flying through the Uli airstrip to Ivory Coast to seek asylum. Nnamdi Kanu is only human with no messiac power, since he is not god, even before the actual war comes, he may depart from us all.
It is good to fight for causes you believe in, but it’s more intelligent to live a coward, inorder to fight another day than to fight a hero to die wastefully. Those who die in war receive gun salute, while those who survive war receive Medal of Honor, where even medals handed down for those who died means absolutely less or nothing.
Those who fight and survive in war, tell the tales of war, while they who die in war times are used as tales of that war. Igbo parents should immediately call their children to order, let them stay alive and out of trouble. No one, not even the revered Nelson Mandela may be mourned for a lifetime, we must learn to live together as brothers or die wastefully as fools. Nigeria isn’t working no doubt, it’s either we fix it or simply breakaway peacefully, still boils down to the United Nations, not war!
Therefore, while we strongly condemn the militarization of the South East and the intimidation and show of craze and force that has followed, we must also speak truth to power and lay facts bare, Nnamdi Kanu is also guilty. Many writers and commentators have failed to establish this fact, maybe for fear of intimidation, harassment or usual insults by Biafran apologists. Also, not all Igbos want to be Biafrans. Kanu was and is guilty from a constructive, descent and unbiased point of view. These facts needs to be established.
We want Biafra, but please not through any sort of bloodshed. The struggle isn’t worth any bloodshed. We must seek and push for it through the right channels, the UN remains our best bet.
We must inform the litanies of those who have been brainwashed and misled.
Igbo lives matter![myad]