The management of Eastern Palm University, Ogboko has announced the closure of the institution with immediate effect.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tola Badejo, who briefed journalists today, April 28 in Owerri, said that the management took the decision following the ownership tussle between former governor Rochas Okorocha and the state government.
The state government seized the university from the ex-governor in February. In a public announcement, the government said the state’s fund was used to build the institution.
But Okorocha had continued to deny any wrongdoing during his tenure as governor of the state.
The vice-chancellor said the decision to close the university was taken to safeguard the lives of the students and staff of the institution.
“The recent visit by the Imo State Commissioner for Education ordering the students to leave the premises was unsettling for the institution. The recent removal of the university’s entrance billboard by the Imo State Government and its replacement with the proposed renamed K. O Mbadiwe university by the government-aided armed policemen is simply one action too many.
“Antics and actions by the Imo State government have disrupted the academic activities of the institution and have stirred an air of panic and discomfort in a place that is designed to bring a sense of purpose to the young bright minds within its walls.
“The decision to shut down was made upon the heels of the recent and incessant harassment by the Imo State Government and its total disregard for the court judgment of the state High court on this matter.
“All students and parents are urged to contact the registrar’s office in order to gain better insight and support during this period. Creating a healthy and conducive environment for learning is key to our operations at Eastern Palm University and as such a parameter we cannot trade.”
Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed optimism that insecurity challenges facing Nigeria won’t consume the country.
The former President, who spoke today, April 28, at the 108th Nigeria Baptist Convention, held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, said that he remained an “incurable optimist” about a better Nigeria, despite the rising security challenges.
He said that there would be light at the end of the tunnel despite the spate of killings and abductions,
“You know, I’m an incurable optimist about a number of things, but particularly about Nigeria. “Epon agbo wa n fi ni, koni ja (the situation may be threatening, we won’t be consumed). There will be light at the end of the tunnel).”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that Nigeria may be heading to worse situation than what it is going through now if the elites don’t speak out against the evil in the land.
“If we keep quiet, if we say nothing and hope that things will just normalize, we may be wrong. And we may find ourselves heading for something much worse than we are seeing today. “If the political elite does not speak up, if we don’t see anything wrong in what is going on, if we allow it to continue to slide, we will endanger ourselves and endanger the future of our country.” Professor Osinbajo, who spoke today with All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from the Southeast, particularly chieftains and members from Anambra State, insisted: “we cannot afford a war in this country…it is the political elite that will determine what will take place.”
The Vice President stressed that every conflict is a result of elite failure, “the elite failure to speak up and tell the truth to their communities. That is the cause of every one of these civil conflicts. “So, I would urge that we speak up. I would urge that we stand for something. Sometimes it’s dangerous to stand for something. But the greater danger of course, is to keep quiet.” Professor Osinbajo cautioned that “the thing about the kinds of conflicts in these parts of the world is that it is usually a war without end. Everyone who thinks that they have some money stored up somewhere is wrong, you will eventually run out. he recalled a personal experience in Somalia in the 90s when he went there to work with the United Nations, saying that he saw a Supreme Court Justice whom he had known before queuing up for food in the aftermath of civil conflicts in the country. “Everyone who thinks they can go and hide somewhere, you won’t even find a place. In the end, everyone will suffer. Parents, children, young people, old people, will suffer.” On the forthcoming primaries for the governorship election in Anambra State, the Vice President said that a fair process or fairness of justice will be fundamental in ensuring victory for the party at the polls. Professor Osinbajo said that to be fair and just is not the responsibility for spirits, but the responsibility for men and women of the party, especially the leadership. Party chieftains present at the meeting included former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; Minister of State for Mines & Steel Development, Uche Ogah, Minister of State for Labour & Productivity, other party leaders and members from the Southeast, and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, among others.
History was made on Sunday, April 25, 2021 when the first ever Ebira translated Glorious Qur’an was publicly presented in Okene, Kogi State, in the palatial palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, a first class King, Dr. Ado Ibrahim. In deed, Ebira language is the fourth in Nigeria in which the Holy Qur’an is translated. The first three languages are Hausa, Yoruba and Kanuri. And this is what makes the Ebira translated Qur’an unique and historic.
Yusuf Ozi Usman
It all began in 2003 by Yusuf Ozi Usman, a journalist and author, who had earlier in 1998, completed and launched the first published Ebira English Dictionary in Kano, Nigeria. (The review standard edition is ready and waiting for financier to publish). On relocating to Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital in 2001, he began to scribble down words, translating the Qur’an in Ebira language. After compiling the opening chapter of the Qur’an as well as the chapter of Baqara, approached Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh (of blessed memory) to chair the production committee, to which he gladly accepted. Alhaji Ademoh was a Director in the agricultural department of the Federal Capital Development Authority. He died on retirement in May 2017.
Late Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh From Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh, Yusuf Ozi Usman approached a dynamic Islamic scholar and Imam of a neighborhood Mosque, Ustaz Murtada Abd-Al-Rahman to join the Committee being formed. Ustaz Murtada was once secretary of Abuja Muslim Forum.
Ustaz Murtada Abd-Al-Rahman The chairman also suggested that we bring in a renowned and respected preacher and retired lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Sheikh Mousa Yousoufu Onogu, who incidentally is the spiritual guidance to the family of Alhaji Isa Ademoh. Sheikh Onogu is an accomplished public preacher in Ebira language.
Sheikh Mousa Yousoufu Onogu Before the coming of Sheikh Onogu into the Committee, the trio of Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh, Ustaz Murtada and Yusuf Ozi Usman had visited and got the blessings of Sayeedah Bilkisu, Chief Imam of Ebiraland, Sheikh Musa Galadima, Alhaji Badamasiyu and the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim. The trio also visited the son of late Sheikh Mahmoud Gumi of Kaduna, Ustaz Usman for the purpose of getting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia interested in publishing the final product.
Ustaz Musa Salihu Ogaminana And after accepting to serve in the committee, Sheikh Onogu drew attention to another Islamic scholar and preacher, Ustaz Musa Salihu Ogaminana who was already doing similar project and suggested that he should be convinced to join the Committee and collapse his work into the existing one by the new committee. At a later time when the formed committee had gone far in the compilation of the works and the need to get it properly edited, the name of Ustaz Ismail Nuhu Abarigi, a lecturer in Arabic at the University of Abuja came in. He subsequently joined the Committee.
Ustaz Ismail Nuhu Abarigi As a matter of fact, at a point, especially after the death of the chairman, the committee went comatose, except Sheikh Onogu that kept on struggling to see that the work on the translation was completed. In the process, a Director in the Nigeria Deposit and Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ahmed and in-law to late chairman, agreed to the call of Sheikh Onogu to step in as chairman, while the son of the late chairman, Kabiru Isa Ovurevu Ademoh was coopted to represent his father.
Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ahmed The new chairman became both a source of inspiration to move ahead with the project and as a financial supporter. He singlehandedly financed a three month retreat for the authors and editors to provide quiet atmosphere for proper attention to be given to the work. Sheikh Onogu and Ustaz Musa Ogaminana stayed in Abuja, from Okene in Kogi for three months, joined other authors and editors, to dot the i’s, cross the t’s and join the x’s. The committee sourced for funds, printed the first five chapters of the work and presented to the public in 2019. The presentation was witnessed by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan Mahmoud Bostaji. In fact, Ambassador Adnan Bostaji was so impressed that he promised, and had actually started the process of mass production of the Ebira translated Qur’an through his country, when it’s fully completed. The Ambassador died in the early 2020. With the push by Sheikh Onogu, the work on the project kept trotting on, even as the chairman supported with all the financial needs. The wife of the late chairman, Hajiya Maimunat Okibayi Isa Ademoh was always on hand to host and feed members of the committee.
Kabiru Muhammad Isa Ademoh Having completed the work, the need to publish it became very pressing without money enough to do so. Since it was obvious that the new Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria was not in a hurry to fast-track the production in line with his late predecessor, members decided to go aborrowing. The committee got quotation from some printers, and settled for not only the cheapest but who would do quality job. The chairman went round to his friends, colleagues in Banking industry to borrow over N2 Million. Hajiya Maimunat contributed substantial amount to augment the production cost. The final product, was ready for presentation just five days to the public presentation on April 25. Having been so close to the day of presentation, it became too late to correct some detected typographic errors and “printer’s devil” However, the need to return the glory to Almighty Allah Subhannahu Wata Allah became strong and inevitable. The wisdom, good health and foresight He graciously granted the committee members to face the challenges, complete the project and witness it’s final outing into the public domain are exceptional. May Allah grant Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh Aljanatu Firdausi.
A cross section of women Qur’anic students at the presentation.
The Republic of Chad is up in confusion with some people publicly protesting against the military takeover of the government following the sudden death of President Idriss Deby Itno last week.
Local media reported today, April 27 that two persons have been killed in the protest, as in most parts of the Chadian capital Ndjamena, the air was filled with teargas and smoke. The protesters burned tyres in several neighbourhoods and the military responded by lobbing teargas and firing the guns. The African Union had earlier expressed deep concern over the increasing spate of violence, insurrection, rebellion, heightened insecurity and political tensions throughout the Sahel region as well as the neighbouring countries, “all of which are consequences of the conflict in Libya, the increasing operational tempo of rebels, foreign terrorist fighters and mercenaries, as well as the proliferation of illicit weapons.” The president of the Transitional Military Council, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was billed to address the nation later, following the protests in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the United States to reconsider relocating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, nearer the Theatre of Operation to stem spillover of security challenges.
President Buhari, in a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said that AFRICOM, which partners with countries to counter transnational threats, should be relocated to Africa to strengthen ongoing efforts to check the security situation, with likely effect on other nations.
“The security challenges in Nigeria remain of great concern to us and impacted more negatively, by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.
“Compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces remain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing their root causes. The support of important and strategic partners like United States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all nations to overcome these challenges.
“In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation.”
The President said that Nigeria will enhance collaborations in all forms, with friends and strategic partners, to work together for greater security for all, which remain the most significant condition for overcoming the existential challenges.
Buhari congratulated Blinken on his appointment by President Joe Biden, and commended the United States for the decision to repeal the immigration restriction known as the “Muslim ban’’, re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
“Nigeria attaches great importance to its relations with the United States. Let me in this connection express appreciation to President Joe Biden for his welcome and reaching decision to repeal the Immigration restriction known as the ‘Muslim ban’ on travel and visas for citizens predominantly from Muslim Nations and African Countries, including Nigeria.
“I also wish to congratulate the United States for re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The leadership of the United States in these two organizations is crucial for international community.
“This action is a demonstration of the United States commitment in championing and supporting international organizations with the aim to build a better world for all,’’ he added.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria remains resolute in her commitment to supporting global efforts as enshrined in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which seeks to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the President, the convening of the Climate Change Summit last week by President Biden was a strong indication of the renewed interest of the United States to the Paris Agreement.
“I would like to extend our goodwill message to President Joe Biden and his Administration. May I also thank you for initiating this meeting, which I am confident, given your background and current position, you will use to promote the existing bilateral relations between our two countries,’’ the President said.
The Secretary of State said he was pleased to make Nigeria part of his “first virtual visit to Africa,” noting that Nigeria and the United States of America, share a lot in bilateral issues.
He added that he would be delighted to build on the foundation that was laid between the two countries over 60 years ago, disclosing that areas of discussion with Nigeria would include “how to build our economies back after the COVID-19 pandemic, security for vulnerable communities, and climate issues.”
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has imposed night curfew at all entry and exit points with neighboiring States of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo.
In a statewide broadcast today, April 27, Governor Wike said the curfew will take effect from Wednesday night.
According to him, it is necessitated by the recent security breaches and deadly attacks on security personnel by yet to be identified gunmen.
“The Government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the state from the land borders of the state.
“Consequently, a night curfew is hereby imposed and no person or vehicle is allowed into and out of Rivers State from 8.00 pm to 6.00 am from tomorrow (Wednesday) 28 April 2021 until further notice.
“We wish to advise that those who have any legitimate need or reason to come into or go out of the State must do so before 8.00 pm when the curfew shall come into force daily.”
The governor stated that security agencies have been posted to monitor and enforce strict compliance with the curfew at all borders and or entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo states.
He explained that on Saturday some innocent officers of the Customs, police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on their duty posts along the Port Harcourt – Owerri Expressway were ambushed and gruesomely murdered in cold blood by armed attackers.
And similarly, on Sunday, the state witnessed another deadly attack and killing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army right in their duty post at Abua town in the Abua Odual Local Government Area of the state.
The governor said although the security agencies were investigating these attacks with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice, nobody knew where and when the next attack would take place.
“Neither do we also know the motives of the deranged characters or group behind these senseless assault on our state and the lives of security operatives working to keep us safe and secure.
“However, what is obvious is that the attackers and their sponsors are people who came from outside Rivers State, and as a government, we are determined to do everything within our powers to prevent the re-occurrence of such senseless and murderous acts aimed at creating an atmosphere of gross insecurity and panic among the citizens.
“In view of what is going on therefore and its implications to the security of the state and citizens, and in discharge of our constitutional responsibility in that regard, the government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the state from the land borders of the state.”
The Ohinoyi of Ebira land in Kogi state, Dr. Ado Ibrahim has unveiled the source of his power, at the public presentation, in his Azad Palace, Okene in Kogi State, of the Holy Qur’an that has been translated into Ebira language. Speaking frankly before he personally presented a copy of the translated Qur’an today, April 25, the first class monarch, brought out an ancient Qur’an which he said was given to him by his father, late Atta of Ebira land, Ibrahim Onoruoyiza. Holding the Qur’an aloft before prominent personalities, including Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and government representatives, the Ohinoyi said: “this is the source of my power.” He dismissed as untrue, insinuations peddled that all those who contested the stool of Ohinoyiship with him had died, implying that he used supernatural power to kill them. Dr. Ado Ibrahim, who donated one million naira at the public presentation, said that his grandfather and grandmother bequeathed Islam and Qur’an to him to which he has remained committed come what may.
He promised that he too would hand over the same thing to whoever he chose before he dies. Dr. Ado Ibrahim advised his subjects to submit fully to the will of God and to acquire Islamic knowledge for them to be able to do so. This was even as the keynote speaker, Professor Adam Ahmed Okene of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and chairman of the occasion, Professor Ahmed Rufa’i Mohammed, formerly of Bayero University Kano (BUK), traced the coming of Islam to Ebira land to Atta Onoruoyiza and the great Iyebe. They considered it appropriate that the first translated Qur’an was being publicly presented in the palace of their son, Ohinoyi Ado Ibrahim. The Professors called on the people of the area to embrace Islam in its totality, instead of mixing it with culture and tradition.
Chairman of the Committee for the translation of the Qur’an into Ebira language, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Ahmed told the audience that work on the project began about 15 years ago by the authors and those who edited it. He acknowledged the pioneering roles played by the Committee’s first chairman, late Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh. He said that apart from the translated Qur’an in Ebira language, the committee is working on the development of a special applications for use in social media platform, amongst others. A traditional title holder, the Talba of Ebira and renowned business man, Alhaji Hamza Usman, also donated one million naira.
I, like many other Igbos have stood on the side lines for far too long, wishing this Biafran breeze fizzles away, but it’s now dangerously turning into a major storm that constitutes an existential threat to Igbo civilization as we know it. Those of you IPOBians, Sympathizers, Rumour Mongers, Facebook Warriors, Facebook megastars, Opinion Leaders and Propagandists escalating the already tense situation must understand that in the end, you’ll all be losers, victims and at the same time in more bondage than you ever were. Not my wish anyway, but the perceptible reality. No war ever got won by emotions. Preparation and strategy does, ask any battle-tested soldier. Even the best of them get eaten. Little by little you guys are doing everything possible to attract avoidable conflict to our region hoping that the international community will intervene. You’ll be in for a shocker when this meal you’ve cooked for so long is served up. Understand this, I have monitored many revolutionary conflicts around the world and know this for a fact, the international community foot-drags at less than a snail pace, if at all, before attempting any interventions in internal conflicts in a sovereign nation and that includes America and Israel you’re hoping on. War is a huge liability and no Country wants to meddle. The best they give these days are reliefs not military aids and that is after many must have died including those who started the fire. I watched it happen to Libyans, Yemenis, Syrians and till now they still don’t have peace. Besides, you’d be stupid to believe that those countries, if ever there is any, promising to support Nnamdi Kanu are really in for it. Some of them want to use him to initiate conflict and sell their weapons to both sides and make blood dollars. War is an all-comers affair and all kinds of demonically vicious players come to the slimy field to play the hellish game of blood and death. In this case, Boko Haram that has largely been caged by the army will break free to roam with ambitions to finally establish their Caliphate across Nigeria, all because the Army now fighting on two fronts can no longer concentrate on them having become too stretched. Guess what, they’ll come with ISIS on their back. Nigerian Army will be fighting to keep Nigeria together on one front, Boko Haram (ISIS Nigerian Branch) with Caliphatist ambition on the other and Biafra with secessionist ambition on yet another front.
That was how Syria got so complex till date and any war in Nigeria today will have a similar picture. Whoever gets overwhelmed will face the other. It will be a long and difficult journey and unlike the first civil war without Boko Haram in the equation, no one can predict the tortuous end. Other Jihadists from across Africa and Middle-East will join in as they always do wherever there’s instability to advance their different brands of Islam. In the end you’ll leave Nigeria and discover you’re fighting other strangers you don’t even know how they came into the picture.
The big boys (international players) like Iran will be there to get there pound of flesh from Nigeria in revenge for the Shiites, Saudi will be there to defend Nigeria, and all will play. Weapons merchants will the start smiling to the banks. Guess where the theatre of war would be, Igboland. We must not allow this! Libyans thought they were fighting Ghaddafi but after Ghaddafi, they discovered other strangers fighting them to establish their different brands of Islam. Same thing in Syria. The words of Saif Al Islam Ghaddafi (Ghaddafi’s first son) keeps ringing in my ears as he forewarned Libyans of these grim possibilities, but okuko nti ike nánu ife n’ite ofe. I never took him seriously at the time but in retrospect, I now see he knew better because it panned out just as he predicted and Libya still isn’t out of the woods.
That’s the way it is these days of jihad consciousness across the world. If you ever experience war, you’ll never take peace for granted. War is not a movie as some of you think. You could be the first victim. Can you stomach watching your loved ones maimed, killed, raped, tortured, starve to death under slow and painful circumstances? Those are the grim realities of war and in Africa, it is executed with luciferous savagery and psychopathic sadism. The worst of peace is still better than the best of wars. Funny enough, most of our chest-beating IPOBians will likely die off within the first month or two of the conflict leaving those who knew nothing or are on the sidelines to defend themselves. There will be nowhere to run to as no country in West Africa will agree to accept the ocean-sized volume of refugees. When the Rwandan genocide was looming, everyone was running his mouth until the death hurricane they courted so hard swept across their country, they wailed and shouted for international community to intervene but none came. That’s the way it is. Paul Kagame, their current President it was who ended it. And they vowed to “never again”. They learnt from history and have completely removed tribalism from every facet of national life and are admirably making astounding progress as one of Africa’s best.
My advice, agreed, Buhari hasn’t treated us as well as we wanted, but wait till 2023 and make amends. I have listened to Nnamdi Kanu on several videos and my conclusion is that he is plain naive on how things roll in a conflict situation. On one occasion he bragged that it would take him only two weeks to reach Sokoto in the event of war. I don’t know what weapons and extra-terrestrial strategies he has to execute that. War is an unpredictable undertaking that you’ll be ignorant to estimate which direction it goes. As it is, he has no weapons just yet and is bragging. Many of you believe him and even ascribe infallibility to his words. I have lived a couple of years abroad and what some of you don’t know is that many of our people there egging you on don’t have immigration papers and are praying for an outbreak of hostilities in Nigeria so they can claim asylum on the back of it.
We must advise ourselves on this current path of self-annihilation. Some of you think Biafra will be the end of all your problems, so South Sudan thought, as did Eritrea, but sorry it will be the beginning of new ones. Now take this to the Bank, it will even be far more difficult for any country to touch any conflict here with a long spoon than it was in the sixties. Reason? Then there was the prospect of oil but today oil is out of fashion and even as it is, Nigeria is begging for buyers and nobody’s buying. Osinbajo said that much a few days back. Now, tell me, if they spend their money intervening in your conflict to save your asses, what will they get in return? The best they can do for you is to condemn what is going on, then more out-pouring of condemnations and then more unleashing of floodgates of condemnations, but NO ACTION while you die in numbers. You often argue that a call for referendum is not a call for war. I agree completely! Very true! Referendum is a right not a privilege. Even Buhari asserted that much in favour of Palestine when he addressed the UN. However, it is plain naivety to assume that all that is enshrined in international law is enforceable. UN has no mechanism of enforcement. Countries and Dictators constantly flout it and nothing happens. Even if something were to happen you’ll all have decomposed in your graves by then. A show of bravado will not lead you anywhere Umunnem. Call me a coward if you like, but Chinua Achebe told us that we often stand in the house of a coward to point at where a brave man ONCE lived. In any case, isn’t it foolishness to challenge an army that has been stockpiling arms since 1960 when you on the other hand haven’t bought a bullet just yet?
Papa Achebe puts it this way, “Only a foolish man can go after a leopard with his bare hands”. As impulsive and as tempting as it may get, tone down your rhetorics, invectives, acerbics, and cursing on social media. Cherish the peace you now have at least Igbos are not worse-off than other regions despite never being in power. While there is grinding poverty in other regions, the highest income per capita in the country is posted by Anambra and other Igbo states ain’t doing badly. Our people live well, build better houses compared to other regions and it’s all a miracle given the scratch we started from after the war. Why do we want to throw all that away because of ego and start all over again? Is it a curse? The Hausas though having been in power do not even live a better quality of life than Igbos. Let’s be wise and not give opportunity to destroy all we’ve achieved as a people.
I condemn in the strongest of terms the killing of unarmed people by Nigerian soldiers, killer herdsmen, and do not by any means say Nigeria is what we want it to be but understand Biafra wasn’t Ojukwu’s first choice. At Aburi his choice was a return to true federalism which he knew was a better deal for us than secession. Nigeria failed to honour that agreement and continued the killings forcing him to declare a Biafran Republic to save his people from slaughter and it’s understandable. Nigeria owes us tons of apologies, I agree. But brothers, let’s think again! A Biafra today will even be far less economically viable than it would have been then. Reason is because then we would have used oil money to jump-start the new country but today oil is so unsellable to the extent that Venezuela with arguably the largest reserves is grappling with severe economic problems. Kick-starting a new country from the basics would be painfully slow and may outlive our generation to even get the basic things in place. Arewa youths know that, the reason they have asked Nigerian Government to let Igbos go, only for Nnamdi Kanu to start asking for Benue and Rivers because he knows that Igboland alone isn’t viable.
Asking for Benue is laughable because they were never part of Biafra and have made it clear to all, as did different Rivers groups that they don’t want Biafra. A handful of his collaborators from those regions pledging allegiance to him does not equate to an entire people. Majority of their people hate this Biafran idea and have made that much clear. Some funny IPOBians are also hoping on Asari Dokubo and FFK. What a funny bunch being used to fight other people’s fight. Why won’t they take up the gauntlet or is it only us that is suffering injustice? Don’t even think corruption will suddenly disappear in a new Biafra as some naive IPOBians hope. If they give you Biafra today, your eyes will open up to new unpleasant realities many of you haven’t even factored-in in your agitation but then it would have been late.
I know voices like mine are often loathed and cursed by IPOBians but some of us who know the truth can no longer keep quiet while you drag us all into avoidable chaos. I owe our people the truth as I see it. Curse me all you want, it’s OK. Umunnem, ka ako’n’uche na udo chianu biko! Patience solves all things, with time. Let our people think again and know what is looming. Stop your facebook and social media vituperations, cursing, grand standing and join me to educate others. De-escalate this situation and speak words of kindness to others. Even mighty America de-escalates after tensions with Russia. It’s called wisdom. North Korea provokes South Korea most times but the South always de-escalates tensions knowing that the North hasn’t got anything to lose in the event of war but beautiful South Korea will lose quite a lot. In our case, all the beautiful houses and streets in Igboland will be razed to the ground. Why should we be starting afresh all the time? It will even be more painful if we lose again as was the case in 1970. As it is, it’s not looking good! One more thing. We can join other ethnic groups to demand restructuring. Let us not face our common enemy alone. Britain is our enemy using minority Fulani to enslave Nigerians. We can together liberate Nigeria from Fulani if only we can unite. Let’s stop all these provocative language and join forces with the West and the Middle belt. See all over where Igbos are killed on daily bases. The worst is our behaviour in other people’s land.
A Separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and all those who have a hand in the death of its Southeast commander, simply called Ikonso, will pay dearly for what it called “this weakedness”
“Hope Uzodinma and all those who had a hand in this wickedness will pay dearly. Hope Uzodinma and his cowardly Nigerian security agencies cannot confront Fulani terrorists but only flex their muscles when they see Biafra agitators.”
In a statement by its spokesman Emma Powerful, reacting to the killing of a top commander of its Eastern Security Network (ESN), by security forces today, April 24, IPOB accused Governor Uzodinma of masterminding the killing, because according to it, Ikonso refused to abandon ESN and join Ebube Agu as the governor had requested. Ebube Agu is a regional security outfit launched by Southeast governors.
The pro-Biafra movement said that Uzodima had stirred the hornet nest and told him to get ready for “a sting”.
“IPOB ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, strongly condemn the unprovoked attack on some members of IPOB and ESN operatives at Oguta junction at Mgbidi, along Owerri road Onitsha expressway by a joint security force comprising the army, police and DSS operatives, with the support of Imo State Government,” the statement said.
“The killing of the heroic innocent Biafrans protecting our communities and towns from Fulani terrorist herdsmen masquerading as cattle herders in cold blood is very painful.
“For murdering Ikonso, the ESN unit COMMANDER in a cold blood, Uzodima has stirred the hornet nest! He should get ready for a sting.
“Uzodima allegedly decided to kill Ikonso because he refused his offer to head Ebubeagu ghost security outfit formed by South-East governors.
” Uzodima has tried but without success to lure ESN operatives into EBUBEAGU. He had made irresistible offers to them which were turned down, hence his resorting to the elimination of these patriotic heroes who vowed never to betray Biafra.
“Hope Uzodinma sent a lot of emissaries to beg Ikonso and other ESN officers to join EBUBEAGU security outfit. So, because of their refusal to betray Biafra agitation and our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the governor mobilized joint security forces to attack them today.
“Contrary to claims by the cowardly security forces who flee from terrorists but kill innocent citizens, they were not able to penetrate into the camp of ESN. They only ambushed Ikonso but we promise them hell for this cowardly act!
“Hope Uzodima has murdered sleep, so he should be ready to stay awake! FULANI terrorists pretending as cattle sellers in Enugu destroyed Police van and attacked Government officials on lawful duty with AK-47 but no Army, police or DSS attacked them till now.
“But ESN operatives defending our communities against the terrorists are being hunted like games every day. The world has kept quiet over this atrocity until we begin our own madness.
“May Chukwu Okike Abiama accept the souls of our gallant men. Biafra shall always remember them and other fallen heroes for their heroism!”
Ikonso, alongside six others, was killed by security a combined team of police and soldiers today, following an attack on the country home of Governor Hope Uzodinma.
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Late Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh
Ustaz Murtada Abd-Al-Rahman
Sheikh Mousa Yousoufu Onogu
Ustaz Musa Salihu Ogaminana
Ustaz Ismail Nuhu Abarigi
Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ahmed
Kabiru Muhammad Isa Ademoh
Before IPOB Leads Igbos Into The Gutter, By Nnoruka Udechukwu SAN
I, like many other Igbos have stood on the side lines for far too long, wishing this Biafran breeze fizzles away, but it’s now dangerously turning into a major storm that constitutes an existential threat to Igbo civilization as we know it. Those of you IPOBians, Sympathizers, Rumour Mongers, Facebook Warriors, Facebook megastars, Opinion Leaders and Propagandists escalating the already tense situation must understand that in the end, you’ll all be losers, victims and at the same time in more bondage than you ever were. Not my wish anyway, but the perceptible reality. No war ever got won by emotions. Preparation and strategy does, ask any battle-tested soldier. Even the best of them get eaten. Little by little you guys are doing everything possible to attract avoidable conflict to our region hoping that the international community will intervene. You’ll be in for a shocker when this meal you’ve cooked for so long is served up.
Understand this, I have monitored many revolutionary conflicts around the world and know this for a fact, the international community foot-drags at less than a snail pace, if at all, before attempting any interventions in internal conflicts in a sovereign nation and that includes America and Israel you’re hoping on. War is a huge liability and no Country wants to meddle. The best they give these days are reliefs not military aids and that is after many must have died including those who started the fire. I watched it happen to Libyans, Yemenis, Syrians and till now they still don’t have peace. Besides, you’d be stupid to believe that those countries, if ever there is any, promising to support Nnamdi Kanu are really in for it. Some of them want to use him to initiate conflict and sell their weapons to both sides and make blood dollars. War is an all-comers affair and all kinds of demonically vicious players come to the slimy field to play the hellish game of blood and death. In this case, Boko Haram that has largely been caged by the army will break free to roam with ambitions to finally establish their Caliphate across Nigeria, all because the Army now fighting on two fronts can no longer concentrate on them having become too stretched. Guess what, they’ll come with ISIS on their back. Nigerian Army will be fighting to keep Nigeria together on one front, Boko Haram (ISIS Nigerian Branch) with Caliphatist ambition on the other and Biafra with secessionist ambition on yet another front.
That was how Syria got so complex till date and any war in Nigeria today will have a similar picture. Whoever gets overwhelmed will face the other. It will be a long and difficult journey and unlike the first civil war without Boko Haram in the equation, no one can predict the tortuous end. Other Jihadists from across Africa and Middle-East will join in as they always do wherever there’s instability to advance their different brands of Islam. In the end you’ll leave Nigeria and discover you’re fighting other strangers you don’t even know how they came into the picture.
The big boys (international players) like Iran will be there to get there pound of flesh from Nigeria in revenge for the Shiites, Saudi will be there to defend Nigeria, and all will play. Weapons merchants will the start smiling to the banks. Guess where the theatre of war would be, Igboland. We must not allow this! Libyans thought they were fighting Ghaddafi but after Ghaddafi, they discovered other strangers fighting them to establish their different brands of Islam. Same thing in Syria. The words of Saif Al Islam Ghaddafi (Ghaddafi’s first son) keeps ringing in my ears as he forewarned Libyans of these grim possibilities, but okuko nti ike nánu ife n’ite ofe. I never took him seriously at the time but in retrospect, I now see he knew better because it panned out just as he predicted and Libya still isn’t out of the woods.
That’s the way it is these days of jihad consciousness across the world. If you ever experience war, you’ll never take peace for granted. War is not a movie as some of you think. You could be the first victim. Can you stomach watching your loved ones maimed, killed, raped, tortured, starve to death under slow and painful circumstances? Those are the grim realities of war and in Africa, it is executed with luciferous savagery and psychopathic sadism. The worst of peace is still better than the best of wars.
Funny enough, most of our chest-beating IPOBians will likely die off within the first month or two of the conflict leaving those who knew nothing or are on the sidelines to defend themselves. There will be nowhere to run to as no country in West Africa will agree to accept the ocean-sized volume of refugees. When the Rwandan genocide was looming, everyone was running his mouth until the death hurricane they courted so hard swept across their country, they wailed and shouted for international community to intervene but none came. That’s the way it is. Paul Kagame, their current President it was who ended it. And they vowed to “never again”. They learnt from history and have completely removed tribalism from every facet of national life and are admirably making astounding progress as one of Africa’s best.
My advice, agreed, Buhari hasn’t treated us as well as we wanted, but wait till 2023 and make amends. I have listened to Nnamdi Kanu on several videos and my conclusion is that he is plain naive on how things roll in a conflict situation. On one occasion he bragged that it would take him only two weeks to reach Sokoto in the event of war. I don’t know what weapons and extra-terrestrial strategies he has to execute that. War is an unpredictable undertaking that you’ll be ignorant to estimate which direction it goes. As it is, he has no weapons just yet and is bragging. Many of you believe him and even ascribe infallibility to his words. I have lived a couple of years abroad and what some of you don’t know is that many of our people there egging you on don’t have immigration papers and are praying for an outbreak of hostilities in Nigeria so they can claim asylum on the back of it.
We must advise ourselves on this current path of self-annihilation. Some of you think Biafra will be the end of all your problems, so South Sudan thought, as did Eritrea, but sorry it will be the beginning of new ones. Now take this to the Bank, it will even be far more difficult for any country to touch any conflict here with a long spoon than it was in the sixties. Reason? Then there was the prospect of oil but today oil is out of fashion and even as it is, Nigeria is begging for buyers and nobody’s buying. Osinbajo said that much a few days back. Now, tell me, if they spend their money intervening in your conflict to save your asses, what will they get in return? The best they can do for you is to condemn what is going on, then more out-pouring of condemnations and then more unleashing of floodgates of condemnations, but NO ACTION while you die in numbers.
You often argue that a call for referendum is not a call for war. I agree completely! Very true! Referendum is a right not a privilege. Even Buhari asserted that much in favour of Palestine when he addressed the UN. However, it is plain naivety to assume that all that is enshrined in international law is enforceable. UN has no mechanism of enforcement. Countries and Dictators constantly flout it and nothing happens. Even if something were to happen you’ll all have decomposed in your graves by then. A show of bravado will not lead you anywhere Umunnem. Call me a coward if you like, but Chinua Achebe told us that we often stand in the house of a coward to point at where a brave man ONCE lived. In any case, isn’t it foolishness to challenge an army that has been stockpiling arms since 1960 when you on the other hand haven’t bought a bullet just yet?
Papa Achebe puts it this way, “Only a foolish man can go after a leopard with his bare hands”. As impulsive and as tempting as it may get, tone down your rhetorics, invectives, acerbics, and cursing on social media. Cherish the peace you now have at least Igbos are not worse-off than other regions despite never being in power. While there is grinding poverty in other regions, the highest income per capita in the country is posted by Anambra and other Igbo states ain’t doing badly. Our people live well, build better houses compared to other regions and it’s all a miracle given the scratch we started from after the war. Why do we want to throw all that away because of ego and start all over again? Is it a curse? The Hausas though having been in power do not even live a better quality of life than Igbos. Let’s be wise and not give opportunity to destroy all we’ve achieved as a people.
I condemn in the strongest of terms the killing of unarmed people by Nigerian soldiers, killer herdsmen, and do not by any means say Nigeria is what we want it to be but understand Biafra wasn’t Ojukwu’s first choice. At Aburi his choice was a return to true federalism which he knew was a better deal for us than secession. Nigeria failed to honour that agreement and continued the killings forcing him to declare a Biafran Republic to save his people from slaughter and it’s understandable. Nigeria owes us tons of apologies, I agree. But brothers, let’s think again! A Biafra today will even be far less economically viable than it would have been then. Reason is because then we would have used oil money to jump-start the new country but today oil is so unsellable to the extent that Venezuela with arguably the largest reserves is grappling with severe economic problems. Kick-starting a new country from the basics would be painfully slow and may outlive our generation to even get the basic things in place. Arewa youths know that, the reason they have asked Nigerian Government to let Igbos go, only for Nnamdi Kanu to start asking for Benue and Rivers because he knows that Igboland alone isn’t viable.
Asking for Benue is laughable because they were never part of Biafra and have made it clear to all, as did different Rivers groups that they don’t want Biafra. A handful of his collaborators from those regions pledging allegiance to him does not equate to an entire people. Majority of their people hate this Biafran idea and have made that much clear. Some funny IPOBians are also hoping on Asari Dokubo and FFK. What a funny bunch being used to fight other people’s fight. Why won’t they take up the gauntlet or is it only us that is suffering injustice? Don’t even think corruption will suddenly disappear in a new Biafra as some naive IPOBians hope. If they give you Biafra today, your eyes will open up to new unpleasant realities many of you haven’t even factored-in in your agitation but then it would have been late.
I know voices like mine are often loathed and cursed by IPOBians but some of us who know the truth can no longer keep quiet while you drag us all into avoidable chaos. I owe our people the truth as I see it. Curse me all you want, it’s OK. Umunnem, ka ako’n’uche na udo chianu biko! Patience solves all things, with time. Let our people think again and know what is looming. Stop your facebook and social media vituperations, cursing, grand standing and join me to educate others. De-escalate this situation and speak words of kindness to others. Even mighty America de-escalates after tensions with Russia. It’s called wisdom. North Korea provokes South Korea most times but the South always de-escalates tensions knowing that the North hasn’t got anything to lose in the event of war but beautiful South Korea will lose quite a lot. In our case, all the beautiful houses and streets in Igboland will be razed to the ground. Why should we be starting afresh all the time? It will even be more painful if we lose again as was the case in 1970. As it is, it’s not looking good! One more thing. We can join other ethnic groups to demand restructuring. Let us not face our common enemy alone. Britain is our enemy using minority Fulani to enslave Nigerians. We can together liberate Nigeria from Fulani if only we can unite. Let’s stop all these provocative language and join forces with the West and the Middle belt. See all over where Igbos are killed on daily bases. The worst is our behaviour in other people’s land.