Ojukwu personally fought to stop Nigerian soldiers from taking over Uli Airport – Emma Okocha
By GILBERT EKEZIE
Saturday December 24, 2011

Those who have read the book, Blood on the Niger, will certain remember Mr. Emma Okocha, renowned historian and scholar on conflict. He’s also a researcher, who covered events in Burundi, Congo, Somalia, Western Sudan and Dafur.
In this interview, Okocha spoke about Biafra, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the new Igbo leadership and other issues.

How do you see the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu?
We are very sad over his passage, but we have to take the history back to its perspective. Ojukwu was the Napoleon of our time and may be the last of the origin. He was a great military artist.

What do you mean by referring to Ojukwu as a military artist?
You know there are different people who just come to win the war because they are Generals. They want to accomplish their mission in the field. There are those who fight because they are professionals, who are trained to fight and they use a lot of technology and artistry. There are others, like Achuzia, Benjamin Adekunle, etc., who cannot do without war. If there is peace, they will be irrelevant. They like to fight if there will be acrimony. Achuzia was known during the war to carry boys to fight against armoured cars and sometimes he came back with 90 per cent casualties. Colonel Timothy Onwuatuegwu would go with four boys, accomplish his mission and return. But Colonel Ojukwu was ahead of the whole pack. Unknown to many, he was his own commander’s dream. I will refer you to a philosopher, Spinoza, who did not believe in praying too much, like Nigerians do these days. For instance, Egyptians do their prayers and at the same time, get their jobs done.

Ojukwu, facing overwhelming Nigerian military machine, had no option to stop at the security. But he went further to declare a war because he believed in his will to succeed, like Napoleon, who was challenged by Russian unreceptive topography. He stood his ground and got enmeshed in the cold debris of Siberia. Napoleon was the man who went further than Spinoza, and prostrated, saying: “Nothing is impossible.” So, when you look at the military figures and antecedents, you know that Ojukwu needed a proper military perspective. He believed in the supremacy of his will.

What is your take on Biafran-Nigeria war?
Biafrans sustained the 30-month war by Ojukwu’s sheer will. There was a diplomatic advantage. There was also a human resources disadvantage. Ojukwu carried famished people, a Biafra that was depopulated, no food, no military arsenal and a Biafra that was an enclave. Eventually, major towns, like Nsukka and Enugu fell, with the exception of Nnewi, his own town. Ojukwu continued to fight war that was totally unmeasured and had no standards in the African conflict studies. So, we have been able to posit that Ojukwu’s greatness lay in his overwhelming will and I go forward to say that even though he was defeated in that war, in the history chronicle, you will see that at the end of the war, Biafra was not defeated.

When Ojukwu returned from exile he became the issue. He was the brain behind the Biafran Research and Production (RAP). The Igbo that used to be loyal to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe turned to Ojukwu. If the Biafra was defeated, like Japan was, this won’t be so.

What sad experience would you say Biafrans had during the war?
Biafrans lost the provision to reintegrate their army into the Nigerian Army. They lost, abysmally, their economy, currency and their savings were reduced to mere N20. They were enmeshed in the argument of abandoned property. There were clauses of abject surrender, having engaged in a war that they lost almost everything. Ojukwu lost faith and face in diplomacy.

What unique strides would you say Ojukwu made?
When he came back from Cote d’Ivoire, it was a different issue on the table. He became leader of the Igbo that believed in Biafra (Uwazuruike group); the Igbo that believed in Nigeria and those that are Igbo just because they have the characteristics of Igbo, like some of us that came from the West Niger area, who are not in the Biafran map, but are the minorities of the former Eastern Nigeria, congregate whenever Ojukwu was the issue. He was the leader of all the groups. So, putting his life and time in perspective, we went back to my book, Jews of Africa, because we found out that he has no serious memoirs on hand; yet he was able to write his own history. Like Spinoza said, “a man becomes the consummate cause of his life when he is able to write his own history through sheer will power.”

Ojukwu did that in his landmark leadership of the Biafran entity. Throughout the 30-month war, from 1967 to 1970, he was able to claim a revolution for himself. He did that by behaving like Napoleon. He inspired his people and brought the armament to play. With stick and machete, he could face the Nigerian arsenal of modern equipment. So, from all the tributes paid to him, we are establishing that for the first time, the Biafran command recaptured Enugu using Biafran boys, soldiers who later metamorphosed to ‘Boys Company,’ which today operates all over the world. Doctors Without Borders” also started with Biafra under Ojukwu. There would not have been ‘Doctors Without Borders” without Biafra. The doctors decided to come together to give medical aids to the Biafrans and that was how the whole thing started. Ojukwu’s great strides are not only in the military operations, but also in science. I am saying that the Biafrans, through Ojukwu, reorganised agriculture, what Nigeria is now lacking. They were good in technology in the way of refining crude oil and transportation. Vehicles that were out of the road were also refurbished. In fact, Ojukwu moved into the field.

From the portal of commander-in-chief, he went to fight physically in Oguta when Uli Airport was threatened in 1967 and through his inspiration and performance in the field, he became the commander’s dream and federal troops, marine, sea and land attackers on Oguta were reposed. The Nigerian Army Chronicle written by General Momoh, ‘How Ojukwu defended Oguta,’ has the detail. When we talk about Biafra and Ojukwu’s command, these are what we call the Biafran ingenuity.

Is it true that Ojukwu did not enter into alliance with other countries and that was why Biafrans were defeated?
In history, we are being disturbed that Ojukwu did not enter into alliances, just like Nigeria did under Gowon, Awolowo and Enahoro during the war. They critically went into alliance with the Western powers, like Russia to subdue Biafrans. But the new reclassification of Nigeria-Biafran war memoirs have shown that Ojukwu really went into alliance with some European countries and that was why he was able to get some arms from Czechoslovakia. If not for the death of Duke of Czech in 1968, probably, more arms would have come in. The greatest and most productive alliance that Ojukwu did during the war was with Greece. According to memoir of Ojukwu’s roving Ambassador, Okechukwu Ikejiani, former chairman of Nigerian Railways, they went to Greece and had an agreement and Greek government trained special marine commandoes of Biafra and they were expected to return after the training through the Atlantic and Topedo NNS Nigeria. The trained Marine Commandoes arrived the NNS Nigeria on January 17, 1970, two days after the surrender of Biafra.

Could you comment on Ojukwu dynasty?
There is no way you can talk about Odumegwu Ojukwu without mentioning his father, Louis Ojukwu, who was the wealthiest black man by 1966. He had an argument with his son Odumegwu at the Government House, Enugu because he wanted him to delay the declaration of secession. He said: “The Igbo have never been defeated anywhere, anytime in memory. I am too proud. I do not want the Igbo to fight with sticks, machetes. I will buy them enough arms, give me time to settle with the marketing board.” Louis Ojukwu was the chairman of Nigeria Marketing Board; chairman of the Nigeria Shipping Supply Company; chairman, Coal Corporation and others. He had a Midas touch and his only partner then in the business world was John Holt Nigeria Limited. Due his fame, he visited Britain without papers. He had no time for visa or passport and on arriving Liverpool from Lagos, he was joined by John Holt and on being accosted by the officers at the Port, John Holt went down and approached them saying: “If I were you, I will leave the gentleman alone.” He was the only black man that swam in the ocean liner. He was ushered in from the boat to the business meetings after which, he returned immediately. Louis Ojukwu was the one who sponsored Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Nigeria before independence. In fact, he had enough money. He told Ojukwu that he would buy over liabilities of the refugees from the North. He also promised to provide his son, Odumegwu, with enough arms.

What is your reaction on secession of Biafra?
Men with will, like Napoleon, Khan and Ojukwu are not supposed to be given the benefit of making mistakes. It is risky arrangement to do that because it will lead to catastrophe. Ojukwu declared secession without his father’s blessing and that led to his father’s early death.

Do you think that Ojukwu fought a just cause?
Yes and that was why all Igbo followed him. Our research proved that. When the Yoruba were tempted to do same on the annulment of June 12, election, they did not and till now, I do not know why. But I believe that they did not want to take the risk because there was no Ojukwu among them. You cannot evaluate a human except you go to his philosophical cord. The Yoruba did not go to war because of the great injustice done to Abiola. They were expected to fight. If it were the Igbo, they would have gone to war.

As a historian, what do you think that contributed to the loss of Biafra in the war?
Ojukwu appointing Banjo to lead his liberation was a mistake. Just as a man of will, it was an exercise that would change the face of the war, if it becomes calamity. The people of Midwest expected him to appoint them commanders of the Biafran army, but he did not and rather appointed Victor Banjo. Also, when OAU started, Biafra was to be given confederation but Ojukwu refused. That was really a mistake to his followers and a catastrophe to us historians.

What would you say about Igbo without Ojukwu?
The Igbo had really lost a great leader that will be difficult to be replaced. However, something is still going to be done. When Dr Nnamdi Azikwe died, you could talk about Ojukwu, Okadigbo and Okigbo, who were great leaders in their own stuff. Ojukwu represented those who believe in Biafra, those Nigerians who are Igbo and those who are just Igbo, while Zik represented only Igbo who were Nigerians, and those Nigerians who were Africans. Zik was a pan-Africanist and an Igbo man who was a Nigerian, probably, the best. He made major contributions to the Igbo ascendancy. He built the Onitsha market. He built the best citadel in Igbo land: University of Nigeria Nsukka. He left and Ojukwu became the overall leader of the Igbo and now that Ojukwu has left, there are people that could take his position.

Could you suggest who should step into Ojukwu’s shoes?
Leadership is not by appointment. It is all about who follows who. It is all about followership. You cannot claim to be a leader when you don’t have followers. In Igboland today, nobody is following anybody, except Ralph Uwazuruike. He is the only one that can come out and others will follow him; we cannot be blind to that. So, he is a leader. Besides, I see problems because he maintains that flanks of followership that believe in Biafra, while other countless Igbo, who don’t believe in Biafra do not succumb to Uwazuruike’s philosophy. Ojukwu succeeded because he was able to hold all sections of Igbo. He really dealt with Nigerians and had knowledge of Nigerians in his movements from independence till now.

His exposure in Kings College, Lagos, ability to understand Nigeria and Nigerians helped him a lot. The only Igbo leader that has such characteristics is Justice Chukwuemeka Oputa, but he is not active anymore due to age. I see Dr. Walter Ofonagoro also not vibrant any more. I also see Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu.
So, what we are going to do is not to cry that Ojukwu’s shoes are too big to wear. The Igbo at this point in time of our history need a caucus of leadership that will be spearheaded by a younger person. Uwazuruike should be given the lead. He should be given the throne because it is Ojukwu’s will that Uwazuruike should take over from him. But, he has to be surrounded by the Igbo Nigerians, like Ndubuisi Kanu, Chinua Achebe and Arthur Nwankwo; so as to have a stronger leadership.

What kind of burial is the world expecting for Ojukwu?
Ojukwu’s burial would be that of a mankind because he was a symbol of Biafra. Ojukwu gave the Igbo a sense of belonging. So, nobody should be stopped from participating in his burial. The most important thing is that Nnewi, by tradition, supersedes everyone else. They will come with something different. Nnewi was the only town that was not touched during the war and every Nigerian commander wanted to enter Nnewi, but could not. So, Nnewi will bury. Ojukwu. Igbo and MASSOB will also bury him and nobody should try to stop them from burying their leader the way they want it. Finally, his political associates and international community will also participate in his burial.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/politics/2011/dec/24/politics-24-12-2011-002.html

But the new reclassification of Nigeria-Biafran war memoirs have shown that Ojukwu really went into alliance with some European countries and that was why he was able to get some arms from Czechoslovakia. If not for the death of Duke of Czech in 1968, probably, more arms would have come in. The greatest and most productive alliance that Ojukwu did during the war was with Greece. According to memoir of Ojukwu’s roving Ambassador, Okechukwu Ikejiani, former chairman of Nigerian Railways, they went to Greece and had an agreement and Greek government trained special marine commandoes of Biafra and they were expected to return after the training through the Atlantic and Topedo NNS Nigeria. The trained Marine Commandoes arrived the NNS Nigeria on January 17, 1970, two days after the surrender of Biafra.

interesting

Ojukwu was really a giant colossus.

nigeria was lucky at the time, if not the food blockade by awolowo the devil,by now Nigeria will be a history

ojukwu is just a selfish egocentric igbo man that send his people to war with stone against sword
yoruba people don't fight with might but with sense, tactics and diplomacy
yoruba cant go suicide like igbo because abiola has been warned that there is possibility of capital sacrifice and he said he doesn't mind
abiola died as a great nigerian while ojukwu died as an igbo militant

abiola died like a criminal,immediately he arrived back to Nigeria abacha use common police sergeant to arrest the marger threw him inside black maria,slam him up,is nothing,carry obasanjo same thing, his boys slapping oladipko diya like puzzy,what are you talking about yoruba fight war with diplomacy?are you ok?if abacha lasted 1 more year by now yorubas will be history in the union,you lot don't have pride 4 yourself, always trying to turn weakness to bravery, superior race don't think like a corward,check the world history.

Accept it or not Hausa/Fulani don't have regard for Yoruba's,if you think they do, then you might as well sell your soul to devil,

Personally, this character, EMMA OKOCHA (the author of this piece) is one of the most duplicitous  and deceptive characters that ever comments on Igbo affairs. He's the type that never tires in stoking the embers of hatred to create a flame. I have read various pieces of his (including this one) and he never relents in gross exaggerations and outright falsities i.e: "(Louis) Ojukwu's father was[b] the richest black man[/b] by 1966".

What kind of statement is this from a man that is supposed to be educated : "Yes and that was why all Igbo followed him. Our research proved that. When the Yoruba were tempted to do same on the annulment of June 12, election, they did not and till now, I do not know why. But I believe that they did not want to take the risk because there was no Ojukwu among them. You cannot evaluate a human except you go to his philosophical cord. The Yoruba did not go to war because of the great injustice done to Abiola. They were expected to fight. If it were the Igbo, they would have gone to war". ?!?!

For anyone to take this man seriously, you either have a mental deficiency or you're slightly uneducated.

p.s: read his piece on the Jan;1966 coup to find out what a revisionist he is.

He always sounds like he's yelling in all his interviews.

yawn and the unending chest beating continues

says a lot about their planning that their 'greek trained commandoes' came in after the official surrender

Our HEROES!!!!!!!!!! We will surely immortalize your names and set up a monument for you when we finally accomplish BIAFRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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@@@@

and the writer is damn right? any doubt

only the monkeys and the baboons in the zoo called Nigeria will argue against

the most dubious and corrupt press affiliates in the whole of africa which is the yoruba press has been banging on how the igbos are not united?

They elected President jon in the first place and this year they once again demonstrated they are the most united black people in the world just after the white men; u have it here so they u go

under radio biafra london we are uniting our people all over this world even the ones in outer space will eventual bow to the call; u can always tune in to www.radiobiafra.co at 7am and 7pm for live broadcast if u have any doubt

The only serious black people that believe in science, God yaheshua Chukwuabiahma ands death are the Biafrans

This is the reason we should break away from that zoo the earlier the better so we could cement our philosophy to our unborn kids

Therefore if life is real then we will surely one day die; then Biafra must be restored to save the black race

We are jubilating and celebrating life....a landmark political victory in Nigeria and these monkees are talking about a deadman and a dead cause.

mod throw this thrash in Nigerian sewer!