MY RESEARCH WORK ON BIAFRA!!!
BETWEEN OJUKWU AND NNAMDI KANU

On May 30, 1967, following a chain of events in Nigeria, and following weeks of serious consultations between Ojukwu who was the Military Governor of the then Eastern Region and a cross section of the people, Ojukwu made that historic announcement which proclaimed the sovereign state of Biafra.
The day he made that proclamation, the hall at Enugu was filled to capacity. The finest brains from this part of the country were there. Leaders of thought, Traditional Rulers, soldiers, members of the academia, etc.
In his opening speech that day, Ojukwu said...
"YOU, THE PEOPLE OF EASTERN NIGERIA...
After outlining several powerful preambles, he said...
HAVING MANDATED ME TO PROCLAIM ON YOUR BEHALF AND IN YOUR NAME THE EASTERN NIGERIA TO BE A SOVEREIGN STATE,
NOW THEREFORE, I LT. COL CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU, MILITARY GOVERNOR OF EASTERN NIGERIA, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY AND ABOVE RECITALS DO HEREBY SOLEMNLY PROCLAIM....
Ojukwu was a wise man. He studied history at Oxford. He understood the psychology of the Igbos and our neighbors. He knew he couldn't act alone. He knew he needed the support of the people.
When that announcement was made, there was an explosion of joy across the entire Eastern Nigeria.
Our finest brains were fully with him. Sir Louis Mbanefo, the first Igbo lawyer accepted to serve as Chief Justice of Biafra. Others like Achebe, Okigbo, etc were there.
Ojukwu understood that Biafra wasn't an Igbo thing. It was never. He brought in an Efik man as his Second in Command. His name was General Philip Effiong. The Secretary to the Government of Biafra was also Efik. It was an Eastern Nigerian agenda. Even a Yoruba officer, Tunji Banjo abandoned his own people and fought for Biafra.
That is the power of ideas supported by popular acclaim.
Our people were happy. We were enthusiastic. The people had spoken through their leader.
In January 1970 when the war ended, Ojukwu had fled to the Ivory Coast. He handed over to Effiong. When there was more sense continuing with the war, Effiong didn't just make an announcement on his own. He consulted our people. Even in the heat of an excruciating war, Effiong never acted alone.
In his last speech to the Biafran people, Effiong said...
FELLOW COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN, AS YOU ALL KNOW, I WAS ASKED TO BE THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THIS REPUBLIC ON JANUARY 10,1970...
I HAVE HAD EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE LEADERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES BOTH MILITARY AND CIVIL, AND I AM NOW ENCOURAGED AND HASTEN TO MAKE THIS STATEMENT TO YOU...BY THE MANDATE OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY.
He spoke and spoke. Commending our people for the resilience during the war but stated that it was time to end it.
He set up a committee to negotiate with the Nigerian government. That committee was to be led by Chief Justice Mbanefo, Prof Eni Njoku, Chief Bassey and Chief Aguma . Bassey was from Cross River and Aguma, from Rivers.
He then set up a committee of eminent persons to ADVISE HIM on the issues that will arise. That committee had people from across the entire Eastern Nigeria, from the military and outside. There were Igbos, Efiks, Ijaws, etc. They were men of honor and substance.
I have taken the pains to present this preamble so that our people can compare and contrast between the scenarios we had and what we have now.
All we hear and see today are unilateral proclamations. No consultation with anybody. This young man simply wakes up and makes far reaching proclamations. In doing this, he is urged on mainly by a coterie of street urchins and a mob followership, most of whom were not born when we fought the first war.
The latest in this madness is the proclamation that Igbos will not vote in the 2019 elections, starting with Anambra this November. He didn't ask the people of Anambra what they wanted. He just woke up and made an order and expects that Igbos are zombies. We shall see.
Education is very important. If this guy had the benefit a proper education, he would have known why indirect rule failed in Igboland but succeeded in other parts of the country. When indirect rule failed, the colonial leaders introduced the Warrant Chiefs who were Lords. The entire arrangement ended in a fiasco.
Igbos are by their nature, republicans and act after detailed analysis and wide spread consultations. No one can order the Igbo people around according to his own whims and caprices. Even if what you ask of them is right, the mere fact that you woke up to say it without asking them will make them resist it.
Igbos don't have powerful kings and rulers. Igbos don't by tradition prostrate before anybody. We act by a unity of purpose.
Tell me one decent and notable Igboman who is with this guy in this his movement.
Will he fight the war alone?
What does he think secession is? A cartoon film?
The original Biafra was not an Igbo thing entirely. While Igbos were in the majority, there were others too. Today, what we have is a purely designed Igbo agitation. This is not the Biafra that Ojukwu had in mind. The other people feel uncomfortable with it and have said no.
Finally, let me ask Kanu one question. If by his imperial order, Igbos refuse to vote in 2019, what of those Igbos who were elected in a state like Lagos?
Two Igbos are in the House of Reps representing two constituencies in Lagos State. One Igbo guy is in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
What becomes of them?
Those that know him should tell him to go and sleep over this his thing. He is a young man and should ask questions and consult his people before coming out to speak.
All through history, no single individual has spoken for the Igbos except the people ask him to, or he will be alone in the market place.
Finally, I will advise Kanu to go and read ACHEBE's books, THINGS FALL APART AND ARROW OF GOD. They were written by Chinua Achebe, one of the finest Igbo brains who took active part in the war.
In those two books, the republican nature of the Igbo man were in full display. The emphasis we place on unity and consultation. All decisions must be collectively reached for it to have efficacy.
In THINGS FALL APART, when Okonkwo got too powerful and decided to run a one man show, he ended up committing suicide and his body was buried by strangers in the evil forest. The people abandoned him. It didn't matter that he was the most popular and most powerful man in the land who had brought them honor severally.
Obierika, Okonkwo's best friend who was a more deeper man said to the white man...THIS WAS THE GREATEST MAN IN UMUOFIA, YOU DROVE HIM TO KILL HIMSELF AND NOW, HE WILL BE BURIED LIKE A DOG.
IN ARROW OF GOD, Ezeulu misunderstood that the allegiance the people gave to him was by virtue of his office as the Priest of Ulu, their deity. When he became too powerful and started toying with the people, the people arose against both him and the deity. The rest was history. Even while he reigned as Ezeulu, he was constantly questioned and harassed by some men like the rambunctious Nwaka.
Please tell Nnamdi Kanu to cultivate the habit of reading. WComr. Okonkwo Ifeanyi Innocent writes from Ekwulobia, with one hand and his Bible in the other hand. Kachifooonu umunnem!!!

https://drbiggie./2017/07/19/ojukwus-biafra-vs-nnamdi-kanus-biafrau-spot-the-difference/

Time shall tell

Be warned afonja lion face

Nice article I must comend. But you fail to understand that things have changed drastically. Save yourself the stress.

The foundation has been laid already and all people do is key into already laid foundation.

Elections will hold in Anambra, Politicians should go and bring their family they hide abroad to come and vote for them because the masses may not turn up.

It's free to dream but the hustle is sold separately



@OP


You should have asked the Biafran emperor Nnamdi Kanu what he's doing to re-integrate and reunite the about 400 kwashiokored children flown to Gabon and the about 200 children flown to Ivory coast during the civil war. Are they totally forgotten and no more Biafrans?

Nice one op, real nice, here in Lagos the igbos that I know, and I do come in contact with for trade purpose don't give a Bleep about biafra. after half a century biafra was still not achieved, I wonder what will pen after the next half. I am in my house come and beat me.

so if their is no election in anambra what happens next.

if a tenth of the effort spent to stop biara was channeled towards building Nigeria , Nigeria would have been amont the first 10 countries of the world but alas the same people who remain taciturn while herdsmen bullied , slaughtered theri people are now voicing out against Biafra.

Of particular reference is Matthew Obasanjo a former president who is living off state resources who remained on auto mute all through the inglorious reign of Boko haram and remained even taciturn while his kinsman was kidnapped by herdsmen but has the audacity to open his mouth against activities of IPOB . such a person is a moral liability to the society.

passenger001:

White bread will start crying

so u are now a passenger

kettykin:
if a tenth of the effort spent to stop biara was channeled towards building Nigeria , Nigeria would have been amont the first 10 countries of the world but alas the same people who remain taciturn while herdsmen bullied , slaughtered theri people are now voicing out against Biafra.

Of particular reference is Matthew Obasanjo a former president who is living off state resources who remained on auto mute all through the inglorious reign of Boko haram and remained even taciturn while his kinsman was kidnapped by herdsmen but has the audacity to open his mouth against activities of IPOB . such a person is a moral liability to the society.

do u what they call things like that, it politics, but u can always use a right to correct a wrong and never a wrong to correct a wrong. Time shall tell

A simple answer to you!!! He said and I quote,that no IPOB member should cast his or her vote on that day of election. He did not bestowed it on any one not to vote.Let's walk the walk and support this movement for the betterment of our unborn children

Nice writeup. KANU should fight more for restructuring as a first step before Biafra. With the influence he already wields he would achieve that faster.

Ipod miscreants are coming to finish you for this post...meanwhile the OP is not looking bad. I will like to harvest...

Any fool out there knows that Ojukwus approach to Biafra cannot be Kanu's approach to Biafra. Ojukwu and Kanu are from different eras.

Ojukwu already held power as Governor of the Eastern Region and could declare Biafra effectively. Kanu on the other hand, does not hold that sort of power.

Another real difference between Ojukwus time and Kanu's time is that Ojukwu was under military rule while Kanu is under democracy. Thats why Ojukwu had to fight a war while Kanu does not need to fight.

When it comes to the issue sovereighty of people, the elite do not matter. What matters is what the majority of the people want, wether they be street touts or priviledged. Kanu wants a referendum for an area that compromises of the old Eastern Region and Delta state. I have never seen these people protesting their love of Nigeria on the streets. If any of the ethnic groups feel more comfortable with Nigeria, they should vote to remain in Nigeria while those who wish to go can go.

This was done in 1961 when British Cameroon voted in a referendum. South British Cameroon voted to join Republic of Cameroon while the North voted to join Nigeria. There was no issue of consulting or if the elite were involved, it was a matter of democracy, what the majority in a given area want.


In terms of Kanu asking the people of Anambra to bocott elections, he is entitled to do that. Anybody can ask the people of Anambra to boycott elections. It is left for the people of Anambra to heed the call or reject it. This again is democracy, allowing the people to choose. Everything about Kanu and IPOB agitation is democratic because no one us being forced to do anything.

Nigeria however is not democratic. It is Nigeria that will be telling everyone that nobody has a choice to choose if they want to be Nigerian or not.

It is this right for one to choose their own destiny is why Kanu will always be ahead of Nigeria

attackgat:
Any fool out there knows that Ojukwus approach to Biafra cannot be Kanu's approach to Biafra. Ojukwu and Kanu are from different eras.

Ojukwu already held power as Governor of the Eastern Region and could declare Biafra effectively. Kanu on the other hand, does not hold that sort of power.

Another real difference between Ojukwus time and Kanu's time is that Ojukwu was under military rule while Kanu is under democracy. Thats why Ojukwu had to fight a war while Kanu does not need to fight.

When it comes to the issue sovereighty of people, the elite do not matter. What matters is what the majority of the people want, wether they be street touts or priviledged. Kanu wants a referendum for an area that compromises of the old Eastern Region and Delta state. I have never seen these people protesting their love of Nigeria on the streets. If any of the ethnic groups feel more comfortable with Nigeria, they should vote to remain in Nigeria while those who wish to go can go.

This was done in 1961 when British Cameroon voted in a referendum. South British Cameroon voted to join Republic of Cameroon while the North voted to join Nigeria. There was no issue of consulting or if the elite were involved, it was a matter of democracy, what the majority in a given area want.


In terms of Kanu asking the people of Anambra to bocott elections, he is entitled to do that. Anybody can ask the people of Anambra to boycott elections. It is left for the people of Anambra to heed the call or reject it. This again is democracy, allowing the people to choose. Everything about Kanu and IPOB agitation is democratic because no one us being forced to do anything.

Nigeria however is not democratic. It is Nigeria that will be telling everyone that nobody has a choice to choose if they want to be Nigerian or not.

It is tbis right for ine ti choose their own destiny is why Kanu will always be ahead if Nigeria

You couldn't have said it any better. This is simple, since we are in democracy let us allow the majority to carry the vote. This mischievous elements are making it to look as if Kanu is forcing Biafra on anyone. All Kanu is saying is, allow people to chose their destiny through the ballot. I wonder why this is so hard for some people to understand.

attackgat:
Any fool out there knows that Ojukwus approach to Biafra cannot be Kanu's approach to Biafra. Ojukwu and Kanu are from different eras.

Ojukwu already held power as Governor of the Eastern Region and could declare Biafra effectively. Kanu on the other hand, does not hold that sort of power.

Another real difference between Ojukwus time and Kanu's time is that Ojukwu was under military rule while Kanu is under democracy. Thats why Ojukwu had to fight a war while Kanu does not need to fight.

When it comes to the issue sovereighty of people, the elite do not matter. What matters is what the majority of the people want, wether they be street touts or priviledged. Kanu wants a referendum for an area that compromises of the old Eastern Region and Delta state. I have never seen these people protesting their love of Nigeria on the streets. If any of the ethnic groups feel more comfortable with Nigeria, they should vote to remain in Nigeria while those who wish to go can go.

This was done in 1961 when British Cameroon voted in a referendum. South British Cameroon voted to join Republic of Cameroon while the North voted to join Nigeria. There was no issue of consulting or if the elite were involved, it was a matter of democracy, what the majority in a given area want.


In terms of Kanu asking the people of Anambra to bocott elections, he is entitled to do that. Anybody can ask the people of Anambra to boycott elections. It is left for the people of Anambra to heed the call or reject it. This again is democracy, allowing the people to choose. Everything about Kanu and IPOB agitation is democratic because no one us being forced to do anything.

Nigeria however is not democratic. It is Nigeria that will be telling everyone that nobody has a choice to choose if they want to be Nigerian or not.

It is tbis right for ine ti choose their own destiny is why Kanu will always be ahead if Nigeria

Nice write-up and a solid rebuttal to the OPs position.

Op be careful o. Nnamdi Kanu has not done any wrong. Yes he is human and may make some mistakes but they re mostly negligible.
First u call IPOB members miscreants, thats a shame. so what re u? There re Professors, engineers, Diplomats, Doctors etc in IPOB membership.

The simple thing Nnamdi Kanu has asked for is a referendum for Biafran people to decide what they want. What can be more democratic than that?

Let biafra go.

One nigeria can never be a sensible country.

One nigeria is waste of time.

AnuforoIK:
Be warned afonja lion face

Expecting ipob to listen to reason is like expecting a dog destined to die to listen to the hunter's call.

AmadiAba:
Op be careful o. Nnamdi Kanu has not done any wrong. Yes he is human and may make some mistakes but they re mostly negligible.
First u call IPOB members miscreants, thats a shame. so what re u? There re Professors, engineers, Diplomats, Doctors etc in IPOB membership.

The simple thing Nnamdi Kanu has asked for is a referendum for Biafran people to decide what they want. What can be more democratic than that?

Show us the ipob membership list and the professors, doctors, diplomats etc on the list. Also show the evidence of identity of these people. How come the doctors and professors haven't been bowing to KANU like the miscreants have been doing? Which professor, in his right senses, will associate with kanu's unreasonable way of doing things?

FrancisDiote:
Nice article I must comend. But you fail to understand that things have changed drastically. Save yourself the stress.

The foundation has been laid already and all people do is key into already laid foundation.

Elections will hold in Anambra, Politicians should go and bring their family they hide abroad to come and vote for them because the masses may not turn up.

The article is on point. The problem with Kanu and IPOB is an absolute lack of an intellectual wing. There is no strategy whatsoever. Its just simply a movement playing on the deep emotions of young Igbos and the catastrophic divisionism brought about by Buhari.

Ojukwu was a real leader. At no point did he preach hatred. He just preached salvation of his people.

Kanu has done so much damage to the psyche of his supporters that I fear the consequences when it all reaches a crescendo.

attackgat:
Any fool out there knows that Ojukwus approach to Biafra cannot be Kanu's approach to Biafra. Ojukwu and Kanu are from different eras.

Ojukwu already held power as Governor of the Eastern Region and could declare Biafra effectively. Kanu on the other hand, does not hold that sort of power.

Another real difference between Ojukwus time and Kanu's time is that Ojukwu was under military rule while Kanu is under democracy. Thats why Ojukwu had to fight a war while Kanu does not need to fight.

When it comes to the issue sovereighty of people, the elite do not matter. What matters is what the majority of the people want, wether they be street touts or priviledged. Kanu wants a referendum for an area that compromises of the old Eastern Region and Delta state. I have never seen these people protesting their love of Nigeria on the streets. If any of the ethnic groups feel more comfortable with Nigeria, they should vote to remain in Nigeria while those who wish to go can go.

This was done in 1961 when British Cameroon voted in a referendum. South British Cameroon voted to join Republic of Cameroon while the North voted to join Nigeria. There was no issue of consulting or if the elite were involved, it was a matter of democracy, what the majority in a given area want.


In terms of Kanu asking the people of Anambra to bocott elections, he is entitled to do that. Anybody can ask the people of Anambra to boycott elections. It is left for the people of Anambra to heed the call or reject it. This again is democracy, allowing the people to choose. Everything about Kanu and IPOB agitation is democratic because no one us being forced to do anything.

Nigeria however is not democratic. It is Nigeria that will be telling everyone that nobody has a choice to choose if they want to be Nigerian or not.

It is this right for one to choose their own destiny is why Kanu will always be ahead of Nigeria

God bless you.

adetayo234:


Show us the ipob membership list and the professors, doctors, diplomats etc on the list. Also show the evidence of identity of these people. How come the doctors and professors haven't been bowing to KANU like the miscreants have been doing? Which professor, in his right senses, will associate with kanu's unreasonable way of doing things?

afonja muslim always on igbo matter. i agree that we biafrans miscreants and you one nigerian are all professors.but continue with your usual.......

chiagozien:
afonja muslim always on igbo matter. i agree that we biafrans miscreants and you one nigerian are all professors.but continue with your usual.......

Don't whip up sentiments. Try to make your conversation intelligent for once. You guys seem to have nothing intelligent to ever say about Biafra agitation; it is almost always about sentiment and not reasoning. Why is it like that?

PapaBrowne:


The article is on point. The problem with Kanu and IPOB is an absolute lack of an intellectual wing. There is no strategy whatsoever. Its just simply a movement playing on the deep emotions of young Igbos and the catastrophic divisionism brought about by Buhari.

Ojukwu was a real leader. At no point did he preach hatred. He just preached salvation of his people.

Kanu has done so much damage to the psyche of his supporters that I fear the consequences when it all reaches a crescendo.

i think what you should be more concern is how to move your nigeria forward.allow ipob to do their things

adetayo234:


Don't whip up sentiments. Try to make your conversation intelligent for once. You guys seem to have nothing intelligent to ever say about Biafra agitation; it is almost always about sentiment and not reasoning. Why is it like that?

do you have any good reason why we should remain in niger area.just tell me three reasons why i should be in support of one niger area then i will join you in promoting your one niger area.

chiagozien:
do you have any good reason why we should remain in niger area.just tell me three reasons why i should be in support of one niger area then i will join you in promoting your one niger area.

I don't even want you to remain in Nigeria, I want all of you to pack you Biafra must go bags and leave immediately. However, you guys are acting like people without any iota of intelligence or education in your agitation. One starts wondering if ipob is not made up of miscreants and street urchins with the way you present yourselves. You believe anything unprovable via intelligent dissections as long as that error is in support of your agitation. It doesn't do you any good.

Sagay212:
Ipod miscreants are coming to finish you for this post...meanwhile the OP is not looking bad. I will like to harvest...

You are free to harvest provided you can pay the price.

attackgat:
[s]Any fool out there knows that Ojukwus approach to Biafra cannot be Kanu's approach to Biafra. Ojukwu and Kanu are from different eras.

Ojukwu already held power as Governor of the Eastern Region and could declare Biafra effectively. Kanu on the other hand, does not hold that sort of power.

Another real difference between Ojukwus time and Kanu's time is that Ojukwu was under military rule while Kanu is under democracy. Thats why Ojukwu had to fight a war while Kanu does not need to fight.

When it comes to the issue sovereighty of people, the elite do not matter. What matters is what the majority of the people want, wether they be street touts or priviledged. Kanu wants a referendum for an area that compromises of the old Eastern Region and Delta state. I have never seen these people protesting their love of Nigeria on the streets. If any of the ethnic groups feel more comfortable with Nigeria, they should vote to remain in Nigeria while those who wish to go can go.

This was done in 1961 when British Cameroon voted in a referendum. South British Cameroon voted to join Republic of Cameroon while the North voted to join Nigeria. There was no issue of consulting or if the elite were involved, it was a matter of democracy, what the majority in a given area want.


In terms of Kanu asking the people of Anambra to bocott elections, he is entitled to do that. Anybody can ask the people of Anambra to boycott elections. It is left for the people of Anambra to heed the call or reject it. This again is democracy, allowing the people to choose. Everything about Kanu and IPOB agitation is democratic because no one us being forced to do anything.

Nigeria however is not democratic. It is Nigeria that will be telling everyone that nobody has a choice to choose if they want to be Nigerian or not.

It is this right for one to choose their own destiny is why Kanu will always be ahead of Nigeria[/s]

If u and Kanu are waiting for Nigeria to give u this ur unreasonable demands, then u are on a long thing. U will remain in Nigeria forever to ur frustration. Lol

adetayo234:


Don't whip up sentiments. Try to make your conversation intelligent for once. You guys seem to have nothing intelligent to ever say about Biafra agitation; it is almost always about sentiment and not reasoning. Why is it like that?

Here is an intelligent response except if you are hopelessly biase:

Any fool out there knows that Ojukwus approach to Biafra cannot be Kanu's approach to Biafra. Ojukwu and Kanu are from different eras.

Ojukwu already held power as Governor of the Eastern Region and could declare Biafra effectively. Kanu on the other hand, does not hold that sort of power.

Another real difference between Ojukwus time and Kanu's time is that Ojukwu was under military rule while Kanu is under democracy. Thats why Ojukwu had to fight a war while Kanu does not need to fight.

When it comes to the issue sovereighty of people, the elite do not matter. What matters is what the majority of the people want, wether they be street touts or priviledged. Kanu wants a referendum for an area that compromises of the old Eastern Region and Delta state. I have never seen these people protesting their love of Nigeria on the streets. If any of the ethnic groups feel more comfortable with Nigeria, they should vote to remain in Nigeria while those who wish to go can go.

This was done in 1961 when British Cameroon voted in a referendum. South British Cameroon voted to join Republic of Cameroon while the North voted to join Nigeria. There was no issue of consulting or if the elite were involved, it was a matter of democracy, what the majority in a given area want.


In terms of Kanu asking the people of Anambra to bocott elections, he is entitled to do that. Anybody can ask the people of Anambra to boycott elections. It is left for the people of Anambra to heed the call or reject it. This again is democracy, allowing the people to choose. Everything about Kanu and IPOB agitation is democratic because no one us being forced to do anything.

Nigeria however is not democratic. It is Nigeria that will be telling everyone that nobody has a choice to choose if they want to be Nigerian or not.

It is this right for one to choose their own destiny is why Kanu will always be ahead of Nigeria