Farewell, the people’s General
Friday March 02, 2012
Friday March 02, 2012
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•Ojukwu
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The Igbo icon and leader of the defunct Republic of Biafra, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is being committed to mother Earth today. Since his death on November 26, 2011, no moment has been spared by the Igbo nation in particular and Nigeria in general in ensuring that he is given a burial that befits his gargantuan status. From the activities lined up by the burial committee, it is evident that no Nigerian in living history had, in death, enjoyed as much preeminence and reverence as Ojukwu.
Beyond his legendary image and stature in life, death has even conferred him with a more awesome status. Since his demise, he has been celebrated in major cities of the world, especially in Europe and America. Back home in Nigeria, his journey to the grave has been most momentous. The entire Eastern Nigeria has been pulsating with breath-taking activities associated with his burial. Wherever his remains touched down, ecstasy and deep-seated emotion had ruled the day. His interment today may be the climax of the burial activities, but his funeral ceremonies will go way beyond today.
Undoubtedly, his death has robbed Ndi Igbo, Nigeria and Africa of a forthright leader, a patriot, a dogged fighter of human rights hue and a humanist. Emeka, as he was fondly called by friends, peers and admirers, was a fine soldier, a brilliant historian, an orator, a politician, a charismatic leader of men and an astute manager of resources.
His demise at the age of 78 has elicited an overwhelming outpouring of eulogies in honour and praise of the revered Ikemba Nnewi and Ezeigbo Gburugburu. Eminent Nigerians have described the deceased in superlative epithets and colourful and elegant prose that amply capture his life and times.
In his tribute to the departed iconic and charismatic leader, President Goodluck Jonathan rightly observed that “Ojukwu’s immense love for his people, justice, equity and fairness, which forced him into the leading role he played in the Nigerian Civil War, as well as his commitment to reconciliation and the full integration of his people into a united and progressive Nigeria in the aftermath of the war, will ensure he is remembered forever as one of the great personalities of his time, who stood out easily as a brave, courageous, fearless, erudite and charismatic leader.”
Like Jonathan, most Nigerians have, in their various tributes, depicted the essential Ojukwu mystique and enigma. In fact, all of them are in agreement that his death is a monumental loss to the entire nation. Nigerians will surely miss his political thoughts, actions and influence on the polity.
Born on November 4, 1933 in Zungeru, Niger State, to the late Sir Louis Philippe Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a multi-millionaire business mogul from Nnewi, Anambra State, Ojukwu had an affluent background but he never allowed his father’s wealth to get into his head. Instead, he preferred a life of hard work, integrity, truth, justice and fairness. Ojukwu wanted to carve a niche for himself and make an impact rather than live in his father’s shadow. All this he did by deploying his talents and virtues for the good of the society.
Ojukwu had his early education at St. Patrick’s Primary School, Idumagbo, Lagos; Church Missionary Society Grammar School, Lagos and King’s College, Lagos, before he left Nigeria for Epsom College, Surrey, England at the age of 13. In 1952, he gained admission into Lincoln College, University of Oxford, England, where he bagged his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Modern History. He returned to the country in 1956.
Ojukwu worked as an Administrative Officer in the former Eastern Nigeria Public Service from 1956-1957. He, against his father’s advice, enlisted in the Nigerian Army and was posted to Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria in 1957. Ojukwu was posted to 5th Battalion, Nigerian Army in 1958. He was instructor, Royal West African Frontier Training School, Teshie, Ghana, 1958-1961: returned to 5th Battalion, Nigerian Army, 1961 and promoted Major in 1961. He was the Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General, Kaduna Brigade Headquarters, 1961 and served in Congo (Zaire) with the United Nations Peace Keeping Forces, 1962. He attended military courses at Teshie, Ghana, and later at Officers Cadet School at Etom Hall and Infantry School Warminster, England; and Small Arms School at Hythe and Joint Service Staff College, Camberly, England 1962.
He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Quartermaster-General, Nigerian Army 1963-1964; Commander 5th Battalion, Kano, 1964-1966; Military Governor, Eastern Region, 1966-1967, proclaimed Head of State and Commmander-in-Chief, Republic of Biafra, 1967; dismissed from Nigerian Army, 1967; promoted General, Biafran Army, 1968. Some years after his state pardon, his pre-war status in the Nigerian Army was restored.
As a student of modern history, Ojukwu had anticipated the role the military would play in an emerging independent country just fresh from colonialism and wanted to be part of that piece of action. He was among the first few graduates that joined the army, then a preserve of barely educated people. Following the first military coup d’etat of January 15, 1966 that brought Major-Gen. J.T.U Aguiyi-Ironsi to power, Lt-Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed the military Governor of Eastern Region.
The appointment placed a great historical challenge upon his shoulders. That became clearer with the bloody counter coup of July 29, 1966 that witnessed mass killings of officers of Eastern Nigeria origin in the Nigerian Army and brutal massacre of civilians of the region in Northern and other parts of Nigeria. As a result of that ethnic cleansing and the horrors of headless and mutilated bodies of Igbo killed in Northern Nigeria, Ojukwu was mandated by the people of the region to declare it independent in the bid to protect its people and ward off the pogrom.
In order to reduce the force of a cohesive Eastern Region becoming independent of Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon, the then military leader of Nigeria, unilaterally divided the country into 12 states. That notwithstanding, Ojukwu responded by declaring Eastern Region an independent Republic of Biafra in May 1967.
Consequently, the nation was plunged into a 30-month gruesome and fratricidal war with unprecedented loss of human lives. With bare hands, Ojukwu took his destiny in his own hands and rose to the occasion in defence of his people against all odds after several peace talks on the future political structure of Nigeria failed to placate both sides to the conflict.
He mobilised the people with his oratory and charm and moved them into action. He fought bravely and withstood Nigerian challenge and blockade for three years without assured supply of food and ammunition. In spite of the superior fire power of the federal side and huge support from their foreign backers, Biafra under Ojukwu braved all odds and prolonged the war to almost three years, a war the federal side initially dubbed a “police action.”
Though Biafra lost the war, it was able to make scientific breakthroughs that marveled the international community. The war led to the invention of rockets and other weapons of mass destruction by Biafrans. Ojukwu Bunker at Umuahia and the Uli Airport were among the innovations recorded in war-time Biafra.
It has become a historial fact that Ojukwu took to arms because of the injustices and inequities that were prevalent in Nigeria at that time. He rose in defence of the lives and rights of his people which were trampled upon by Nigerian authorities. He could not watch his people being hounded like rats in Nigeria and refuse to do something. Any other person in Ojukwu’s shoes would have done the same. He demonstrated beyond doubt that leadership is about service to the people. Ojukwu fought and died an Igbo man of the first order. He was the quintessential Igbo leader. He had risen to the pantheon of Igbo deities and future generations will deify him and his resounding impact on the Igbo psyche.
Owing to his mythical image among the Igbo, he was given various traditional titles in almost every part of Igbo land in recognition and appreciation of his selfless service to his people. The most memorable ones remain the Ikemba Nnewi, Ezeigbo Gburugburu, Dike Di Ora Nma, and Odezuligbo. He authored Because I Am Involved. His inimitable biography, Emeka, was written by his friend, Frederick Forsyth. His speeches in Biafra were contained in his compilation, Biafra: Selected Speeches with Journal of Events. His historic Ahiara Declaration (Principles of the Biafran Revolution) remains one of the best political speeches and manifestoes ever made in this part of the world.
In all his public life, Ojukwu led by examples worthy of emulation. He did not go after wealth or acquisitive tendencies common with the Nigerian political elite. He shunned ostentation and interacted with ordinary folks. Ojukwu represented the epitome of Igbo spirit, strength, dynamism and enterprise and his name will forever be etched in Igbo thoughts and philosophy.
It is much more so considering the fact that Ojukwu’s death seems to have returned Nigeria to its darkest days. Ever since the war ended, Nigeria has never witnessed the level of cataclysm being perpetrated by a murderous Islamic group known as Boko Haram. In their action, Nigerians have rudely been reminded of those incongruities and inequities that led to the civil war.
His death at this point in time tells a story. Through his death and the story being woven around him, the ugly facts of Nigerian history have come alive. But as Ojukwu is buried, Nigeria and Nigerians may do well to also put their ugly past behind them and imbibe the timeless truths contained in some of his war declarations.
There are people who suffer today because they fought on the side of Biafra. If the war was actually fought to “keep Nigeria one” and there was “no victor, no vanquished,” nobody or group should be made to suffer on account of the war. Similarly, all the causes of the war should be frontally addressed so that they will not rear their ugly heads again and plunge the nation into another war. We say this bearing in mind that no nation survives two civil wars.
It is a pity that the issues raised by the war are still with us 42 years after. Let us, therefore, use Ojukwu’s death to revisit these and other issues that confront us as a nation.
That is one of the best ways to immortalise him. Although some people misunderstood him and called him a rebel, history has vindicated him and his stand on the war and other national issues. Though dead, Ojukwu lives on in the minds of millions of his people. Let the Igbo use his death to become more united and seek pragmatic solutions to problems plaguing them. While we commiserate with his family, friends and relations, the political class, Ndi Igbo and Nigerians for the irreparable loss, we pray that the Lord will grant his soul eternal rest. Goodnight, Eze Igbo.
Beyond his legendary image and stature in life, death has even conferred him with a more awesome status. Since his demise, he has been celebrated in major cities of the world, especially in Europe and America. Back home in Nigeria, his journey to the grave has been most momentous. The entire Eastern Nigeria has been pulsating with breath-taking activities associated with his burial. Wherever his remains touched down, ecstasy and deep-seated emotion had ruled the day. His interment today may be the climax of the burial activities, but his funeral ceremonies will go way beyond today.
Undoubtedly, his death has robbed Ndi Igbo, Nigeria and Africa of a forthright leader, a patriot, a dogged fighter of human rights hue and a humanist. Emeka, as he was fondly called by friends, peers and admirers, was a fine soldier, a brilliant historian, an orator, a politician, a charismatic leader of men and an astute manager of resources.
His demise at the age of 78 has elicited an overwhelming outpouring of eulogies in honour and praise of the revered Ikemba Nnewi and Ezeigbo Gburugburu. Eminent Nigerians have described the deceased in superlative epithets and colourful and elegant prose that amply capture his life and times.
In his tribute to the departed iconic and charismatic leader, President Goodluck Jonathan rightly observed that “Ojukwu’s immense love for his people, justice, equity and fairness, which forced him into the leading role he played in the Nigerian Civil War, as well as his commitment to reconciliation and the full integration of his people into a united and progressive Nigeria in the aftermath of the war, will ensure he is remembered forever as one of the great personalities of his time, who stood out easily as a brave, courageous, fearless, erudite and charismatic leader.”
Like Jonathan, most Nigerians have, in their various tributes, depicted the essential Ojukwu mystique and enigma. In fact, all of them are in agreement that his death is a monumental loss to the entire nation. Nigerians will surely miss his political thoughts, actions and influence on the polity.
Born on November 4, 1933 in Zungeru, Niger State, to the late Sir Louis Philippe Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a multi-millionaire business mogul from Nnewi, Anambra State, Ojukwu had an affluent background but he never allowed his father’s wealth to get into his head. Instead, he preferred a life of hard work, integrity, truth, justice and fairness. Ojukwu wanted to carve a niche for himself and make an impact rather than live in his father’s shadow. All this he did by deploying his talents and virtues for the good of the society.
Ojukwu had his early education at St. Patrick’s Primary School, Idumagbo, Lagos; Church Missionary Society Grammar School, Lagos and King’s College, Lagos, before he left Nigeria for Epsom College, Surrey, England at the age of 13. In 1952, he gained admission into Lincoln College, University of Oxford, England, where he bagged his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Modern History. He returned to the country in 1956.
Ojukwu worked as an Administrative Officer in the former Eastern Nigeria Public Service from 1956-1957. He, against his father’s advice, enlisted in the Nigerian Army and was posted to Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria in 1957. Ojukwu was posted to 5th Battalion, Nigerian Army in 1958. He was instructor, Royal West African Frontier Training School, Teshie, Ghana, 1958-1961: returned to 5th Battalion, Nigerian Army, 1961 and promoted Major in 1961. He was the Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General, Kaduna Brigade Headquarters, 1961 and served in Congo (Zaire) with the United Nations Peace Keeping Forces, 1962. He attended military courses at Teshie, Ghana, and later at Officers Cadet School at Etom Hall and Infantry School Warminster, England; and Small Arms School at Hythe and Joint Service Staff College, Camberly, England 1962.
He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Quartermaster-General, Nigerian Army 1963-1964; Commander 5th Battalion, Kano, 1964-1966; Military Governor, Eastern Region, 1966-1967, proclaimed Head of State and Commmander-in-Chief, Republic of Biafra, 1967; dismissed from Nigerian Army, 1967; promoted General, Biafran Army, 1968. Some years after his state pardon, his pre-war status in the Nigerian Army was restored.
As a student of modern history, Ojukwu had anticipated the role the military would play in an emerging independent country just fresh from colonialism and wanted to be part of that piece of action. He was among the first few graduates that joined the army, then a preserve of barely educated people. Following the first military coup d’etat of January 15, 1966 that brought Major-Gen. J.T.U Aguiyi-Ironsi to power, Lt-Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed the military Governor of Eastern Region.
The appointment placed a great historical challenge upon his shoulders. That became clearer with the bloody counter coup of July 29, 1966 that witnessed mass killings of officers of Eastern Nigeria origin in the Nigerian Army and brutal massacre of civilians of the region in Northern and other parts of Nigeria. As a result of that ethnic cleansing and the horrors of headless and mutilated bodies of Igbo killed in Northern Nigeria, Ojukwu was mandated by the people of the region to declare it independent in the bid to protect its people and ward off the pogrom.
In order to reduce the force of a cohesive Eastern Region becoming independent of Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon, the then military leader of Nigeria, unilaterally divided the country into 12 states. That notwithstanding, Ojukwu responded by declaring Eastern Region an independent Republic of Biafra in May 1967.
Consequently, the nation was plunged into a 30-month gruesome and fratricidal war with unprecedented loss of human lives. With bare hands, Ojukwu took his destiny in his own hands and rose to the occasion in defence of his people against all odds after several peace talks on the future political structure of Nigeria failed to placate both sides to the conflict.
He mobilised the people with his oratory and charm and moved them into action. He fought bravely and withstood Nigerian challenge and blockade for three years without assured supply of food and ammunition. In spite of the superior fire power of the federal side and huge support from their foreign backers, Biafra under Ojukwu braved all odds and prolonged the war to almost three years, a war the federal side initially dubbed a “police action.”
Though Biafra lost the war, it was able to make scientific breakthroughs that marveled the international community. The war led to the invention of rockets and other weapons of mass destruction by Biafrans. Ojukwu Bunker at Umuahia and the Uli Airport were among the innovations recorded in war-time Biafra.
It has become a historial fact that Ojukwu took to arms because of the injustices and inequities that were prevalent in Nigeria at that time. He rose in defence of the lives and rights of his people which were trampled upon by Nigerian authorities. He could not watch his people being hounded like rats in Nigeria and refuse to do something. Any other person in Ojukwu’s shoes would have done the same. He demonstrated beyond doubt that leadership is about service to the people. Ojukwu fought and died an Igbo man of the first order. He was the quintessential Igbo leader. He had risen to the pantheon of Igbo deities and future generations will deify him and his resounding impact on the Igbo psyche.
Owing to his mythical image among the Igbo, he was given various traditional titles in almost every part of Igbo land in recognition and appreciation of his selfless service to his people. The most memorable ones remain the Ikemba Nnewi, Ezeigbo Gburugburu, Dike Di Ora Nma, and Odezuligbo. He authored Because I Am Involved. His inimitable biography, Emeka, was written by his friend, Frederick Forsyth. His speeches in Biafra were contained in his compilation, Biafra: Selected Speeches with Journal of Events. His historic Ahiara Declaration (Principles of the Biafran Revolution) remains one of the best political speeches and manifestoes ever made in this part of the world.
In all his public life, Ojukwu led by examples worthy of emulation. He did not go after wealth or acquisitive tendencies common with the Nigerian political elite. He shunned ostentation and interacted with ordinary folks. Ojukwu represented the epitome of Igbo spirit, strength, dynamism and enterprise and his name will forever be etched in Igbo thoughts and philosophy.
It is much more so considering the fact that Ojukwu’s death seems to have returned Nigeria to its darkest days. Ever since the war ended, Nigeria has never witnessed the level of cataclysm being perpetrated by a murderous Islamic group known as Boko Haram. In their action, Nigerians have rudely been reminded of those incongruities and inequities that led to the civil war.
His death at this point in time tells a story. Through his death and the story being woven around him, the ugly facts of Nigerian history have come alive. But as Ojukwu is buried, Nigeria and Nigerians may do well to also put their ugly past behind them and imbibe the timeless truths contained in some of his war declarations.
There are people who suffer today because they fought on the side of Biafra. If the war was actually fought to “keep Nigeria one” and there was “no victor, no vanquished,” nobody or group should be made to suffer on account of the war. Similarly, all the causes of the war should be frontally addressed so that they will not rear their ugly heads again and plunge the nation into another war. We say this bearing in mind that no nation survives two civil wars.
It is a pity that the issues raised by the war are still with us 42 years after. Let us, therefore, use Ojukwu’s death to revisit these and other issues that confront us as a nation.
That is one of the best ways to immortalise him. Although some people misunderstood him and called him a rebel, history has vindicated him and his stand on the war and other national issues. Though dead, Ojukwu lives on in the minds of millions of his people. Let the Igbo use his death to become more united and seek pragmatic solutions to problems plaguing them. While we commiserate with his family, friends and relations, the political class, Ndi Igbo and Nigerians for the irreparable loss, we pray that the Lord will grant his soul eternal rest. Goodnight, Eze Igbo.
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