Facilitator's note: - this article originally titled "BEYOND DISPUTATIONS ON NIGERIAN HISTORY" written by Professor Dr. Emmanuel Omoh Esiemokhai, was retitled "IGBOS ARE FINISHED?" for a more effective journalistic bite. The article speaks volume. Happy trails!
"World history has recorded attempts by composite parts of Federal states, which tried to exercise their right to Self-determination through rebellion or revolution. In their efforts, some succeeded but others failed. In his recent article entitled, "Settling Questions in Nigerian History", which was published in THE GUARDIAN Nigerian Newspaper of April 10, 2008, Dr. Edwin Madunagu attempted to elucidate some historical events in Nigerian history, which are often either misunderstood or misinterpreted. Nigerian history is characterized by chance happenings, of leaders and dealers sprouting like mushrooms from no-where. After a spell of newspaper and TV pictorial appearances, they get accepted as such. Barely ten months in office, advertorials adorn the pages of newspapers singing their praises. These advertisements are inserted by friends. relations, fortune and favour-seekers, who, in the end, push them, irredeemably, down the corruption avenue.
Now, I proceed to address one crucial issue in Eddie's article under review. He wrote, "If the historical perspective is adopted, the following facts come out and become prominent: The Eastern region of Nigeria was declared the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967, on the basis of a resolution passed by the joint meeting of the Consultative Assembly and leaders of Thought on May 26, 1967. At the point of that declaration, the regime was in total control of the region. Subsequently, Biafra was recognized by four independent countries (states, mine), all members of the United Nations ".
My international law students, some now SANs and others- in -waiting, will recall that the international legal status of the Republic of Biafra (1967-70), featured often, in their examinations. Although some Federalist lawyers held divergent views on the issue, the consensus was and still is, that the Republic of Biafra, having satisfied the relevant provisions of the Montevideo Convention of 1933, and having sustained its struggle for three years, was a sovereign, independent state and a subject of international law. What are these relevant requirements? According to the declaratory theory, an aggrieved state , which was a composite part of a Federation, may, by virtue of a collective declaration of independence , assert its right to self-determination, from a sovereign state. In 1960, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Right of Nations to Self-determination up to Independence. The State of Israel declared itself independent by proclamation in 1948. States like the defunct Soviet Union, Cuba, China , America and France, became independent, sovereign states through revolution. It is imperative for dominant groups to treat their minorities fairly or face rebellion.
According to Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention on the Criteria for Statehood, 1933, a state must have a growing population, a defined territory, It must have a government, a judiciary, an armed force in uniform, with officers ranks clearly shown. A state must be in complete or even partial control of its territory. It must have a constitution and be recognized by other states. It must have the capacity to meet its financial obligations and establish diplomatic relations with other states. It must conduct its affairs peacefully, among others.
Biafra fulfilled nearly most of these criteria. It was recognized by Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, while France allowed Biafra to maintain a Historical Institute, which was headed by Dr. Christopher Mezu. Biafra engaged Nigeria in diplomatic tussle for three years, as result of the caliber of people, who led the rebellion. That a delegation of the Biafran government , which was led by Major-General Philip Effiong , was received by the Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon,was significant, in that the surrender ceremonies brought the existence of Biafra to an end.
Federalist constitutional lawyers and international lawyers argued divergently about the international legal status of Biafra. Each lawyer showed clearly where he was squatting on the civil war. It is true that some hegemonists and tribal irredentists sought to use the war to destroy Umu Israel, as my witty mother-in-law, Madam Alice Ebinum-Nwosu, was fond of calling the Igbos. They survived. It is a pity that instead of reviving the spirit of "anyi-anyi", "ekwe-ekwe", "ogbu-mma ihe ofusa ya fusa", the post-war Igbo man accepted supine affiliations and embraced the epicurean habits of their compatriots.In mock mimicry, they took on chieftaincy titles like eze, nze, igwe, without ancestral evidence of royalty. Some of them buried their relations, who probably died of utmost neglect, with pomp and pageantry, as they do West of the Niger. In order to make it big, by hook or crook, some have resorted to fetish practices like Okotoko, Okija shrine membership, etc. One had thought that the Igbos surrendered but did not give up. Well, this is true in the economic field, but politically, they have not fared well as a result of the hurried eagerness by some Igbo leaders , who chose to seek alliances and were always placed second. For example, Mr. Philip Umeadi, Mrs Oyibo Odinamadu, Chief Alex Ekwueme, Chief M.C.K Ajuluchukwu, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, etc. The Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, a respected association of Igbo leaders harbor some leaders/dealers, who have repeatedly demonstrated that they have the ability to negotiate for personal gains, at the expense of the race.
There is a roving Igbo contractor, who has lived off beneficient outpourings from any government in power, always looking for "ebe oga elite" (Onitsha) or "nga oga erite ihekpa" (Owerri). Once upon a time, there were Igbos like the Right Hon Nnamdi Azikiwe, Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Dr. Nwafor Orizu, Dr. K.O Mbadiwe, Chief M.I. Opara, Professor Ikenna Nzimiro, Professor Eme Awa, Dr. Eze Ogueri and countless others, who were advanced thinkers and political giants. Where are their replacements? We can, of course, find them among the Igbos in residence in many Euro-American cities or among those, who took to trading at the age of 15, or among those, who live in Lagos and are found at social festivities( Mo gbo mo ya). The position of the Igbo in the new dispensation is, in my judgment, more fundamental. It should be regarded as vital and should go beyond historical disputations. I am prepared to engage in animated dialogue with "Ndi Ogom" (my inlaws), so that they can re-focus their attention from money-making to Nigeria real-politik. I am ready to discuss these matters in Onitsha Igbo, Owerri Igbo, Wawa, Ngwa, Ohafia, Item, Isunge na Osunge dialects, after all, I passed Igbo in my Cambridge School Certificate.
It can be recalled that in 1999, I published a similar article in The Guardian newspaper entitled, The Igbo Dilemma. Apart from the Anyim Pius Anyim Senate Presidency,I have not much to report on the worsening condition of the Igbos in Nigeria political space. IGBO UNU ANUGO ! Many things happened in Nigerian history, during the Nigerian civil war, which cannot be easily forgotten. After all, Europeans are still talking about the horrors of Hitler's war. They believe that people must talk about monumental injustices and struggles to fight such devastating injustices, which the devil sponsors, to destroy the Sons and Daughters of the Almighty GOD, using satanic, human and spiritual agents.
At times, full knowledge of history, acts as a deterrent to other beastly escapades by Luciferians on Planet EARTH. There are pretenders who would tell us not to go into history. My response is, do not do things, which history cannot but document their ignoble ends and stress to the aspirant( of evil-doing) the powerlessness of evil power. Biafran history was a dark period in our nation's history. Barrister Mrs Elizabeth Ngozi Esiemokhai was only ten years old, when she had to trek from Umuodom to Etchie to buy and sell during the Biafran war. This story, "mkowaya chi ga eji, chi ga abor". What of the story of the pathetic Biafran soldiers, who have been begging for alms at Oji River, since 1972? What of the mass impoverishment of the race through the compulsory devaluation of their financial worth? Lack of knowledge of Nigerian history has produced simpletons, who are found in high government positions and because they have no knowledge of the nation's past sufferings, carry on without qualms.
This is mainly why this nation rotates around a vortex of mediocre leaders, who have to rely on failed leaders and bureaucrats, to the nation's detriment.After the damage has been done to the nation, a cacophony of voices engage in a symphony of condemnations. Ask some of them what they said in historical time when the damage was being done. They will present a bovine stare, with wondering eyes and hanging lips. Those, who benefited most are now calling for a revolution!Haba.
The Igbos may re-align their political strategies, link up with progressive compatriots, unencumbered by the tragedies of the Biafran war, so as to re-focus their energies both economically and politically. Recently, some commentators say that corruption is endemic among politicians from a major ethnic group, and that this is a major impediment to co-operation. I disagree. For example, it was an Igbo Pro-Chancellor and a Yoruba Vice Chancellor, now OFR, who, were sacked for corruption, at the Obafemi Awolowo University , Ife, a decade ago One must search diligently for decent and knowledgeable compatriots. They have been consistently excluded , first , by the military, who did so by legislative props and then, by their anointed iconoclasts. Some think that with the current sunset in the West, people in the Land of the Rising sun, should re-position themselves staunchly in the unfolding dispensation, before Igbo lethargy becomes an acute sociological problem. I disagree, the sins of the arrow-heads of the Luciferian hierarchy in Nigeria, should not be used to rubbish a race. I will comment on the Yoruba in Nigerian history, in due course. Having lived and worked among them for twenty-seven years, I am eminently experienced to enter a fair assessment of the race, without prejudice. At BOSAS INTERNATIONAL LAW BUREAU, Abuja, we run a weekly dialogue on national and International affairs. The audience is growing as we try to find solutions to problems of national development. Join us. Edie's article touched me and I am sure he will understand my concern. After all , the writer’s joy manifests glowingly, when he or she awaken thoughts. Professor Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, has received universal acclaim because, the story stirs deep reflections. I told him so in 1974, when I interviewed him for an American magazine, long before he went to teach and live in the United States of America.
What has kept the Igbo people going is the remnant of that "anyi ga adi" spirit and like the 300 million Chinese Christians, a strong belief in Chukwu or Chineke or Osebuluwa, depending on the dialect you speak. Those, who perceive these musings as a challenge, would be right, otherwise, they would be wrong. That Umu Israel have allowed recent Nigerian history to recede so quickly in their memories, will remain an evanescent mystique".
"World history has recorded attempts by composite parts of Federal states, which tried to exercise their right to Self-determination through rebellion or revolution. In their efforts, some succeeded but others failed. In his recent article entitled, "Settling Questions in Nigerian History", which was published in THE GUARDIAN Nigerian Newspaper of April 10, 2008, Dr. Edwin Madunagu attempted to elucidate some historical events in Nigerian history, which are often either misunderstood or misinterpreted. Nigerian history is characterized by chance happenings, of leaders and dealers sprouting like mushrooms from no-where. After a spell of newspaper and TV pictorial appearances, they get accepted as such. Barely ten months in office, advertorials adorn the pages of newspapers singing their praises. These advertisements are inserted by friends. relations, fortune and favour-seekers, who, in the end, push them, irredeemably, down the corruption avenue.
Now, I proceed to address one crucial issue in Eddie's article under review. He wrote, "If the historical perspective is adopted, the following facts come out and become prominent: The Eastern region of Nigeria was declared the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967, on the basis of a resolution passed by the joint meeting of the Consultative Assembly and leaders of Thought on May 26, 1967. At the point of that declaration, the regime was in total control of the region. Subsequently, Biafra was recognized by four independent countries (states, mine), all members of the United Nations ".
My international law students, some now SANs and others- in -waiting, will recall that the international legal status of the Republic of Biafra (1967-70), featured often, in their examinations. Although some Federalist lawyers held divergent views on the issue, the consensus was and still is, that the Republic of Biafra, having satisfied the relevant provisions of the Montevideo Convention of 1933, and having sustained its struggle for three years, was a sovereign, independent state and a subject of international law. What are these relevant requirements? According to the declaratory theory, an aggrieved state , which was a composite part of a Federation, may, by virtue of a collective declaration of independence , assert its right to self-determination, from a sovereign state. In 1960, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Right of Nations to Self-determination up to Independence. The State of Israel declared itself independent by proclamation in 1948. States like the defunct Soviet Union, Cuba, China , America and France, became independent, sovereign states through revolution. It is imperative for dominant groups to treat their minorities fairly or face rebellion.
According to Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention on the Criteria for Statehood, 1933, a state must have a growing population, a defined territory, It must have a government, a judiciary, an armed force in uniform, with officers ranks clearly shown. A state must be in complete or even partial control of its territory. It must have a constitution and be recognized by other states. It must have the capacity to meet its financial obligations and establish diplomatic relations with other states. It must conduct its affairs peacefully, among others.
Biafra fulfilled nearly most of these criteria. It was recognized by Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, while France allowed Biafra to maintain a Historical Institute, which was headed by Dr. Christopher Mezu. Biafra engaged Nigeria in diplomatic tussle for three years, as result of the caliber of people, who led the rebellion. That a delegation of the Biafran government , which was led by Major-General Philip Effiong , was received by the Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon,was significant, in that the surrender ceremonies brought the existence of Biafra to an end.
Federalist constitutional lawyers and international lawyers argued divergently about the international legal status of Biafra. Each lawyer showed clearly where he was squatting on the civil war. It is true that some hegemonists and tribal irredentists sought to use the war to destroy Umu Israel, as my witty mother-in-law, Madam Alice Ebinum-Nwosu, was fond of calling the Igbos. They survived. It is a pity that instead of reviving the spirit of "anyi-anyi", "ekwe-ekwe", "ogbu-mma ihe ofusa ya fusa", the post-war Igbo man accepted supine affiliations and embraced the epicurean habits of their compatriots.In mock mimicry, they took on chieftaincy titles like eze, nze, igwe, without ancestral evidence of royalty. Some of them buried their relations, who probably died of utmost neglect, with pomp and pageantry, as they do West of the Niger. In order to make it big, by hook or crook, some have resorted to fetish practices like Okotoko, Okija shrine membership, etc. One had thought that the Igbos surrendered but did not give up. Well, this is true in the economic field, but politically, they have not fared well as a result of the hurried eagerness by some Igbo leaders , who chose to seek alliances and were always placed second. For example, Mr. Philip Umeadi, Mrs Oyibo Odinamadu, Chief Alex Ekwueme, Chief M.C.K Ajuluchukwu, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, etc. The Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, a respected association of Igbo leaders harbor some leaders/dealers, who have repeatedly demonstrated that they have the ability to negotiate for personal gains, at the expense of the race.
There is a roving Igbo contractor, who has lived off beneficient outpourings from any government in power, always looking for "ebe oga elite" (Onitsha) or "nga oga erite ihekpa" (Owerri). Once upon a time, there were Igbos like the Right Hon Nnamdi Azikiwe, Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Dr. Nwafor Orizu, Dr. K.O Mbadiwe, Chief M.I. Opara, Professor Ikenna Nzimiro, Professor Eme Awa, Dr. Eze Ogueri and countless others, who were advanced thinkers and political giants. Where are their replacements? We can, of course, find them among the Igbos in residence in many Euro-American cities or among those, who took to trading at the age of 15, or among those, who live in Lagos and are found at social festivities( Mo gbo mo ya). The position of the Igbo in the new dispensation is, in my judgment, more fundamental. It should be regarded as vital and should go beyond historical disputations. I am prepared to engage in animated dialogue with "Ndi Ogom" (my inlaws), so that they can re-focus their attention from money-making to Nigeria real-politik. I am ready to discuss these matters in Onitsha Igbo, Owerri Igbo, Wawa, Ngwa, Ohafia, Item, Isunge na Osunge dialects, after all, I passed Igbo in my Cambridge School Certificate.
It can be recalled that in 1999, I published a similar article in The Guardian newspaper entitled, The Igbo Dilemma. Apart from the Anyim Pius Anyim Senate Presidency,I have not much to report on the worsening condition of the Igbos in Nigeria political space. IGBO UNU ANUGO ! Many things happened in Nigerian history, during the Nigerian civil war, which cannot be easily forgotten. After all, Europeans are still talking about the horrors of Hitler's war. They believe that people must talk about monumental injustices and struggles to fight such devastating injustices, which the devil sponsors, to destroy the Sons and Daughters of the Almighty GOD, using satanic, human and spiritual agents.
At times, full knowledge of history, acts as a deterrent to other beastly escapades by Luciferians on Planet EARTH. There are pretenders who would tell us not to go into history. My response is, do not do things, which history cannot but document their ignoble ends and stress to the aspirant( of evil-doing) the powerlessness of evil power. Biafran history was a dark period in our nation's history. Barrister Mrs Elizabeth Ngozi Esiemokhai was only ten years old, when she had to trek from Umuodom to Etchie to buy and sell during the Biafran war. This story, "mkowaya chi ga eji, chi ga abor". What of the story of the pathetic Biafran soldiers, who have been begging for alms at Oji River, since 1972? What of the mass impoverishment of the race through the compulsory devaluation of their financial worth? Lack of knowledge of Nigerian history has produced simpletons, who are found in high government positions and because they have no knowledge of the nation's past sufferings, carry on without qualms.
This is mainly why this nation rotates around a vortex of mediocre leaders, who have to rely on failed leaders and bureaucrats, to the nation's detriment.After the damage has been done to the nation, a cacophony of voices engage in a symphony of condemnations. Ask some of them what they said in historical time when the damage was being done. They will present a bovine stare, with wondering eyes and hanging lips. Those, who benefited most are now calling for a revolution!Haba.
The Igbos may re-align their political strategies, link up with progressive compatriots, unencumbered by the tragedies of the Biafran war, so as to re-focus their energies both economically and politically. Recently, some commentators say that corruption is endemic among politicians from a major ethnic group, and that this is a major impediment to co-operation. I disagree. For example, it was an Igbo Pro-Chancellor and a Yoruba Vice Chancellor, now OFR, who, were sacked for corruption, at the Obafemi Awolowo University , Ife, a decade ago One must search diligently for decent and knowledgeable compatriots. They have been consistently excluded , first , by the military, who did so by legislative props and then, by their anointed iconoclasts. Some think that with the current sunset in the West, people in the Land of the Rising sun, should re-position themselves staunchly in the unfolding dispensation, before Igbo lethargy becomes an acute sociological problem. I disagree, the sins of the arrow-heads of the Luciferian hierarchy in Nigeria, should not be used to rubbish a race. I will comment on the Yoruba in Nigerian history, in due course. Having lived and worked among them for twenty-seven years, I am eminently experienced to enter a fair assessment of the race, without prejudice. At BOSAS INTERNATIONAL LAW BUREAU, Abuja, we run a weekly dialogue on national and International affairs. The audience is growing as we try to find solutions to problems of national development. Join us. Edie's article touched me and I am sure he will understand my concern. After all , the writer’s joy manifests glowingly, when he or she awaken thoughts. Professor Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, has received universal acclaim because, the story stirs deep reflections. I told him so in 1974, when I interviewed him for an American magazine, long before he went to teach and live in the United States of America.
What has kept the Igbo people going is the remnant of that "anyi ga adi" spirit and like the 300 million Chinese Christians, a strong belief in Chukwu or Chineke or Osebuluwa, depending on the dialect you speak. Those, who perceive these musings as a challenge, would be right, otherwise, they would be wrong. That Umu Israel have allowed recent Nigerian history to recede so quickly in their memories, will remain an evanescent mystique".
* Professor Dr. Emmanuel Omoh Esiemokhai is the Academic Chancellor, Bosas International Law Bureau, ABUJA, FCT. He grew up at ABA, in the then Eastern Region of Nigeria.
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