A few days after excerpts from Prof. Chinua Achebe’s latest memoirs, entitled ‘There Was A Country: A Personal History of Biafra,’ was published in the Guardian of London, the book is still the subject of what promises to be a long-drawn debate on the Internet and social media, particularly on the Facebook.
In the book, which focuses on the Nigerian Civil War, Achebe claims that former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and the late Yoruba leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, initiated the economic policies that caused the deaths of over two million Igbo through starvation during the war.
The controversial paragraph from the book reads, “It is my impression that Awolowo was driven by an overriding ambition for power, for himself and for his Yoruba people. There is, on the surface at least, nothing wrong with those aspirations.
“However, Awolowo saw the dominant Igbo at the time as the obstacles to that goal, and when the opportunity arose – the Nigeria-Biafra War – his ambition drove him into a frenzy to go to every length to achieve his dreams.
“In the Biafran case, it meant hatching up a diabolical policy to reduce the numbers of his enemies significantly through starvation – eliminating over two million people, mainly members of future generations.”
Many Nigerians who read the excerpts on the Internet appear to be sharply divided over the content of the book.
While some accused Achebe of whipping up ethnic sentiments and accusing Awolowo falsely, others have expressed the opinion that the writer has told the truth about the civil war.
In a contribution posted on the Facebook, Mayowa Akinsola disagreed with Achebe. He wrote, “I consider this statement from the highly revered literary icon an attempt at sectional revisionism.
Where emotion and sentiment rule our judgments, the ability to say the truth becomes a problem. Many countries in the world had experienced civil war before, America inclusive, so what we experience during the civil war was not new.
“Let us forget about the incidents that led to the war, all the principal actors in that incident should be held responsible, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu inclusive.
“Awolowo was perfectly right when he said that everything in war was fair. War is not a child’s play, when you declare a war, a battle line is drawn, the result is always clear from the beginning, the game is either you win or you lose.”
Also reacting to Achebe’s claims, Jesse Adeniji remarks, “Awo didn’t massacre two million people. Nigeria did, especially those of the Northern extraction who felt Kaduna Nzeogwu and Ifeajuna killed their icons.”
But Olusola Solarin chose to confine all matters relating to the civil war in the dustbin of history. He says, “Achebe should live the rest of his life happy. Nigeria and the Yoruba are existential realities today.”
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Most of my agemates died as a result of that policy it is their blood that is crying vengeance on the Nation
ReplyDeleteWhich was worse: Igbo people's mean treatment of Niger Deltans or Awolowo's strategy against the pesky Igbo nation? If the Igbo had succeeded in their heinous break away scheme, Niger Deltans would have been subjected to the worst crimes against humanity since the creation of man. God intervened for us.
ReplyDeleteSafari is damn right there. That's majorly why the Biafran cause failed. Ojukwu (Igbos) did not go to equity with clean hands. They SiNNED against the Niger Deltans.
Deletewhat is the state of the niger delta to Igbo land today, the people you claim liberated you do what steal from you murder your sons like saro wiwa and do not allow your son jonathan to rule. niger delta or not lgbos go survive.
DeleteObiorah is right !
ReplyDeleteI am sorry @Obiorah Ududo...
ReplyDeletemost of your mates died because your leaders then chose to go to WAR...Nigerian leaders then had to do everything possible to WIN and SAVE Nigeria, just as the BIAFRAN were ready to destroy too, only that they were out-smarted...I am sorry to say, if these OLD IGBO LEADERS have not yet forgotten about the Civil war...it is actually a shame to think that they were BETRAYED by anyone because they were actually the architect of there own detsruction...THE TRUTH THEY SAY IS BITTER...OJUKWU and the IGBO Leaders then chose WAR instead of negotiating their ways to freedom peacefully via round table talk..we all know that once WAR using ammunition is invoked sheets followed...for example LIBERIA, CONGO, SUDAN, just to name a few....
Please guys we new generation in Nigeria should now learn to live together in UNITY...
AND FOR GOD's SAKE LET ALL THESE BITTER OLD IGBO LEADERS WHO FELT THE GUILT OF WASTING THEIR BLOOD ARE NOW BLAMING OTHERS FOR THEIR MISTAKES...I THINK CHIEF (PROF) ACHEBE SHOULD TRY TO FORGIVE AND FORGET THE PAST AND ALSO ENCOURAGE THE NEW GENERATION OF IGBO DESCENDANTS TO DO SAME...
I rest my case...Long Live Nigeria and GOD bless Nigeria!
That is a correct account of the story. Se have heard it several times and thank God today, chinua is courageous enough to tell it in its true light. Let not the yorubas be troubled, we learn from our mistakes. This was the ambition of s man or men, not that of a tribe.
ReplyDeleteHave Yorubas changed?
ReplyDeleteEven today?
Tribalism's ingrained in their genes & every generation still carries the torch for Awo's dastardly legacy.
This I know from incessant personal experience (I've lived in Lagos).
Achebe is a man of honour in nigeria and beyond, scratching old wound is not good for this generation, should i say this might be the reason for turning down national honour.
ReplyDeleteWe the Igbos are peace loving people,that is why you see us everywhere.we invest where ever we go without the fear of losen property,No other ethnic group do this in Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteAchebe is a very learned man and I believe is not doing this to create bitterness,but truth we all know is better.
@Barry, don't forget there was so many dialogue even before aburry.
Ojukwu, said the declaration of Biafra was nesseccary as at then because the Eastern region are being killed in the North.
Nigerians has that killing'' END??? Whenever the North is aggrieved they take to killing.The North will not stop to kill innocent people when they are aggrieved.
Talking about Awolowo,May His soul R.I.P. He once said I will be a youruba man before becoming a Nigerian,Such person can be reffard to as extremist and can do anything for interest.
One thing I believe is that GOD has reason for everything.
We Yoruba trades everywhere; we made good trade, we buy and sell in our own market, it has been our culture from the old Kingdoms. And we enjoy ourselves. We welcome strangers and visitors to our town and cities. That was why Ibo are in every town in Yoruba Land. Can that be said of Ibo?, I don't think so. You are domineering and possessive to say the least. In Abuja USA Embassy, you will find so many Ibo, everyone working there are Ibo's using copies of the certificates of one person for families. Also in some Ministries. In conversation, you always shout. How can you feed the people you are fighting with. Ojukwu should have thought about War and its consequence before he took you to war.
DeleteI remembered how all Ibos were pushing for Chinua Achebe for for the Nobel Price for Literature, Yoruba did not say anything and in the end Wole Soyinka got it.
Bye the way, who is that guy that he is King of his town in Lagos, Warn him.
We Yoruba trades everywhere; we made good trade, we buy and sell in our own market, it has been our culture from the old Kingdoms. And we enjoy ourselves. We welcome strangers and visitors to our town and cities. That was why Ibo are in every town in Yoruba Land. Can that be said of Ibo?, I don't think so. You are domineering and possessive to say the least. In Abuja USA Embassy, you will find so many Ibo, everyone working there are Ibo's using copies of the certificates of one person for families. Also in some Ministries. In conversation, you always shout. How can you feed the people you are fighting with. Ojukwu should have thought about War and its consequence before he took you to war.
DeleteI remembered how all Ibos were pushing for Chinua Achebe for the Nobel Price for Literature, Yoruba did not say anything and in the end Wole Soyinka got it
Daddy chinua are u planning 2 create war before u leave?you are edely man in this country during the war Awo was not the head of state ooo its ojukwu selfishness the destroy the igbos not Awo igbos tink they can rule over south south dat is why there call 4 war without thinking abt their people
ReplyDeletemy question to the Igbo men (of which I'm one) what role did the late Zik play in the whole story in the war? These Comments on civil war does not in any way address the sorry state that Nigeria is right now instead it will complicate issues. one of the challenge we are having as a nation, beyond selfish ambitions, greed and ethnic sectarianism is the fact that we have not learnt to embrace the 'other' man's strength to attain our or achieve a common GOAL. What Should be our greatest strength is our greatest flow 'DIVERSITY' which is a gift.
ReplyDeleteNow we see that one Nigeria is fake. To kill 2 million people because they wanted to succed of which it is their right to self determination should not be something that you blame them to say they started war.
ReplyDeleteThanks Prof. You have actually told it as it is. My Yoruba brothers know the truth but only being blinded by their unmitigated loyalty to Awo.
ReplyDeleteIt is very true that the civil war and Biafra has come and "gone" but it is also a fact that the Igbos are still being judged by the events of that era even. For some of us who make comments I will advise that you get facts as well as understanding of events and implications of all that transpired that lead the Igbo leaders then to take the decision that the took. I know for a fact that greed was not a part of it but rather survival. Gowon for one was just a tool and a stooge. Awo on the other hand bit the finger that fed him; it just unfortunate that first Nzeogu and co trusted him and then Ojukwu and co did the same.
ReplyDeleteIt is very true that the civil war and Biafra has come and "gone" but it is also a fact that the Igbos are still being judged by the events of that era even. For some of us who make comments I will advise that you get facts as well as understanding of events and implications of all that transpired that lead the Igbo leaders then to take the decision that the took. I know for a fact that greed was not a part of it but rather survival. Gowon for one was just a tool and a stooge. Awo on the other hand bit the finger that fed him; it just unfortunate that first Nzeogu and co trusted him and then Ojukwu and co did the same.
ReplyDeleteBut Ojukwu came later and said of Awolowo, "The best President Nigeria never had." He was right. If subsequent leaders had been like Awolowo we would be like these Asian tigers today.
ReplyDeleteProf Achiebe got it totally wrong this time around, Ojukwu Odimegwu personal ambition led to the war and he was gullibly & blindly followed by his tribe. We are all good students of history and unbiased Igbo origin should answer the following questions before I throw more light on my position.
ReplyDelete1. Why did Ojukwu not in support of Nzeogwu coup,an Igbo coup but wanted to secede 6 months later?
2. Why did the Yoruba not go to war over June 12?
3. Why are the Igbo always vote for the north and yet want West supports
4. Why did Igbo leader neglected the Yoruba before declaring Biafra war ?
The fact is Chief Obafemi Awolowo made the best bargain between Nigeria & Biafra then and all Yoruba are proud of his decision till date.
Prof Achiebe got it totally wrong this time around, Ojukwu Odimegwu personal ambition led to the war and he was gullibly & blindly followed by his tribe. We are all good students of history and unbiased Igbo origin should answer the following questions before I throw more light on my position.
ReplyDelete1. Why did Ojukwu not in support of Nzeogwu coup,an Igbo coup but wanted to secede 6 months later?
2. Why did the Yoruba not go to war over June 12?
3. Why are the Igbo always vote for the north and yet want West supports
4. Why did Igbo leader neglected the Yoruba before declaring Biafra war ?
The fact is Chief Obafemi Awolowo made the best bargain between Nigeria & Biafra then and all Yoruba are proud of his decision till date.
Let Prof Achebe go and rest if he has nothing else to write opon else those who gave nobel prize for literature will have a rethink. Nations grow and become great through many paramitters. We are One Nation through GOD.
ReplyDeleteLet Prof Achebe go and rest if he has nothing else to write upon. James Challahan once said that Chief Awolowo was born into a wrong continent. We are One Nation through GOD.
ReplyDeleteThis is not about tribalism. The Igbos did what was expected of them. I emplore who ever want to comment to equip ur self with the right information about the civil war before commenting on public forums....
ReplyDeleteBiafran came as result of massive killings of the IGbo (not niger deltans)in nigeria. We know who the sabotuers are. Non igbo dat aided nigeria in the civil was later betrayed by dis same country they helped(eg sarowiwa & bakassi as well). Prof said the truth about the civil war.
Achebe, thanks anyway. But we should all know that we ll' do nothing about the past, but much 2 do today for better 2moro.... Otokpa D.O
ReplyDeleteI visualize most of the comments so far made are personal and not generally acceptable to the present yearning and aspiration of present day Nigerians. It is unfortunate that my highly respected elder stateman Prof, Chinua Achebe got it wrong by mentioning name rsther than concentrating on how Nigeria should move forward. The type of leadeership Nigeria needs today must be free of tribal sentiment. I am so much disappointed that Chief Achebe should find himself in the mist of unprogressive elements. What has happened that led to war was an individual device to rule the nation by all means at the expense of his tribe. The everage Igbo man wants peace but was manipulated by selffish, self-centered leader who wanted to rule Nigeria at all cost. I pray may his soul rest in peace. Now, Nigeria must move forward. The war is gone forever and never to show it face again in Nigeria. I fervently believe the amalgamation of Nigeria by Britain in 1914 was an act of God. Black nations need a powerful nation like Nigeria to survive what may be expected of the world in the near future. Economic slavery is much around the world and that may lead to political slavery. No one pray for this to happen to mankind again; but predictably, it could happen. My prayer is that Black race to work together now and embrace peace among themselves. In passing, the Igbos should learn to work together with their follow Nigerians in order to protect the black race.
ReplyDeleteplease why are some people afraid of the truth? prof achebe has said the truth.sentiment and tribalism that runs in the vein of every yoruba man could help them to identify the truth
ReplyDeleteIt is very unfortunate that proff still keeping this bitterness in mind. Even against the death. He can reject national award untill he got one from Biafra . This is an example of our 'elder stateman'. My that are saying is the truth do you listen to history from unbiased people at all? Or read books on this, of course not from 'proff'
ReplyDeleteThe facts of the matter speak of themselves
ReplyDelete1. 6,000 massacred, then a promise from Gowon to protect them, followed by another 30,000 massacred. Even today Igbo's are still killed in their 100s across Nigeria.
2. Following a round table conference at Aburi and agreements made by Gowon and other players. Gowon announces over the radio that all agreements made at Aburi are cancelled.
3. The treatment actually meted out to the ethnic groups native of the Niger Delta by Nigeria over the past 40 years and the shameful Bakassi surrender in exchange for oil.
4. The ongoing greed and gluttony of a Nigerian ruling class hell bent on its own destruction.
5. Even now over 50 years later, intelligent people from the north and south in Nigeria continue to call for a constitutional conference mainly to demand the Aburi settlement - the institution of a real federation in the country.
Achebe's comment is true. None of our leaders including Awolowo were close to being mature or servant leaders. Awolowo (and his inheritors) failure to build a national party is only further evidence of there myopic vision.
We should not be afraid to look closely at our past, until we do so we run the risk of continuously repeating the mistakes of our past.
No doubt tribal sentiments were a big contributor to the civil war (posting on this board show that they are still with us,) lack of integrity amongst political leaders played a big role (any fool will see they have gotten worse,) personal and tribal ambition played a role (these remain with us.)
Thanks to u Aminii. u talked like a wise man.Every word u see in Achebe's new book happaned exactly that way,includig a failed ateempts to assassinate Achebe by northern soldiers in Lagos.
ReplyDeleteSome posters here said that our great hero(Ojukwu)was over ambitious;as a living witness,i am bringing it to notice of those novice who knew nothing about war that Ojukwu wanted Nigeria to remaim united.He never created Biafra on his power,we the entire igbos pertuaded him to making the Biafran declaration when it had became certain that the lives of igbos were no longer protected by Gowon government all over country.As a little boy,i was in kano train station on 1st october 1966 when the northern soldiers and civillians decended on thousands of igbos who were waiting for train,killed every igbo they sigted and shouting ina inyamiri ina inyamiri.Aburi accord was signed by Gowon and Ojukwu which would have saved the country if the country Gowon had implemented the greed confederation system of government.both Gowon and Ojukwu agreed that all the igbo civil servants who abandoned their office duties and freed from all parts of the country during the massacre should be paid three months salaries up front.with evil advices from Gowon's permanent secretarie,he trashed the agreement leaving the eastern region to cater alone for the millions of igbo refugees in eastern region.Great Ojukwu now seized the revenue collected from eastern region so that he can take care of the refugees.Gowon seeing this as a threat to his military power which he had sighed off in Aburi,he now imposed blokade in eatern region so that eastern region was totally cut out from the rest of Nigeria both in air,postal,telecommunicatio and even sea.Northern soldiers raids the streets in the nigts in Lagos,picking up any igbo they see and taking them to AGEGE MOTOR WAY and execute them.By february 1967,Gowon and co never say nor feel remorse about the 50,000 igbos who have killed.With all these negligent on igbos,the entire Traditional leaders and all the people of eastern region including Calabar urged Ojukwu to declare our Biafra republic.Ojukwu explained to us that the move could result into war,but asked him to go ahead.i fougth for Biafra and will be happy to do it whenever.the only yoruba man who supported the Biafran cause is Pro Wole Soyinka.My novel will come out next year to say more.The spirits the millions of innocent igbos who died figthing for their freedom will holg down so that it will never move forward unless the Aburi accord is been implemented.
Thanks to u Aminii. u talked like a wise man.Every word u see in Achebe's new book happaned exactly that way,includig a failed ateempts to assassinate Achebe by northern soldiers in Lagos.
ReplyDeleteSome posters here said that our great hero(Ojukwu)was over ambitious;as a living witness,i am bringing it to notice of those novice who knew nothing about THE war that Ojukwu wanted Nigeria to remaim unite,he even urged the second most senior officer in nigerian army (a yoruba man)to take over the goverment when Ironsi was killed but the man was intimidated by hausa soldiers so that he shyed away.He never created Biafra on his power,we the entire eastern region pertuaded him to making the Biafran declaration when it had became certain that the lives of igbos were no longer protected by Gowon government all over country.As a little boy,i was in kano train station on 1st october 1966 when the northern soldiers and civillians decended on thousands of igbos who were waiting for train,killed every igbo they sigted and shouting ina inyamiri ina inyamiri.Aburi accord was signed by Gowon and Ojukwu which would have saved the country if the country had implemented the agreed confederation system of government.both Gowon and Ojukwu agreed that all the igbo civil servants who abandoned their office duties and freed from all parts of the country during the massacre should be paid three months salaries up front.with evil advices from Gowon's permanent secretarie,he trashed the agreement leaving the eastern region to cater alone for the millions of igbo refugees in eastern region.Great Ojukwu now seized the revenue collected from eastern region so that he can take care of the refugees.Gowon seeing this as a threat to his military power which he had sighed off in Aburi,he now imposed blokade in eatern region so that eastern region was totally cut out from the rest of Nigeria both in air,postal,telecommunicatio and even sea.Northern soldiers raids the streets in the nigts in Lagos,picking up any igbo they see and taking them to AGEGE MOTOR WAY and execute them.By february 1967,Gowon and co never say nor feel remorse about the 50,000 igbos who have been killed.With all these negligent on us,the entire Traditional leaders and all the people of eastern region including Calabar urged Ojukwu to declare our Biafra republic.Ojukwu explained to us that the move could result into war,but we asked him to go ahead.i fougth for Biafra and will be happy to do it again whenever.the only yoruba man who supported the Biafran cause is Pro Wole Soyinka.My novel will come out next year to say more.The spirits of the millions of innocent igbos who died figthing for their freedom will always hoid Nigeria down so that it will never move forward unless the Aburi accord is been implemented.BIAFRA WILL RISE AGAIN ONE DAY.Awolowo did all Achebe said He did,including giving all the igbos N20 after the war irrespect of the ammount u have in bank before the war stated because he was the finance minister.
Thanks to u Aminii. u talked like a wise man.Every word u see in Achebe's new book happaned exactly that way,includig a failed ateempts to assassinate Achebe by northern soldiers in Lagos.
ReplyDeleteSome posters here said that our great hero(Ojukwu)was over ambitious;as a living witness,i am bringing it to notice of those novice who knew nothing about THE war that Ojukwu wanted Nigeria to remaim unite,he even urged the second most senior officer in nigerian army (a yoruba man)to take over the goverment when Ironsi was killed but the man was intimidated by hausa soldiers so that he shyed away.He never created Biafra on his power,we the entire eastern region pertuaded him to making the Biafran declaration when it had became certain that the lives of igbos were no longer protected by Gowon government all over country.As a little boy,i was in kano train station on 1st october 1966 when the northern soldiers and civillians decended on thousands of igbos who were waiting for train,killed every igbo they sigted and shouting ina inyamiri ina inyamiri.Aburi accord was signed by Gowon and Ojukwu which would have saved the country if the country had implemented the agreed confederation system of government.both Gowon and Ojukwu agreed that all the igbo civil servants who abandoned their office duties and freed from all parts of the country during the massacre should be paid three months salaries up front.with evil advices from Gowon's permanent secretarie,he trashed the agreement leaving the eastern region to cater alone for the millions of igbo refugees in eastern region.Great Ojukwu now seized the revenue collected from eastern region so that he can take care of the refugees.Gowon seeing this as a threat to his military power which he had sighed off in Aburi,he now imposed blokade in eatern region so that eastern region was totally cut out from the rest of Nigeria both in air,postal,telecommunicatio and even sea.Northern soldiers raids the streets in the nigts in Lagos,picking up any igbo they see and taking them to AGEGE MOTOR WAY and execute them.By february 1967,Gowon and co never say nor feel remorse about the 50,000 igbos who have been killed.With all these negligent on us,the entire Traditional leaders and all the people of eastern region including Calabar urged Ojukwu to declare our Biafra republic.Ojukwu explained to us that the move could result into war,but we asked him to go ahead.i fougth for Biafra and will be happy to do it again whenever.the only yoruba man who supported the Biafran cause is Pro Wole Soyinka.My novel will come out next year to say more.The spirits of the millions of innocent igbos who died figthing for their freedom will always hoid Nigeria down so that it will never move forward unless the Aburi accord is been implemented.BIAFRA WILL RISE AGAIN ONE DAY.Awolowo did all Achebe said He did,including giving all the igbos N20 after the war irrespect of the ammount u have in bank before the war stated because he was the finance minister.
Why are we so bitter over this issue some praise ojukwu for war some accused Awolowo the question is dis before Ojukwu called the Igbo for war did ever discussed with Awolowo forgetting the fact that the Yoruba was in the west of Nigeria .Did Ojukwu adequately prepared for the war to counter any move against the war Where in Nigeria today did Igbo people enjoyed absolute peace,unmolested is it not in Yoruba States why Igbo always support the North when national issues arise in spite of humiliation, killings of Igbo in the North I think Igbo should acknowledge the contribution of Yoruba to development of d Igbos The Yorubas were very intelligent race they believe in dialogue and they will never mortgage the future of Yoruba for money, power and position Prof should let the sleeping dog be becos when things fall apart can the centre hold
ReplyDeleteThanks to u Aminii. u talked like a wise man.Every word u see in Achebe's new book happaned exactly that way,includig a failed atempts to assassinate Achebe by northern soldiers in Lagos,who said they wanted to know between Achebe's Pen and their gun which was mightier.
ReplyDeleteSome posters here said that our great hero(Ojukwu)was over ambitious;as a living witness,i am bringing it to the notice of those novice who knew nothing about that war,that Ojukwu have always wanted Nigeria to remaim united.He never created Biafra on his power,we the entire eastern region pertuaded him to making the Biafran declaration when it had became certain that the lives of igbos were no longer protected by Gowon government all over the country.As a little boy,i was in kano train station on 1st october 1966 when the northern soldiers and civillians decended on thousands of igbos who were waiting for train,killing every igbo they sigted and shouting ina inyamiri ina inyamiri.After which,Aburi accord was signed by Gowon and Ojukwu which would have saved the country if Gowon had implemented the agreed confederation system of government.both Gowon and Ojukwu agreed in Aburi that all the igbo civil servants who abandoned their offices duties and freed from all parts of the country during the massacre and returned to eastern region as refugees should be paid three months salaries up front.with evil advices from Gowon's permanent secretaries,he trashed the agreement leaving the eastern region to cater alone for the millions of igbo refugees in eastern region.Great Ojukwu now seized the revenue collected from eastern region so that he can take care of the refugees.Gowon seeing this as a threat to his military power which he had sighed off in Aburi,he now imposed blokade in eatern region so that eastern region was totally cut out from the rest of Nigeria both in air,land,postal,telecommunicatio and even seamaking it impossible for even to cross into eastern region.Northern soldiers raids the streets of at night,picking up any igbo they see and taking them to AGEGE MOTOR WAY and execute them.By february 1967,Gowon and co never say nor feel remorse about the 50,000 igbos who have killed.With all these negligent on igbos,the entire Traditional leaders and all the people of eastern region including Calabar were forced to urge Ojukwu to declare our Biafra republic.Ojukwu explained to us that the move could result into war,but we asked him to go ahead as we have been outcasted by Nigeria.i fougth for Biafra and even suffered the kwasiokor and will be happy to fight for Biafra whenever.the only yoruba man who supported the Biafran cause is Pro Wole Soyinka.My novel will come out next year to say more about that very inhumanity against the people of eastern region.The spirits of millions of innocent igbos who died figthing for their freedom especially women and children who were starved to death by Gowon and co policy will always hold Nigeria down so that it will never move forward, unless the Aburi accord is been implemented.BIAFRA WILL RISE AGAIN ONE DAY.Awolowo did all Achebe said He did,including giving all the igbos N20 after the war irrespective of the ammount u have in bank before the war started because he was the finance minister.
Thanks to u Aminii. u talked like a wise man.Every word u see in Achebe's new book happaned exactly that way,includig a failed atempts to assassinate Achebe by northern soldiers in Lagos,who said they wanted to know between Achebe's Pen and their gun which was mightier.
ReplyDeleteSome posters here said that our great hero(Ojukwu)was over ambitious;as a living witness,i am bringing it to the notice of those novice who knew nothing about that war,that Ojukwu have always wanted Nigeria to remaim united.He never created Biafra on his power,we the entire eastern region pertuaded him to making the Biafran declaration when it had became certain that the lives of igbos were no longer protected by Gowon government all over the country.As a little boy,i was in kano train station on 1st october 1966 when the northern soldiers and civillians decended on thousands of igbos who were waiting for train,killing every igbo they sigted and shouting ina inyamiri ina inyamiri.After which,Aburi accord was signed by Gowon and Ojukwu which would have saved the country if Gowon had implemented the agreed confederation system of government.both Gowon and Ojukwu agreed in Aburi that all the igbo civil servants who abandoned their offices duties and freed from all parts of the country during the massacre and returned to eastern region as refugees should be paid three months salaries up front.with evil advices from Gowon's permanent secretaries,he trashed the agreement leaving the eastern region to cater alone for the millions of igbo refugees in eastern region.Great Ojukwu now seized the revenue collected from eastern region so that he can take care of the refugees.Gowon seeing this as a threat to his military power which he had sighed off in Aburi,he now imposed blokade in eatern region so that eastern region was totally cut out from the rest of Nigeria both in air,land,postal,telecommunicatio and even seamaking it impossible for even to cross into eastern region.Northern soldiers raids the streets of at night,picking up any igbo they see and taking them to AGEGE MOTOR WAY and execute them.By february 1967,Gowon and co never say nor feel remorse about the 50,000 igbos who have killed.With all these negligent on igbos,the entire Traditional leaders and all the people of eastern region including Calabar were forced to urge Ojukwu to declare our Biafra republic.Ojukwu explained to us that the move could result into war,but we asked him to go ahead as we have been outcasted by Nigeria.i fougth for Biafra and even suffered the kwasiokor and will be happy to fight for Biafra whenever.the only yoruba man who supported the Biafran cause is Pro Wole Soyinka.My novel will come out next year to say more about that very inhumanity against the people of eastern region.The spirits of millions of innocent igbos who died figthing for their freedom especially women and children who were starved to death by Gowon and co policy will always hold Nigeria down so that it will never move forward, unless the Aburi accord is been implemented.BIAFRA WILL RISE AGAIN ONE DAY.Awolowo did all Achebe said He did,including giving all the igbos N20 after the war irrespective of the ammount u have in bank before the war started because he was the finance minister.
THERE ARE SOME VERY IMPORTANT AND OBVIOUS TRUTH THAT THE HATCHET CAN NEVER CONTAIN, THIS IS ABSOLUTELY ONE OF THEM. Till then.
ReplyDeleteAchebe is wrong, if you are in a war every avenue to be the winner would be employ by all the people involved so it is not a new thing for that, it does not reduce the value of our leader Awolowo in our heart. Achebe should blame Ojukwu & their race selfishness and tribalistic ways rather than Awo.
ReplyDeleteHave we now learnt anything from the war? Prof is busy cutting open old wounds, when they did not perfect their strategy before going to war. Their generation mislead this great nation, Awo, Zik, Sadauna all of them. If we did not get the independence as at when we got it, Nigeria would have been better for it in terms of development, infrastructure etc. take a look at South Africa. Fighting a war that was not necessary. Now is the time to fight for our tomorrow. Let us team up and fight corruption. To build a better Nigeria
ReplyDeleteIf you are afraid of knowing and accepting the truth when told, then something is terribly wrong with you. What did we do with the report of justice oputa panel on this matter? Nothing! Lets try to be like profs ACHEBE and WOLE SOYINKA. Lets research and read more so that we don't fall into another temptation. Do onto others what you would like others do onto you. Amen!
ReplyDeletewhat exactly is wrong with the blackman?how come we always find it hard to look at issues without attaching one form of sentiment to it? the prof is an educated mind but these things am reading from him.... na wa o. so AWOLOWO is to be blamed for the BIAFRAN WAR? WHAT ABOUT OJUKWU? how come OJUKWU described AWOLOWO as the best president we never had? am still looking for what he said with respect to ZIK of Africa!!! and for the man advertising his uncompleted book,let him go and research very well and he will find out that BIAFRAN ARMY HAD MANY YORUBA SOLDIERS INITIALLY...until OJUKWU began to push forward to ORE... and they told him that they will not join him to start shooting the YORUBAS. and for the guy that said he stays in LAGOS and that is how the YORUBA behave... i wonder what is he still doing? i suggest he packed his load & go to the east. my YORUBA culture does not encourage me to "YAB" an elderly man,so i will just be restricted to say that PROF comments is NOT adding to the SOLUTION we need in NAIJA & i hope it will not add to our already many challenges. the war ended about 42 years ago, how come the accusation is coming now? i dont want to sound comical but something tells me that this hulabalu and brohaha is about something else?...may be 2015 igbo presidency... politicking...hmnnn ...NAIJA 4 LIFE lol.....ABIODUN(LAGOS)
ReplyDeleteGod bless you anoynmous!
ReplyDeleteI want to ask Prof a question:
how has opening up these wounds help Nigeria in this present state?
Let me just make a few comments.
1. What are Prof Achebe's motives for raising these issues now?
2. Does this stop the unorganised and unquenchable with dubious attribures of the new generation of Igbo men?
3. How does Prof Achebe's comment reflect on the present sorry state of Nigeria in terms of Infrastructure and Political developments.
As a yorua man, I am a ditrabilised Nigerian, living in Rivers State and married to an Igbo woman that i and my familyloved soooo much.
I think Nigeria should move away from all thses old sentiments and move forward as one under God.
As one of the commentators earlier wrote; we got our independence in a hurry and on a platter of Gold and thats why we have somehow legalised corruption, praising and rewarding and even organising National Thanksgiving Church service for corrupt people (the age group of Prof) while we can hurriedly kill 4 young men for allegedly stealing computers.....
I urge all my brothers in the east, west, north and south of this country not to allow these politicians to cause another set of trouble.
Old men on the other side,should descern when, how and what to say at every point in the life of any nation.
As for you Prof, I respect you a lot, but old men of your calibre should know what, how and when to speak so that they will not be insulted.
Let me ask you our highly esteemed Prof; if you are so much in love with the Igbo race, what have you to say about how some igbo governors/leaders loot and oppress their people? is that also caused by Awolowo?
I rest my case.
The fact remained that most Nigerians are selfish. I have about 50% igbo friends and I can say that they have the highest hatred to the yoruba race. Prof. Should blame who started the war in the first place. I believe Awolowo and indeed the whole nation did what is necessary to keep the most populous black nation together. If you think Yoruba nation is not good, why not stay in ur home towns........why is the south west the centre of excellence? How many times have u heard of igbo killings in the southwest? But the igbos never cease commiting crimes(piration, armed robbery, e t c ) in. Yoruba land. Enough is enough, yoruba nation is keeping quiet cos of the love for Nigeria. Which ethnic group accommodates others like the dear yoruba people in Nigeria. Imagine an igbo contesting in lagos guber. I'm proud to be associated with peace loving and accommodating Yoruba people. I am a student for black liberation so mr. PROF keep shut. Maybe be u are one in a million among ur people..........I love black nation. I love Africa....
ReplyDeleteThe fact remained that most Nigerians are selfish. I have about 50% igbo friends and I can say that they have the highest hatred to the yoruba race. Prof. Should blame who started the war in the first place. I believe Awolowo and indeed the whole nation did what is necessary to keep the most populous black nation together. If you think Yoruba nation is not good, why not stay in ur home towns........why is the south west the centre of excellence? How many times have u heard of igbo killings in the southwest? But the igbos never cease commiting crimes(piration, armed robbery, e t c ) in. Yoruba land. Enough is enough, yoruba nation is keeping quiet cos of the love for Nigeria. Which ethnic group accommodates others like the dear yoruba people in Nigeria. Imagine an igbo contesting in lagos guber. I'm proud to be associated with peace loving and accommodating Yoruba people. I am a student for black liberation so mr. PROF keep shut. Maybe be u are one in a million among ur people..........I love black nation. I love Africa....
ReplyDeleteI hope Achebe was not only feeling guilty himself for the consequences of his actions then. I learnt he served as minister for communication under Biafra. He should let us know what he did to avert the war. All actors in the war must share in the blame the war. But for one actor to now be apportioning blame because he occupy vantage position as author is the height of deception and recreating reality in his own image.
ReplyDeleteProf Achebe has lived on the greatness of one book, Things fall apart. Now, at old age, he is going to his grave on the nuisance of one book, There was a country and things may begin to fall apart for him(I pray not). Very sad. I am not Ibo nor Yoruba. I make bold to say that the Ibos have achieved success in Yoruba land more than in any other part of Nigeria, including their own land. All over the world, we have seen the result of war or rebellion or succession (call it whatever you want). If the Ibos rebelled against the Federal government of Nigeria, did they expect to be treated with kid gloves? Did they expect the Federal government to provide them with food and supplies to remain strong to continue the fight? Did the Federal government stop the growing of food and importation of food by Air within "Biafra"? Did the Nigerian side bomb farms and food storage warehouses? Why couldn't "Biafra" grow her own food? why blame the Nigerian side for the starvation? If Ibo land had depended on Garri from Mid West and Yams from Benue, they should thought of what would happen if they were cut off from these bases.
ReplyDeleteAll the Ibos that returned back to my home town in Edo state not only got all their properties back intact but also received 2 years of rent collected why they were "at war" with us. Same was recorded in the West. There were no cases of abandoned properties in the West or Mid west. Ibos returned and were received with open arms. let the truth be told, would the Ibos have treated other Nigerians (Yorubas and Mid westerners) as good as they were treated after the civil war if the shoe was on the other feet? My honest answer is NO. Let Ibo elders stop pushing blame to others and focus on the great rebound the Ibos have made in the new Nigeria. Abuja today is 50-60% owned by persons of Ibo extraction? What about Lagos?How many non-Ibos own property or live in the heart of Ibo land? let us focus on the things that make us strong and grow from here forward.
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