BEN BRUCE'S PRESENTATION IN SENATE
There has been a plethora of childish rants from different mischievous individuals who in the recent past have been bashing and arrogantly asking IPOB to embrace the use of arms in the restoration of the kingdom of light called Biafra. They chant war songs from their various comfort rendezvous without understanding the pros and cons of warfare.
I don't blame some of these war vuvuzalas because majority of them have never in their life time undergone any academic tutoring on STRATEGIC STUDIES. Wars are not fought and won by mere rants. I will not in anyway chide or disparage these set of persons for holding this school of thought. After all, this is a democratic world and people must have the right to hold and express any personal perception about a public issue. It will be sheer misplacement of priority and casting down of my self-esteem if I should join these scumbags in exchanging tantrums over their impotent line of argument.
For the sake of posterity, I am not against the use of peaceful means to restore Biafra neither are my against the use of arms. My Candid opinion is, any of these means that proves to be more result oriented, I will not hesitate to lend my support to it. Remember, in decision making, one must meticulously weigh if the direct advantages of a decision will be outweighed by its calamitous consequences. In organisational setting, before decisions are made in any matter, there must be stakeholders consultation. Extensive parleys are carried out with the primary goal of capturing the opinion of its members and closing up any lacuna that will give room for grudges. This is done so that when decisions are finally made, it will represent the collective signature of the organisation. And not the decision of few omnipotent power brokers.
There have been too much unnecessary side kicks from some infinitesimal ants that feels in their deluded minds they are mighty elephants. I don't believe in using fire brigade approach in solving a mathematical problem that simply requires logic and sequence in addressing. The constant pouring of unwarranted aspersions against IPOB for not resorting to the use of arms in her drive to restore Biafra is such a cowardly act. It is nothing but a cataclysmic misdirection of precious intellectual energy.
IPOB has a template and we are staunchly maintaining the ground that all democratic options that is open to us in addressing the Biafra question will be exhausted and if there is no in-road, then we are left with nothing than to go it by the barrel of gun and damn the consequences. IPOB is not afraid of war. The world will bear us a witness that there was a time we opted for dialogue just to bring a lasting solution to this brouhaha but the opportunity was thrown overboard. It will be a big show down that will throw the final spanner in the unworkable relationship between Biafra and Nigeria.
Stop the rant and come on board. IPOB is not stopping other agitators that feels they have the cardinal military prowess to restore Biafra. IPOB has been able to set a huge precedence for other actors to rest on and balloon their agenda which the end product shouldn't be far from immediate restoration of Biafra.
These little ants that feels they are mighty elephants should stop dribbling themselves in the name of talking IPOB into arms struggle. We are gradually nearing to that point but have not gotten there yet. We must count one before counting two. Anybody that is feeling too impatient about our modus operandi can fire a warning shot from other fronts while IPOB carefully carries out her military build up with the central objective of striking at the appropriate time.
However, I am of the opinion that, if you have what it takes to restore Biafra, the playing ground is open for the person. Leave IPOB alone and come on board. Show us your political craftsmanship. Its genuineness and commitment will invariably determine if Biafrans will board the ship or not. Too much have been said by these war vuvuzalas. Now that IPOB body language doesn't approve war at the present moment, these blabbing war maniacs can take the bull by the horn and do the needful! There is need to eschew backyard rants and pull more of actions.
Kalu Nwokoro Idika is a media analyst at Family Writers Press
 |
| MORDERN TECH IN BIAFRA |
BEN BRUCE PRESENTATION IN THE SENATE ON THE ISSUE OF
"BIAFRA RISE"
I would like to add that the fear of "BIAFRA RISING AGAIN" is the reason the entire JUNGLE and SHIT-HOLE called Nigeria
Successive rulers in Nigeria have pursued policies aimed to dehumanise, despise, antagonise, derogate, degrade and marginalise the Igbos with the sole aim preventing possible re-rise of Biafra . But, suffice it so say, that efforts of the wicked rulers are oftentimes thwarted by the creator of the universe.
The barbaric and brainless rulers of Nigeria
I’ll Take Over Enugu As President, Declare Biafra Independence- BZF Blows Hot!
This came from the self-acclaimed President of the BZF, Barr. Benjamin Onwuka.
He spoke to journalists in Enugu a day after he was released from prison, where he also boasted that he would take over Enugu
Onwuka was arrested on May 30 alongside 32 members of his group in front of Enugu
They were discharged and acquitted by a Magistrate Court Enugu
He said nothing would stop him from “ceasing Enugu government house on that day as President of Biafra as Enugu remains the capital of Biafra land.”
He stated that the struggle for the actualization of Biafra has received a fresh momentum from the support of the United States of America (USA) and Isreali government, stressing that on August 20, they would “enter government house, Enugu
Onwuka said: “We will return back to Enugu Enugu is the capital of Biafra .
“The Enugu government house is the property of Biafra . It does not belong to Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, it does not belong to Mohammadu Buhari and also does not belong to Nigeria
Onwuka, who confirmed that they were charged with treasonable felony after their arrests, stated that the United States of America (USA) ordered their release from prison last month, adding however, that the order was not carried out until Thursday night.
“The Magistrate who had earlier declined jurisdiction on the matter and sent us to prison, suddenly pronounced us discharged and acquitted. We simply walked out of prison and we thank the President of the United States of America
“Nobody believed we will return from prison. We went in and we have come out. They can’t do anything and we are going to show that we have the power of Isreali behind us.
“The implication of that order is that we have defeated Nigeria Biafra has gained momentum as Southeast, South-South and Middle Belt are now asking for it,” he disclosed.
He announced a ban on all political activities in Biafraland, stressing that elections won’t hold on Biafra territories in 2019. He listed the areas where there would not be election in 2019 to include Southeast, South-South, Western region, Bakassi Peninsula , Middle Belt, saying they are part of the Biafra territory.
Onwuka added, however, that the Nigerian government was free to conduct elections in ten northern states of Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano
There was an unholy implicit alliance with Moscow Biafra a nocturnal lifeline down which I flew into Uli, the Biafran airport, over the anti-aircraft guns provided by Harold Wilson and Michael Stewart. There is no more foul chapter in British history since 1945. A million died.
At its peak in 1969, the airlift delivered an average of 250 metric tons of food each night to the estimated 1.5 to 2 million people dependent on food relief supplies, most of which was brought in by the airlift. In late 1968, before the arrival of the C-97s from the USA , an estimated 15-20 flights each night were made into Biafra: 10-12 from Sao Tome (JCA, Canairelief, and others), 6-8 from Fernando Po (mostly ICRC), and 3-4 from Libreville , Gabon
This airlift was the first major civilian airlift in history, and perhaps the largest of any civilian relief effort of any kind. Of the major participants, only OXFAM had any prior experience with field operations; Biafra was their second. Pilots and some of the maintenance crews were perhaps the only trained persons involved. Most others were volunteers, performing tasks for which they had no little or no training or prior experience, from loading and unloading, warehouse, inventory, to aircraft maintenance and engine mechanics. The operating agencies were varied and often competing; many were also brand new to this type of effort. Organization and logistics were improved greatly through experience over months, with unloading times dropped from over 2 hours to 20 minutes per aircraft, often under attack or threat of attack.
Chineke na-echebe anyi
The damnable zoological republic of Nigeria don't understand the political process of IPOB that is why you see them making mistakes in everything they do against IPOB and any mistake they make bring us closer to our freedom Ekele diri Chukwuokike Abiama for giving us Onye Ndu Mazi Nnamdi kanu Udo diri ndi choro udo
Can we please assist IPOB UK by sharing the upcoming IPOB/Biafra education event at Goldsmiths University Lewisham London UK
Unseen materials will be shown that day and many Living Legends are due to attend including the Scottish Dr. Clyde Shepherd who stayed back in the war and ran Umuahia hospital saving thousands and thousands of lives. (He’s 94 and still ever ready for Biafra traveling fromScotland
Any questions or anything you need to know etc.. please don’t hesitate to ask either myself or the UK National Coordinator.
The event will coverBiafra from before colonialism to today and the reason why Biafrans are going to referendum.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA (IPOB)UNITED KINGDOM
BIAFRA EDUCATION AWARENESS DAY (B.E.A.D) LECTURES
DATE: Saturday 11th August 2018
TIME: 5pm - 9pm
VENUE: Goldsmith University of London,8 Lewisham Way London
Turning our beads of knowledge into pearls of wisdom to enhance the global survival of Biafrans and mankind.
#IPOB #Education #Awareness
The man sitting on top of the elephant is Okorie Nkata Emetu, the killer of the
Unseen materials will be shown that day and many Living Legends are due to attend including the Scottish Dr. Clyde Shepherd who stayed back in the war and ran Umuahia hospital saving thousands and thousands of lives. (He’s 94 and still ever ready for Biafra traveling from
Any questions or anything you need to know etc.. please don’t hesitate to ask either myself or the UK National Coordinator.
The event will cover
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA (IPOB)
BIAFRA EDUCATION AWARENESS DAY (B.E.A.D) LECTURES
DATE: Saturday 11th August 2018
TIME: 5pm - 9pm
VENUE: Goldsmith University of London,
Turning our beads of knowledge into pearls of wisdom to enhance the global survival of Biafrans and mankind.
#IPOB #Education #Awareness
HISTORY OF A TERRORIST
WILD ELEPHANT IN OHAFIA.
History is an important aspect of man's
History is an important aspect of man's
existence.
Around July 1966, there was an elephant
that was terrorizing Asaga village
and other surrounding villages in Ohafia.
This wild elephant became a nightmare to
Ohafia as a whole to the extent that
every community were sending their strong
hunters to kill this satanic wild
elephant.
One of the sons of Amaekpu Chief, The Ezeogo , Late Chief Nkata Emetu also
One of the sons of Amaekpu Chief, The Ezeogo , Late Chief Nkata Emetu also
called Okorie Nkata Emetu, was sent by the Ezeogo (Village Chief) to hunt the
wild elephant down.
On the 11th of July , 1966, Okorie Nkata Emetu shot and killed the elephant.
On the 11th of July , 1966, Okorie Nkata Emetu shot and killed the elephant.
Peace returned to Asaga Village and the other surrounding villages as a result of
the killing of the wild elephant.
The man sitting on top of the elephant is Okorie Nkata Emetu, the killer of the
wild Elephant.
I will stop here for those that know about this event to educate us more on the
I will stop here for those that know about this event to educate us more on the
stories behind the killing of this wild elephant.
This particular picture use to be in every home in Amaekpu and I think it was
This particular picture use to be in every home in Amaekpu and I think it was
the same in other villages.
Now this is for Ndi-Uyo compound in Amaekpu:-
Now this is for Ndi-Uyo compound in Amaekpu:-
Can anybody from Ndi-Uyo tell what they know about that elephant jaw that
is at the center of Obu Ndi-Uyo [Home of Ndi-Uyo].
THE PRECOLONIAL IGBO FATHERS
DESERVE YOUR HONOR!
Take a look at these men! Do you know whom they
are?
These are the precolonial Igbo; the only ethnic group in the world with
military
power as far back as the 9th century but never used it to harass their
neighbors.
They were civilized and only used their guns for hunting animals for meat.
Through scientific examinations, chiukwu okike showed them that there is a
yeast rich juice at the heart of the palm tree and Rafia Palm and they called
it
Nmanya nkwu and Nmanya ngwo respectively.
Through chiukwu okike- driven experimentation, they discovered how to
ferment cassava,
remove the dangerous cyanide and produce garri and Akpu.
Because of chiukwu okike's care for us, and through them, we have Ji, pounded
yam, eberebe or tapioka and protein rich salad called Ugba, to name but a few.
Okike gave them medical wisdom to heal all kinds of diseases that are native to
them Through their native healers/doctors,
Chiukwu okike preserved their generations and they gave birth to new
generations of Igbo.
When okike commanded you to honor your parents, it includes honoring these
men and women whom he used to preserve lives in your society and not
condemn them.
Even though They were not perfect but let chiukwu okike abiama be the judge.
( No people can stand tall unless they stand on the shoulders of those who came
before them).
I, however, consider it wise to acknowledge the great contributions that our
forefathers have made to the sustenance of our lives by birthing and
preserving
the next generation.
I consider it evil to condemn our forefathers and deny them the honor and
respects that is due to them.
These men and women of their time deserve our loving remembrance and not
condemnation.
As I have just listed some few of their contributions and civilizations now.
If you still choose to continue to disregard and disrespect them, then list the
contributions of your own generation who you claims to know better, udo diri
unu,
Remember to sit at home on 14th of September dalu nu
Credit : Radio Biafra
are?
These are the precolonial Igbo; the only ethnic group in the world with
military
power as far back as the 9th century but never used it to harass their
neighbors.
They were civilized and only used their guns for hunting animals for meat.
Through scientific examinations, chiukwu okike showed them that there is a
yeast rich juice at the heart of the palm tree and Rafia Palm and they called
it
Nmanya nkwu and Nmanya ngwo respectively.
Through chiukwu okike- driven experimentation, they discovered how to
ferment cassava,
remove the dangerous cyanide and produce garri and Akpu.
Because of chiukwu okike's care for us, and through them, we have Ji, pounded
yam, eberebe or tapioka and protein rich salad called Ugba, to name but a few.
Okike gave them medical wisdom to heal all kinds of diseases that are native to
them Through their native healers/doctors,
Chiukwu okike preserved their generations and they gave birth to new
generations of Igbo.
When okike commanded you to honor your parents, it includes honoring these
men and women whom he used to preserve lives in your society and not
condemn them.
Even though They were not perfect but let chiukwu okike abiama be the judge.
( No people can stand tall unless they stand on the shoulders of those who came
before them).
I, however, consider it wise to acknowledge the great contributions that our
forefathers have made to the sustenance of our lives by birthing and
preserving
the next generation.
I consider it evil to condemn our forefathers and deny them the honor and
respects that is due to them.
These men and women of their time deserve our loving remembrance and not
condemnation.
As I have just listed some few of their contributions and civilizations now.
If you still choose to continue to disregard and disrespect them, then list the
contributions of your own generation who you claims to know better, udo diri
unu,
Remember to sit at home on 14th of September dalu nu
Credit : Radio Biafra
Uli Airport is a symbolic shrine, which remains the height of Blackman's greatest technological achievement to date.
The wonder of Uli Airport is yet to be matched by Blackman anywhere in the world.
The Airport and its structures have been deliberately left to decay, so as to attempt to obliterate the memory of an Igbo symbol of technological advancement, military superiority, resistance and survival. Had Igbo Day been held at Uli as scheduled earlier, its significance would have been almost impossible to express in words, in terms of its symbolicness and what Uli Airport represented and represents to Ndi Igbo.
Uli Airport,
The story goes was completely built from scratch by mostly Igbos. It was a military cum civil Airport. While supply aircrafts hovered overhead, the Airport below was said to be in pitch darkness and at the right moment the runway lights would come on momentarily as aircrafts come in and land.
The aircrafts were said, according to legend, to taxi along runways, which terminated underground or into the trees, thus shielding them from enemy air-to-ground fire.
Meanwhile, federal airforce jets hovered overhead strafing at every and anything in the pitch darkness below.
It was said that any of the several run ways hit by a bomb or rocket was repaired immediately within minutes to enable the next supply aircraft hovering low overhead to land.
The supply aircrafts often had to circle flying low above the trees for hours, evading federal airforce Migs and jets.
Uli Airport became the Igbo lifeline during the economic blockade, Biafra having become landlocked and surrounded.
Uli Airport was of such importance or indeed of the most singular importance to Biafra and to Nigeria, so much so that the federalists landed a marine-borne invasion force at "Oguta II", which was only about 20 - 30 odd kilometers to Uli, so as to bring the Airport within artillery range.
Uli was so indispensable to the survival of Ndi Igbo, so much so that His Excellency General Ojukwu personally commanded the Biafran forces that defended "Oguta I" and liberated "Oguta II" within three days of the landing of federal forces in the area.
I was a kid then and I vividly recollect seeing General Ojukwu and his convoy drive past towards Oguta.
We were waving, cheering him and the troops being rushed to Oguta as they filed along singing, some on foot, others on vehicles and tractors.
...
Not a single federal soldier who set foot on Oguta went home alive. They all perished - including some who came with family, livestock and supplies in several supply ships in the armada that invaded Oguta.
...
Not a single federal soldier who set foot on Oguta went home alive. They all perished - including some who came with family, livestock and supplies in several supply ships in the armada that invaded Oguta.
Many perished where their ships were sunk. The federal side risked and lost so much in that operation because they wanted Uli Airport at all costs.
Ndi Igbo threw everything at them because Uli was our lifeline and last hope. The defeat of the federalists at Oguta left a monument which remains at the Oguta lagoon until today - the carcasses of the sunk federal ships are still there.
Anyone who visits home should try go and see for themselves. General Ojukwu himself lead the operation - that was how important and strategic Uli was and is to Igbos.
Then the federal airforce came with a new method. They would drop a round fluorescent light and suspend it in mid air.
This light shone like a moon. It was midnight and sometimes the first hours of the morning but you could pick up a pin or needle over a fifty or more kilometers radius from the almost daylight generated by this artificial moon.
You would be in pitch darkness, either sleeping or simply because the oil lamps had to be put out to avoid federal jets that fired at any trace of light, and suddenly it was daylight from this strange moon hanging over from the sky in the direction of Uli.
The first time it happened it was share panic and every one, old and young scurried into the bushes and the trenches.
I say panic because we as children could sense the disquiet amongst the adults and the share confusion and pandemonium that reigned at the first appearance of this strange moon.
Then the bombs, rockets and buffers (buffer was the Biafran anti aircraft guns used at Uli) would start to boom for what seemed like eternity and slowly the moon would die.
Within minutes of the silence of the guns, the supply aircrafts hovering low all across the horizon would again begin to land at Uli.
I heard the roar of every aircraft that landed at and took off from Uli and the deafening and terrifying boom and bang of every aircraft that crashed into the woods.
I was only a child a few kilometers away from Uli. Most nights you would come out and watch these huge metal birds with large wings hovering so low over the roof you had think it would uproot the house with it like an eagle would lift a prey.
But these were no birds of prey, they brought us food, medical, military supplies and life, but you were scared all the same, least they crashed onto the roof. After all, they flew in pitch darkness, low, almost hugging the trees, with federal jets ruling the heights, strafing, and rocketing any trace of light.
They also had to keep away from ground fire from the buffer guns. I still wonder how those pilots flew those planes then.
Uli Airport was such a fortress that at a stage, the federal airforce jets and their pilots contrived to jettison their rockets, bombs and cannons at targets and bushes as far away as possible from Uli Airport.
And all the neighbouring communities, including mine paid dearly in lost lives and damaged buildings, farms and economic trees. That was how powerful Uli Airport was.
Almost every Igbo who survived as a refugee, every child who was rescued from kwashiorkor and many who lived to tell the tale and to continue the procreation of the Igbo race today, towards its destiny, owed their survival to Uli Airport.
Every grain of rice or corn meal or garri gabon, every drip drop or tablet, every stick of stockfish or other nutrients, every and each single bullet or gun fired by NdiIgbo in self preservation and survival, at a stage was landed at Uli Airport.
His Excellency, General Ojukwu left the embattled Biafran enclave through Uli so he may live to fight another day, hence he is with us today.
In the last days and hours of Biafra in January 1970, even when the expedition force sent out probably from Uli Airport to blow up the Njiaba bridge at Awo-Omamma so as to hold the advancing federal troops there had been destroyed by federal troops who had crossed the bridge much earlier than the Biafran forces could arrive and hold it, and the whole of Awo-Omama and environs had been taken by the rampaging federal forces, Uli Airport continued to fire mortars and shells in the direction of Awo-Omamma where they thought the federal troops were located.
In the last days and hours of Biafra in January 1970, even when the expedition force sent out probably from Uli Airport to blow up the Njiaba bridge at Awo-Omamma so as to hold the advancing federal troops there had been destroyed by federal troops who had crossed the bridge much earlier than the Biafran forces could arrive and hold it, and the whole of Awo-Omama and environs had been taken by the rampaging federal forces, Uli Airport continued to fire mortars and shells in the direction of Awo-Omamma where they thought the federal troops were located.
In this respect, Uli Airport is symbolic for firing the first shot in defense of Igboland since the demise of Biafra. In a sense, Uli Airport remained undefeated and unsurrendered.
The airport smoked even after the very last moment of Biafra and the federals could not venture into its precincts until General Effiong and other officers had ensured and guaranteed their safety.
There could be no better place and symbol of Igbo resistance and survival than the vicinity of Uli Airport.
Igbo detractors hate the place, they had rather it was wiped off the maps, never to be mentioned again. It was one place that was impenetrable and undefeated, defiant to the last, firing shells and motors even after Biafra had formally seized to exist.
Egyptian pilots, Russian Migs and British jets and military advisers could not stop Uli Airport - the most sophisticated piece of engineering designed and constructed by a Blackman anywhere, and which surpassed what many a Whiteman can ever design or construct.
Any other country that had proper values would have turned Uli into a monument - tourist, spiritual or otherwise. The Igbo Nation will ensure that Uli Airport lives forever.
What about the courageous pilots who continued to fly to Uli Airport against all odds? There were not Igbo, but many of them perished trying to save Ndi Igbo, either shot down by federal airforce jets or ran out of fuel or crashed into the trees flying too low for hours waiting for the federal jets to run out of ammunition.
Part of the reason many of those pilots kept coming, notwithstanding the risks, was not only because they loved Igbos, but also because they had confidence in Uli Airport.
We have to rebury those pilots too.
Denying Igbos the use of such an edifice and symbol as Uli Airport as a place to celebrate the remembrance of their war dead is the most treacherous act that can ever be perpetrated against Ndi Igbo.
Denying Igbos the use of such an edifice and symbol as Uli Airport as a place to celebrate the remembrance of their war dead is the most treacherous act that can ever be perpetrated against Ndi Igbo.
It is an act that appeases those who fail to appreciate the values of Ndi Igbo and it is an act that diminishes the Igbo spirit and a celebration of their survival and their triumph over adversity.
That singular act is sacrilegious and deserves appropriate punishment in accordance with Igbo traditions and custom as laid down by our ancestors, deities and gods.
~ Francis Nnamdi
THE TALE OF THE INDOMITABLE ULI
Uli Airport is a symbolic shrine, which remains the height of Blackman's greatest technological achievement to date.
The wonder of Uli Airport
The Airport and its structures have been deliberately left to decay, so as to attempt to obliterate the memory of an Igbo symbol of technological advancement, military superiority, resistance and survival. Had Igbo Day been held at Uli as scheduled earlier, its significance would have been almost impossible to express in words, in terms of its symbolicness and what Uli Airport
The story as it goes was completely built from scratch by mostly Igbos. It was a military cum civil Airport. While supply aircrafts hovered overhead, the Airport was said to be in pitch darkness and at the right moment the runway lights would come on momentarily as aircrafts come in and land.
The aircrafts were said, according to legend, to taxi along runways, which terminated underground or into the trees, thus shielding them from enemy air-to-ground fire.
Meanwhile, federal airforce jets hovered overhead strafing at every and anything in the pitch darkness below.
It was said that any of the several run ways hit by a bomb or rocket was repaired immediately within minutes to enable the next supply aircraft hovering low overhead to land.
The supply aircrafts often had to circle flying low above the trees for hours, evading federal airforce Migs and jets.
Uli Airport became the Igbo lifeline during the economic blockade, Biafra having become landlocked and surrounded.
Uli Airport was of such importance or indeed of the most singular importance to Biafra and to Nigeria, so much so that the federalists landed a marine-borne invasion force at "Oguta II", which was only about 20 - 30 odd kilometers to Uli, so as to bring the Airport within artillery range.
Uli was so indispensable to the survival of Ndi Igbo, so much so that His Excellency General Ojukwu personally commanded the Biafran forces that defended "Oguta I" and liberated "Oguta II" within three days of the landing of federal forces in the area.
I was a kid then and I vividly recollect seeing General Ojukwu and his convoy drive past towards Oguta.
We were waving, cheering him and the troops being rushed to Oguta as they filed along, singing, some on foot, others on vehicles and tractors.
...
Not a single federal soldier who set foot on Oguta went home alive. They all perished - including some who came with family, livestock and supplies in several supply ships in the armada that invaded Oguta.
Many perished where their ships were sunk. The federal side risked and lost so much in that operation because they wanted Uli Airport
Ndi Igbo threw everything at them because then, Uli was our lifeline and last hope. The defeat of the federalists at Oguta left a monument which remains at the Oguta lagoon until today - the carcasses of the sunk federal ships are still there.
Anyone who visits home should try, go and see for him/herself. General Ojukwu himself led the operation - that was how important and strategic Uli was and is to Igbos.
Then the federal airforce came with a new method. They would drop a round fluorescent light and suspend it in mid air.
This light shone like a moon. It was midnight and sometimes the first hours of the morning but you could pick up a pin or needle over a fifty or more kilometers radius from the almost daylight generated by this artificial moon.
You would be in pitch darkness, either sleeping or simply because the oil lamps had to be put out to avoid federal jets that fired at any trace of light, and suddenly it was daylight from this strange moon hanging over from the sky in the direction of Uli.
The first time it happened it was share panic and every one, old and young scurried into the bushes and the trenches.
I say panic because we as children could sense the disquiet amongst the adults and the share confusion and pandemonium that reigned at the first appearance of this strange moon.
Then the bombs, rockets and buffers (buffer was the Biafran anti aircraft guns used at Uli) would start to boom for what seemed like eternity and slowly the moon would die.
Within minutes of the silence of the guns, the supply aircrafts hovering low all across the horizon would again begin to land at Uli.
I heard the roar of every aircraft that landed at and took off from Uli and the deafening and terrifying boom and bang of every aircraft that crashed into the woods.
I was only a child, living a few kilometers away from Uli. Most nights you would come out and watch these huge metal birds with large wings hovering so low over the roof you had to think it would uproot the house with it like an eagle would lift a prey.
But these were no birds of prey, they brought us food, medical, military supplies and life, but you were scared all the same, least they crashed onto the roof. After all, they flew in pitch darkness, low, almost hugging the trees, with federal jets ruling the heights, strafing, and rocketing any trace of light.
They also had to keep away from ground fire from the buffer guns. I still wonder how those pilots flew those planes then.
Uli Airport was such a fortress that at a stage, the federal airforce jets and their pilots contrived to jettison their rockets, bombs and cannons at targets and bushes as far away as possible from Uli Airport.
And all the neighbouring communities, including mine paid dearly in loss of lives and damaged buildings, farms and economic trees. That was how powerful Uli Airport
Almost every Igbo who survived as a refugee, every child who was rescued from kwashiorkor and many who lived to tell the tale and to continue the procreation of the Igbo race today, towards its destiny, owed their survival to Uli Airport.
Every grain of rice or corn meal or garri gabon, every drip drop or tablet, every stick of stockfish or other nutrients, every and each single bullet or gun fired by NdiIgbo in self preservation and survival, at a stage was landed at Uli Airport.
His Excellency, General Ojukwu left the embattled Biafran enclave through Uli so he may live to fight another day, hence he is with us today.
In the last days and hours of Biafra in January 1970, even when the expedition force sent out probably from Uli Airport to blow up the Njiaba bridge at Awo-Omamma so as to hold the advancing federal troops there that had been destroyed by federal troops who had crossed the bridge much earlier than the Biafran forces could arrive and hold it, and the whole of Awo-Omama and environs had been taken by the rampaging federal forces, Uli Airport continued to fire mortars and shells in the direction of Awo-Omamma where they thought the federal troops were located.
In this respect, Uli Airport is symbolic for firing the first shot in defense of Igboland since the demise of Biafra . In a sense, Uli Airport
The airport smoked even after the very last moment of Biafra and the federals could not venture into its precincts until General Effiong and other officers had ensured and guaranteed their safety.
There could be no better place and symbol of Igbo resistance and survival than the vicinity of Uli Airport
Igbo detractors hate the place, they would rather take the stand that it is wiped off the maps, never to be mentioned again. It was one place that was impenetrable and undefeated, defiant to the last, firing shells and mortars even after Biafra had formally seized to exist.
Egyptian pilots, Russian Migs and British jets firing and military advisers could not stop Uli Airport - the most sophisticated piece of engineering designed and constructed by a Blackman anywhere, and which surpassed what many a Whiteman can ever design or construct.
Any other country that had proper values would have turned Uli into a monument - tourist, spiritual or otherwise. The Igbo Nation will ensure that Uli Airport
What about the courageous pilots who continued to fly to Uli Airport
Part of the reason many of those pilots kept coming, notwithstanding the risks, was not only because they loved Igbos, but also because they had confidence in Uli Airport
We have to rebury those pilots too.
Denying Igbos the use of such an edifice and symbol as Uli Airport
It is an act that appeases those who fail to appreciate the values of Ndi Igbo and it is an act that diminishes the Igbo spirit and a celebration of their survival and their triumph over adversity.
That singular act is sacrilegious and deserves appropriate punishment in accordance with Igbo traditions and custom as laid down by our ancestors, deities and gods.
~Francis Nnonso
''REMEMBERING NWAYEREUWA,
NWANNEDIA, IKONNIA & NWUGO.
I’m sure 90% of Africans, Nigerians and mainly people of Igbo origin who read the headline of this post will be like who the hell are these people?
Yes we wouldn’t know them because we’ve been busy learning about their Mother Theresa and the fraudulent story of Mary Slessor.
On this day 89yrs ago, in the morning of November 18th 1929, a man called Emereuwa upon the directive of his boss Okugo the warrant chief, walked into the compound of a widow called Nwanyereuwa, ordered her for a census of all her livestock and household. The widow Nwanyereuwa knowing the census will determined how much she will be taxed by the British colonial government, embittered, shouted on Emereuwa “was your widowed mother at home counted?” An angry exchange ensued. Nwanyereuwa resentfully rushed down to the town and market square, consulted other disgruntled women, They with palm fronds quickly mobilised other women. And that marked the beginning of one of the greatest resistance, rebellion and uprising the British imperial colonial rule ever faced in Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Africa in general, Called “#The_Aba_Womens_Riot” otherwise known as “#The_women_who_went_to_war”
While the men were subdued, while the man died in the men in the face of oppression and tyranny of colonialism. The women stepped up and in. Record has it that over ten thousand women were involved in this revolt, and about 50 women lost their lives in the war/riot. This resistance was orchestrated by ;
1) Persuasive #Ikonnia
2) Intelligent #Nwannedia
3) Passionate #Nwugo &
4) Wise, Counselling and strategic #Nwanyereuwa these were the women that led the Famous #Aba_Womens_Riot. Women from across Six ethnic groups were involved, the Igbos, Ibibio, Andoni, Ogoni, Bonny and Opobo
Hundreds of British colonial courts were burnt down and destroyed, hundreds of warrant chiefs were ostracised and banished. On the aftermath of the revolt, the British were forced to abandon the proposed plans to impose tax on the market women, powers of the warrant chiefs were considerably curbed and more robust room was created for women’s inclusiveness in the grand scheme of things.
The Aba women’s riot was on the scale never seen before. It prompted, encouraged and inspired subsequent agitations like;
1) The Tax protest of 1938
2) The Owerri & Calabar oil mill protest of the 1940s
3) The Onitsha Aba Tax revolt of 1956
Then consequently the Nigeria 🇳🇬 independence in 1960.
But unfortunately sad, when you drive through Aba today, you will see Faulks road, in owerri you will see Wetheral Road and Douglas road all of them are colonial relics. Imo state government house is called Douglas house, named after Harold Morday Douglas, a brutal British colonial district commissioner who orchestrated the Ahiara expedition of 1905 that saw villages wiped out.
Today one deranged governor of Imo State is busy moulding status of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia 🇱🇷 and Jacob Zuma of South Africa 🇿🇦, that has no connection or historical relevance to the people of Imo State. We’ve seen streets, roads, government buildings and and schools named after strangers, monuments raised for people of little or no importance to our history and future. But the real heroes, heroins and legends have been relegated to obscurity, sent to oblivion in a complete sheer and crass negligence.
I hope that one day, the Igbos, Ibibios, Andonis, Ogonis, Opobos and Bonnis will have a leadership that will remember these women, the fifty that lost their lives and all that paid the ultimate price, immortalise them. I hope one day I shall see Nwanyereuwa road, Ikonnia hospital, Nwannedia secondary school and Nwugo shopping plaza. I hope to see us name our children after these legendary women and mothers and tell them the story.
Today 18th November 2018, I remember the women who didn’t only fight against an oppressive British colonial rule, but also had to fight their own men (Warrant chiefs) who chose the side of the Oppressor because of crumbs that fall from the table of masser.
Aba women’s riot, the women who went to war. We remember.''
Written by Mazi Uba Acho.
The Standpoint!
© Chike Ofilli.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON THE IGBO:
Clearing the Basic Confusions Honestly
Clearing the Basic Confusions Honestly
*Question: Is Southeast and Igboland the same thing?*
*Answer* : Not at all. Southeast is only about 3/5th of Igboland. Igboland covers the whole of Southeast, parts of Rivers, Delta, Edo, Cross river, Benue, Kogi and Akwa Ibom states.
*Question: Why were we taught in school that Igbo people are easterners?*
*Answer* : It is both an unfortunate parroting by teachers and careless adoption by Igbo educated class. Igbo people come from Southern Nigeria and not Eastern Nigeria. It may be correct to say that the Igbo are found predominantly in eastern Nigeria. However, by saying that the Igbo are easterners, the implication is that the Igbo in western Nigeria, numbering about 2.5 million (Agbor, Ogwashi Ukwu, Ibuzo, Okpanam, Asaba, Orimili, Ndokwa, Anioma, etc) are not Igbos. The best known Igbo anthropologist Professor Mike Onwuejeogwu is from the western part of Nigeria, Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Dennis Osadebe, Okonkwo Adibe (the famous musician), Sony Odogwu, etc. are all from the western part of Nigeria. They are no less Igbo than those who live in the eastern part of Nigeria. The correct answer to your question is “the Igbo come from Southern Nigeria.”
*Question: Why do some Igbo refer to themselves as “core Igbo?”*
*Answer:* That is clearly arrant nonsense. Nobody is core and others peripheral. All Igbo are the same. It is both arrogant, thoughtless and insensitive for anybody to regard others as marginal.
*Question: Is Igboland landlocked?*
*Answer:* Not at all. Igboland stretches from Port Harcourt to Agbor. The Atlantic ocean washes the shores of Igboland at the islands Opobo and Bonny, Africa’s second largest river – River Niger, traverses Igboland with one part of Igboland in the east and another part in the west of Nigeria. Oguta Lake has the potential of accommodating large ships and could be made a navigable port. If Igboland is landlocked, then all Nigeria is landlocked.
*Question: Is there oil in Igboland?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. There is a lot of Oil & Gas in Imo, Abia and currently in Anambra states, and Igbo areas in Rivers and Delta States. Besides, Igboland has many other natural resources, including Coal, Iron ore, Limestone, Lead, Zinc, Brine, Glass etc.
*Question: Are the Igbo a nation or a tribe?*
*Answer:* The Igbo are a nation, and a very large one. There are many dialects or tribes in Igbo nation, just like you have many tribes within Israel.
*Question: Why do some Ikwerre people and other non southeastern Igbo say they are not Igbo?*
*Answer:* First, it is not up to them to say what they are and what they are not. When God created them, He did not ask them who they wanted to be. He just created them Igbo. The only way you’ll know who belongs to what ethnic group in Nigeria is the name and what language the name comes from. Anybody whose name is Amadi or Onyeri, or Eke, or Odili, Wanodi (Nwanodi) does not need to tell you who he is. He is Igbo, notwithstanding their politics.
*Question: But they claim that their language is Ikwerre, not Igbo.*
*Answer:* That is politics. Ikwerre is a dialect of Igbo language. Just like an Ngwa man speaks Ngwa Igbo, Arochukwu speaks Arochukwu Igbo, Ika speaks Ika Igbo, Ibani speaks Ibani Igbo etc.
*Question: Some people say that Igbo language is not complete, is it true?*
*Answer:* No language is complete. All languages borrow from each other. Igbo language is very rich. It has inexhaustible and rich linguistic features like idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, sayings, anecdotes, riddles, folklores, etc. Igbo language is one of the major languages of the world, being spoken by millions of people.
*Question: How many are the Igbo?*
*Answer:* The Igbo are very numerous. There is educated guess that if Nigeria’s census is properly enumerated, the Igbo could easily be the largest ethnic group in the country. They may number up to 40 million. Everything right now, is speculation. Nobody knows the true stratification or ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are the only ethnic group found in large numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and foreign countries more than any other ethnic group in Africa.
*Question: Do the Igbo have a culture of their own?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. Igbo culture is perhaps, one of the richest and all-encompassing cultures in this world. Igbo culture always observes the temporal and the spiritual aspects of cosmology. The study of Igbo culture reveals that it is extremely deep and original.
*Question: Why do the Igbo wear Yoruba Agbada and Hausa babban riga but the Yoruba and the Hausa do not ever wear Igbo national dress?*
*Answer* : Unfortunately this is the case. The Igbo have very attractive and resplendent national dresses. And they come in assortments that are extremely dignifying. The Igbo take up foreign cultures more readily than other Nigerians, and they seem not to care that nobody reciprocates their carefree attitude to life. Most ethnics promote their cultures and show off what makes them unique. Actually, it is still the same so-called educated Igbo class who behave in such disgraceful and the devil-may-care attitude.
*Question: Why do the Igbo call themselves Biafrans?*
*Answer:* Great question. Some people have the idea that Biafra originates from the Bight of Biafra. But that is wrong. Biafra was the National name of Igboland given to Igbo by the Portuguese, just as Nigeria was named by the English of Britain. There was the Kingdom of Biafra that ruled most of the ancient subtropical Africa about 50,000 years ago. Unfortunately, nobody talks about it, for whatever reason (maybe because Portugal lost the colony right of Biafra to Britain who buried it, in other to promote Nigeria amalgamation), "I do not know". But, it is in the ancient maps of the world. If you wish search it in Google.
*Question: Were the Igbo also taken into slavery during the slave trade?*
*Answer:* Yes. The Igbo slaves themselves gave account of their travails in slavery. Olauda Ekwuano an Igbo ex-slave who bought his freedom in Britain was the first slave to write about his experience in slavery. His book has become a classic. You ought to find it and read it. Also, other Igbos who were brought to America revolted and some walked back on water and were said to have returned to Africa. Several books have been written about them. One of such books is “Ibo Landing.” It is available in bookstores like Barnes & Noble. In Haiti, the Igbo settled there and refused to be colonized by anybody. There are many places where the Igbo left their mark or their signature.
*Question: How did the Igbo know days and years?*
*Answer:* The Igbo invented an accurate, if not the most accurate calendar called “Iguafo Igbo (Igbo Calendar).” In Igbo calendar, there are four market days – Eke, Afor, Nkwo, Orie that make one week. Four days make one week, seven weeks make one month, and thirteen months make one year. There are 28 days for each month, with the last month having 29 days. Each month starts the same day as the previous. Igbo calendar forms the perfect astronomical alignment with the cosmos, and regulates the seasons, agriculture, navigation, astrology, geography, mathematics, travel, etc.
*Question: Did the Igbo have their own alphabet?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. It is called “Nsibidi.”
*Question: How about mathematics; did the Igbo know mathematics?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. There are such inventions as “Okwe” and “Mkpisi” which the Igbo used to resolve figures.
*Question: Did the Igbo know anything about banking?*
*Answer:* Yes. Igbo banking was more in the nature of Savings and Loans. The authentic Igbo savings and loans invention called “Isusu’ in which contributions are pooled each week and one person, who has the need, collects, is still in practice. Igbo slaves took this invention to the Caribbean Islands where they still practise it and call it “Sue Sue.”
*Question: Some people say that Igboland is too small for the Igbo, that they have no alternative than to live as Nigerians: is this true?*
*Answer:* False. Igboland is a large country. Do every Igbo need to stay and work in Igboland? No. Everywhere in the world, some will stay home while others venture abroad in search of opportunities. Igboland is large enough for the Igbo. And it is a very rich and hospitable part of the world. It has rich soil for agriculture, abundant rainfall, good sunshine, and table land in many parts. Its land space and population are more than that of over half of the present countries in the world.
*Question: Where did the Igbo come from?*
*Answer:* That question is still being asked. There are very intriguing theories or histories now being studied. You may have heard of the Jewish angle & the Egypt angle which are connected, and the Origin of man angle. This twenty-first century, hopefully, will resolve the mystery.
Share to educate others if you love Igbo.
About 30% Of Biafra Army
Were Ibibio
By Victor Wilberforce
General Effiong Was Deputy Head
of State and later Head of State of
the
Republic of Biafra. His brilliant
Declaration of Armistice and his
Surrender Maneuvers are still discussed in elite Military and
diplomatic institutions around the World. He was Ibibio.
NU Akpan was Biafra Secretary of State. He was the author of the
Declaration of Biafra. The brilliant Chief was Proudly Ibibio.
Colonel Archibong was the most decorated Biafra Commander. He was
Ibibio.
MT Mbu was Biafra Minister of Foreign Affairs and from Cross River
Dr SI Imoke was Biafra Minister of Refugee Affairs, he was from Cross
River
Okoko Ndem the golden voice of Radio Biafra who kept up the Spirit of
Biafra was Ibibio
Justice Udo Udoma, the legal luminary who used his immense stature
to argue Biafra case around the world was Ibibio.
Margaret Ekpo who organized Biafra women to meet the challenges of
the times was Efik from Cross River. Today the Calabar International
Airport is named after her. i Joe Wayas was Biafra Student Union
President. He was involved in many marches, protests and
fundraisings
around the World for Biafra. Joe Wayas is better remembered as
Senate
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was from Cross Rivers
The Akwa Ibom and Cross River people were the punching arm of
Biafra. Their contributions to the Biafra course cannot be
overemphasized.
May the unity of purpose that binds the SS and SE to the progress of
mankind never die
Amen.
(Victor Wilberforce is a critical thinker and a Social Engineer
The Republican News
IJAW BROTHERS AND SISTERS WERE DECEIVED
BY FAKE NIG ARMY
Most times you see some Ijaw brothers demanding that they did be removed from the map of Biafra. Some said no one consulted them, while some others simply detest the Igbo.
The Biafra we seek is completely different from Nigeria. In Biafra we continuously say that no one will be forced into Biafra. And we mean everything of it. I think that is why IPOB maintain and stand on referendum, both internal and external referendum.
I did my NYSC in Bayelsa, the heart of Ijaw nation. During my stay, I queried one teacher on Biafra question. I asked him if he supports Biafra. He told me he preferred Niger Delta. He told me about Isaac Boro and his revolution.
I also noticed that my students have this negative notion about the Igbo. Most of them have been fed with tons of lies and myths about the Igbo, such that most of them hardly freely relate to Igbo people.
What must have caused this? I mean the bad blood. Igbo and Ijaw have never had histories of war. They lived together and traded together. My grandmother told me about their long distance trade expedition in the olden days. He told me about walking on foot to Oron and Igwenga. I think Oron is around Cross River, while Igwenga is in today's Rivers. Opobo to be precise. If these interactions happened, then why the misunderstanding? I think the civil war played a major part here. Many Ijaw families believed Biafra soldiers killed their people. That's exactly what Nigeria side made them understand.
During Biafra war, Nigeria government needed to break ranks between Igbo and their riverine brothers, so they staged a show to that effect. They used Biafra military uniform to attack villages in the riverine Biafra and also staged a rescue with military men wearing Nigeria military uniform. These became the game changer.
Biafra military isn't made of only Igbo people. They are made up of Igbo, Ijaw, Efik, Oron etc. Even the second in command was an Efik man, by name Philip Efiong. How then did Biafra soldiers attack their own?
Another thing to point out is that during the civil war of 1966/70, Biafrans have limited ammunition. According to Madiebo, it reached a time they had to use sports equipments to make sounds of gunshots as to keep the enemy off them, till they get supply or ambush the enemy to capture weapons. They most times forced their enemies into free for all dual. Such unequipped military can't waste their little ammunition on their fellow defenseless country men. I think it's time to kill this Nigeria propaganda.
Yes, some were forced into becoming soldiers, but the truth is that it happened everywhere.
It is certain that Nigeria offers us no alternative other than Biafra freedom. And we all need each other if we must free ourselves from Nigeria. This is the time to open up our eyes and see what Biafra offers us all. I believe that an Ogoni man needs freedom. He needs to be in charge of his natural resources and make decisions on how to rebuild Ogoni land. Biafra got you covered. Biafra cannot offer Ijaw man amnesty nor 13% derivation. It hands over your resources to you. It allows you govern your people and make your own laws. Something Nigeria can't give. Instead of fighting against Biafra, while not present how you want things to be in Biafra so that we can forge a common unity.
But the truth is, in as much as we advocate for Biafra, we can't force unwilling people into Biafra as not to have another Nigeria in Biafra. We should understand that the current division in Nigeria is a product of the caliphate. It was simply done to divide us all the more. South East and South South is a nonsense creation. That's because South South still houses lots of Ndi Igbo. So you have to understand that even if we must divide further, the division pattern can never go the way of the caliphate.
Every part of Biafra is richly blessed. Both humanly and naturally. The only enemy standing on the door of our progress is ONE NIGERIA.
Jettison all you were told and think about this.
The Biafra we seek is completely different from Nigeria. In Biafra we continuously say that no one will be forced into Biafra. And we mean everything of it. I think that is why IPOB maintain and stand on referendum, both internal and external referendum.
I did my NYSC in Bayelsa, the heart of Ijaw nation. During my stay, I queried one teacher on Biafra question. I asked him if he supports Biafra. He told me he preferred Niger Delta. He told me about Isaac Boro and his revolution.
I also noticed that my students have this negative notion about the Igbo. Most of them have been fed with tons of lies and myths about the Igbo, such that most of them hardly freely relate to Igbo people.
What must have caused this? I mean the bad blood. Igbo and Ijaw have never had histories of war. They lived together and traded together. My grandmother told me about their long distance trade expedition in the olden days. He told me about walking on foot to Oron and Igwenga. I think Oron is around Cross River, while Igwenga is in today's Rivers. Opobo to be precise. If these interactions happened, then why the misunderstanding? I think the civil war played a major part here. Many Ijaw families believed Biafra soldiers killed their people. That's exactly what Nigeria side made them understand.
During Biafra war, Nigeria government needed to break ranks between Igbo and their riverine brothers, so they staged a show to that effect. They used Biafra military uniform to attack villages in the riverine Biafra and also staged a rescue with military men wearing Nigeria military uniform. These became the game changer.
Biafra military isn't made of only Igbo people. They are made up of Igbo, Ijaw, Efik, Oron etc. Even the second in command was an Efik man, by name Philip Efiong. How then did Biafra soldiers attack their own?
Another thing to point out is that during the civil war of 1966/70, Biafrans have limited ammunition. According to Madiebo, it reached a time they had to use sports equipments to make sounds of gunshots as to keep the enemy off them, till they get supply or ambush the enemy to capture weapons. They most times forced their enemies into free for all dual. Such unequipped military can't waste their little ammunition on their fellow defenseless country men. I think it's time to kill this Nigeria propaganda.
Yes, some were forced into becoming soldiers, but the truth is that it happened everywhere.
It is certain that Nigeria offers us no alternative other than Biafra freedom. And we all need each other if we must free ourselves from Nigeria. This is the time to open up our eyes and see what Biafra offers us all. I believe that an Ogoni man needs freedom. He needs to be in charge of his natural resources and make decisions on how to rebuild Ogoni land. Biafra got you covered. Biafra cannot offer Ijaw man amnesty nor 13% derivation. It hands over your resources to you. It allows you govern your people and make your own laws. Something Nigeria can't give. Instead of fighting against Biafra, while not present how you want things to be in Biafra so that we can forge a common unity.
But the truth is, in as much as we advocate for Biafra, we can't force unwilling people into Biafra as not to have another Nigeria in Biafra. We should understand that the current division in Nigeria is a product of the caliphate. It was simply done to divide us all the more. South East and South South is a nonsense creation. That's because South South still houses lots of Ndi Igbo. So you have to understand that even if we must divide further, the division pattern can never go the way of the caliphate.
Every part of Biafra is richly blessed. Both humanly and naturally. The only enemy standing on the door of our progress is ONE NIGERIA.
Jettison all you were told and think about this.
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