Paul Ibekwe: Thanks. I thought the award should have read Best scholarly work instead of best schorlar. Now there is a sense and sensibility in the phrase.

Hail Biafra

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honor done me. I am humbled by this recognition and I am sure that my parents would be proud of me (en fin) and my kids would have something to emulate from the fact that my peers found me worthy for mention in the categories of counsel and intellect. Why am I so effusive even when I have no plaque emblazoned with my name? The reasons are two-fold and both touch at the very essence of my being.

1. When I received the sacrament of Confirmation (Roman rites of the Catholic Church), the 7 seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (that using the Local Ordinary as a medium), I was supposed to have been imbued with are wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, and holy fear in God's presence. I am glad that some odd 27 years later, my peers have deemed it fit to recognize that I am scoring high in all these. Without these 7 gifts, there would be no counsel and intellect, at least not in the real positive sense.

2. I am further humbled by the inclusiveness. My nomination may actually have been merely a gesture of inclusion. I would be the first to acknowledge that I have made but scant contributions to discourse these days but yet I am recognized. That’s what is lacking in Nigeria and what Biafra should be all about. Inclusion. I do not care to win (as in going home with a plaque or being in Obasanjo’s place) but I demand to be recognized as a citizen and to have my rights protected by the state to which I owe an allegiance. Me and mine have had utter exclusion as our lot in Nigeria. The list of the instances would be legion but I do not intend to spoil the festive mood. We are toasting to Biafra where we would all be included. That’s what this is all about.

And, when the Biafran ship anchors on the shores of the Treasure Island, I pledge not only to be an intellectual but also produce scholarly works worthy of an intellectual. You see, I couldn’t miss that implied chastisement. All in good spirit too.

Congrats to the worthy winners. Your commitments have been stupendous. Relish the accolades all you care now for they may not come that easily next time around.

Another insightful and enlightening piece. Unquestionably, despite your limited appearances, your contributions so far is significant. We want more of you and make sure you don't fail us.

Thanks. I pledge to do better. Na science and life (what happens to you when you are busy making other plans) dey yab man.

Peace,

Are you holding grudges against me? I do not think the rancor, if that's what it is, to be used against me. Obviously, it appears you have now found grounds to read meaning into whatever that I say. That's not the case, however. I have loved and enjoyed every part of your contribution in this forum; so, I do not know why you have suddenly made an about-face toward my contribution regarding the effectiveness of the said contract.

This is what I like to see!! I was gonna send you PM's. I'm glad there is no further need.

"....Oh how good, oh how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity....."

That's called shooting straight, justifiable or no is not the issue. At least you had the moral courage to say why you went on the war path. I salute that. Many I am sure were flummoxed. None we don't have to be anymore.