posted
Thank you webmaster, for finally approving my application to this messageboard. I'm very glad to be here. For some time now, I have been following the happenings here, and I look forward to lending my voice to the issues, starting now.
So I begin by saying, since Ojukwu declared that he was running for President of Nigeria, I have tried to follow his campaign. Granted, I’m not in Nigeria, although I feel I am getting more information outside of Nigeria than I would if I were in Nigeria proper. That aside, I have tried to follow his election campaign. I have succeeded to some extent because I have had BNW as a source of information. Without BNW, I would know nothing.
I learned over the grapevine that this past the weekend, Ojukwu was interviewed in London by BBC. I searched everywhere for a text of the interview, but I could find nothing. BCC, Obasanjo's hired news service, had cleverly hidden the interview. However, yesterday morning, I saw the news and the link to the interview on BNW’s news page.
Also, I saw a headline in the Guardian announcing that Ojukwu was launching his presidential campaign from Zamfara. I clicked on the link in the Guardian, and there was no story. The page was empty.
So, I wondered what is wrong with Ojukwu's campaign? It is, in a word, conspiracy. Why do I think Ojukwu is being conspired against? It is simple. I have difficulty believing that a man who spearheaded a revolution could be this inept at running a campaign. Initially, I thought perhaps Ojukwu was burnt out, perhaps he had lost the fire in his belly. Perhaps, his time was past -- Ojukwu had done what he could for the cause, he should rest and enjoy the rest of his life.
Clearly, this is not so. Ojukwu wants to help his people, but his efforts are being blocked at every turn. Is it not interesting that there is very little publicity about Ojukwu? Let's take BBC for example. When BBC interviews a person, they usually use that person's picture with the story. But with Ojukwu's interview, they used pictures of Biafran soldiers in the wild. Is it not interesting that the Guardian headline had no report? I clicked on every headline on the Guardian yesterday. Every single one had a full report to accompany the story, except Ojukwu's story.
So, it is conspiracy. Who are the conspirators? The Nigerian and British press machines. But I believe this sabotage is even more insidious than that. I believe that those closest to Ojukwu are (un)wittingly involved in this conspiracy.
During his interview at the BBC, Ojukwu stated something to the effect that he was using all resources available to him during this campaign. What Ojukwu meant by that statement, is that those working with and for him on this campaign, are supposed to be doing their jobs and using these resources to the fullest extent possible. But they are not. They have not ensured that Ojukwu has a website which could really be effective in getting his views out there and garnering support for his cause. The APGA website (yes, APGA has a website) is incredibly uninformative. The mediums Ojukwu's "supporters" have chosen to use to spread his message are controlled by forces which actively and effective seek to silence him.
Thus, the fault lies largely in part with those close to Ojukwu -- his advisors, his publicity people, etc. and others who have been entrusted with the task of "selling" Ojukwu. I personally believe that if anyone wants to do something, that person should be quite careful in selecting his delegates.
Politics, by definition, is dirty. The phrase, 'every man for himself', never rings as true anywhere else as it does in the political arena. Ojukwu's people, unfortunately, have demonstrated that they are in this fight for themselves. They are not interested in helping anyone. They are interested in building and maintaining their Abuja connections. They are interested in raiding the national treasury. They are so single-mindedly focused on these goals, that they neglect their paramount responsibility to Ojukwu.
Ojukwu, if you can read this, I implore you to re-evaluate your organization. There are people out there who genuinely have your best interest at heart. Do not overlook these sources of support in favor of charlatans who slither in the background like a bunch of serpents. All I have seen so far of your supporters, with very few exceptions, are a bunch of self-interested, self-important baboons who are only interested in promoting themselves.
___________________ Too Cold To Hold Posts: 20 | From: USA | Registered: Feb 2003
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I believe many are scared. The incumbent Igbo governors have been given SSSTTU..PPPENDOUS!!! amounts of money to campaign against Ojukwu/APGA in anaIgbo,so it is entirely possible that many of the capable Field Men/Women have been confronted with offers they cannot refuse, and many might still be at that funky position with one leg in, and the other leg out..You know.. the "dont place all your eggs in one basket" position.
In any case it is too early to judge, and the worst injustice would be to paint all or any of Ojukwu/APGA fieldmen/women with a broadbrush and introduce paranoia at this or at any stage into his core group of supporters and activists who have practically taken on a thankless and risky job given how hellbent Biafranigeria is to make Ojukwu irrelevant.
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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Thank you for the warm welcome. Please, do not misunderstand me. My aim in raising this issue is not to raise paranoia, but awareness. To those of us looking in from the outside, things seem as I have written them.
Certainly, I take nothing away from those who are diligently, honestly doing everything in their power to support Ojukwu. However, their efforts at the present time are failing to combat the damage being wrought by those wearing two faces and those who are not shy about making known their positions as adversaries. I understand that there is a lot of fear out there. We must put ourselves beyond fear if we're ever going to achieve anything. The elections are around the bend. We are almost at the end of February. I certainly do not believe that it is too early to raise this issue.
And BTW, money isn't always the answer if you have the right people and tools. Perhaps this view is naïve. Anyway, if it is about money, Ojukwu himself has said that he has a lot of it. So you see, this fight isn't about money. Its about the fact that we're entitled to human dignity and the fact that we must have more than the bare necessities to ensure our survival in Nigeria. If Ojukwu is the means to this end, awareness, not paranoia, but be raised.
___________________ Too Cold To Hold Posts: 20 | From: USA | Registered: Feb 2003
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How presumptuous of you. For all you know, I may be an Igbo girl born and bread States side, and may not speak Igbo. But what the hell, I’ll bite.
Everyone, from now on, please address me only in English as my Igbo is ‘rusty’. Besides, I thought we were addressing the rest of the world. Therefore, ka anyi suwa godi oyibo.
But you are right. I speak the truth, which is often difficult to hear. In today’s edition of Vanguard, there’s an article with the headline “Ojukwu and the APGA agenda.” Here are some excerpts:
This is the type of outrageous garbage I’m talking about. How is the Ojukwu campaign machine going to handle what I’m positive are half truths and outright lies? This is the type of character assassination that should not go unchallenged. So I’m interested to discover how the fieldmen/women will quash this negative propaganda and in what venue.
And where are all the Igbo writers and journalists? Let them step forward and publicly, vociferously defend against this Uchenna Nwankwo, this saboteur. We should all remember that there is a huge difference between being silent and being silenced.
And where can one go to learn about the true origins of APGA and Ojukwu’s involvement with the party? At this time, I lament this terrible lack of information about the party and the candidate we support.
posted
Sister Chioma Welcome to BNW, we are very pleased to have you among us, make yourself comfortable.
Well about the issues you raised, those are the issues we have been battling since 1970 after the war. Is not Ojukwu alone, as you know up till today O.O is still battling Ojukwu's shaddow, Obasanjo have held every possibble post in Nigeria including the highest one, and yet he is jealous of Ojukwu. Third part of this whole thing is the Ibadan - Lagos axis, please my Sister Guardian is not an Igbo friend, to the contrary, Reuben Abbathi have turned Nigeria Guardian into an instrument of distortion of Biafra history, that is not error by any imagination on Reuben's part is by design. You probably weren't around when we fought this battles at Nigeriaworld (Egbeomo.com) and was banned in that forum for it. Ask anybody we still have the scares to show for it. That is why many have tried to distroy BNW, Even O.O himself sees BNW as an organization that have to be distroyed. You are right it is a conspiracy not just against Ojukwu, but against the entire Igbo race. The unfortunate thing is that some of our Igbos are helping to implement that Conspiracy. People like Iwuanyanwu, Nzeribe and the Southeast Governors are all part of this imstruments of implementation.
Let me join the others in welcoming you to BNW. I think Biafra revealed a little bit of how your kind of frustration was turned into a call to action by the originators of BNW. Yes at the forefront of the anti Igbo conspiracy are some Ndigbo themselves and many do occasionally come here to do their masters bidding. Two things I must say however
- Many here have decided to go beyond the feelings of helplessness and frustration at the pitiable situation of the Igbo masses to actually begin doing something about it. When some felt Ojukwu needed help they did not wait for APGA or anybody else before lending a helping hand to his campaign. That is why you saw the BBC video on BNW when nobody else published it, that is why only BNW published Chekwas Okorie and APGA on their front page when APGA came calling to the USA.It is also why a rally is currently going on for Ojukwu's campaign on BNW today.Time waits for no one and that includes the absentee APGA officials.
There are still the selfless ones among us, seek them out wherever you are, join them and begin to change those things that make you mad. Trust me you will start to feel better and realize that there is hope afterall.
- I disagree when you ask my sister Chinyere and the rest of us not to address you any more in Igbo. If your Igbo is rusty, here in BNW is the opportunity to oil it up. When we de-emphasize those things that make us unique like our language we end up like the sabo Uchenna Nwankwo you highlighted above.
I was pleased Chinyere approached you speaking Igbo, that tells me she will never hide her identity like some of the silent journalist in the Lagos/Ibadan press you mentioned. That is how they started, some will tell you they were born in Lagos and do not know about the east. Many deny they speak Igbo but when push comes to shove they become victimized by the parapo establishments they work for because of the Igboness they initially sought to hide. Let us be proud to speak our language even on the web.
[ February 22, 2003, 06:11 PM: Message edited by: chiboy ]
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Thank you both so much for your welcome. Again, I’m very happy to be here.
Gentlemen, I am very much aware of some of the circumstances leading to the formation of this message board, as I have perused some earlier topics of discussion.
Biafra, you have the right of it. I agree that while we may come to expect certain behavior from others, it is particularly disappointing when that behavior comes from your own. I know that Guardian and the other newspapers are run by Igbo haters. Websites like Nigeriaworld.com are run by Igbo haters. We are here today having this discussion only because the originators of BNW decided to take a stand. The originators were not ruled by fear, otherwise they would have failed by now or alternatively, all the forces seeking to destroy BNW would have already succeeded.
Chiboy, I’m afraid that you, to a great extent, if not entirely, have missed my point. The issue I raised does not concern all Igbo people. I was very specific in what I have said. I have precisely stated that as I see it, there are problems with the Ojukwu campaign from the inside. I have precisely stated that those inside the Ojukwu camp who are responsible for handling his publicity and doing damage control for Ojukwu have failed to do their jobs. I have stated that were it not for BNW, Ojukwu’s interview with BBC would not have been available to a great number of our people.
No one in her right mind, and I’m always in mine, can say that BNW and its members don’t support Ojukwu. I joined BNW for precisely the reason that some of its members are acting independently to do what is necessary. I’m already well aware of the effort you’ve spearheaded to raise funds for Ojukwu’s campaign.
The issues I raised have nothing to do with what BNW and its members may or may not be doing or who at BNW is selfless or self-interested. I think I’ve been quite clear on that. What I wonder about is the necessity for BNW and its members to act on behalf of Ojukwu in instances when his political party should be acting. Why was it necessary for BNW to be the only entity that publicized Ojukwu’s BBC interview, for example. Is BNW the only pro-Igbo pro-Ojukwu entity in existence? I believe I’m intelligent enough to grasp why certain things happen at BNW, and I do not require explanations/lectures.
And BTW, I’m far from being hopeless, nor am I helpless with regard to this particular issue. Believe me when I inform you that I have taken steps, on my own, toward rectifying this situation.
And finally, my preference to be addressed in a certain way in no way detracts from my Igbo identity and it in no way diminishes nor de-emphasizes who I am. My request is based solely on the fact that I have nothing to hide, and that I very much have some things to say and I want EVERYONE to understand me as I say them. I certainly hope that you, Chiboy, are not implying that my simple request puts me on the road to hiding my identity and will make me a victim of any establishment.
posted
" And finally, my preference to be addressed in a certain way in no way detracts from my Igbo identity and it in no way diminishes nor de-emphasizes who I am. My request is based solely on the fact that I have nothing to hide, and that I very much have some things to say and I want EVERYONE to understand me as I say them. I certainly hope that you, Chiboy, are not implying that my simple request puts me on the road to hiding my identity and will make me a victim of any establishment. "
Chioma Did you really reach the above conclusion from a simply opinion I expressed on the use of Igbo language on BNW ? I mean no harm my sister, I have only just finished welcoming you. Once again Ndewo.
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Hmmmhh... "little brother", you know what they say about handles !! I always like the surprise when folks find out the truth. Welcome again to BNW and we hope to read a lot from you.
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Let me join others in welcoming you to BNW. However, I'm not going to be easy on you as others. I read what you said and have seen how you react to people when they make a little suggestions to you or even give you compliments. When you do that my sister, you sound hostile and disrespectful. If you think that I'm being to hard on you, please go back and read again your responses to Chinyere and Chiboy.
Let me say to you that we do not need anymore lectures from you or any other person in here on what is wrong with Ojukwu's campaign, Biafra or Ndi Igbo
We all know what the issues are as such what we need now is solutions. Time for long grammar is over. What are your solutions? Lets here it.
You seem to have a way with long grammar but when called upon to act you disappear. I believe you are the same person from BAF ( Biafra Actualization Foundation.) Does the following refresh your memory that I know who you are?
From: "Chioma Date: Fri Dec 6, 2002 2:03 pmSubject: REACHING OUT
Dear Brothers and Sisters: My name is Chioma and I am a proud Igbo woman working as an American Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Benin for two years. However, I am going to be in Washington, DC from December 12 to January 10 visiting my parents and family for the holidays. I hope to make some contacts with some of the DC Area Igbos that are aware and active for the survival of Biafra. I have one more year to go in my service and have started to search for a fulfilling next step in my life that I hope will fully include working for our Nation. Please respond to this email if you would like to contact me to talk and to brainstorm strategies for effectiveness of our cause - I'm young but I'm about action, so complaining and even emailing alone will not suffice for me. I look forward to hearing from the visionaries of our Nation...even if you're not in the DC Area. I do live in Benin so all Nigerian Area folks are the more welcomed.
Love,Chioma
From: "Chioma Date: Wed Dec 18, 2002 5:22 amSubject: RE: [Biafraland] THE THREAT OF DOMINATION ?
Dear Brothers and sisters: I have been on this train of thought of human beings in general chasing shadows...hence forgetting the substance. We're all soft-pedaling (or hard pedaling) on an immovable exercise bike - exerting needing energy. This talk of political parties, especially in Nigeria (or any African Nation), is part of the colonial mentality that continues to plague our everyday lives, habits, families, states, contries, planet, continent, race. It's disappointing for me to hear from this listserv of revolutionary thinkers and actors refer to the current Nigerian political situation as a reference point to draw for the future of Biafra. It's almost as ludicrious as recognizing that there truly is a differece between all of us as human beings. In the revolutionary state of mind which I have adopted, I want Biafra to represent all that the rest of the world is lacking: vision turned reality.All the recent social theories that we are engaged in right now are ineffective because they only exist in the mind. I'm talking about democracy and captialism - the supposed tools of development (whatever that is). And these games of African men in European Suits or Asian Cloth made into pseudotraditional extravagant longings to hold on to traditonal outfits that never existed much less deserve the title of being called tradition, we continue the lies that europeans have set the pace for. I think that if this biafra listserv is to be effective we must:
1. Stop referencing to the corrupting existing institutions of governments that we all call reality as if it is something to be proud of.
2. Look outside the box - dream! Imagine! Create! And be outrageous. There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying at new thought - after all, the romans are the group of people that a lot of the world takes notes from.
3. Set up think tanks where this isn't something fun to entertain the inbox of the email as we check at our spare times at work or elsewhere. Besides if we are talking about serious matters, we must act accordingly and more clandestine than the means of internet where all is public information.
4. Discontinue plaguing means of bad habits that aren't unique to the people of biafra but to human beings in general. Greed. Corruption. Comfort. And negetivity.
5. Act Now!
Of course I edited your last name and e-mail address. Confirm if you are one and the same before I continue proving my point.
What is your problem with long grammar? At least, my long grammar is correct and free of error, unlike some short grammar I’ve recently read.
That aside, I don’t know what you are talking about. You have read the BAF Chioma’s e-mails and you have read my posts. Do you honestly believe we are the same person? The only thing we have in common is that we are both named Chioma.
But by all means, my brother, reveal all you think you know to your heart’s content. This type of crass blackmail should be beneath any decent person. But since it is not beneath you, I say do your worst.
quote:You seem to have a way with long grammar but when called upon to act you disappear. I believe you are the same person from BAF ( Biafra Actualization Foundation.) Does the following refresh your memory that I know who you are?
It is obvious to me that you had some dealings with this young, idealistic Chioma. If you dealt with her the same way you are attempting to deal with me, no wonder the poor thing ran away. She probably felt that you would later betray her, and rightly so. But make no mistake, I am not she and she is not me. Your threats are meaningless. If you are so sure of yourself, I invite to please continue to prove your point.
And I am completely disgusted that with a name like “NwaBiafra,” which is obviously a fake name, you have the unmitigated gall to threaten to reveal any information that someone else may have entrusted to you.
I can understand how sorting out the issues of Biafra/Nigeria can create emotional disturbances for you and your cohorts. This may be what has prompted you to misinterpret my writings. Try to get past these strong emotions and think. We must be clear headed if we are to get anywhere in our cause.
And BTW, in your current state of mind, I do not think it would be prudent for me to reveal to you my solutions to any issue I have thus far raised.
___________________ Too Cold To Hold Posts: 20 | From: USA | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
hmmm....talk about itk, arrogance and ignorance all lumped into one. this is really funny. . I bet it's easier for ppl to make a lot of noise behind the key board. Igbo language should be used to adress everybody here when the exchange compels one to do so. Chinyere was just trying to warm up to chioma in the normal fashon as it is done at home. If your Igbo is rusty why don't u make the effort to learn the basic greetings?. Just one sentence and the the rest of the post was in English. It is unwise for any one to think he or she has the best solution afterall all the noise will not bring about the radical change we desire.
As we go through this honorable fight to secure our heritage and prosperity for future generations of Igbo children, I think it's important to put our eyes on the donot not the hole. With too many issues and personality, it is easy to be distracted, but the focus should always be to highlight those issues that will bring relief to our people. Therefore, I think we need more sincerity of purpose to work on these issues, not personality attacks or arguments of arrogance. Of course, the later will only make our jobs more difficult and prolong the suffering of our people on the ground in BiafraNigeria.
___________________ achieve Biafra and show the difference Posts: 642 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
Do we have a re-incarnation here or what?. Sister Chioma make you take m sofri sofri with this oyibo language O, some of us didn't start speaking that white man's language from birth.
posted
You know, this is the very reason why the Igbo are doormats for the Yoruba and Hausa people. While our candidate for president is being torn to shreds by the Yoruba/Hausa propaganda machines, you’re here nitpicking at someone about speaking Igbo.
What have any of you done to promote and preserve the Igbo Language? “Things Fall Apart” has been translated into virtually every other language except the Igbo Language. How many of you have published any writings in the Igbo Language? And you want to come here and harass and nag someone who is in America to speak the Igbo Language.
All of you who are in America and countries in Europe and who have young children should be aware that they’ll grow up speaking English, French, German, etc., not Igbo. Even if you force them to speak Igbo, they’ll lack the Igbo culture.
Tell me something, all of you who’ve decided that the Igbo Language is so crucial at this forum: why are your posts being made in English? Why doesn’t every single Igbo person on this forum post using the Igbo Language?
And you, Mr. Ogbunigwe, you seem to forget that Chinyere’s post in this thread also only contained one sentence in Igbo. The rest was in English. How do you explain that, genius, or did you forget how to count? And talk about being arrogant, how do you explain a small mind with a big name, as Chiboy pointed out elsewhere on this forum?
Other people who really care about their language have employed their language to engage in more sophisticated activities, like science, philosophy, the humanities, technology and so forth. You, on the other hand, are wasting time trying to force people to say “kedu?” and “odi nma.”
Do you want Igbo? Well, ngbo piafukwa unu isi. Enjoy!
posted
Chioma, I've been involved in an upleasant exchange here b4 and I'll not be dragged to that level again. First of all u missed my point. You don't need to tell ppl how rusty your Igbo is becos most of the posts here have always been in English. You are just taking this to another level. If u are smart enough to read between the lines u would have understood my inference. I'm sorry to say this but your disposition smacks of baseless arrogance and ignorance. In any case, I'm not a writer or publisher so it's not my duty to translate academic literatures into my native language. I think the status quo has been sufficient in guiding ppl into various professional endeavors. When I have my own children while in this foreign land, the best I can do for them regarding their heritage is the language. The rest can be shaped overtime irrespective of the surrounding culture but this is beside the point. you shouldn't add so much importance to the long posts u have here which in my view are all common knowledge. Ppl simply exchange ideas here while some take theirs a step further. I beleive that critical issues or strategies relating to Ndigbo isn't effectively adressed in a public forum. I have to state honestly that I'm yet to see any strong collective strategic moves by igbo political class or those in diaspora. We are still too fragmented to present a common front. Chioma u need to learn humility so I can't help it if u feel slighted by my comments. I'm pretty sure u won't sound too confrontational if u were in a community gathering. Just look at your last last statement, it sounds like u are insulting a lot of people. Anyway, this my last response to your batterings. Have a nice day.
Posts: 136 | From: Massachusssets | Registered: Dec 2002
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quote:And BTW, in your current state of mind, I do not think it would be prudent for me to reveal to you my solutions to any issue I have thus far raised.
That proves my point. All talk and no action. You can deny all you want but you are one and the same person.
Just read your sentence structure virtually the same. Your tendency to get defensive when things don't go your way.
My sister that is if you are a sister, take it easy. Like I said we need solution not talk or point out problems. It is clear to me that your are into the later.
Let me tell you lets of people in here have gone down the route that you are going but failed to succeed.
I will encourage you again to give solutions unless you don't have any but only know how to run your mouth.
___________________ BIAFRA MUST RISE AGAIN. LONG LIVE BIAFRA!! Posts: 1080 | From: California, USA. | Registered: Oct 2002
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A point is lost when there are no audience. Based on the little glimpse you have unveiled here, you obviously possess a very astute and intelligent collection of ideas and a bright and articulate way with words.
But then how do you engage without compromising your hotness/coldness?
I know this must be the dillema you may be grappling with, and believe me you are not alone.
Wouldnt it be a monologue if the very people who could elicit your best contributions are silenced by you before they are able to get in a word edgewise?
What Amadi O has said says it all. Discretion is the better part of valor and in the quest for focussed delivery of ideas, will never be a weakness.
Sistam bico jiri nwayo. Choose your fights sparingly. There will be many appropriate opportunities to slam down the sledgehammer. You'll see.
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Chioma: However, their efforts at the present time are failing to combat the damage being wrought by those wearing two faces and those who are not shy about making known their positions as adversaries...
If Ojukwu is the means to this end, awareness, not paranoia, but be raised.
Sista Chioma,
To get back to what you were saying, I do take note of the fact that there could be double agents whose sole purpose in APGA is to muffle the message, the party's potential for popularity, and the party machinery's capability for effectiveness on all fronts.
It is a warning which we must not only take to heart but begin to ask the kind of questions you are asking so that without jumping to label some as "SABO' (a paranoia inducing, alienating, destabilizing, disunifying, demoralizing accusation) at the slightest hint of adversity(which will surely come) we may begin to demand and install the kind of structures that would ensure the best contributions from fallible human beings the best of whom are capable of being tempted to compromise long term gain for a quick and easy mess of porridge at the expense of current and future generations of Nd'Igbo.
So yes as you rightly said, our awareness and the dissemination of it in an organized and fastidious manner is of the essence.
quote:I understand that there is a lot of fear out there. We must put ourselves beyond fear if we're ever going to achieve anything.
On face value, the statement above is correct, however, I was in Biafranigeria recently. Igbos have never
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