posted
I've read so many stories about the bravery and selfless sacrifice of Biafrans in defense of their nation and people. I have equally read of the brutality and depravity of the murdering vandals who with British, Russian and Egyptian help robbed millions of Biafrans of fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters...so many lives lost! There should be a permanent memorial to these souls. America has Arlington National Cemetary, The Vietnam Memorial. Israel has a memorial for the six million it lost to German barbarity. Biafra should have a physical memorial to it's war dead. Is there any such memorial on Biafran soil? If not, why not? and how can such a memorial be realized?
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 665 | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged
I don't know of any actual memorial(s) but I do know of a civil war museum in Umuahia where fascinating local inventions from the war years are on display. I’d be pleased (though very surprised) if there was an actual memorial because of the manner in which everything relating to the struggle was expunged from all national records e.g. the change from Bight of Biafra to Bight of Bonny. Not to worry though, all genuine believers in our quest have erected monuments in their hearts in tribute to the contributions made by our fallen heroes. On that bright day when our sun finally rises not to set again, we shall concretise these contributions. Their spilt blood cries out for nothing less.
___________________ Free Uwazurike Now!
Now is the winter of our discontent...made glorious summer by this [rising] sun of York. Posts: 325 | From: London | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged
Thanks for responding to the questions I asked. I know that those who died during the war did so as Biafrans, even the least of them. It is the height of betrayal for any Igbo(my opinion) to live otherwise(even though it may have to be in secret for the purpose of avoiding persecution). As you rightly pointed out, all true believers have memorials erected in their hearts, and that is good, very good. Howsoever, since it has been 34 years since the war ended, how long do we wait(or how long must fallen Biafrans wait) for a physical memorial. How long do we stand idly by and watch the Nigerian government continually villify these beautiful souls, summing them up and dismissing them merely as "Biafran rebels, when in fact they were courageous freedom fighters, who lost their lives fighting Satan's principalities(Egypt, Russia, Britain, Nigeria). I submit to you that the world has forgotten the Biafrans who perished in that war; and though their blessed memory be resident still in our hearts, they are deserving of more glory than only living Biafrans can give them. Their glory is universal and their story belongs to the world. It is and it must be so, and is incumbent upon us to proclaim their lives after death to the whole world...and this can only be done by a physical memorial of profound proportion to courage of heart and loss of life.
Can so many lives be lost without meaning? It is not possible to be so. What Biafrans did was to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of home and country. While they fought and died, they also knew they were making a statement to the world. Shall we now remain silent? Well, that is just what we are doing by not immortalizing fallen Biafrans with a fitting physical memorial, even if for the present it has to be erected in another country, perhaps with plans to remove it to Biafra at its actualization. The dead died for us, their future. They loved us enough to give their lives for us, the next generation. To try and give them the honor their devotion deserves is long overdue, by at least 34 years.
Very true words bruv. I especially agree with the idea of a monument in another country for now. What country do you have in mind? Is there any that will permit such a monument? Britain is out of the question (for obvious reasons) and I fear America may be too (because of their current courting of the Nigerian govt as a means of finding an alternative to Saudi oil). Maybe South Africa would have been possible if Madiba was still in charge because unlike most people, he understands what pain is. Mbeki however seems to have his head too far up King Kong's agbada that S.A. may decline. What are your thoughts?
The need for a monument outside that country is particularly important because the current situation in Nigeria simply makes it impossible to do anything concrete in deference to our fallen heroes. I mean, we currently have a situation where Nd’Igbo are used for target practice on a regular basis. We also have the example of several people of Igbo stock who were arrested and charged with treason simply for participating in a football match. The prosecutor was even so bold as to ask for the death penalty! For kicking a ball around?! Reports confirm that even those selling ‘pure water’ in the vicinity of the football field were also arrested. That some have been granted bail after so long is irrelevant. What really gets me in the part of my gut that I didn’t know existed is that they were arrested at all. Nwanne, we are not dealing with rational, God-fearing people. The enemy is as godless as they were in the 60s – perhaps even more so – and prejudice never shows much reason.
The clampdown on MASSOB while similar groups from other parts of the country operate with impunity shouldn’t only be seen as selective justice however. Their fear of Nd’Igbo stems from a complete comprehension of what we can do! They had a taste of it + they haven’t forgotten - no sir! After all, does one continuously ‘stand over’ a people who are unworthy adversaries? As bleak as the situation may seem, it is actually a firm recognition of our valour. They may not directly admit it but their actions confirm to us that those who died did not do so in vain. It is because of their grit + determination against an international gang of bloodsuckers that we are feared (and indeed respected) in Nigeria today – albeit grudgingly. Unfortunately we can only take solace for now in the fact that although no memorial has as yet been commissioned, the contributions of our brave men, women + children (yes, children!) was not in vain.
For now a memorial on our land is impractical because the time is ‘unright’, the climate is unsuitable, and the atmosphere is unfavourable. I fervently look with a great sense of hope and joy to the day when we shall stand on our soil, in a country of our own, and jointly gaze up at a memorial so spectacular in its magnificence, so potent in its passion, that we are reminded of why we fought and why we died. And when that day comes (and it will come), I shall think fondly of this thread.
___________________ Free Uwazurike Now!
Now is the winter of our discontent...made glorious summer by this [rising] sun of York. Posts: 325 | From: London | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged
I beg your indulgence for intruding. I have been on awol for the longest time.
For this:
I submit to you that the world has forgotten the Biafrans who perished in that war; and though their blessed memory be resident still in our hearts, they are deserving of more glory than only living Biafrans can give them.
I just want to say welcome and God bless both of you.
I dare submit though, it is our (we the living) call to keep Biafra alive.
Your contribution was not an intrusion my brother…the more the merrier. Thanks for your good wishes nwanne. I wish you the very same. May God continue to watch over us + provide us with the courage to carry on with our clearly defined aim of extricating ourselves from an arrangement doomed to fail.
___________________ Free Uwazurike Now!
Now is the winter of our discontent...made glorious summer by this [rising] sun of York. Posts: 325 | From: London | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged
Don't tell me you are now a vegetarian after your trip from China which most tourists claim when they run into mid-size Chinese broads. How are the Xiawendong Sus?
So what are the Danish blondes saying about your "Fantastic Voyage?" Did you try those grilled mushrooms and chow mein? Tell me a story.
___________________ THE MORE YOU LOOK THE LESS YOU SEE Posts: 539 | From: Sin City, Sin World | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
quote: The need for a monument outside that country is particularly important because the current situation in Nigeria simply makes it impossible to do anything concrete in deference to our fallen heroes. --Igboblood
Eloquently put, and my point exactly. Brother, I might seem to be somewhat biased in choice of country in which to temporarily deposit our reverence for our gallant departed brothers and sisters, but I think America is best. No relationship between America and Nigeria can deny an American citizen the freedom of expression. A memorial is one example of such freedom of expression. If one owns the land on which such a memorial is to be located, as long as local zoning ordinances do not prohibit it, one is free to express one's desire to memorialize anyone or anything. Any prohibition not based on zoning would be tantamount to violating one's civil rights, something very carefully and dutifully guarded by powerful "watchdog" groups, especially, for instance, the American Civil Liberties Union, and many others.
Personally I think a memorial to fallen Biafrans should be located in Washington, D.C., the city least likely to engage in civil liberties violations due to its immediate proximity to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land. Not only that, but also Washington is residence to large numbers of African-Americans(many of which no doubt are of Igbo descent due to its border with Virginia, where many Igbo-African-Americans hail from. Their interest in such a project would, I think, also be helpful in guaranteeing success, and in re-informing the world of the Igbo plight. Our fallen heroes would want such a memorial, one which does not let the world forget what befell them. They would also want their labors to continue to benefit living Biafrans, rallying them to the cause for which they gave all.
Nkem,
Brother thank you for the blessing, and it is true that it is our call to make the world not only remember Biafra, but also the Biafrans. They lived; and their heroic deeds must be never be forgotten, no, not by the whole world!
quote:I fervently look with a great sense of hope and joy to the day when we shall stand on our soil, in a country of our own, and jointly gaze up at a memorial so spectacular in its magnificence, so potent in its passion, that we are reminded of why we fought and why we died. And when that day comes (and it will come), I shall think fondly of this thread. --Igboblood
A man after my own heart you most assuredly are.
BTW, your signature, opening line of Richard III if I'm not mistaken. I almost chose it for my own but settled instead for a quote from Julius Caesar
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 665 | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged
posted
If we are going to build a monument outside Biafra land. My choice of Coutries will be as follows. If these Countries will allow it.
1) Tanzania
Nyere and Tanzania was the first Africa leader and country to recognize Biafra.
2) Gabon Another country that recognized Biafra and even airlifted some Biafra qwasioka patient to Gabon.
3) Frances The only European Country who defy Britan and didn't look the other way. More over French doctors save Biafra lives, today the organization start by French doctors to cure Biafran sick children have gained worldwide recognition. Doctors without border was a positive step that came out of Biafra/Nigeria war. By the way I think is time people stop calling that war a civil war. Like Ojukwu said recently it was Biafra/Nigera war. Baifa was a country and Nigeria was a country for that 30 months the war lasted. Biafra had diplomatic relationship with so many countries.
4) Ivory Coast Another Africa Country that recognized us.
Though Haiti is in a tomoil today that small country also recognized Biafra.
5) Guinea Another country that recognized us.
I will not support Washington DC for the simple fact that America Because of respect to Britain and with their hands full in Vietnam looked the other way during Biafra/Nigeria war.
I agree that the political establishment in Washington looked the other way while Biafrans were dying; but that is exactly why we should now force Washington and the world to see such a memorial. Everyday it and the world should be reminded of their derilection of moral duty during the Biafran-Nigerian War. A memorial is supposed to "bring back to memory" someone or something. While we and our friends will be reminded of the Biafrans valor and sacrifice, America and the world will be forced to remember their perfidious silence while millions perished in a since revealed plot to control Biafran resources and hand power to the Muslims. Though America stood idly by, one thing that can be said in its favor is that it refused to sell arms to Nigeria to be used against Biafrans. While the government was playing politics, the American people were heart-broken over the Biafran struggle. Images from Biafra were on television constantly. I was only a child but I remember it.
But I respect your sentiments as I know you had very personal losses in that war.
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 665 | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged
posted
Wherever such a memorial is built, it must not be relegated to obscurity. On this I think all can agree. It must be like a city set on a hill. It must have prominence, and if possible total pre-eminence in and around its immediate environ. It should also be a gathering-place from year to year for living Biafrans.
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 665 | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged
posted
I wish to point out that when ever you pass through Igbo cities like Onitsha, Awka, Aba, Owerri, Enugu, etc, when you observe the artists that deal on sculpture and the likes, ( such as the popular Orajis carvers), you ALWAYS find the life like statue of a (BIAFRAN) soldier, most times in full battle gear and with one hand raised in victory. It is a popular motiv and when you go to the family homes of many people in the village you find them there. This goes to show that the Igbo who experienced the war have strived to set personal memorials even though the conditons might have been unfavorble. Also there is an unofficial memorial, though it is also private, along the NNobi, Nkpor road at Umuoji. The memorial is in honour of one Biafran corporal ( I think Okafor by name but not sure) who single handedly blew up a Nigerian army armoured car with home made bomb, but left his life in the action.
Normaly any official Biafran Memorial should be on Biafran soil. But I agree with previous writers when they say that this might not be feasible for now, to avoid its desecration. As to its location, i believe there should be one memorial placed at Fernando Po island which was the center of relief operation from what little friends Biafra had and it was the last bastion in contact with the famous uli airport. For a long time, this was Biafras only life line to the outside world. This does not exclude other memorials in US, etc.
___________________ Biafra is inevitable.Illegitimis nil carborundum. Posts: 760 | From: europe | Registered: Jan 2005
| IP: Logged
I am glad to read our people have not forgotten. It is centuries I was in ala-Igbo. I will sure look out for the statues when next I visit the East of the Niger.
The Cpl. you mentioned was Cpl. Nwafor. Nwafor and the rest of my comrades will never walk alone. I actually touched and kissed the armoured car that made him famous.
Hm TB!
No I have not become vegetarian. My hands were tired brotherman. I had my better-half and my youngest daughter with me. Her big sister would rather visit my (her) family in Africa, my proffering to pay for her ticket notwithstanding. She did have a wonderful time with her African family - I heard from the grapevine ha!
I did enjoy their food. They brew OK beer too. But stay away from their wine. Watch out for what you eat, b/c over there anything goes. If it can be eaten it is food – see what I mean?
Biafra, may I disagree with you on building a monument outside Biafra land. If and when I am in ala-Igbo, it will make my day to have a place in ala-Igbo to reflect, take a bow in honour of them.
I do agree that the best place for a Monument is in Igbo Land. However all I am saying is that if we have to build it outside Igbo land, I would rather we build it in the countries that supported us during that war. Like you said brother you and your comrades can never be forgotten.
posted
Umunnaa, I beg your indulgence to draw this topic back a little. It all depends on the way you look at the whole scene, at the heart of Igboland, by the centre of Enugu city today, is standing a giant statue of an unknown Nigerian vandal soldier.
Intimidating and imposing, brandishing machine gun on the air as reminder to the vanquished.
___________________ He likened the second coming of Christ to the realisation of the Biafran dream, stating that at a time people least expect, the much sought Biafra would be a reality..Rev. Fr. Cornelius Ezeiloaku Posts: 622 | From: santiago, chile | Registered: Jan 2002
| IP: Logged
I look forward one day to a televised demolition of the statue you are speaking of, something reminiscent of the pulling down of the state of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and the tearing down of the Berlin wall.
This is just one more reason why a memorial to fallen Biafrans must soon be brought into existence. This statue of a Nigerian soldier is an insult to all Biafrans, living and dead. We must find a way to honor fallen Biafrans so that all can see how much their labors are cherished and appreciated by us. It is not enough to just do that in our hearts. We must counter the visible dishonor Nigeria tries to cast on our heroes by doing them an equally visible honor, visible to the whole world. I think that is what they would want, to show the world that they did not fight and die in vain. There should be a fund started and entrusted to a couple of Biafran groups of exceptional quality and transparency, to keep track of donations, and when all things are ready, the memorial should be done without delay.
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 665 | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged
Well spotted bruv; my signature is indeed the opening line of Richard III (with a little tweaking). It seemed to aptly encapsulate the hurt + hope of Nd’Igbo. This is confirmed as you almost selected it yourself . Speaking of which, I came across a very ‘interesting’ modern day translation of the first scene which had me in stitches. I can send it to you by PM if you wish – just so this thread doesn't suffer derailment.
quote:…America and the world will be forced to remember their perfidious silence while millions perished in a since revealed plot to control Biafran resources and hand power to the Muslims. -- Greg
Nwanne, America wasn’t exactly silent as demonstrated by Nixon's quote below:
“Until now efforts to relieve the Biafran people have been thwarted by the desire of the central government of Nigeria to pursue total and unconditional victory and by the fear of the Ibo people that surrender means wholesale atrocities and genocide. But genocide is what is taking place right now - and starvation is the grim reaper. This is not the time to stand on ceremony, or to go through channels or to observe the diplomatic niceties. The destruction of an entire people is an immoral objective even in the most moral of wars. It can never be justified; it can never be condoned." -- Mr. Richard Nixon, September 9, 1968 (During the Presidential Campaign).
Granted, America could have done more – a lot more - but her hands were full due to her involvement in the ‘Nam war. I am however not confident that she wouldn't have taken sides with Britain had she been free of the Vietcong quandary. Oh, the Vietcong…how they fill me with such hope. There is a lot we can (and should) learn from them. Sorry...I digress.
quote: There should be a fund started and entrusted to a couple of Biafran groups of exceptional quality and transparency, to keep track of donations, and when all things are ready, the memorial should be done without delay.--Greg
I completely agree with you on this + will gladly make a contribution as soon as a credible organization is identified. I’m easy as to where the memorial is located provided it is not hidden away in some ‘obscure’ corner of the world. If it doesn’t draw worldwide attention then we would have failed. In fact, why stop at one? Why can't we have several memorials located in different parts of the world? The focus at this stage needn’t be on erecting one very expensive memorial but several cheap(er) ones. That way we can rapidly ‘market’ our pain to an uncaring world and an unsuspecting Nigerian government. Remember, these memorials are largely symbolic. Outside Igbo land, their worth in pounds + pence is irrelevant. Whether they are made of wood or gold, when we gaze at them we will only see Biafran blood.
quote:Nwanne, America wasn’t exactly silent as demonstrated by Nixon's quote below:
“Until now efforts to relieve the Biafran people have been thwarted by the desire of the central government of Nigeria to pursue total and unconditional victory and by the fear of the Ibo people that surrender means wholesale atrocities and genocide. But genocide is what is taking place right now - and starvation is the grim reaper. This is not the time to stand on ceremony, or to go through channels or to observe the diplomatic niceties. The destruction of an entire people is an immoral objective even in the most moral of wars. It can never be justified; it can never be condoned." -- Mr. Richard Nixon, September 9, 1968 (During the Presidential Campaign).
Yes, I'm aware of this quote, but it was made on the campaign trail in response to questions from reporters. Nixon was(in my humble opinion) giving lip service to the moral question at hand, but as history has revealed, one could never be quite sure about what Nixon was really thinking. The fact that his administration presided over American policy toward Biafra while the war raged has been proof enough for me that his words rang hollow, hence my reference to America's "perfidious silence." Notwithstanding, there was constant diplomatic activity between American representatives and the Biafran government, but America did stand idly by as East German and Egytian pilots flying Russian-made Iluyshin fighter aircraft doled out 360 degree death to anything that was unfortunate enough to be in its scraping path. Most of these pilots eventually returned home, who should rather have been brought before a war crimes tribunal. I don't recall much public outrage by Nixon administration officials in this regard.
But to proceed. I'm in total agreement with you on the location of a memorial not being an obscure place, where the world will take no notice; and your suggestion of raising several memorials in different countries is excellent. If I may let me expand on it. I think there should be a total of three identical structures raised(if possible on the same day) on three different continents, namely Africa, Europe, and North America. As I stated elsewhere, my preference for North America is Washington, D.C. for sheer world visibility, another in France for obvious reasons, and the other site in Africa to be decided. When Biafra is actualized, another on a more colossal scale would be raised in Igboland.
I think I may be going too far but indulge me for a moment; since those Biafrans being honored died under the Biafran flag, and also since the rising sun is the most distinctive symbol of the physical Biafran Republic, it follows that same symbol should be central to any monument raised as a memorial for them.(Indulge me) A very large Biafran rising sun (with emphasized wavy rays) cast in bronze with golden overlay being supported by Biafran soldiers, all set atop a lofty obelisk rising out of a beautiful green field would be a stunning sight to all passers-by at all times of the day, but especially at sunrise. Inscriptions citing the heroism of the honored could be carved at the base, both to honor the dead and to educate the living. I think I'll stop there for the time being, but I don't regret sharing my rudimentary vision of a memorial for fallen Biafrans although nothing of the sort may obtain. I'm indebted to your patience. There will be a lot of time later to think about design. What's important now is to settle it within ourselves that some such effort on the part of living Biafrans is deserved by those who have given the last full measure of devotion(to quote Abraham Linclon), although periodic discussions of particulars can only help perfect the final outcome.
BTW, I would love to read that take-off on Richard III so PM me.
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
. Speaking of which, I came across a very ‘interesting’ modern day translation of the first scene which had me in stitches. I can send it to you by PM if you wish – just so this thread doesn't suffer derailment.