The Ambrose Ehirim Files by Ambrose Ehirim (Los Angeles, California) ---
Yes, I have been chastised uncountable times about my critique of a particularly confused Igbo bunch who would rather not get anything done to help the Igbo Nation. I have been called all kinds of names. Just for exercising my right to free speech, I have, like NBA basketball player, Shaquille O’Neal, been called the “Big Felon.” I have been called “Maradona” after the wizard dribbler in FIFA World Cup Finals. Also, like Hollywood script writers and movie makers, I have been called a “copy cat.” Wow!
Maybe I should stop dribbling and change my writing style. I have been asked to stop criticizing and condemning Igbo “elite” and “intellectuals” and their coterie of wannabes even when it’s obvious they are taking us to hell.
I have been accused of not being Igbo, thus, writing with a pseudonym to incite anger and frustration within the Igbo elite and intellectuals who write behind closed doors in Igbo-related forums mostly at yahoo. It has been said that the name Ambrose Ehirim doesn’t exist, that it is a “handle.” I have been accused of money laundering and using the funds to engage in “terrorist activities” in support of MASSOB and to cause havoc all over Igbo land. I have also been accused of being an uppity Igbo radical and a “mad man,” which would take me nowhere but create a series of confusion.
For instance, the wave of civil unrest in Onitsha and elsewhere in Igbo Land caused by the poor leadership of Mr. Peter Obi is now said to be my making. Never mind that it was the clueless Peter Obi who invited known enemies of Nd’Igbo to slaughter Igbo youth in the name of fighting an anarchy in Anambra, an anarchy that Peter Obi himself and Chris Ubah formulated in the illicit pact that put Obi in power. I have been accused of using the proceeds from BiafraNigeriaWorld to engage in anti-elitist activities as portrayed in my columns, which continues to address the ills in the Igbo Nation.
I have been accused of trying to break up the country using the resources of BiafraNigeriaWorld. I have been accused of using BNW to destroy the political ambitions of the Igbo Diaspora “elite” and “pseudo-intellectuals” who are running around in the US in Nigerian political campaign vans, gunning for public office in BiafraNigeria. I have been told that I am wrong to take sides with the underprivileged class and the powerless in Igboland. I have been accused of a growing lip, whatever that means.
I have been accused of writing under the influence of akanaeme and other spirits. I have been accused for lamenting the fallen standards of Igbo ideals. I have been accused for writing extensively and nearly exhaustively about Igbo problems grand and small. I have been accused for lamenting Obafemi Awolowo’s orchestrated “Economic Blockade,” which starved Igbo women and children to death.
I have been accused of in-your-face attitude telling the Hausa-Fulanis that they slaughtered my kith and kin in the most brutal of circumstances, and yet would not offer an apology. I have been accused of saying it aloud that the Yorubas stink and can’t fight to save their own lives. Bbut no one, absolutely no one has taken into account the ethnic slurs of “nyamiri,” “okoro,” “okobokobo” frequently bandied about by the Awusa and the Yoroba. I have been accused for calling Igbo a nation state. I have been accused for asking the bookkeepers and managers of World Igbo Congress to put their acts together before it gets too late. According to Bob Dylan, “It’s not dark yet, but we are getting there.”
I have been accused for having the guts to “attack” the gutless leadership of Chibuzor Onwuchekwa of WIC. I said it was lousy leadership when Chibuzor Onwuchekwa made nku ukwa and ill-gotten castles in Abuja his blueprint, while Anambra, his home state, is burning. I have been accused for citing Senate President Ken Nnamani’s disappointment during WIC’s annual picnic and efulefu dance at the basement of Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel. I have been accused of telling the simple truth. According to Peter Tosh’ lyrics, “I have been wanted dead or alive by the evil forces” at Igbo forums at Yohoo. I am “FBI’s most wanted man,” said one crazed Igbo Yahooligan.
Aaarrggh, Holy Moses! Ah ah! See what my little biro has caused me!? Imagine!
Ironically, these accusations leveled against me have been from none other than the free-based Yahoo groups forums catering to various Igbo groups. As one is weary of pointing out nothing gets done at Yahoo and even the archives have been wiped out because the operator are loud mouths who wouldn’t spend a dime to preserve the records.
What’s going on here? What are the raging and the beef, and the prize on my head all about? That I wrote an article based on what I witnessed regarding a fractured WIC and its funny bookkeepers and managers? That WIC’s annual picnic and efulefu dance is disturbing and has become a trademark for a bunch that would never get things done? That MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazuruike is languishing in jail and WIC would not say a word while his alleged “co-conspirator” Frederick Fasheun has been granted bail on “health grounds?” That I was concerned that innocent people were being killed in Onitsha by Obasanjo’s Gestapo and nobody is saying a word? That I “was crazy” to comment on the debacle in Anambra on the ground that I am not from “Onitsha?” or from “Anambra State?” That I should shut up for whatever happens in Anambra is none of my business? That “their” master Olusegun Obasanjo is doing some pretty good stuff in Igbo land, and I have no right to question or criticize him whatsoever? I don’t get it!
First, I should begin by blaming Acho Orabuchi and Magnus Ekwueme, the moderators of the refrigerated free Yahoo Igbo Forum for allowing fake names and dubious handles to run wild in an Igbo community discussion group. It is really disturbing when Orabuchi and his group of moderators at the Yahoo Igbo Forum, even though the Yahoo shack is now running without memory, would collaborate with a gang of Dallas-based pacifists to use all kinds of concocted names in attacking me, when Acho Ohawuchi himself knows exactly who I am down to the village I hail from. Did I say “Ohawuchi?” Yes, as Acho Ohawuchi’s fellow Orlu man, I should know, as they say in the Igbo proverb, how water entered the pumpkin’s pipe and transformed an Imo man from Ohawuchi to Orabuchi. But, I kept calm, thinking I was in polite company.
The following is typical of one of many incoherent responses and write-ups targeted at me in the Orabuchi-Ekwueme managed Yahoo Forum where any subject matter may arise for discussion and engagement at any given time. Of all the responses, I shall cite two. One is wrong and totally a piece of garbage because it fails to address the issues in question, and the other I address because the writer wrote of interest. In the Orabuchi-Ekwueme Forum, one of the cowards who operates behind handles and is not bold enough to say who he really is contributed the following response to my article on Onwuchekwa and the inept and corrupt World Igbo Congress. The fake handle is “Texas Memorial” and here is what he had to say:
Ambrose Ehirim is one of FBI most wanted man, if that is the real name of the writer. Ambrose, challenging WIC on Onitsha; Ambrose is a Money Launderer, and a Felon with a record of evading paying Taxes, and illegally transporting large amount of cash to Nigeria in support of MASSOB, and killing of innocent civilian, Youths and women. Ambrose with his support of MASSOB has witnessed young girls raped in Igbos states, and with his money laundering to Nigeria, saw large cashes of weapons and ammunitions transported to Nigeria that MASSOB's are using in killing our people, the Police and destruction of the Prisons.. Ambrose is not an Onitsha Man. Ambrose Ehirim is at USA while our young ones are dying unnecessarily. Ambrose should go to Nigeria and represent MASSOB in Nigeria and not in Diaspora…
Now, how does the above line of nonsense parallel to the subject matter? But the irony to all the brouhaha in Yahoo Igbo Forum could be drawn from a bunch of moderators who work in concert or use the dimwits to keep dragging the forum to hell, in which nobody understands why its archives shouldn’t be kept intact, losing its credibility since it was established seven years ago. When rhetoric like the one above by a name that doesn’t exist keeps popping up with rubbish in Yahoo Igbo Forum, why would someone take Orabuchi and his group of moderators seriously? When the kind of nonsense above keeps making the headlines in Yahoo Igbo Forum, what has that reduced the Igbo nation and intellectuals to? When we keep seeing such lines that has no meaning to a subject matter in question, even though the handle speaks for itself of being fake and yet allowed to be drawing attention with irrational thoughts, and nobody is saying a word, what does that make the group moderators and management team in Yahoo Igbo Forum look like?
When you have a forum like that, and of course, where every individual matters based on sponsored or referred registration, shouldn’t a handle in the name of Texas Memorial be questioned based on its lack of signature with the real name attached to it? Why is nobody talking when a handle of this kind is ruining our credibility in the outside world, and why would they, the outside world, be taking us seriously? What is wrong with Igbo people?
On the other hand, I must not fail to address the second citation which I thought to be necessary. I found it necessary because the writer made a “valid” point, in the sense that he strongly believed a dialogue could be reached in apprehending the ills of the WIC and Igbo matters in general, that is, if put on the table as the Boston magic is “dedicated” to present. But I must also not fail to point out that it doesn’t make sense at all when we take a dovish stance while surrounded by hawkish neighbors who use every opportunity at any given time to attack and slaughter us on the streets, at the market square and anywhere that Nd’Igbo gather. We must continue to defend ourselves at all costs, under any circumstances to prevent a repeat of the past.
Never again!
For a variety of reasons, Nd’Igbo must be on guard to produce robust leaders in order to effect change, especially given that the battered and bruised WIC that claims to be Igbo Diaspora umbrella is now colossal failure. We must honestly choose who to lead us based on character and conduct over the years. We must keep up with the basic ethic of transparency and accountability to avoid the conflicts of funny bookkeeping and dubious managers. We must continue to watch and report the ways and means of those that keep our records. We must never allow riff raffs because they have sacks of money to the brim to keep running the shows in our name. The politics of “Godfatherism” should not have been allowed to occur in the first place. We must rise to the occasion to defend worthy causes and give honor to whom honor is due and restore the merit system on which the Igbo Nation was founded.
If the WIC is Igbo umbrella like it claims, we must ask for its monthly, bimonthly, and quarterly reports. But that has not happened in the many years since WIC’s formation; rather, what we see is a continuous cycle of “no gain, no loss” in every convention, which indicates the bookkeepers and managers are not being honest in dealing with Igbo Diaspora. Otherwise, what’s the purpose of each convention when profits cannot be made? Again, of what purpose is the WIC picnic at a record loss in every convention? Just to see people, dine, wine, womanize and flirt?
I am compelled to cite Mike Ozulumba’s note of interest with regards to WIC’s annual picnic. We must bear in mind that Ozulumba was speaking on behalf of WIC’s Boston area organizers who promised a better convention, this time around. However, to set the record straight, my article did not suggest in any way that Igbos should follow my path to actualizing Biafra, and I had no “personal dislike for Onwuchekwa.”
Ozulumba writes: Obviously, your article consumed a rambling plethora of dubious subjective analysis based on your apparent preconceived belief that unless and until Igbos follow your path to actualization of Biafra, nothing is working. I find your argument internally inconsistent in many respects. While collaboration is an accepted avenue to actualization of strategic needs, you see Ichie Onwuchekwas efforts with our other ethnic partners as futility. I am amazed at your devotion of undue time to vent personal dislike for Ichie Onwuchekwa and your sweeping insult of Igbos especially in the Los Angeles area. I must tell you that Igbos in Boston mean serious business. We will not have much patience here with you when you reduce yourself to insulting individuals. Granted you may share a differnce of opinion with respect to how best to make WIC a veritable organization. We sure may have problems of leadership, but with heinous and venomous followers like you the journey will sure be more ardous. I will not profer advise to you here on how best to actualize your Biafra. I understand that fringe lunatics may exist among us and you sure are not doing the Biafran cause a good favor in the manner you write and express your views. I hope you will not find time to come to Boston, but if you do, you will be pleasantly surprised. It takes several steps to complete a good journey. Ichie Onwuchekwa may not have impressed you thus far, but we need to work together to assist him or replace him.
While Ozulumba could not see how Igbos had been trapped in an uncertain and troubled nation and not helping chart the course, he agreed with me on lack of profound leadership; but he patently declined to confront the most vital issues within the Igbo nation today. From his observation, I guess there is no way to avoid active engagement with Egbe Omo Yoruba and the Zumunta even at the point of death because Igbos may not have the chance or would not have a choice doing it alone probably that her survival relies on the status quo. This line of thought is irrelevant and disingenuous.
Ozulumba declined to “proffer advice” on how to strategically go about the Biafran struggle. He deliberately ignored to comment on the crises in Anambra, his home state, which has no end in sight. He ignored to share with me the problems of the WIC since its formation and why WIC should not be granted the privilege to bear the name Igbo Umbrella. He did not share with me on Onwuchekwa eating up his own words when he said every Igbo indigene would be a WIC card carrying member, and when he insulted Yahoo Igbo Forum writers as “noise makers.” He (Ozulumba) believes in pacifism and would not explain why his neighbors are hawks because it’s okay for ones kith and kin to be slaughtered without saying a word on the ground that uttering a word might hurt the healing process and jeopardize any prospect of dialogue with the Hausa- Fulanis and their Yoruba co-conspirators. He refused to see a confused Igbo Diaspora bunch on the basis it’s not timely and perhaps the “Boston RSVP Party” will change all that. He ignored the fact that WIC is a fraternity like any other social club and nothing Igbo-related. Yes, the WIC is a fraternity. It is a social club. It has no Igbo interest.
So my learned friend, for being “pleasantly surprised,” hold on, and let go. I have no desire to attend WIC’s annual bash until I am well-convinced that the WIC has ceased to be a fraternity by way of taking care of Igbo-related issues. And since your interest in organizing the Boston RSVP Party was to use that platform to boost your campaign for public office, hang in there. I have news for you. To be honest, I was not surprised at all to learn about your political ambitions in your home state of Anambra to represent Ihiala Federal Constituency, and I am totally not impressed for you to have taken such a step using Boston’s convention on your doorstep to campaign for an election your war chest could never match that of your opponents back home, and for the fact that you have not spent enough time with the electorate to sell your ideas.
So would the campaign for public office and chance of nku nkwa be the reason why you have decided not take the wrong side when bad things happen. You will be the candidate of self-interest for the BiafraNigerian House of Representatives from Okija? Would the quest to be lawmaker be the reason why WIC cannot be wrong because your campaign team is very likely to be WIC card carrying members? Would mentioning the name Biafra jeopardize your chances, and if so, be the reason why you thought the Biafran struggle is all a waste of time because you couldn’t wait to fall in line for your own share of the nku ukwa? Would the fear of missing out on WIC and its party lines be the reason why you are tongue-tied when hoodlums and the likes of Chris Ubah have turned Anambra into a state of empire and anarchy?
As it also happened, on July 15, 2006, as part of my early morning rituals, I drive to Venice Beach, California. Normally, I listen to Philly Sound and Tamla Motown classics—Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Temptations, Commodores, Marvin Gaye, etc.—while driving to the coast. I find a parking spot and jog on the beach’s sidewalks with workouts in between. When I’m done, I check the newsstands and comb through the headlines. Then I head back home for shower and breakfast.
On this particular day, while driving back home after my morning rituals, my phone rang and a friend of mine was on the line requesting I should join his entourage scheduled to be paying condolence visit to a colleague whose father-in-law had died. I honored his request and was picked up later in the day for the visit. On arrival, we were offered a table as we joined others in showing sympathy.
As usual, gatherings of this nature are not complete without political discourse about “our” troubled nation. Enter Igbo matters and Biafranigeria politics. I was engaged and here it goes:
“Don’t you guys think Obasanjo’s third term defeat was a Hausa political victory? It sounds to me like the presidency is going back to the North with that kind of victory. What do you guys think?”
“In fact, Obasanjo will never allow power to go back North. I think we’ve had enough of Hausa drama.”
“Who wants another Hausa-Fulani oligarchy? No way, we’ve had enough.”
“I have no idea why Ambrose would want power back to the North.”
“I did not say that. I only asked a question.”
“What do you mean you did not say that?”
“I didn’t. All I said was that the third term showdown in favor of an overwhelming majority denying Obasanjo a third term was a Hausa political victory.”
“You can say whatever you like; Orji Kalu is going to be the next president.”
“I think Orji Kalu has done a good job. He challenged Obasanjo. He deserves to be the next president.”
“Are you guys sure?”
“Of course he is the man! It is our turn and he is the man!
“You see why Igbo people have a problem? Ambrose doesn’t want an Igbo president.”
“I did not say that. Ok., let’s for the sake of this argument let’s assume Orji Kalu gets the mandate, and I mean if he could not deliver as governor what guarantees he would perform diligently as president?”
“That’s the problem with Igbo writers. Have you ever seen a Yoruba or Hausa criticize their own? If you go to Yahoogroup forums, you will see Igbos criticizing our leaders, something the Yorubas and Hausas don’t do.”
“Name one Igbo writer who criticizes our leaders?”
“Are you asking me? You should know better.”
“So you mean the Yorubas and Hausas don’t criticize their leaders.”
“Yes! Name them.”
“In October 1986, Dele Giwa was murdered in cold blood with a letter bomb for criticizing the Ibrahim Babangida military juntas. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has been critical of Obasanjo’s regime and all the military juntas combined. Rotimi Durojaye of Daily Independent Newspapers and Gbenga Aruleba of African Independent Television were slammed recently for criticizing Obasanjo’s regime. What’s your point?”
“Look, I speak Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo fluently, so I know what I am talking about. Name a Yoruba and Hausa that criticizes their leaders.”
“I just did. Ok. Mike Awoyinfa and Hammeed M. Bello. Need more?”
“Name them!”
“Bayo Onanuga and Mohammed Haruna.”
“It’s people like you who don’t attend Igbo meetings that sit on the side and criticize.”
“How do you know I don’t attend Igbo-related meetings and conventions? I was at World Igbo Congress last summer and it was nothing to brag about. Don’t you remember?”
“Well, I didn’t see you.”
“You did not see me because you must have been hiding somewhere.”
“What do you mean I was hiding somewhere? Look, I am a staunch WIC member and I have attended every convention since the birth of WIC. You can’t say that about yourself because you don’t go to Igbo meetings.”
“Who told you I don’t attend Igbo meetings. For your information, I was at the last Igbo Cultural Association of California meeting held at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. No big deal! The meeting was a disaster. I was totally disappointed to see our elite class behave like loquacious market women. Is that the kind of meeting you are talking about?”
“Yes and other meetings including your native village meeting. Where are you from, by the way?”
“Amazano.”
“Where?”
“Amazano!”
“Do you go to their meetings?”
“Of course, before it disappeared from Planet Earth. Maybe, it will reappear. Who knows?”
“Did Amazano ever register at the WIC for its own seat for recognition?”
“What recognition?”
“Other Igbo organizations are required to register with the WIC because WIC is Igbo umbrella.”
“Oh yeah? How is WIC Igbo umbrella and what has WIC done for Nd’Igbo?”
“WIC has done a lot for Nd’Igbo and whether you like it or not you are under WIC.”
“This is ridiculous! How can I be under a fraternity that has a history of funny bookkeeping and dubious managers? Do you know that WIC’s account is questionable under Chibuzor Onwuchekwa?
“All you do is criticize, criticize and criticize. It is people like you who sit on the side and do nothing but criticize. You need to come and join us and contribute your own ideas instead of criticizing your own people.”
“I have been told that before. You mean join a fraternity like WIC?”
“Yes!”
“So WIC is a fraternity, not an Igbo umbrella?”
“No WIC is Igbo umbrella and that’s why we meet every year at different locations in Diaspora to discuss issues.”
“What issues? You mean seeing people, the picnic and dance?”
“Maybe you don’t know how it feels to see people you’ve not seen in years. That alone is big business and we should be proud of it.”
“I see, big business, huh?”
“Now tell me if you know of any Igbo organization that has recorded a profit after overheads?” Not even your own native village convention has recorded a profit. Not even one.”
“Would that be the reason why the management of the WIC does not care about its account and openness indicating it is a fraternity?”
“Come on guys, knock it off. Enough!”
Evidently, like the 80’s university campus “Buccaneers” and “Pirates,” where nothing practically was achieved in that respect, WIC is a fraternity. It is a social club. It has no Igbo interest, period!
Without a doubt, the pen is mightier than the sword as a result of my article and other thought-provoking write-ups alike. It has cleared a whole lot of stuff. All of a sudden, WIC’s constitution has popped up. All of a sudden, we are beginning to see what WIC has been doing behind closed doors. All of a sudden, WIC is paying attention to critics. And, all of a sudden, Anambra State Association-USA (ASA-USA) in a press release is sounding positively engaged for MASSOB’s right to exist as in all democratic fabrics.
Mighty biro’s magic, you see? I am innocent until proven guilty in the court of uncut, uncensored and free press.
The saga continues!
Ambrose Ehirim, Los Angeles, CA
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Could someone show me where Ambrose gave any proof of being a man who has been declaed "wanted" in the above mail. Meanwhile, I will later do justice to some of Ambrose's rather childish rapsody and some misinformation contained in his submission.
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Quote: --------------------- I have been accused for asking the bookkeepers and managers of World Igbo Congress to put their acts together before it gets too late. According to Bob Dylan, “It’s not dark yet, but we are getting there.” ---------------
First and foremost, Ambrose, like most of his fellow I-know-it-all self-recognised 'liberators' in the Biafran house are not members of the WIC or any pan-Igbo organization for that matter so why should same Ambrose ask the "managers" of the WIC to open their books for him? Since Ambrose and his fellow 'Bifarans' do not by their own admission recognize the WIC nor its leadership why then are they hell-bent on knowing how same organisation is run - good or badly? Or is it a classic case of one trying to reap where he/she did not sow?
Quote: ----------------------- "I have been accused for having the guts to “attack” the gutless leadership of Chibuzor Onwuchekwa of WIC. I said it was lousy leadership when Chibuzor Onwuchekwa made nku ukwa and ill-gotten castles in Abuja his blueprint, while Anambra, his home state, is burning. ----------------------
Another playing the catholic more than the Pope! Dude, there is a world of difference between attacking people's person and intentionally rubbing their name in the mud from critizing their actions. Obviously, what your opponents are accusing you of is engaging in the former. And if what you write on BNW main board or what your chorus singers chant on this messageboard is anything to judge from, then you are GUILTY AS CHARGED. It's time I remind you and your felllow journeymen and women who engage in often fruitless effort to run anyone, just anyone who doesn't see the world through your lense that no reasonable person would join your Biafran derailed train because you can rwrite every imaginable and unimaginable rubbish against anyone. Nor would it win you the friend or sympathy you Biafrans crave. It should have occured to you guys by now that such primitive tactics is SIMPLY UNPRODUCTIVE AND SELF-DEFEATIST Besides, it is those who elected Mr. Onwuchekwa and co into office that have the sole right to question his leadership style. So why are you playing the catholic more than the Pope?
Quote: ------------------------------- "That WIC’s annual picnic and efulefu dance is disturbing and has become a trademark for a bunch that would never get things done? That MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazuruike is languishing in jail and WIC would not say a word while his alleged “co-conspirator” Frederick Fasheun has been granted bail on “health grounds?” -------------------------------
Come on Mr. Ambrose, you want folks like Nwa Aro to believe that you are a 'freedom fighter' yet you cant grasp the basic of what it takes to become one and to be so recognised. On one hand you questioned the right of like-mimded folks to come together under the umbrella of the WIC, but on the other side of your childish argument you want same organisation to champion the case to getting Uwazuruike you and your fellow intolerants sent to jial by promising him that you will "not fail him". What in your mind did you guys think you were engaging in when you openly called for the disintergration of Nigeria and used Uwazuruike as your frontman? Having or sharing in a tea party? And if one may ask: WHAT HAS AMBROSE EHIRIM AND HIS FELLOW LOUD MOUTH BIAFRANS DONE IN CONCETE THERMS SINCE UWAZURUIKE AND CO WERE SENT TO JAIL TO GET THEM RELEASED? Could you or any of your fellow day dreamers show the world one, I mean just one petition that you Ambrose or your BLIND followers has writen with real names and pasted on any print media or sent to any high-placed individual or human right organisation in Nigeria or here in the west protesting the jailing of Uwazuruike and co as the WIC which you now claim is inactive did when Ojukwu was harrased by the Nigerian security service. It is only when you and others in the Biafran camp produce such petition letter that we pro-Nigeria Igbos on side of the isle would then task the WIC and other pan-Igbo organizations to take up Uwazuruike and co's case. FYI, Federick Fashuen, the OPC leader whom you used as example for all his radicalism has never gone on record to question Afenifere or any elected Yoruba's right to exist or calling them unprintable names as Uwazuruike did before he went to jail, just as you members of MASSOB and the pro-Biafra at home and in the Diaspora have been doing thereafter. Yopu can bet that were you guys as diplomatic and accomodating as OPC and its leaders were of the Yoruba 'efulefu' who knows Uwazuruike might have been free as Mr. Fahsuen is today. It may be true that MASSOB and OPC share same view but the latter is going about it maturelöy while the latter is aplling the 'Okonkwo mentality' which has thus far not served the Igbo nation any good.
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU AND YOUR ILKS IS THAT NOW IS THE TIME FOR THE AMBROSES TO MATCH WORDS WITH ACTION BY DOING SOMETHING, I MEAN SOMETHING PRACTICAL TO GET UWAZURUIKE AND CO RELEASED. BUT IF YOU DONT HAVE THE MEANS OR GUT, THEN JUST ADMIT IT AND STOP LOOKING FOR SCAPE GOAT IN THE WIC OR ANYWHERE ELSE. Period.
Quote: ---------------------- "That I “was crazy” to comment on the debacle in Anambra on the ground that I am not from “Onitsha?” or from “Anambra State?” That I should shut up for whatever happens in Anambra is none of my business? ----------------------
Exactly what I told you above. For God's sake, why should Ambrose who claims to come from Imo State whose leadership from Local Government level to Federal level were lining up behind Obasanjo begging to remain in office forever jump the gun to go to Anambra State to teach them how to govern themselves? Why not remove the peck in your eyes (in your Imo State)so as to have a clear view to blow the wood out of the eyes of the Anambrarians?
Sentiments apart, how do you honestly expect Mr. Onwuchekwa, the President of the WIC, who by the way comes from Anambra State to protest or get Uwazuruike from Imo State released whereas his felllow Imo Sate indigines, starting from the (s)elected Nzeribe right down to the 'appointed' Iwuanyawu where all caught voting and advocation for Obasanjo's elongation in office? How could you Imonites be so callous and cheap, yet, you, Mr. Ambrose has the "gut" to insult everyone for your self-inflicted woes?
Quote: -------------------- "First, I should begin by blaming Acho Orabuchi and Magnus Ekwueme, the moderators of the refrigerated free Yahoo Igbo Forum for allowing fake names and dubious handles to run wild in an Igbo community discussion group. It is really disturbing when Orabuchi and his group of moderators at the Yahoo Igbo Forum, even though the Yahoo shack is now running without memory, would collaborate with a gang of Dallas-based pacifists to use all kinds of concocted names in attacking me, ---------------------
Man, quit crying wolf where there is none. BTW, wasn't the issues you now share with the entire world, judging and exonorating yourself as you rap originally meant to be consumed by only people of Igbo heritage? So why bring 'private' Igbo-to-Igbo discussions unto the market square. If you cant stand the heat as they say then GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!
Are we to also say that Ambrose, whom we know is one of the founder and the Moderator of BNW messageboard ought be held responsible for what Nwa Aro or any other forumite writes here? Commonsense should have told you that every discussion forum, be it open or closed has rules of engagement. And one os them is that any participant is SOLELY responsible for what he or she writes there. Same rule as I can tell guided Mr. Orabuchi's yahoo forum anmd others like it. Come to think of it, could a million 'handles' at those yahoo forums, which is private anyway, match the load of gabbage as high or heavy as those your chorus-singers and gang of cyber terrorists gather and dispose on this board? The answer is a capital NO. So why hang Mr. Orabuchi while you allow or sanction same madness on BNW? YOU CAN CALL IT WHATEVER YOU WANT. WHAT MR: ORABUCHI DID WAS TO SIMPLY GIVE PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO FREELY EXPRESS THEMELVES AND ASSOCIATE. HOW THEY CHOOSE TO DO OR GO ABOUT DOING THAT IS NONE OF THE MODERATORS MAKING; IF IT IS GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR GANG ON BNW, THEN IT SHOULD ALSO BE GOOD FOR ORABUCHI AND CO. Copy?
Quote: ------------------------ "For a variety of reasons, Nd’Igbo must be on guard to produce robust leaders in order to effect change, especially given that the battered and bruised WIC that claims to be Igbo Diaspora umbrella is now colossal failure. We must honestly choose who to lead us based on character and conduct over the years. We must keep up with the basic ethic of transparency and accountability to avoid the conflicts of funny bookkeeping and dubious managers. --------------------------
Good talk! At least on this one I totally agree with you. But then, how do you get a "robust leaders" when you and your fellow outside-sitting stone-throwers and isolationists have decided not to participate in any meeting or link-up to any recognized organization, except ofcourse you are made the leader and everyone taking from you, rightly or wrongly? And if one may ask, when and where was Uwazuruike elected to lead you in your MASSOB which you are a card-carrying member? And could you tell the world who elected you its spokesperson. On one hand you want a "robust leadership" for the WIC yet you are in an underground organization which is led by unelected officials. WHY NOT ASK FOR THAT "accountability" IN THE ORGANIZATION WHICH YOU HAVE ADMITTED OF BELOGING TO INDTEAD OF PEEPING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IN ONE (the WIC) WHICH YOU DO NOT RECOGNIZE NOR PAY DUES TO?
Quote: ------------------- "He (Ozulumba) believes in pacifism and would not explain why his neighbors are hawks because it’s okay for ones kith and kin to be slaughtered without saying a word on the ground that uttering a word might hurt the healing process and jeopardize any prospect of dialogue with the Hausa- Fulanis and their Yoruba co-conspirators. He refused to see a confused Igbo Diaspora bunch on the basis it’s not timely and perhaps the “Boston RSVP Party” will change all that. He ignored the fact that WIC is a fraternity like any other social club and nothing Igbo-related. Yes, the WIC is a fraternity. It is a social club. It has no Igbo interest. So my learned friend, for being “pleasantly surprised,” hold on, and let go. I have no desire to attend WIC’s annual bash until I am well-convinced that the WIC has ceased to be a fraternity by way of taking care of Igbo-related issues. -------------------
Now you are talking dude! It doen't take a rocket scientist to decode that all this your long nonsensical self-glorifying epistle was a belated attempt to cast the WIC and its leaders in bad light simply because of the pucoming WIC's annual convention scheduled to hold in Boston. Well pal, if that was your original plan, then you can be rest assured YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED as Mr. Ozulumba has already informed you. Infact, from what I have gathered thus far regarding preparations for the upcomung convention, it is going to be the largest gathering of WHO IS WHO from Igbo land and friends of Ndigbo of recent times. I hope the loud mouths on BNW who have writen every gabbage about Dr. Orji Kalu could be man enough to come to Boston to say same to the hearing of the WARRIOR from Abia State.
Quote: ----------------------- “You can say whatever you like; Orji Kalu is going to be the next president.” “I think Orji Kalu has done a good job. He challenged Obasanjo. He deserves to be the next president.” “Are you guys sure?” “Of course he is the man! It is our turn and he is the man! ------------------
Need I say more?
Quote: ----------------------- Without a doubt, the pen is mightier than the sword as a result of my article and other thought-provoking write-ups alike. It has cleared a whole lot of stuff. All of a sudden, WIC’s constitution has popped up. All of a sudden, we are beginning to see what WIC has been doing behind closed doors. All of a sudden, WIC is paying attention to critics. -----------------------
Ambrose, please quit your childish chest-beating. Every organization like every society passes through different stages and phase to growth, sometimes its easy, and other times its difficult. It is true that the WIC passed and is presently passing through very difficult and trying times. But that should not mean that the baby should be thrown away with the bath-dish as outsiders like you would want it be done.
You could twist the story as much as you wish, the truth is that if indeed the WIC is finally "paying attention to critics" then the credit should go to INSIDERS like Okenwa Nwosu but surely to you or your "mighty" biro. Nor has it got to do with the nonesense some of your otimkpus on BNW messagebord write behind handles.
Quote ------------------- "And, all of a sudden, Anambra State Association-USA (ASA-USA) in a press release is sounding positively engaged for MASSOB’s right to exist as in all democratic fabrics. -------------------
Bingo! At least we have a pan-Igbo organization, be it one represently only people from Anambra State giving MASSOB the right to "exist."
And taking of press releases, may be it ran out of your memory, please be informed that the WIC under the leadership of Kalu Diogu did make the case for MASSOB's right to "exist" long before Jimmy Asiegbu's ASA-USA did. Infact, the then Kalu Diogu-led WIC in its petition calling for Ojukwu's rights to be respected by the Nigerian authorities circulated around the world, did make the case for MASSOB to be, albeit as a pressure group.
I will for record purpose repost the said petition in its entirety in my next submission.
Lastly, if one should put Ambrose's rather harp-harzard write-up into context and to summarize it then all I could say is that he (Ambrose) may have a message but you surely does not know HOw to deliver it. The Biafrans surely need a good marketer and better marketing than Mr. Ambrose did above.
It's equally alarmist heading did not gell as one digested Ambrose's "case". Surely not with one like Nwa Aro who knows more than what Ambrose is telling his audience.
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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To: U.S. Congress, Human Rights Organization NIGERIA: CIVIL WAR LOOMING
BACKGROUND
Freedom of Expression in Nigeria is greatly at an explosive stage that if urgent attention by the U.S. Government and lawmakers is not paid in the next few days, may result in another civil war. The present situation has to do with the support giving by the former leader and Presidential Candidate of one the Political parties in Nigeria, Chief Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, to a non violent ethnic group called MASSOB (Movement for the Sovereign State Of Biafra), who felt that the Igbo ethnic group, one of the three major tribes in Nigeria had been continuously marginalized and denied their democratic freedom to chose their leaders. The Igbo ethnic group is located in the eastern part of Nigeria, 99 percent Christians, and the only source of Nigerian wealth, OIL comes from their region. These people are very hardworking and are spread to all parts of Nigeria, and have become victims of the Islamic onslaught whenever there is a provocation. We wish to remind the American people that Igbo people took to the streets in protest of the September 11 bombing of the World Trade Center. We also wish to inform the American people that the same Obasanjo lead government sent the Nigeria police force to harrass protesters while it allowed the Moslem North to burn American flag without any form of police action.
On August 26, 2004, this group asked their Igbo people to show their support for their agitations. This request was obeyed by the Igbos, but the Nigerian government, President Obasanjo felt that the group has committed Treason and ordered for the arrest and prosecution of all of them. This arrest includes any one that supports them. Hence the current crisis is looming when the leader of one of the political parties (APGA), Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu publicly declared his support for the group.
The Nigerian government has since sent an informal invitation to him at his residence at Enugu City, where he resides to appear at Abuja, capital of Nigeria, for interrogation for his public support of the group. Due to the unofficial manner he was invited, and due to the manner of operation of the Federal Government of Nigeria where numerous respected indigenes have answered the same informal invitation but end up being murdered by the agents of the Nigerian Government, Chief Ojukwu was advised not to honor their invitation if the rule of law was not followed in issuing the invitation.
Nigerian government has vowed to arrest him if he does not honor the informal and illegal invitation. Worst of all, they presented him with a one way economy flight ticket to Abuja City, which has been known as the City of Political Torture, thus confirming the suspicion that he will not come back once in their custody. What is at stake here is Freedom of Expression and Association.
This Man, Ojukwu represents the pride of the Igbo people of Nigeria, he is the trusted Leader of the Igbos who dominate the southeast part of Nigeria. We the people of Igbo all over the world are ready to go any length to defend the illegal arrest of our leaders, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Ralph Uwazurike. We also feel that the Federal Government of Nigeria is practicing selective enforcement of the law, as nothing happened in the past when similar invitations were issued to the former military rulers in the name of Alhaji Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalam Mohammed and others. Press Releases calling for the mobilization of the Igbos all over the Diaspora to support him and defend our people should the Nigerian government proceed with what Nigerians consider as unlawful arrest of Ojukwu and Uwazurike. We feel that the U.S. government should intervene to forestall potential loss of lives that might result if nothing is done. We have more than 5 million Igbos residing in U.S.A. and we will not seat quiet while our loved ones are killed by false democratic government of Nigeria. We warn that this must not and will never be another Biafra war of 1967.
HUMAN RIGHT ABUSES AND UNRESOLVED EXTRA-JUDICIAL MURDERS.
The following individuals have been murdered by persons suspected to be agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the list is growing by the day. None of these Federal Government-sponsored murders have been resolved:
1. Chief Ogbonnaya Uche - Prominent opposition politician and member of parliament.
2. Chief Marshal Harry - Vice Chairman opposition Party (ANPP) Southern Zone
3. Chief Bola Ige - Attorney-General of Nigeria and member of opposition Party (AD)
7. Professor Chimere Ikokwu (70) - former Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria and member
Ohanaeze Ndiigbo. ( a pan Igbo group that represents the interests of the Igbo people)
8. Chief Victor Nwankwo - Prominent Publisher and member Ohanaeze Ndiigbo group.
9. Chief Andrew Agom - Prominent member PDP Party and former Managing Director, Nigeria Airways etc.
In addition to the above unresolved extra-judicial murders, Dr Alex Ekwueme, an Igbo, a former Vice President of Nigeria and a principal Obasanjo rival in the 2003 presidential election escaped a mysterious plane crash in Kano in the eve of the election under suspicious circumstances.
The regime has empowered the police to murder dozens of striking workers by firing live ammunitions against demonstrators protesting against the anti-people’s polices of the government such as fuel price hikes and the attempt to ban the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Recently agents of the regime have raided and sealed the offices of the Insider Magazine, an opposition Weekly, seizing copies of the magazine and its editors who are still held without charge in Nigeria.
Please see one of the Press statements from our Umbrella Association, World Igbo Council (WIC)
WORLD IGBO CONGRESS, INC. The Secretariat, World Igbo Congress, Inc. 1107 Drew Street, Houston, Texas 77004
PRESS STATEMENT
WHEREAS, The sacred covenant that binds the citizens of any country Nigeria is that all of its people, without exception, enjoy the right to life, freedom and liberty under a government of their own choosing, that such rights be not violated save for reasonable cause and with strict adherence to due process;
WHEREAS, The World Igbo Congress, Inc., holds this truth to be most manifest: that the right of every Nigerian to live peaceably, and to pursue happiness in every corner of Nigeria is sacred and inalienable; that this sacred covenant imposes upon the government and the governed alike, a supreme obligation to resist the temptation on the part of government to overreach in the exercise of its authority, but to assure and preserve the civil liberties of the governed; that this is essence of governance in organized society and the uncompromised dividend and substance of democracy;
WHEREAS, The World Igbo Congress recognizes non-violent civil disobedience as a legitimate and lawful means of political and other civil expression,
WHEREAS, THE World Igbo Congress recognizes and recalls for all Nigerians and humanity that His Excellency, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was Head of State of the former Republic of Biafra, and that, even in opposition has contributed more than many and in ways unparalleled and unmatched, to the development and growth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
WHEREAS, The World Igbo Congress further recognizes that Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, being fully reintegrated into Nigeria following the civil war in January 1970 and an unconditional pardon granted by the government of federal Republic of Nigeria, is entitled to all rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Nigerian citizens, including the right of expression, association, and must not be subjected to different standard, disrespect or mistreatment;
NOW, THEREFORE, The World Igbo Congress, mindful of its obligations and commitment to the best interest of Ndi-Igbo and good governance in a safe and secure Nigeria:
(1) Endorses the August 26, 2004 sit-at-home campaign, which was sponsored, encouraged and promoted by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) throughout the Federation of Nigeria because it was non-violent civil expression and lawful means to vent the frustration of their members to the systematic exclusion of Ndi-Igbo from the centers of power and authority in Nigeria;
(2)Recognizes that the massive response and success of the campaign throughout Nigeria was not coerced but resulted from the independent and willful actions of free-thinking, individuals who subscribe to the merits of the agitation by MASSOB;
(3) Warns the Government of Nigeria against instigating, initiating, encouraging or undertaking any action or activity that is inimical to, impairs, or endangers the personal safety, security, well-being and respectable treatment of His Excellency Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as the consequence of such action or activity will not augur well for the peace, security or future which all Nigerians, including all Igbo, aspire and are working very hard to achieve;
(4) Rejects any suggestion and characterization as treasonable felony, as has been attributed to the Attorney General of Nigeria, the civil expression by MASSOB and freely and willfully adhered to by independent thinking and responsible Nigerians. Nothing could be further from the truth. We firmly believe that the exercise of basic freedoms and civil rights do not constitute a violation of the law, and the only illegality we see here is the attempt by the government and its security agencies to subdue their voice of freedom and skew justice from its natural balance.
(5) Considers any and all retributive acts directed at the organizers, participants, and all other persons in sympathy with MASSOB in respect of their non-violent civil expression as hostile to all proper notions of justice and democracy, and reminds all Nigerians of their sacred obligation to resist such acts and all other incidents of governmental tyranny.
(6) Believes that if the Federal Government is honest and sincere about securing the unity and stability of Nigeria, it should boldly deal with the clear and evident inequity and injustices, which are the root cause of threats to individual freedoms and enormous unease among the people; these are the real threats to the survival of Nigeria;
(7) Insists that the government of Nigeria must abate the constitutional recognition of the Sharia code as a parallel and supreme body of law in its own right because that is irreconcilable to the notion of National singularity under one supreme law. In substance and effect, unless the Sharia code is subordinated to, and subsumed under the supreme law of the land, Nigeria shall continue to be an artificial country divided along religious lines, with religious hostilities residing deep in the sinews of the country.
(8) Insists that the government of Nigeria must discontinue and dismantle in all of its forms, the affirmative and official marginalization of Ndi-Igbo and the denial of their right to equal participation in the process of governance; not doing so will continue to be a present danger to Nigeria. The duty of all Nigerians to help in shaping the destiny of the country must coincide with unimpeded IGBO access to all opportunities, rights, immunities and privileges of citizenship enjoyed by Nigerians of other nationalities and ethnicity.
(9) Reaffirms support for MASSOB to the extent that it embodies the aspiration of the Igbo people to a truly democratic governance where all Nigerians shall be secure in their rights to liberty, life, property, and, and to the lawful pursuit of happiness in every section of the country, unencumbered by hostility based on tribe, ethnicity or religion.
(10) Insists that the Federal Government must immediately embark on genuine electoral reforms to ensure that the right of our people to a government of their own choosing shall never again be violated. The continued violation of the people’s electoral will imposes a layer of political hostility that is as devastating as religious and tribal hostilities.
(11) Insists that the Federal Government must put an end to selective and discriminatory enforcement of the laws of the land, must treat all Nigerians equally under the law, must subject government and its officials to laws applicable to other citizens, must pursue fair and substantial justice under the law by avoiding undue influence or interference, ensure the independence of a judiciary with integrity, and must decentralize police powers and grant to State Governments the power to enforce state laws as the most effective way to secure the rule of law in matters that are wholly intrastate.
(12) Calls on all Igbo people, and indeed all Nigerians, to be resolute in their demand for good governance, to abide by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to live peaceably with fellow Nigerians, avoid acts subversive to the unity of Nigeria, and to avail themselves of all legitimate means of political expression.
(13) Calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to cease and desist from acts reasonably calculated to foreclose legitimate means of political expression, and to address the aforesaid hostilities that pose the greatest threat to the continued existence of the country. Failing to address the underlying issues only facilitates the danger.
We the people of Igbo all over the world are ready to go any length to defend the illegal arrest of our leaders, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Ralph Uwazurike.
(1) Endorses the August 26, 2004 sit-at-home campaign, which was sponsored, encouraged and promoted by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) throughout the Federation of Nigeria because it was non-violent civil expression and lawful means to vent the frustration of their members to the systematic exclusion of Ndi-Igbo from the centers of power and authority in Nigeria;
(2)Recognizes that the massive response and success of the campaign throughout Nigeria was not coerced but resulted from the independent and willful actions of free-thinking, individuals who subscribe to the merits of the agitation by MASSOB;
-----------------
Mr. Ambrose, could you tell the world what could be more "engaging" (to use your word) vis-a-vis the WIC speaking out against injustices done to Uwazuruike in particular and MASSOB in general than the one contained in the above Press release and signed by a true Igbo patriot?
The ball is the court of the loud mouths on BNW, you Ambrose included, to show us where you have writen anything similar to what we read above ever since your leader, Uwazuruike was re-arrested in 2005. Over...
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quote:The Igbo ethnic group is located in the eastern part of Nigeria, 99 percent Christians ...WIC
99% of Igbos are christians? This blatant lie alone has made the rest of the petition null and void, lacking all seriousness.
Posts: 19 | From: Germany | Registered: Aug 2006
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quote:Sentiments apart, how do you honestly expect Mr. Onwuchekwa, the President of the WIC, who by the way comes from Anambra State to protest or get Uwazuruike from Imo State released whereas his felllow Imo Sate indigines, starting from the (s)elected Nzeribe right down to the 'appointed' Iwuanyawu where all caught voting and advocation for Obasanjo's elongation in office? How could you Imonites be so callous and cheap, yet, you, Mr. Ambrose has the "gut" to insult everyone for your self-inflicted woes?
The above statement only highlights the dilemma of WIC's stated lofty goals. How ironic for WIC to claim to be an umbrella for all Igbos, when infact its leadership appears to be myopic, given it's selective approach in determining which Igbo issues from what areas it's willing to address.
It is shameful in my view when someone embarks on a personal campaign to impugn the character of the like of Ambrose, based on conjecture, animus, and sheer ignorance.
Suffice it to say that we live in an era where a bunch of non-descripts and political usurpers are feverishly retooling their schemes to once again perpetrate a last ditch attempt to hoodwink unsuspecting masses. Those days are long past.
Posts: 119 | From: USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
Quote: ------------------ 99% of Igbos are christians? This blatant lie alone has made the rest of the petition null and void, lacking all seriousness. ------------------
Miasma: Could you tell me for certain the EXACT ratio of christian, muslim and animastic followers in Nigeria? In same vain, you and I know that like in Nigeria as it is in most of the developing world, actual figures on any issue is hardly easy to come by nor could any reasonable person argur with one. So I wouldn't go into a senseless debate with you or anyone as to the percentage of Igbos who adhere to the christian faith or to any other faith for that matter. It doesn't take one to be a speech writer to figure out that the message the WIC sent in that line of the petition is that NDIGBO ARE PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIANS; that is not debatable. So you can argur with the percentage or number as you are rightly entitled to, however, to suggest that that alone renders the petition itself "null and void" is to say the least an overstatement. For whether you or anyone agree or disagree with any segment of the petition at this time is totally irrevant, because, the truth is that that singular act of the WIC at that given time did earn it respect and admiration, even from those who did not agree with its overal activities.
Secondly and most importantly, THE PETITION DID MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE WHEN OJUKWU AND OTHERS WERE BEING HARRASSED BY THE NIGERIAN SECURITY SERVICES. The above was more important to the brains behind it at that time, not the grammer or the phrases contained in the petition. Amazingly, even the ASA-USA which Ambrose indirectly wanted to pit against the WIC, happens to be an affiliate organization to the umbrella World Igbo Congress and also had an imput into the petition in question.
Quote: ----------------- The above statement only highlights the dilemma of WIC's stated lofty goals. How ironic for WIC to claim to be an umbrella for all Igbos, when infact its leadership appears to be myopic, given it's selective approach in determining which Igbo issues from what areas it's willing to address.---Teddy. -----------------
In as much as you and I would want the State divide in Igboland to be treated as though they didn't exist, reality on the ground in Nigeria and whenever Ndigbo gather tells the opposite; IT IS NOT THE MAKING OF THE WIC.
You may also call it divide-and-rule or whatever you want, however, it is a fact of life that most Nigerians, the Igbos included, relates more to their State of origin than they do with their place of residence or with those they meet at such places.
On the WIC; The WIC for those who do not know is not an individual-come-and-join organization. Rather, it is an conglemation of affilaite Igbo organisations. For instance, Jimmy Asiegbu's ASA-USA, which is an association of people from Anambra State living in the west is an affiliate member of the World Igbo Congress, with a permanent representative on WIC's Executive organ. Infact, the WIC's constitution clearly states that only someone who is a member of his or her local area meeting could become a member of the WIC by proxy, and only such has the right to vote as delegate at WIC's elections.
It is necessary that this point be made so that those reading us could be in a better position to know why the WIC decides its cases based on who brought what and how serious or otherwise such issue should be treated. To this end, it has been the custom within the WIC as an organisation to let members of its affiliate organs speahead a cause anmd then the leadership of the WIC at the national level picks it up from there.
To properly understand the World Igbo Congress one should look at the United Nations. For just like the United Nations, all the organizations affilated to the WIC has a stake as to how it is run. However, to raise and push a case to be heard or debated is the primary duty of the one or group of indivudulas representing a particular affilated body. For just like the U.N. where Kofi Annan does not on his own raise, debate or singul-handedly decide on any given matter, the President of the WIC, Mr. Chibuzor Onwuchekwa does not bringup issue to be deliberated on by the WIC, rather what he does, as is the case with Annan is to let nations (affiliate bodies in the case of the WIC) bring those issue up, then it is debated by all, then any decision reached thereto is endorsed by Mr. Onwuchekwa, as it is the case with Kofi Annan at the U.N..
A classic case is what transpired during the time Ojukwu, who happen to come from Anambra State was being harrassed by the Nigeria security services. It was the ASA-USA that brought up the issue to the attention of other affiliate bodies representing Igbos from other parts of Igboland, the line of action was debated, a decision reached that the above petition should be written. It was when the Anambra indigenes in the WIC fold (including some elected officials from Anambra State at home) made a strong case for Ojukwu that the then President of the WIC, Dr. Kalu Diogu was made to take up his case which resulted in writing circulating the above petition and other actions that followed thereafter.
Imagine what would have happened had it been that elected legislators from Anambra State based at home or Anambra indigenes based overseas were romancing with Obasanjo while Ojukwu was being hounded by the former's security officials and at same time wanting Dr. Diogu, who comes from Abia State to act on their behalf. Would that have made sense to you? I guess the answer is a capital NO.
Another handy example is what we witnessed recently during Obasanjo's now defeated third-term brouhaha. How on earth could Dr. Orji Kalu's presidential ambition be taken seriously by non Abians were it to be the case that legislators or high-placed individuals from his Abia State at home and in the Diaspora were caught in same web supporting and voting enmass for Obasanjo to continue in office indifinitely, whereas one of their own, Orji Kalu was also eyeing Obasanjo's seat?
What I am saying in a nutshell is that the fact that we are Igbo does not remove local responsibility from people from one's place of origin. For as the saying goes "charity should begine at home."
As bitter or sad as it may sound, I once again repeat; UWAZURUIKE AND HIS NOISY SUPPORTERS WHO ARE PREDOMINANTLY THE POOR AND HELPLESS FROM IMO STATE CANNOT ASK THOSE FROM OTHER PARTS OF IGBO LAND TO FOLLOW OR DIE FOR HIS PET BIAFRA OF TERRITORY OR FOR UWAZURUIKE HIMSELF, WHEREAS THOSE WITH THE MONEY AND POWER FROM UWAZURUIKE'S IMO STATE SEE NO GOOD IN THE MAN OR HIS CAUSE. It simply does not make sense.
And believe it or not, that is the line of thinking of most elite Igbos from other parts of Igbo land; it might as well be the thinking of some well-placed Imonites who have failed to act ever since Uwazuruike was arrested.
Quote: -------------------- It is shameful in my view when someone embarks on a personal campaign to impugn the character of the like of Ambrose, based on conjecture, animus, and sheer ignorance. Teddy. -------------------
I hope I am not talking with the said Ambrose here. If those who took on Ambrose and exposed his intolrence for anyone, I mean anyone who does't swallow his Biafra of territory nonesense are guilty of "impugning" on his character then the best forum for Ambrose to seek for redress is in a COURT OF LAW. Coming to BNW whenever his myopic and outdated views are contested and defeated to cry to his ZOMBIES who dare not question his views show Mr. Ambrose as nothing but a COWARD. A cry baby CANNOT lead the Igbo nation, surely not one which I come from or belong to!
Quote: --------------- Suffice it to say that we live in an era where a bunch of non-descripts and political usurpers are feverishly retooling their schemes to once again perpetrate a last ditch attempt to hoodwink unsuspecting masses. Those days are long past. ----------------
The fact that the likes of Nzeribe and co are still winning elections after elections in Ambrose's Orlu Senotorial distric means that Ambrose's RANTINGS on the Internet all these years has not trickled down to those "unsuspecting masses."
Maybe he should go buy a more bigger and mightier "biro." Or better still, change style since his mighty biro has not changed a thing in his Orlu backyard.
CHARITY ONCE AGAIN SHOULD AND OUGHT TO BEGIN AT HOME AND THE RESULTS SHOULD SPEAK FOR ITSELF. SADLY,THUS FAR, THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH AMBROSE AND HIS FELLOW NOISE MAKERS FROM IMO STATE.
Why should saying what is factual be "impugning" on anyone's character?
...I now rest my case.
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posted
Quote: -------------------------- It doesn't take a rocket scientist to decode that all this your (Ambrose's) long nonsensical self-glorifying epistle was a belated attempt to cast the WIC and its leaders in bad light simply because of the upcoming WIC annual convention scheduled to hold in Boston. Well pal, if that was your original plan, then you can be rest assured that YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED as Mr. Ozulumba has already informed you. Infact, from what I have gathered thus far regarding preparations for the upcoming convention, it is going to be the largest gathering of WHO IS WHO from Igbo land and friends of Ndigbo in recent times.---Nwa Aro. posted August 20, 2006 12:10 AM -------------------------
And it CAME TO PASS:
____________________________________
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Delegates storm USA for Igbo Congress
MARTINS UBA NWAMADI
THE 12th convention of World Igbo Congress (WIC) takes off today at the Marriot Hotels, Boston in the United States. This year’s convention is tagged “Igbo Kwenu, Igbo enwee.”
Already participants from various parts of America, Europe, Asia and Nigeria have started arriving Marriot Hotels, located in the heart of Boston, venue of the four-day event. Secretary-General of the congress,, Mr Charles Chikezie said that this year’s event will be an intellectual harvest of sorts.“You know 2007 is an election year in Nigeria and given position to contest for the presidency of our country, the WIC will have to use the opportunity offered by this year’s convention to ensure that Ndigbo should emerge next president of Nigeria in 2007, “he stressed.
Meanwhile, Nigerian politicians, intellectuals and businessmen at home have started arriving for the annual event. Prominent among them are Chief (Dr) Orji Kalu, (Governor of Abia State), Dr Chris Ngige, (former Anambra State governor), Professor ABC Nwosu, (former Minister of Health) and Dr Charles Amanze, Chairman, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Board.
Others are Professor Joe Irukwu, Dr Okey Aguwa, Sir Chucks Okoronkwo among others. Those still being expected to grace the occasion are Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili, Chief Achike Udenwa (Imo) The Nigerian Ambassador to United States, Professor George Obiozor. Meanwhile Mr Chikezie has clarified the controversial issue raging here on why some pressure groups outside Igbo extraction were invited to present papers at the conference.
He noted that “Igbo need collaboration of other ethnic nationalities if our dream of producing the next president is to be achieved.”“You cannot create an island unto yourself in any political setting. “We need the Omo Oduduwa, Zumuata and the South-South minorities to hear us out on why Igbo should produce the next president in 2007.“Igbo have contributed substantially to the growth, unity, peace and development of this project called Nigeria and allowing them to produce the next president is a sign of equity, justice and fairness Chikezie added. _______________________________________________
Quote: ------------------------------- Meanwhile, Nigerian politicians, intellectuals and businessmen at home have started arriving for the annual event. Prominent among them are Chief (Dr) Orji Kalu, (Governor of Abia State), Dr Chris Ngige, (former Anambra State governor), Professor ABC Nwosu, (former Minister of Health) and Dr Charles Amanze, Chairman, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Board.
Others are Professor Joe Irukwu, Dr Okey Aguwa, Sir Chucks Okoronkwo among others. Those still being expected to grace the occasion are Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili, Chief Achike Udenwa (Imo) The Nigerian Ambassador to United States, Professor George Obiozor. -------------------------
Now is the long-awaited opportunity for the Ambroses of BNW to come to their backyard of Boston to boldly say some of the NONSENSE which they have written/said of Governor Orji Kalu and other Igbo leaders. Because, real men, I mean true catalysts of change dont speak in whispers or engage in behind-your-back gossips and spreading of hearsays as its often the case with the loud mouths on BNW.
Ngwa nu umu Biafra, orue nu na omume!!
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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your views are very irritating and your judgements stinks !
Don't you think you are very STUPID to see that you enjoy crucifying your brothers to the advantage of the advasaries ?
Don't you think that you are a MAD MAN to think that you are right and every other person is wrong ?
Don't you think that you are EVIL by trying to inject and encourage divisions among a given people ?
Don't you think that you are an IDIOT by always blackmailing people by giving them names and tags without even knowing anything about them.
You called me MASSOB member out of your sily imaginations and here you are talking about Ambrose.
I don't know if you are really of the Igbo tribe but if you are then your likes are the biggest problems we have. Please try to change !
Posts: 7 | From: Abidjan - Ivory Coast | Registered: Aug 2006
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