OJUKWU AND NIGERIA
Every man
has a mission to carry out in life. Religious people believe that the Supreme
Being gives each one a specific task to accomplish in life and which he/she
must ordinarily achieve. For those who do not believe in the existence of a
Supreme Being, they believe that their life in the world must have an impact in
the life of the world. These diverse views come to the agreement that
everybody must contribute his or her own quota to the good of the world. It
must be noted that there are some people whose impacts were negative, while those
of others were positive. However, the negative impacts were harnessed into
giving positive assistance for those around, while some remained in the
negative influences.
As
the world is divided into various environments- religious, sociological,
economical, political, geographical, etc, so also will people make their
impacts in at least one of the environments. History has shown various people
who have made their impact to the world in some of these environments. The
religious environment will never forget people like King Henry VIII, Pope John
Paul II. The economical environment will never forget Adams Smith. The
political arena will never forget the likes of King Martin Luther Jr., George
Washington, etc.
The
Nigerian society has had several figures of great prominence. While some are
dead, some are living. The likes of Sir Herbert Macaulay, Sir Tafawa Belewa,
Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Anthony Enahoro, Dim Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, etc.
will never be deleted from the history book of Nigeria. At this period of the
Nation, one of the great Patriots of Nigeria joined his ancestors. He is no
other but the great Ikemba of Nnewi, Eze Igbo Gburugburu-Dim Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu.
This
man no doubt has affected the life of Nigeria especially from the political
arena. Unfortunately, the event that made him popular has given him several
names, some good some ugly. But how can we justify the honour and dishonour
peoples of the world have given to him? Perhaps further discussion will assist
us.
THE LIFE OF
OJUKWU
1933- I965
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was born on 4 November 1933
at Zungeru
in Northern Nigeria to Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, a businessman
from Nnewi, Anambra State in south-eastern
Nigeria. Sir Louis was in the transport business; he took advantage of the
business boom during the Second World War to become one of the richest men in
Nigeria. The young Ojukwu began his educational career in Lagos,
south-western Nigeria.
In 1944, Ojukwu was briefly
imprisoned for assaulting a white British colonial teacher who was humiliating
a black woman at King's College in Lagos, an event
which generated widespread coverage in local newspapers. At 13, his father sent
him overseas to study in the UK,
first at Epsom College and later at Lincoln College, Oxford University,
where he earned a Masters degree in history. He returned to colonial Nigeria in
1956.
He joined the civil service in
Eastern Nigeria as an Administrative Officer at Udi, in present-day Enugu
State. In 1957, within months of working with the colonial civil service, he
left and joined the military as one of the first and few university graduates
to join the army.
Ojukwu's background and education guaranteed
his promotion to higher ranks. At that time, the Nigerian Military Forces had
250 officers and only 15 were Nigerians. There were 6,400 other ranks, of which
336 were British. After serving in the United Nations’
peacekeeping force in the Congo,
under Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, Ojukwu was promoted to
Lieutenant-Colonel and posted to Kano, where he was in charge of the 5th
Battalion of the Nigerian Army.
1966-1967
Lieutenant-Colonel Ojukwu was in
Kano, northern Nigeria, when Major Patrick Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu
on 15 January 1966 executed and announced the bloody military coup in the north.
It is to Ojukwu's credit that the coup lost much steam in the north, where it
had succeeded. Lt. Col. Odumegwu-Ojukwu supported the forces loyal to the
Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Major-General Aguiyi-Ironisi.
Major Nzeogwu was in control of Kaduna, but the coup had failed in other parts
of the country.
Aguiyi-Ironsi took over the
leadership of the country and thus became the first military head of state.
On
Monday, 17 January 1966, he appointed military governors for the four regions.
Lt. Col. Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed Military Governor of Eastern Region.
Others were: Lt.-Cols Hassan Usman Katsina (North), Francis Adekunle Fajuyi
(West), and David Akpode Ejoor (Mid West). These men formed the Supreme
Military Council with Brigadier B.A.O Ogundipe, Chief of Staff, Supreme
Headquarters, Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, Chief of Staff Army HQ, Commodore J. E. A.
Wey, Head of Nigerian Navy, Lt. Col. George T. Kurubo, and Head of Air Force. Template:Col. Sittu Alao
By 29 May 1966, there was a pogrom
in northern Nigeria during which Nigerians of south-eastern Nigeria origin were
targeted and killed. This presented problems for Odumegwu Ojukwu. He did
everything in his power to prevent reprisals and even encouraged people to
return, as assurances for their safety had been given by his supposed
colleagues up north and out west.
On 29 July 1966, a group of
officers, including Majors Murtala Muhammed,
Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma,
and Martin Adamu, led the majority Northern soldiers in a mutiny that later
developed into a "counter-coup". The coup failed in the South-Eastern
part of Nigeria where Ojukwu was the military Governor.
The Supreme Commander General Aguiyi-Ironsi
and his host Colonel Fajuyi were abducted and killed in Ibadan. On
acknowledging Ironsi's death, Ojukwu insisted that the military hierarchy be
preserved. In that case, the most senior army officer after Ironsi was
Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe, should take over
leadership, not Colonel Gowon
(the coup plotters choice), however the leaders of the counter-coup insisted
that Colonel Gowon be made head of state. Both Gowon and Ojukwu were of the
same rank in the Nigeria Army then (Lt. Colonel). Ogundipe could not muster
enough force in Lagos to establish his authority as soldiers (Guard Battalion)
available to him were under Joseph Nanven Garba who was part of the
coup, it was this realisation that led Ogundipe to opt out. Thus, Ojukwu's
insistence could not be enforced by Ogundipe unless the coup plotters agreed
(which they did not). The fallout from this led to a standoff between Ojukwu
and Gowon leading to the sequence of events that resulted in the Nigerian civil war.
TOWARDS THE NIGERIA-BIAFRA WAR
The “Mpkuru
ihe”of Ojukwu’s life
THE MASSACRE OF THE IGBO
The
countercoup of July 1966 saw the killing of men, women and even children of
Igbo origin estimated at 30,000. The Igbo were thus murdered in thousands by
Northern Soldiers who were equipped with sophisticated weapons. As this was
going on, there was no expression of regret and there was no attempt made by
the central Government headed by Gowon to call Northern soldiers to order.
There was no sign of remorse or compensation, not to talk of recompense. There
was no attempt of making good the damage done by the Northerners against the
Igbo. No soldier or Policeman was publicly subjected to any form of
disciplinary measure.
Colonel
Gowon had pledged that the killing of the Igbo people would stop, but the
killing increased. He again made promises that the panel of inquiry set up by
General Ironsi on the May, 1966 massacre of the Igbo would continue, but it
ended up immediately. The injustice and maltreatment against the Igbo
multiplied daily. It is worthy to add here that to show the level of the
mal-treatment on the Igbo, on August 2, 1966, late Obafemi Awolowo and Western
Nigerian Army Officers who took part in the January 15, 1966 revolution were
released, while their Eastern Nigerian counterparts detained in the North were
short by Northern officers around Kaduna. But why was this so?
To
crown it all, four months after the first massacre of the Igbo on May 29 1966,
there was a second massacre on September 29, 1966. October 5, 1966 saw the
order issued by the federal Government to summarily dismiss all Igbo Civil
servants who fled the pogrom if they did not return to Lagos by October 15,
1966.
THE ABURI ACCORD
In
search for the lost peace and unity in the country, all the military leaders of
Nigeria headed to Aburi in Ghana for a meeting. This was hosted and moderated
by General Joseph Ankrah of Ghana. The Great Ojukwu mounted the stage and
employed all the elements of radiant diplomacy to drive home his points. He
convinced all in attendance even Gowon on why they should accept his political
Ideology of Confederation as a prerequisite for a lasting peace in Nigeria.
There were other deliberations and finally they arrived at an agreement. The agreement at the meeting was a loose
confederation of states for Nigeria, promised aid for Igbo refugees, and other
concessions. This was popularly called “Aburi Accord”.
On
March 17, 1967, Lt. Col. Gowon came to disagree with the Aburi agreement,
having received advice from his White friends who interpreted to him that the
accord was in favour of Igbo people. The East's Ojukwu gave Gowon until Mar. 31, 1967, to put into effect
agreements reached at a conference held in Ghana in January for a loose
confederation of states for Nigeria, promised aid for Ibo refugees, and other
concessions.
The Eastern region felt increasingly isolated and
alienated from the federal military government under Gowon. Ojukwu's main
proposal to end the ethnic strife was the creation in Nigeria of a weak
federation-type government, which would allow the largest ethnic groups to have
substantial political autonomy. The federal government tentatively agreed to
this solution at a conference in January 1967 but then rejected it soon
afterward. The embittered Igbo wanted security and more autonomy for the
Eastern Region than Federal Governor Gowon was willing to grant.
THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF BIAFRA
The implementation of the
agreements reached at Aburi fell apart upon the leaderships return to Nigeria
and on 30 May 1967, as a result of this, Colonel Odumegwu-Ojukwu declared
Eastern Nigeria a sovereign state to be known as BIAFRA (which was named after the Bight of Biafra, an inlet on the
Gulf of Guinea). Hear him:
"Having
mandated me to proclaim on your behalf, and in your name, that Eastern Nigeria
be a sovereign independent Republic, now, therefore I, Lieutenant Colonel
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria, by virtue of
the authority, and pursuant to the principles recited above, do hereby solemnly
proclaim that the territory and region known as and called Eastern Nigeria
together with her continental shelf and territorial waters, shall, henceforth,
be an independent sovereign state of the name and title of The Republic of
Biafra."
And so Biafra
was born. This infant Nation had her Government, Sovereignty, people,
territory, flag, currency and anthem. The population of the New Republic was
fourteen million people, with an area of 90,000 square miles. The ethnic groups
that made up Biafra were Igbo, Ibibio, Efik, Ogoja, Ijaw, etc., while the
natural resources that sustained these people were palm-oil, crude oil, coal,
natural gas, University of Biafra Nsukka, with a projection for the University
of Portharcourt. Its capital was at First located in Enugu and later in Owerri
and Umuahia due to the progression of the war. No doubt this country was
recognised in the world especially in Africa. Tanzania became the first country
to recognize Biafra as an independent state. Three other African
countries—Gabon, the Ivory Coast, and Zambia—recognized Biafra as well. The
creation of Biafra by Ojukwu made Gowon to order federal troops to bring the rebellious 'Biafrans' back
into the federation. His aim was to re-unite by all means possible. The war!
THE NIGERIA-BIAFRA WAR
(July 6, 1967- Jan. 15, 1970)
THE “WHY” OF THE WAR
It
must be noted that this war is a child of many causes of which there are remote
and immediate causes. One of the remote causes of the war was the fear of one
tribe dominating others resulting from the January 15, 1966 military coup in
Nigeria. The coup was tagged “Igbo coup” because none of the politicians and
Army officers killed was an Igbo man. In retaliation, and among other reasons,
the Northern Army officers staged a counter coup on July 29, 1966 which removed
Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi (by death) in place of Col. Yakubu Gowon, a Northerner.
Moreover,
the abolition of the Federation in place of unitary system of Government by
Gen. J.T.U Aguiyi Ironsi was another catalyst that sparked off the civil war.
The Abolition which was contained in Decree No. 34 of 1966 was viewed in some
sections of the country as a step of concentrating power in the hands of a
particular tribe. The fear of the other tribes was accentuated when Gen. Ironsi
promoted twenty one Army officers, of whom nineteen were of Igbo Origin. But was this based on merit or
tribe?
More
so, the refusal of Gen. Ironsi to discipline the January 15, 1966 coup plotters
played a part in causing the civil war. People especially Army officers had
expected him to punish the five Army Majors who carried out the coup, because
of their sectional killings. Those who died in the coup were: Sir Tafewa
Belewa, the Prime Minister, Chief Festus Okotie Eboh, the Finance Minster, Sir
Ahmadu Bello and Chief S.L Akintola. None of those killed came from Igbo tribe
of the coup plotters. These and many others were the significant remote causes
of the war.
The
massacre of the Igbo in the North was one of the immediate major contributing
factors to the civil war. The September 1966 massacre of the Igbo was a revenge
for the killings of the January 15, 1966 coup. In a reaction to the massacre,
the then Governor of the Eastern Region, Lt. Col. Ojukwu recalled all the
Easterners in all the parts of the federation and expelled other Nigerians
living in the East. The massacre prepared ground for the civil war.
More
still, the intention of the Eastern Region to control the oil discovered in her
region precisely in Portharcourt was another cause of the war. The federal
Military Government saw the oil as a federal concern and view such intention as
embarrassing.
Another
major cause of the war was the personality clash between Ojukwu and Gowon. When
Gen. Ironsi was removed from office, Lt. Col. Gowon who was not the most senior
Army officer in the country took over instead of Brigadier Ogundipe the next in
command to Ironsi; this Ojukwu viewed as a slight. Thus, he never recognised
Gowon’s leadership as legitimate.
Furthermore,
the inability of Gowon to implement the Aburi Agreement was another major cause
of the war.
Finally,
the unilateral division of the country into twelve states by Gowon played a
major role in causing the war. The announcement of the new created states
forced Ojukwu to declare Biafra as a Sovereign Nation. And so Gowon used all
means to stop the secession which resulted into the thirty months bloody war.
THE WAR PROPER
The
Nigeria-Biafra war started on July 6 1967, and the first shot was fired at
Gakem, Ogoja. Biafra confronted the rest of Nigeria for thirty months of the
war. At the initial stages of the war Biafra was winning, but in the middle of
the war, they started losing until they lost finally. It must be noted that
some foreign Nations assisted both sides in different ways during the war.
However, in terms of ammunitions, the Nigerian side was heavily assisted by
foreigners while in the same regard, the Biafran received very little or none.
The Biafran Soldiers through their natural scientific intelligence manufactured
their own bombs and a special type called Ogbunigwe
(mass killer) which was
dangerous. The Biafrans saw and enjoyed the Promised Land but not for long.
With the blockade of food materials coming from the North to the East and the
total obstruction of the food aids coming from foreign countries into Biafra,
the sabotages in the Army, the death and
starvation of many Biafran people
especially children and the soldiers; the collapsed of Umuahia, the last
Capital of Biafra, Biafra finally surrendered.
On
January 15, 1970, Biafran Delegates arrived in Lagos for a peace talk. The
following day, January 16, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, the then Head of State received
an unconditional surrender from Biafra and added that the war of brothers had
ended in “No Victor, No Vanquished” This was subjectively given; but
objectively, Biafra was dealt with and they are the “Vanquished”.
THE “CHILDREN” OF THE WAR
Who
caused the war? Ojukwu or Gowon? Can we clearly identify the Ultimate cause of the
war? The question of the cause of the war is brought about as a result of the
many effects of the war which in their different natures are ugly.
The
first ugly child of the war was the inestimable lives and properties that were
lost. The war drastically reduced the nation’s population. While some people
died in the war, many others died out of hunger. The use of dangerous weapons
destroyed many properties all over the country.
Many
able-bodied young and vibrant Nigerian soldiers were lost as a result of the
war. These people would have been used for some other useful ventures.
We
will never forget the hardship bestowed on the people of Nigeria. This was as a
result of the fact that many people lost their parents and breadwinners in the
battle field. Also, many people were displaced from their homes, villages and
communities during the war.
More
so, education was disrupted in many parts of the country especially in the East.
Many institutions of learning were closed down during the war. This no doubt
caused a serious set-back in the academic pursuit in the country.
Economic
activities came to a halt as a result of the civil war. Internal and external
trade came to a stop in many parts of the country. Many factories and
industries stopped production because of the war. These and many others are the
children of the war.
Due
to these and many other factors, Gowon initiated the famous three “Rs”
Rehabilitation, Reconciliation and Reconstruction.
WHO CAUSED ALL THESE: OJUKWU OR GOWON?
It
is very easy to give an answer to the question above especially when there are
biases. The two prominent persons associated with the war are Ojukwu and Gowon.
Yes, Ojukwu’s Biafra surrendered when they could not move on again, but does
that mean that he was the cause? On the other hand with his good intention of
re-uniting Nigeria, Gowon fought and won Biafra; with this do we say that he is
the cause of the war?
Beside
other causes, we have failure to implement the Aburi Accord, secession of
Eastern Nigerian, and Gowon’s Fight to Biafra as remote causes of the war. From
the first cause: failure to implement the Aburi Accord, whom do we blame for
that: Ojukwu or Gowon? In fact, why was the accord not implemented despite its
agreement by all who attended the meeting in Ghana? Gowon who failed to
implement this accord, why did he not refuse it at Ghana? If it is actually
true that it will favour only the Igbo as Gowon was told, why did the other
people fail to realise that at the meeting besides Gowon? What was Gowon’s fear
of Confederation which Ojukwu suggested and was agreed by all at the meeting?
Is Confederal system of Government not viable? Why was the aid that was
supposed to be given to the Igbo refugees denied them?
From
the second immediate cause of the war: Secession of the Eastern Nigeria, can we
justify Ojukwu’s action of secession? Was secession the only option? An
environment where a group of people is marginalised, humiliated and is very
uncomfortable and where all efforts to make things better fail, is anything
wrong for them to be on their own in as much as they could sustain themselves? Come
to think of it, is anything wrong with the Eastern Nigeria staying on its own
as a Nation? Does it mean that Nigeria cannot survive without the Easterners? Does
the independence of Biafra really mean that Biafra is not united with Nigeria
anymore?
From
the third immediate cause of the war: Gowon’s fight on the Biafrans do we say
that he is justified by that action? Is there anything wrong in uniting
brothers even by all means possible? Gowon knows the benefits of unity and he
pursued it at all cost. Was he wrong? However is war the only way out? Could he
not have allowed the Biafrans to stay? Since he rejected confederation (which
does not imply disunity among the parts of the country) and failed to implement
the Aburi agreement, could he not have allowed the effects of his actions?
Many
questions will definitely come up as we try to answer the question of whether
Ojukwu or Gowon caused the war. This is because there are very many issues
involved in the war. However, I must note here that it is from this very
question that people have given Ojukwu several names. While some honour him,
some others do the contrary. Some say that he is a hero and some say that he is
a desperado. Some people say that he was too tribalistic while some others say
that he was a wise man who understood the nature of Nigeria and the best way it
could be organised. Perhaps, he was not wrong. Whichever one he is identified
with, his life during the war can help us in describing Ojukwu very well. But
do not forget that you must do justice to the fundamental question I propounded
here.
OJUKWU’S LIFE DURING THE WAR
Having
declared independence, Ojukwu was busy making policies and plans on how to move
the young Nation forward. He faced so many challenges especially that of
sabotage from some of his people who were of course brought to book. With the
outbreak of the war, the real Ojukwu came out and was universally known.
Ojukwu
was at the battle field. He was at the war front. He fought the war with his
hands. He fired guns and fought like a soldier. He was very brave and very
strong. With his determination, the Biafran soldiers were inspired to fight
with him. Ojukwu while in the battle field never slaked in his duties as the
head of State of Biafra, although all attention were focused on the war. It is
worthy of note to mention here that from reliable sources, Ojukwu never
received special food brought to those in the field. He ate what the other
soldiers ate. He was a brave soldier. Seeing the bravery of this man, the
Biafran Consultative Assembly in March 1969 promoted him to a General in the
Biafran Army.
Ojukwu
was wealthy himself even though he was from a wealthy home. He spent all he had
during the war. He used his money to buy foods for his starving people. He
spent all his resources for the war with the view that he will win. Unfortunately,
the planes that were bringing in food into Biafra were shot down by the
Nigerian Soldiers.
When
the war deepened, and the Capital was relocated to Umuahia, Ojukwu took his
people to his very expensive and mysterious cave at Umuahia popularly called
“Ojukwu Bunker”. How this was built and all the financial involvement was known
to Ojukwu alone. The bunker is a sight of tourism and will continue to be. A
visit will make this clear. If he is not remembered for any other thing, his
life with regard to the war will forever remain green.
OJUKWU’S LIFE AFTER THE WAR
The
later and final part of his life
Ojukwu
led Biafra's unsuccessful struggle to survive as an independent nation
throughout the civil war (1967–70), and on the eve of Biafra's surrender he
fled to Côte d'Ivoire, where he was granted asylum.
Ojukwu
remained in Côte d'Ivoire until 1982, when he was pardoned and returned to
Nigeria. After 13 years in exile, the Federal Government of
Nigeria under President Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari granted an official pardon to
Odumegwu-Ojukwu and opened the road for a triumphant return in 1982.
The people of Nnewi gave him the
now very famous chieftaincy title of Ikemba (Strength of the Nation,
while the entire Igbo nation took to calling him Dikedioramma ("beloved
hero of the masses"). He
joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in January
1983 and subsequently attempted to re-enter politics by running as an NPN candidate;
his bid for the senate representing the seat of Onitsha was
unsuccessful. The party rigged him out of the senate seat, which
was purportedly lost to a relatively little known state commissioner in then
Governor Jim Nwobodo's cabinet called Dr. Edwin Onwudiwe.
He was
detained for 10 months following a coup that brought Muhammad Buhari to power at
the end of 1984 which was highly supported by General
Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and Brigadier Sani Abacha. Buhari proceeded to
arrest and to keep Ojukwu in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos, alongside
most prominent politicians of that era. Without ever charged with any crimes,
he was unconditionally released from detention on 1 October 1984, alongside 249
other politicians of that era—former Ministers Adamu Ciroma and Maitama Sule
were also on that batch of released politicians.
In ordering his release, the Head
of State, General Buhari said that while they will not hesitate to send those
found with cases to answer before the special military tribunal, no person will
be kept in detention a-day longer than necessary if investigations have not so
far incriminated him. After the ordeal in Buhari's prisons, Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu
continued to play major roles in the advancement of the Igbo nation in a
democracy because. In 1993 he
once again joined a political party, this time the Social Democratic Party, but
he was disqualified from running for president. He was a member of constitutional conferences
in 1993 and again from 1994–95, he, along with other former Nigerian leaders,
was consulted in 1998 by Abdusalam
Abubakar, the military head of state, as Nigeria once again began
the process of converting from military to civilian rule.
In 2003
Ojukwu, representing the new political party All
Progressive Grand Alliance, unsuccessfully ran for president. He ran again in
2007 but was defeated by the ruling party's candidate, Umaru
Yar'Adua, in an election that was strongly criticized by
international observers as being marred by voting irregularities.
Ojukwu had played a significant
role in Nigeria's return to democracy since 1999 (the fourth Republic). He had
contested as presidential candidate of his party, All Progressive Grand
Alliance (APGA). Until his illness, he remained the party leader. Presently,
the party is in control of Anambra state and Imo state.
Death and Burial
On 26 November 2011, Ikemba
Odumegwu Ojukwu died in the United Kingdom after a protracted illness following
a stroke. With his remains flown into the country, different parts of the
country have payed respect to him. The Nation honoured him with the decoration
of his casket in the Nigerian colour and was buried as an Army General.
Finally, he was laid to rest in his home at Nnewi on March 2, 2012. That was the
end of the physical life of Ojukwu. But his other life remains. His Ideology
and his character remain.
THE NON-MATERIAL
REMAINS OF
Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
(1933-forever)
Every
human being is made of the material element and the non-material elements. The
significant material element is the body while the non-material elements include
the soul, spirit and mind. While the material element is limited to time and
space, the non-material is not. It is believed that this non-material element
which is endless include one’s soul/spirit which shall live beyond the world
and the mind revealed or manifested in character lives in the two worlds- here
and hereafter. And so it is with the late Ojukwu. Although his material remains
are gone, his mind, his character, his ideology and all the non-material
aspects of him linger on. The most significant of them is his political
Ideology of Confederation and his Personality.
A brief look at the both will give us a clue to our judgment of whether
he is a hero or a desperado.
CONFEDERALISM
Confederalism
is also called “Confederation” or “Confederal System of Government”. It is the
Political Ideology which Ojukwu so much preached about. He presented it during
the Aburi meeting and everybody at the meeting including Gowon accepted it, and
Gowon promised to implement it. When
they arrived Nigeria, Gowon refused to abide by the agreement that was reached
and continued with the existing federal system of Government. This was as a
result of the advice given to him by the white friends who said that
Confederalism was in favour of the Igbo alone. How true is the belief that
Ojukwu’s Political Ideology of Confederation was tribalistic? An exposition of
nature of this system of Government of Confederalism becomes necessary.
WHAT IS CONFEDERATION?
Confederation
may be defined as a loose political arrangement in which autonomous or
sovereign states or Republics come together to form a union in which almost the
major functions of government are reserved exclusively for the component states
with a weak centre. It is also seen as a loose federation. The component states
hold major powers except the common currency, defence, foreign affairs, etc.
The component states retain their sovereignty, Identity, their own Army, Police
and have constitutional rights to secede from the federation. The Centre is not
weak in the ordinarily sense of the term. Instead the term is used to qualify
that it exercises few functions that have to do mainly with foreign affairs
while the component states will exercise functions that have to do with
domestic affairs. It is best adopted by a people who are very close to
themselves in terms of geography but have many ethnic groups with distinct
characteristics. Examples of confederal states include Union of African States
made up of Mali, Ghana and Guinea which existed between 1961 and 1963;
Senegambia made up of Senegal and Gambia and it existed between 1982 and 1989.
FEATURES OF CONFEDERATION
One
of the features of confederation is that it is a political union of autonomous/sovereign
states. Different states with their government and sovereignty come together to
form a union among themselves, and thereby create a central Government that
will see to the overall affairs of the union of states. They come together mainly
for political and economical reasons, and with that they have a new name that
will identify all of them. Example of this the coming together of Senegal and
Gambia and the subsequent general name of “Senegambia”
Having
formed this sort of political union, the major functions and powers of
government are reserved for the component states while other important matters
are reserved for the central government. The Central government will exercise
few functions that have to do mainly with foreign affairs such as the common
currency, defence, foreign affairs, etc. while the component states will
exercise functions that have to do with domestic affairs such as provision of
basic amenities, provision of employment, maintaining law and order in the
state, protection of lives and properties within the state, etc
More
so, the component states will have their own Army and Police with which they
will defend their state internally. This will enable each state address any
problem of insecurity quickly without waiting for the Central government which
usually delays in such regard.
Confederal
system of Government adopts a flexible constitution. A flexible constitution is
a constitution which can be amended or changed so easily without stringent and
cumbersome procedures. A flexible constitution could be amended with the same
procedures used in making ordinary laws. Some flexible constitutions are
written while some are unwritten. Besides its disadvantages, a flexible
constitution allows for quick action to be taken in time of emergency. It also favours
the changing social, economic and political situations of a country.
This
constitution in a confederation makes the component states powerful with their
functions clearly defined. Another feature of confederation is that the component
states retain their sovereignty and identity and they have the right to secede.
That is, the component states are free to be independent whenever they want.
This is usually done when the component state is able to sustain itself.
It
is however argued that in a confederation, the citizen obeys only the component
state. I would not know how this is true because the allegiance of the citizens
to their states which form parts of the Union implies that that they are also
submissive to the united body. The laws and policies made at the central
government are kept by the member states and if that is the case the claim has
no base.
THE “GOOD” OF CONFEDERATION
One
of the arguments in favour of confederalism is that it allows component states
to retain their sovereignty and identity instead of losing such to the central
government which may turn out to be a final loss.
It
is also argued that since confederation grants components the legal rights to
secede whenever any of them wants, it prevents any component of the state to
lord it over others.
Consequently,
fears of domination of one state over others are reduced in a confederal system
of government because more powers are granted to the component states by the
constitution. This means that no component state will exercise all the powers
allocated to it and grab that of others.
Another
very important “good” of confederation is that it caters for local differences
by the constitutional powers granted to the component states to rule themselves
the way they deem fit based on their local areas. With this, it gives the
component states the opportunity to make diverse laws that will suit their
diverse states.
More
still, confederation encourages healthy competition among the sovereign states
and this leads to rapid development since all the states will fight to maintain
the pace of development as least with the resources they have.
Another
argument in favour of confederation is that it brings weak and small sovereign
states together to fight as one formidable nation against any external attack
to any of them. These and many others are the benefits of confederation.
This
was the political Ideology Ojukwu gave as a condition for a lasting peace in
Nigeria. He knew very well the benefits of this system of government to Nigeria
as a whole. He presented it during the Aburi Accord and everybody alive and
present accepted it. Gowon promised them that he will implement it when they come
back to Nigeria. Unfortunately Gowon refused to implement it because of some of
its advantages which were presented to him by his White friends.
THE “UGLY” OF CONFEDRATION
One
of the demerits of confederation is that major functions or powers are reserved
exclusively for the component states instead of the central government. Gowon
feared that if he implements Confederalism in the country, he will not be
powerful again whereas the Governors of the different regions will be more
powerful than him, because they will perform major political functions.
Another
demerit of confederation is that component states are granted the legal rights
to secede anytime they wish to do so. Upon the discovery of oil in Portharcourt
which is in Eastern region, Gowon feared that if confederation is implemented
the Eastern region will be more developed that other parts of the country. He
could not realise that there in the North and West there are many resources
especially in agriculture which could also bring fortunes to the area. Perhaps
the Oil money will be much.
Consequent
upon the above reason, confederation is discouraged because it does not allow
for even development of the country. I would not know to what extent this claim
is true. This is because if all the parts of the country for instance the three
major tribes of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba become independent states but united in
a confederation will each of them not be sufficiently able to get developed?
Does it mean that they cannot manage their resources to attain a good pace of
development?
Unfortunately,
Gowon thought that the ideology will favour only the Igbo. He therefore refused its implementation. But
the necessary question here is: How tribalistic is this Ideology of
Confederation for Nigeria which Ojukwu proposed and was accepted by all at the
conference?
OJUKWU’S CONFEDERATION
This
issue of confederation made people tag it “Ojukwu’s confederation”.
Unfortunately people never wanted to look at the ideology itself but they
diverted their attention to the persons that suggests it. Ojukwu felt that
confederation is the better system of government for Nigeria. Nigeria is made
up of many ethnic groups out of which Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba are the largest.
They have their culture and they live within their culture. Even before the
advent of the colonial masters, the political administration in these places
was culturally based.
Unfortunately
because of the lack of trust among the tribes and the fear of domination by a
particular tribe, the nature of the tribes show that it will be better for them
to be politically separate in a way. With the cultural background of the tribes
and other factors, confederation becomes a better option for Nigeria.
With
the four regions then North, West, Mid-West
and East becoming independent sovereign nations but under a political union of
confederation, it would at least remove the fear of domination by one tribe
nurtured by the other tribes. Also, it will give them a sense of belonging as
the members of these tribes that make up the state will not feel that they are
not politically recognised.
In
terms of development, all the states will no doubt use their resources to
attain a better development. All the regions have many agricultural products of
which most of them are exportable goods. Do we talk about the groundnut of the
Hausa, the cocoa of the Yoruba or the Palm oil of the Igbo? These and other
agricultural products will help the regions to get developed.
Talking
about Crude, apart from the North, all the other regions have crude oil. That
will be an advantage to them if it is well managed. Although it is not in the
North, the agricultural products got from the North alone is enough to make
them developed with the other parts of
the country even with their oil.
Also,
as confederate states, the central government will manage the affairs
concerning currency, foreign affairs, etc. They will still remain Nigerians.
They will still remain united.
This
was Ojukwu’s Ideology. This was his vision. This was his hope. All for Nigeria!
But people say it was tribalistic. How tribalistic is this Ideology? Does this
favour the Igbo alone? Does this ideology deny the North the opportunity to be developed?
Why then will Gowon refuse it? Perhaps Neo-colonialism will be a better answer
to this question. And so with its rejection, federalism was retained as Gowon divided
the Nation into twelve states. The hopes of Ojukwu for Nigeria were dashed out.
They were thrown to the mud and finally trampled upon.
Consequent
upon the above, Ojukwu allowed the Nigerian Federalism to stay and he lived in
it and died in it. He never abandoned Federalism. He participated politically
under the system of government and hoped that it will be made better some time
some day.
The
question therefore is: How good is federalism as a system of Government?
Another question is: how fruitful has Nigerian Federalism been?
FEDERAL SYSTEM
OF GOVERNMENT
A
federal system of government is a system of government in which governmental
powers that exist in a country are shared between a central government that
represents the whole country and the government of component states. It does
not mean that the powers are shared equally between the central government and
the government of component states. There are areas reserved exclusively for
the central government. Such matters areas include foreign affairs, defence,
currency, immigration, emigration, etc. Both the governments at the centre and
the state legislate on matters like education, agriculture, collection of
taxes, power/electricity, industry, etc. It must be noted that the central
government makes final decision on matters concerning the country. USA is among
the countries that practice this system of government.
THE “JOYS” OF FEDERALISM
One
of the joys of federalism is that it brings about political unity as it brings
people of different political, social, geographical, religious, historical and
linguistic origin together without destroying their identity. It also removes
the fear of domination by one section as power is shared between the tiers of
government; and the component states are allowed to rule themselves in their
own way. With the allocation of the nation wealth to the different states, even
and faster development is made possible.
Furthermore,
it gives room for a wider political participation of the people. With
federalism, the political and economic strength of the country is achieved.
These and many others are the joys of federalism.
THE “SORROWS” OF FEDERALISM
Federalism
though loved and practised by many nations is not void of demerits. One of them
is that it breeds inter-state friction as a result of the differences in
opinion over some matters. This no doubt is a consequence of sectional/state
consciousness as opposed to national consciousness. Does this not happen in
Nigeria? Consider some criteria for admission into universities in the country?
Furthermore,
there is the problem of wealth sharing among the states. As a result of this,
some states tend to grow better than others. Despite the fact that powers that
exist in the country are divided into many areas, it still does not remove the
fear of one ethnic group dominating others at the centre. The fear of
domination among the various ethnic groups and other defects of federalism lead
to threat of secession. This is clearly seen in Nigerian political experience
since independence.
The
question as to whether Federalism is a good system of government will depend on
several factors before an adequate answer is given. However, countries
practising it do so because it fits their background. However, Nigeria has
remained a federal state.
NIGERIAN
FEDERALISM
THE BIRTH OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM
Nigerian
federalism can be traced far back to 1914 when the Northern and Southern
protectorates were amalgamated by Lord Lugard. Governmental powers that existed
then were shared between the central government headed by the Governor-General
and the governments of the two protectorates headed by the Lieutenant
Governors. The existence and recognition of the two near autonomous parts of
the Northern and the Southern provinces created a picture of federalism.
The constitutional arrangements before independence
also strengthened federalism in the country. The further division of the
country into three regions in 1946 by Governor Arthur Richards under Richard’s
constitution gave more support to the emergence of federalism. The Macpherson
constitution also gave its support as it appointed Lieutenant Governors to head
the Northern, Western, and Eastern regions respectively. The 1954 Lyttleton
constitution removed the final shades of unitary state from Nigeria by
establishing a true federal state. Taking effect from October 1 1954, the
constitution shared powers between the central and regional governments. It
also brought it a strong judiciary in order to be in line with the federal
structure of the country.
Except
in 1966 when General Aguiyi Ironsi attempted to revert Nigeria to a federal
state and the civil war that threatened it, federalism has been in Nigeria to
this period.
THE STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM
Although
the 1914 amalgamation gave the colouration of federalism as it recognised the
Northern and Southern protectorates, there was still some atoms of unitary
system of government because of the concentration of too much powers on the
central government. The structure of a federalism started crystallizing in
Nigeria with the establishment of different constitutions. It was the 1922
Clifford constitution that endorsed the division of Northern and Southern
provinces. The other constitutions of Richards of 1946 and Macpherson of 1951
contributed in giving Nigeria different shades of the structure of federalism.
It
was Lyttleton Constitution that gave Nigeria a true structure of federalism.
The constitution took effect from October 1, 1954 and shared powers between the
central and regional governments. The constitution changed the Lieutenant-
Governor’s status to that of Governor at the regional level and the Governor to
that of Governor-General at the federal level. The constitution spelt out how
legislative powers should be shared between the centre and the regions in a
true federal spirit. The constitution was really federal in all its aspects.
The
independence constitution incorporated the federal structure started by
Lyttleton constitution. Under the
independence constitution, the Prime minister was the Head of Government with a
ceremonial President. The three regions remained. Later Midwestern Region was
created in 1963. The four regions became the Northern, Western, Midwestern and
Eastern regions. General Aguiyi Ironsi’s aim to abolish federalism with the
Unification Decree of No 34 was futile as he was removed from power by Gowon
and others. Gowon maintained Nigerian federalism with the victory achieved
during the civil war even though that really threatened federalism in Nigeria.
The
further creation of states by Generals Murtala Mohammed, Ibrahim Babangida and
Sani Abacha making the present number states in the country also strengthened
federalism in the country. Beside the Federal and state governments, Nigerian
Federalism contains local government that is concerned with their respective
localities alone. It is the third level of tier of government which is
subordinate to the federal and the state governments and it is rested with the
authority to perform local functions. The number of local governments in
Nigeria is seven hundred and seventy-four (774).
This
is the system of Government in vogue in Nigeria. We will not fail to mention
here that we have achieved a lot with it. One of them is that compared to
pre-independence days, Nigeria has developed very well. But compared with
neighbouring countries and the pace of development at the moment, has she
developed?
Another
benefit of federalism is that it has brought government closer to the people
and made political participation wide enough. It also guarantees political
strength. At least Nigeria is still significant in Africa.
With
the establishment of the three arms of government-Executive, legislature and
Judiciary, there is checks and balances in the government. At least some
governors who were hostile to their legislature have been impeached in Nigeria.
These and many others are the benefits of Nigerian Federalism.
However,
Nigerian federalism is not free from “mortal sins” as there are fundamental
problems it has created for the country. What are these problems?
THE “HOSTILE” OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM
There
are many problems seen with Nigerian federalism. Most of these problems have
been for a very long time of which its beginning may not be easily to identify.
While we may not discuss all of them here, it is worthy to least mention some
of them. They are the problem of revenue allocation, inter-ethnic rivalry,
issue of secession, boundary disputes among people, lack of prompt decision
making and implementation and the absence of a true federal character, etc. I
shall concern myself with inter-ethnic rivalry.
Inter-ethnic Rivalry
Nigeria
is made up of many ethnic and religious groups and this multi-ethnic nature of
Nigeria gave rise to the introduction of federalism in the country. Since
independence, there has been rivalry among the different ethnic groups
especially the major ethnic groups of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Some of the
minority ethnic groups have been in dispute over land boundaries. When it comes
to that of the three major ethnic groups in the country, the Igbo are usually
attacked by the Hausa. The events that took place between 1966-1970 are there
as evidence. The riots which have taken place in the North in the last two
decades are also there as clear evidence.
The
major cause of the conflicts is leadership. A section of the country believes
that they are made to rule in the country. The scramble for leadership in
Nigeria has created more harm than good to the country. We cannot forget the violence
that came up during and after the 2011 general elections.
There is complete lack
of trust among the ethnic groups in the country to the extent that every action
or statement of anyone is tribally interpreted. There is this fear that the
section of the country from where the president of the country comes from will
develop more that others and it will receive more attention than others.
Because of this, there has been this scramble for Presidency in the country.
Even though powers and offices are shared and rotated among the sections of the
country, it has not removed this problem. This is Nigerian federalism!
However, there
is no problem that has no solution. The problems of federalism could be solved.
It only demands a sense of maturity from every Nigerian. It demands the spirits
of understanding and tolerance from everybody. We must see each other as one
with us irrespective of culture. But can we achieve these? Where this proves
futile, can we not try another system of government, at least the
confederation? The future will tell! O! God Come to our aid…
THE “MMADU”
OF OJUKWU
(His
Personality)
Ojukwu is noted for his quest for justice in
and beyond Nigeria. He stood for equality and integrity in public service.
Belief in justice and fighting for it is one quality that any Nigerian with a
sense of history will readily admit Ojukwu had. He was courageous, forthright,
fair-minded and he had commitment and character, qualities lacking among the
political elite in Nigeria today.
He was full of
vision for Nigeria his beloved country as he thought out and propounded his
political Ideology of confederation which will enhance the growth of the
country. He understood the nature of the people of Nigeria and knew that
confederation will suit our situation; a type of government where the component
parts will be autonomous and still be united. He meant well for Nigeria.
He was very
patient. This is seen during the massacre of the Igbo in the North, he never
retaliated nor supported such in the East. He patiently and consistently
beckoned on Gowon to have something done at least to grant aids to the Igbo
refugees and to implement the Aburi Accord. When it was clear that the comfort
of the Easterners is threatened in the country, he broke out of the Nation
under the sovereign state of Biafra.
With Biafra in
existence, some qualified him as a “Rebel”, others “desperado” and other names
they branded him. How justified are these ugly names? Is it not only a tree
that remains when it has been told that it will be cut off? During the war, he
fought with Biafran soldiers. He was at the war front and with this he was promoted
to a General in the Biafran Army. He was a compassionate leader who shared the
feelings of his people. He sacrificed his resources for the good people of
Biafra. How many of our leaders could do this even at that time?
If only our
leaders could learn from his life, things will change for better in Nigeria. If
our leaders imbibe the spirit of compassion, Nigeria will be a great nation.
One of the reasons for lack of patriotism among Nigerians is the crack between
leaders and the led caused by the selfishness and corruption of the political
elite. That is why there are 112 million poor people out of a population of
about 160 million people. The high rate of poverty and unemployment has caused
so much social tension in the country. If Nigerian leaders imbibe the spirit of
compassion and apply it in their relationship with the people of Nigeria,
tension will reduce in the land.
Beside the
leaders, everybody especially Nigerians should emulate Ojukwu’s life. Because
many people do not have the courage to speak the truth, what they say in their
privacy is poles apart from what they say in public, Nigeria is where she is
today. The lack of courage being displayed by the political class is at the
root of the crisis of governance in Nigeria. Ojukwu was courage personified. It
is one quality Nigerians must emulate from Ojukwu for the country to make
progress.
But Nigeria can
be a great country. We have not lose hope. Once the right political blend is
put in place, Nigeria will rise like a phoenix. To get the right political
blend, federalism needs to be made better. While the process of making better
Nigerian federalism is going on, Nigeria needs to study Ojukwu’s ideals and
principles. Perhaps if its study proves that confederation is okay for Nigeria,
those in charge should not wait to give it a trial. But will any of the above suggestions be
possible? The future is heavily pregnant!
Nigeria beyond
the application of his ideals and principles still needs to immortalize this
great man. Already the Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha is busy
constructing a monument in the would-be Ojukwu Avenue. I hope that the Federal
Government will still do something significant to make this man evergreen not
only in Nigeria but also in the whole World. He deserves it!
REPRESENTING OJUKWU
Ojukwu
became very popular with the Nigeria-Biafra war. It decided to a large extent
the type of impression people have about him. He broke out of the Nation
because justice and peace was lacking. He declared the state of Biafra because
the Aburi Accord was not implemented by Gowon for the fear that it will favour
only the Igbo. With this act of Ojukwu, he is described as a “Rebel” a
“Desperado” and other names.
However,
he fought for justice courageously. He had a good vision for Nigeria. But when
things felled apart, Ojukwu separated. Had the Aburi Accord implemented Ojukwu
may not have seceded. During the war, he spent his wealth and energy in the
struggle. Even after losing the war and the exile, he was still relevant in
Nigerian politics. He tolerated the federalism that he could not abolish and
participated politically under it till death. With these, he was identified as
a “Hero”, a “Great Man”, and many others. The event of his death and burial
proved this.
Finally
the question remains: IS OJUKWU A HERO OR A DESPERADO?
REFERENCES
Paul
Nnamdi Njoku, The World Without Ndi-Igbo,
Owerri, Cel-Bez Printing &Publishing Company, 2002.
Stanley
Ifeanyichukwu Onuoha, Nigeria After 50,
Madalla, Tonem Publicity & Publications, 2010.
Johnson
Ugoji Anyaele, Comprehensive Government
for Secondary Schools, Ikeja, A. Johnson Publishers LTD, 2003
Internet/
Google Search/ Ojukwu/ March 2, 2012.
Nwanyanwu
Christopher,
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