INTRODUCTION:
The dreams of our forbearers and the wisdom of the Igbo sages shall never be in vain, not now, not tomorrow! Our Igbo forbearers of Anioma extraction and all the groups that live beyond the native River Niger up to Umunede, had prayed and hoped for a distinct state that would dismember them from the old Bendel State, or the Midwest region-a belonging which, without consideration to cultural, traditional and blood line, had lumped them together with the Edo and the Yoruba of the West.
But alas! A time came when the Anioma were moved to join Delta State in the South−south political creation. This second move did not go down well with the forefathers of the land and the conceivers of the idea of a re−awakened cultural and political union between the kits and kin of Anioma who inhabit the land, East of the Niger, whose prayer had been the return of Anioma to the region where they truly belong− the Eastern Region, the home of the wise and the centre of industry-the land of the brave, the abode of the bold and fearless.
FROM DREAM TO REALITY:
With Anioma inclusion as part of South−south region, and its capitalization in Asaba, it was hoped that the journey to join their kits and kin in the East was on course and only needed time to embrace their long awaiting brothers, whose joy blossomed at the sound of a renewed move to complete that historic journey eastward with the addition of a newly created Anioma in the South−east geopolitical zone−a dream which was hoped to bring South−east at par with other regions of the federation. This to my mind, was the strong reason behind the quest for Anioma State as part of the South−east, and without which, the idea of an Anioma State may not fly, and would inevitably amount to another hope lost−not because the hope was lost on political and legal grounds, but a result of the machination of our Anioma brothers.
It has been noted that “No force can clip the wings of an idea whose time has come”. The idea of Anioma State, has again, after many years of ominous silence, been brought to life again, not just as a romantic expectation of the champions, or community pet talk at moon light, but one that has become a national concern, and indeed, a serious topic for National Assembly discuss−one that has pitched its modern day promoters against a few Anioma sons who think otherwise, but without strong ideological and evidential support base to drive home their opposing argument as to why Anioma should not be part of the South−east.
This arrogant opposition and shallow minded resistance against the inclusion of Anioma State as part of South−east demonstrates a clear and baseless hatred for the Igbo and signposts an unmitigated disobedience to the Anioma ancestral dream for a united and strong Igbo nation within the frame work Nigeria.
WHY THE OPPOSITION?
To my mind, the very insignificant number of Anioma sons who blatantly ventilate their opposition to the idea of including Anioma State as part of South−east region, do so out of share ignorance of the trado−cultural forces behind the push for Anioma to occupy its rightful place within the Igbo heartland. This handful of opposition appear to be blindfolded by the immediate personal economic and political gains which they fear to lose should they take a contrary position.
This group, again to my mind, belongs to the newer generation of Anioma, who perhaps, lack the dept of history which holds the nostalgia that drives the quest for Anioma as part of the Igbo nation. They should, therefore, be accordingly advised that, he, who swims against the tide, does so at his peril.
Anioma State creation is an idea whose time has come. Its inclusion as part of South−east is sacrosanct, politically fair, judgmentally certified and culturally inclusive. Any argument or move on the contrary would inevitably unbalance the system, sustain the existing political lopsidedness, and stall all efforts at equity and fairness. To be a willing tool in the hands of enemies against one of yours is a monumental disservice to the blood line, culture and tradition.
MISGUIDED NEWS FROM THE THRONE.
The naked news from the Revered Palace of Dein of Agbor is not only unfortunate but scandalous. I quote: “We are not Igbo’s, we are Agbor, we speak Agbor. Do you want to give up a Kingdom that has existed for 2,000 years to legend entity created 40 years ago that has no history? Which one do you prefer?”, Dein of Agbor asks Agbor youths.
In the light thereof, I wish to, with every attempt at civility comment thus. That, our revered Traditional Ruler pitched tent with the Colonial Masters/European writers who castigated Nidi Igbo in the past because they could not penetrate the Hinter Land for obvious reasons and later reversed themselves.
In all instance, the point worth noting is that, the Igbo race remains one of the most significant and biggest ethnic groups in Nigeria presently referred to as South-east geo-political zone embracing five states namely; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. Igbo land geographically measures 41000 square kilometers, with Cross River and Akwa Ibom States bordering her on the East, Benue and Kogi states to the North. Delta and Edo States to the West and South respectively, with hand full of Igbo elements inhabiting parts of Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Benue and Kogi States.
For clarity sake, Agbor Monarch should note that, a renowned Anthropologist, Professor Angulu Onwuejeogwu produced a typology of Igbo culture areas as follows. West Niger Igbo; (Agbor -Ukwuani -Abor – Asaba – Ibusa) Northern Igbo, (Nsukka – Enugu – Abakiliki); Eastern Igbo (Afikpo – Arechuleanu – Umuahia- Aba); Southern Igbo (Nri – Akwa – Onitsha – Okigwe – Owerri); while Ahoda, Omoku, Diobu, Umuagbayi in Rivers were further included as Igbo people.
Archeology as a major source of history did so much to place Igbo in it’s pride of place in Africa as a whole. Igbo – Ukwu excavation did even more to expose the antiquity of Igbo civilization. When the Colonial Government of Eastern Nigeria was informed of the discoveries at Igbo – Ukwu in 1938, an official order requiring systematic excavation of the Igbo – Ukwu area was issued by the colonial authorities.
In response to this order, a world acclaimed Archaeologist, Thurstonshaw rose to the occasion; he started work and in the process discovered two major sites at Igbo – Ukwu, one of which was a burial chamber of a king or high priest buried in an upright position, with his feet placed on an elephant tusk and skeleton of five slaves in the upper chamber.
Many metal objects with extraordinary designs were found in the chamber. Interestingly, the convincing evidence of Igbo antiquity is not limited to the artifacts found in Igbo – Ukwu. Thus, in my published book titled: History of Igbo land as a Reappraisal of the Origin of Onicha Ado N’Idu, vividly and lucidly proved that the archeological excavations at Ukpu Eze, Obukpa – Nsukka and the Ezi – Ukpa Rock shelter which revealed clusters of ancient Igbo civilization, are gemane and instructive in establishing facts of history which have undisputably been favourably disposed to Igbo’s claim of immemorial existence vis-a-vis other ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The Agbor throne should note that, in the official report of Professor Shaw, a Briton, not African, he stressed that the Igbo civilization dated 5000 years age, eclipsing Benin and Ife civilizations, and his home base, 2000 years. It is fathomable from the archaeological findings that Igbo people were civilized even in the dim past with functional economy, active religious life and earliest known technology in metallurgy.
In the light of the fore going, Ndigbo must wake up and realize that they are stronger together, better together and will achieve more together as a people.
CONCLUSION:
The Igbo race should recognize their place in the history of Nigeria in particular, and Africa in general. Essentially, the Igbo of South-east Nigeria are primus inter parse or first among equals among Nigerian social formations.
If we can pause a little and ruminate over the concept of Igbo – Ukwu excavations and it’s significance, then we will be in a better position to appreciate Igbo as a unique tribe with uncommon destiny. Igbo – Ukwu artifacts which were removed or stolen by Europeans, to use the right phraseology, constitute one of the richest Bronze treasures in Nigeria and best in the world; though curiously, the artifacts have not received relative publicity like those of Benin and Ile-Ife Bronze, even when it is known that these artifacts were relatively of lesser quality to Igbo-Ukwu artifacts in terms of mastery and know- how.
It is indeed sad to note, however, that most of the artifacts Britain removed from Igbo – Ukwu are still in British Museum where it is shamelessly exhibited. Yet the Federal Government turned a blind eye and never deemed it of paramount importance to request the British Government to return the cherished artifacts to Nigeria where it was removed for Radio Carbon Dating. The renowned Professor Shaw is now late!
To this end, it is important to point out that the Igbo’s are quite unique inspite of the perceived marginalization, victimization and consistent conspiracy orchestrated by the combination of both local and international haters of the Igbo race. Ndigbo are a chosen people of the most High God and thus, cannot be eliminated by the devilish machinations of some tribal bigots.
The key word unarguably remains, “divided we fall, united we stand” . Against all known odds and threats to the existence and unity of the Igbo in particular, and Nigeria in general. It is my view, therefore, that there is an urgent need for all and sundry to pull human and material resources together towards upholding Igbo micro nationalism cum Nigeria’s unity as well as the realization of Nigeria’s common destiny in the spirit of unity in diversity, so that the labour of our founding fathers and leaders shall not be in vain. These clarion calls appear very paramount now than ever before.
The documented views of these renowned historians, Viz Prof. Dike, Prof. Isichie, Prof Njoku echoed my conviction that, when Ndi Igbo are away from home, all are Igbos. A global Scholar, Chimamanda erred her views and conviction also that, all Igbos are same.
In reality, we need true History to have great History. Hence, you can bully opinions but not facts. Kudos to Senator Ned Nwoko and Hon. Okolugbo for their steadfastness in the epic battle.
WRITTEN BY CP. IKECHUKWU AYO ADUBA RTD. NPM. PSCT, BA (HONS) HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN. MA HISTORY/INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (IMO STATE UNIVERSITY).
