Ojukwu And History!

For anyone with a paltry sense of Nigerian history, the name, Dim Odemegwu Ojukwu needs no introduction. Rehashing in mere words, the historical travails of the Ikemba of Nnewi will surely distort the facts. However, what needs to be stated was that Ojukwu while still in his youth, led a rebellious 30 months war that failed to see the broad daylight. Ojukwu's conviction was hinged upon the fact that the Igbo race does not deserve to be treated as second class citizens in their own homeland. Of course, Biafra lost the war of secession. But this defeat was only in the battlefield, for Biafra still found a home in the hearts of many of her sons and daughters. Though Gowon made a 'no victor, no vanquished' mantra after the war, We now know enough to see that post civil war Nigeria was a tale of vendetta, a classical case of throwing away the baby with the bath water, and an apt scenerio of giving the dog a bad name in order to hang it. Ojukwu's life will forever divide opinion, but one thing is certain, He will be remembered as a man who chased his dreams and beliefs, even through the shadows of death. As a country, it is worth mentioning that rebellious acts still persist. From MASSOB to MEND to Boko Haram, the intents might differ, but the song is the same. Government has continued to be insensitive to the plight of it's people. Perhaps, the 'prima donnas' and the 'cremé dé la cremé' of our society should remember that when there is nothing else for the poor to eat, they will eat the rich!