Connect with us

Op-ed

Biafra: Stop your Social Media Vituperations, Cursing, Grand standing and Join Me to Educate Others

Published

on

I, like many other Igbos have stood on the side lines for far too long, wishing this Biafran breeze fizzles away, but it’s now dangerously turning into a major storm that constitutes an existential threat to Igbo civilization as we know it. Those of you IPOBians, Sympathizers, Rumour Mongers, Facebook Warriors, Facebook megastars, Opinion Leaders and Propagandists escalating the already tense situation must understand that in the end, you’ll all be losers, victims and at the same time in more bondage than you ever were. Not my wish anyway, but the perceptible reality. No war ever got won by emotions. Preparation and strategy does, ask any battle-tested soldier. Even the best of them get eaten. Little by little you guys are doing everything possible to attract avoidable conflict to our region hoping that the international community will intervene. You’ll be in for a shocker when this meal you’ve cooked for so long is served up.

Understand this, I have monitored many revolutionary conflicts around the world and know this for a fact, the international community foot-drags at less than a snail pace, if at all, before attempting any interventions in internal conflicts in a sovereign nation and that includes America and Israel you’re hoping on. War is a huge liability and no Country wants to meddle. The best they give these days are reliefs not military aids and that is after many must have died including those who started the fire. I watched it happen to Libyans, Yemenis, Syrians and till now they still don’t have peace. Besides, you’d be stupid to believe that those countries, if ever there is any, promising to support Nnamdi Kanu are really in for it. Some of them want to use him to initiate conflict and sell their weapons to both sides and make blood dollars. War is an all-comers affair and all kinds of demonically vicious players come to the slimy field to play the hellish game of blood and death.

I watched it happen to Libyans, Yemenis, Syrians and till now they still don’t have peace.

In this case, Boko Haram that has largely been caged by the army will break free to roam with ambitions to finally establish their Caliphate across Nigeria, all because the Army now fighting on two fronts can no longer concentrate on them having become too stretched. Guess what, they’ll come with ISIS on their back. Nigerian Army will be fighting to keep Nigeria together on one front, Boko Haram (ISIS Nigerian Branch) with Caliphatist ambition on the other and Biafra with secessionist ambition on yet another front.

That was how Syria got so complex till date and any war in Nigeria today will have a similar picture. Whoever gets overwhelmed will face the other. It will be a long and difficult journey and unlike the first civil war without Boko Haram in the equation, no one can predict the tortuous end. Other Jihadists from across Africa and Middle-East will join in as they always do wherever there’s instability to advance their different brands of Islam. In the end you’ll leave Nigeria and discover you’re fighting other strangers you don’t even know how they came into the picture.

Libyans thought they were fighting Ghaddafi but after Ghaddafi, they discovered other strangers fighting them to establish their different brands of Islam.

The big boys (international players) like Iran will be there to get there pound of flesh from Nigeria in revenge for the Shiites, Saudi will be there to defend Nigeria, and all will play. Weapons merchants will the start smiling to the banks. Guess where the theatre of war would be, Igboland. We must not allow this! Libyans thought they were fighting Ghaddafi but after Ghaddafi, they discovered other strangers fighting them to establish their different brands of Islam. Same thing in Syria. The words of Saif Al Islam Ghaddafi (Ghaddafi’s first son) keeps ringing in my ears as he forewarned Libyans of these grim possibilities, but okuko nti ike nánu ife n’ite ofe. I never took him seriously at the time but in retrospect, I now see he knew better because it panned out just as he predicted and Libya still isn’t out of the woods.

That’s the way it is these days of jihad consciousness across the world. If you ever experience war, you’ll never take peace for granted. War is not a movie as some of you think. You could be the first victim. Can you stomach watching your loved ones maimed, killed, raped, tortured, starve to death under slow and painful circumstances? Those are the grim realities of war and in Africa, it is executed with luciferous savagery and psychopathic sadism. The worst of peace is still better than the best of wars.

Funny enough, most of our chest-beating IPOBians will likely die off within the first month or two of the conflict leaving those who knew nothing or are on the sidelines to defend themselves. There will be nowhere to run to as no country in West Africa will agree to accept the ocean-sized volume of refugees. When the Rwandan genocide was looming, everyone was running his mouth until the death hurricane they courted so hard swept across their country, they wailed and shouted for international community to intervene but none came. That’s the way it is. Paul Kagame, their current President it was who ended it. And they vowed to “never again”. They learnt from history and have completely removed tribalism from every facet of national life and are admirably making astounding progress as one of Africa’s best.

On one occasion Kanu bragged that it would take him only two weeks to reach Sokoto in the event of war. I don’t know what weapons and extra-terrestrial strategies he has to execute that.

My advice, agreed, Buhari hasn’t treated us as well as we wanted, but wait till 2023 and make amends. I have listened to Nnamdi Kanu on several videos and my conclusion is that he is plain naive on how things roll in a conflict situation. On one occasion he bragged that it would take him only two weeks to reach Sokoto in the event of war. I don’t know what weapons and extra-terrestrial strategies he has to execute that. War is an unpredictable undertaking that you’ll be ignorant to estimate which direction it goes. As it is, he has no weapons just yet and is bragging. Many of you believe him and even ascribe infallibility to his words. I have lived a couple of years abroad and what some of you don’t know is that many of our people there egging you on don’t have immigration papers and are praying for an outbreak of hostilities in Nigeria so they can claim asylum on the back of it.

We must advise ourselves on this current path of self-annihilation. Some of you think Biafra will be the end of all your problems, so South Sudan thought, as did Eritrea, but sorry it will be the beginning of new ones. Now take this to the Bank, it will even be far more difficult for any country to touch any conflict here with a long spoon than it was in the sixties. Reason? Then there was the prospect of oil but today oil is out of fashion and even as it is, Nigeria is begging for buyers and nobody’s buying. Osinbajo said that much a few days back. Now, tell me, if they spend their money intervening in your conflict to save your asses, what will they get in return? The best they can do for you is to condemn what is going on, then more out-pouring of condemnations and then more unleashing of floodgates of condemnations, but NO ACTION while you die in numbers.

You often argue that a call for referendum is not a call for war. I agree completely! Very true! Referendum is a right not a privilege. Even Buhari asserted that much in favour of Palestine when he addressed the UN. However, it is plain naivety to assume that all that is enshrined in international law is enforceable. UN has no mechanism of enforcement. Countries and Dictators constantly flout it and nothing happens. Even if something were to happen you’ll all have decomposed in your graves by then. A show of bravado will not lead you anywhere Umunnem. Call me a coward if you like, but Chinua Achebe told us that we often stand in the house of a coward to point at where a brave man ONCE lived. In any case, isn’t it foolishness to challenge an army that has been stockpiling arms since 1960 when you on the other hand haven’t bought a bullet just yet?

“Only a foolish man can go after a leopard with his bare hands”

Papa Achebe puts it this way, “Only a foolish man can go after a leopard with his bare hands”. As impulsive and as tempting as it may get, tone down your rhetorics, invectives, acerbics, and cursing on social media. Cherish the peace you now have at least Igbos are not worse-off than other regions despite never being in power. While there is grinding poverty in other regions, the highest income per capita in the country is posted by Anambra and other Igbo states ain’t doing badly. Our people live well, build better houses compared to other regions and it’s all a miracle given the scratch we started from after the war. Why do we want to throw all that away because of ego and start all over again? Is it a curse? The Hausas though having been in power do not even live a better quality of life than Igbos. Let’s be wise and not give opportunity to destroy all we’ve achieved as a people.

I condemn in the strongest of terms the killing of unarmed people by Nigerian soldiers, killer herdsmen, and do not by any means say Nigeria is what we want it to be but understand Biafra wasn’t Ojukwu’s first choice. At Aburi his choice was a return to true federalism which he knew was a better deal for us than secession. Nigeria failed to honour that agreement and continued the killings forcing him to declare a Biafran Republic to save his people from slaughter and it’s understandable. Nigeria owes us tons of apologies, I agree. But brothers, let’s think again! A Biafra today will even be far less economically viable than it would have been then. Reason is because then we would have used oil money to jump-start the new country but today oil is so unsellable to the extent that Venezuela with arguably the largest reserves is grappling with severe economic problems. Kick-starting a new country from the basics would be painfully slow and may outlive our generation to even get the basic things in place. Arewa youths know that, the reason they have asked Nigerian Government to let Igbos go, only for Nnamdi Kanu to start asking for Benue and Rivers because he  knows that Igboland alone isn’t viable.

Benue were never part of Biafra and have made it clear to all, as did different Rivers groups that they don’t want Biafra.

Asking for Benue is laughable because they were never part of Biafra and have made it clear to all, as did different Rivers groups that they don’t want Biafra. A handful of his collaborators from those regions pledging allegiance to him does not equate to an entire people. Majority of their people hate this Biafran idea and have made that much clear. Some funny IPOBians are also hoping on Asari Dokubo and FFK. What a funny bunch being used to fight other people’s fight. Why won’t they take up the gauntlet or is it only us that is suffering injustice? Don’t even think corruption will suddenly disappear in a new Biafra as some naive IPOBians hope. If they give you Biafra today, your eyes will open up to new unpleasant realities many of you haven’t even factored-in in your agitation but then it would have been late.

We can together liberate Nigeria from Fulani if only we can unite.

I know voices like mine are often loathed and cursed by IPOBians but some of us who know the truth can no longer keep quiet while you drag us all into avoidable chaos. I owe our people the truth as I see it. Curse me all you want, it’s OK. Umunnem, ka ako’n’uche na udo chianu biko! Patience solves all things, with time. Let our people think again and know what is looming. Stop your facebook and social media vituperations, cursing, grand standing and join me to educate others. De-escalate this situation and speak words of kindness to others. Even mighty America de-escalates after tensions with Russia. It’s called wisdom.  North Korea provokes South Korea most times but the South always de-escalates tensions knowing that the North hasn’t got anything to lose in the event of war but beautiful South Korea will lose quite a lot. In our case, all the beautiful houses and streets in Igboland will be razed to the ground. Why should we be starting afresh all the time? It will even be more painful if we lose again as was the case in 1970. As it is, it’s not looking good! One more thing. We can join other ethnic groups to demand restructuring. Let us not face our common enemy alone. Britain is our enemy using minority Fulani to enslave Nigerians. We can together liberate Nigeria from Fulani if only we can unite. Let’s stop all these provocative language and join forces with the West and the Middle belt. See all over where Igbos are killed on daily bases. The worst is our behaviour in other people’s land.

Udechukwu Nnoruka, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN),  Emeritus Attorney General of Anambra State, and a  past member council legal education is now in private legal practice. 

Texas Guardian News
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Op-ed

Opinion: America will regret its decision to reelect Donald Trump

Published

on

A presidential campaign defined by personal hatreds , threats of political violence and two foiled assassination attempts ended on Tuesday in a mostly orderly election. No matter what the results ultimately show, Americans’ commitment to a fair and peaceful vote is a thumb in the eye to authoritarians both at home and abroad.

By Max Burns, opinion contributor, The Hill

That’s about all the joy Democrats (and lovers of democracy) will find in yesterday’s election results. The fleeting optimism that washed over the party after Ann Selzer’s storied Iowa poll showed Kamala Harris unexpectedly leading Donald Trump by 3 points has crashed back to reality. In its place is the realization that democracy’s worst-case scenario is unfolding in real time.

Our democratic institutions are not ready for what comes next. Neither are the American people.

The Trump who will walk into the White House on Jan. 20 is a man steeped in unsettled vendettas , who came within a hair’s breadth of a string of federal felony convictions that he is now empowered to wipe away with a self-pardon — as if those offenses and so many others had never even happened. Trump will see his priorities as he has always seen them: party over country and self over all.

A man with 34 felony convictions can’t win the presidency in a nation where trust in institutions is high. It’s only in a culture where the justice system has long since lost its legitimacy that a man with such a thick criminal record as Trump glides by relatively unremarked. That one man can so effortlessly game American institutions to his own benefit says as much about the decrepit state of America’s institutions as it does about the moral decrepitude of the crook.

The nine years of the Trump era have taken a bat to our democracy, and Trump’s MAGA movement has exploited the nation’s systemic weakness at every turn. Political misinformation flooded social media networks owned by Trump’s key allies, or by Trump personally. Meanwhile, Trump and compliant Republican lawmakers torched public trust in the courts — first by appointing an ethically vacant Supreme Court, and later by urging his followers to hate and distrust not only the judges who tried him but the entire “rigged” justice system.

Trump is now set to return to the White House, and he’s made no secret of his lofty goals for a second term: gutting the civil service , destroying the independence of the Justice Department and seeking political and legal revenge on his lengthy list of personal enemies . Judging by yesterday’s election returns, a majority of Americans are eager to see Trump do exactly that.

The former and future president now inherits a nation deeply weakened by his own toxic brand of politics. Our divided and exhausted nation will now need to fend off the constant extralegal whims of a president who is also, thanks to the Supreme Court, functionally immune from prosecution for any act he undertakes. If Trump’s first term was any indication, we won’t need to wait long for our next constitutional crisis.

Believers in the rule of law are in for a rough four years, because though Trump contradicted himself countless times during this marathon campaign, he never wavered in his distaste for the rule of law or his admiration for strongman autocrats . Members of the press can expect Trump to at least try making good on his oft-repeated pledge to rewrite the nation’s press freedom and libel laws . The rest of us will be along for the bumpy and chaotic ride.

It matters that Trump won his office in a free and fair election. It matters that free people voluntarily chose to cloak Trump in power he will almost certainly abuse in far-reaching and destructive ways. Our country made the choice to walk down the dark path of Trump’s resentments and conspiracies. We will come to regret it.

Max Burns is a veteran Democratic strategist and founder of Third Degree Strategies.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Texas Guardian News
Continue Reading

Column

Empowering Online Safety and Privacy in the Global South Toward a Secured Digital Future

Published

on

In today’s digital age, where technology is deeply embedded in our daily lives, online safety and privacy have emerged as crucial concerns that individuals must address proactively. The ever-evolving online ecosystem presents a myriad of cyber threats and privacy breaches that have the potential to compromise personal information, identity, and financial security. As such, individuals must navigate this complex landscape with vigilance, awareness, and a thorough understanding of best practices for safeguarding their online identities. By exploring examples, issues, thought processes, and potential solutions related to online safety and privacy, we can delve deeper into the strategies that empower individuals to protect themselves in the digital realm.

Online safety and privacy are paramount in the digital age, as individuals must navigate a complex online ecosystem where cyber threats and privacy breaches are prevalent. Let’s delve deeper into this topic by examining examples, issues, thought processes, and potential solutions related to online safety and privacy:
1. Examples:
– Using strong, unique passwords for online accounts and enabling two-factor authentication to enhance security.
– Be cautious when sharing personal information online, such as social security numbers, financial details, or sensitive data, to prevent identity theft or fraud.
– Avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading unknown attachments, or responding to unsolicited emails to protect against malware, phishing scams, and other cyber threats.
– Regularly updating software and applications to patch security vulnerabilities and protect against potential exploits.
2. Issues:
– Data breaches and leaks can expose individuals’ personal information, including passwords, contact details, and financial data, leading to identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activities.
– Online scams, phishing attacks, and social engineering tactics can deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information or falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
– Privacy violations by companies, websites, or third-party apps may compromise individuals’ personal data, browsing habits, or online activities without their consent.
– Lack of awareness or understanding of online safety best practices can leave individuals vulnerable to cyber threats, scams, or privacy risks.
3. Thought processes:
– Recognizing the importance of safeguarding personal information and maintaining privacy online is the first step toward enhancing online safety and security.
– Being vigilant, sceptical, and cautious when interacting with online platforms, websites, or communications can help individuals identify potential risks and avoid falling for scams or malicious activities.
– Understanding common cybersecurity threats, such as phishing emails, ransomware attacks, or social engineering tactics, can empower individuals to protect themselves and mitigate risks effectively.
– Practicing good digital hygiene, such as regularly updating passwords, using secure connections, and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, can bolster online safety and privacy.
4. Solutions:
– Educating individuals about online safety best practices, privacy protection, and cybersecurity awareness can help raise awareness and empower users to take proactive measures to safeguard their online identities.
– Implementing security features, such as encryption, secure authentication methods, and privacy controls, in online platforms and services can enhance user protection and mitigate potential risks.
– Engaging in ongoing training, workshops, or awareness campaigns focused on cybersecurity, phishing prevention, and data privacy can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the online landscape securely.
– Advocating for stronger data protection laws, regulations, and accountability measures to ensure that companies and organizations safeguard users’ personal information and prioritize online privacy.
Essentially, online safety and privacy are critical considerations in the digital age, as individuals must be proactive in protecting their personal information and maintaining their privacy online. By understanding the examples, issues, thought processes, and solutions related to online safety and privacy, individuals can enhance their cybersecurity awareness, mitigate risks, and safeguard their digital identities in an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable online environment.
Intriguingly, in the dynamic context of the Global South, characterized by rapid digital transformation and emerging opportunities, the significance of online safety and privacy is paramount. As individuals in these regions navigate the intricate online landscape, they are confronted with a multitude of cyber threats and privacy breaches that jeopardize their personal information and digital identities. By delving deeper into this pivotal topic and tailoring adaptable approaches to the immediate needs, values, future of work, and sustainability concerns of Global South nations, we can develop strategies to empower individuals to safeguard themselves in this digital age.
Undoubtedly, recognizing and managing the importance of safeguarding personal data and maintaining privacy online is the foundational step towards enhancing online safety and security in these regions. Vigilance, scepticism, and caution in online interactions can help individuals identify and mitigate potential risks, such as data breaches, online scams, and privacy violations that may compromise their digital well-being. Understanding common cybersecurity threats and practising good digital hygiene, such as secure authentication methods and regular software updates, are essential components in bolstering online safety and privacy for individuals in the Global South. Through education, advocacy, and the implementation of security measures tailored to the specific needs of these regions, we can promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness and empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape securely. By fostering resilience, integrity, and a commitment to data protection, we can work towards a safer and more secure online environment that upholds privacy, trust, and digital empowerment for individuals in the Global South.
In conclusion, the digital age offers tremendous opportunities for connectivity, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, but it also brings inherent risks and vulnerabilities that individuals must address to safeguard their online identities. By adopting a proactive mindset, staying informed about cybersecurity threats, and implementing best practices for online safety and privacy, individuals can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and resilience. With ongoing education, awareness, and collaboration among stakeholders, we can strive towards a safer and more secure online environment that upholds the principles of privacy, data protection, and digital trust. Together, we can harness the transformative power of technology while ensuring that online safety and privacy remain paramount in our digital future.

♦ Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and holds a Chartered Manager Status, and by extension, Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) by the highly Reputable Royal Chartered Management Institute. 

Texas Guardian News
Continue Reading

News

Nigerian-based Professional Peace Advocacy Group Inaugurated in Austria

Published

on

The inauguration of a professional peace advocating group called “Peace Advocates and Practitioners Organization Nigeria European Headquarters Austria (PAPONEHA) was held on 19.10.2024, with UN representatives, the Nigerian Embassy, a few selected international organizations, some dignitaries and personalities with impeccable character in attendance. It was an edifying expert gathering of intellectuals with noble ideas on how to contribute professionally in developing strategies that should effectively usher peace whenever and wherever a conflict arises around the globe.

PAPONAHA was an idea conceived and delivered after evaluation of contemporary crises and conflicts amongst homes, communities, war and threats of war among nations with empirical evidence of danger capable of igniting a third world war. The primary aim of the organization is to reconcile opposing parties, instil peace anywhere it steps in and sustain it. The organization also wants to help vulnerable people and assist those affected by war and violent conflicts. Correspondingly, the organization will equally create a platform where peace and conflict resolution etc. would be taught.

The president of the organization Mag. Dr Samuel Ogbonna officially declared the occasion open at about 4 pm Austrian time. In his welcome address he thanked Dr Dogondaji Haliru Bello, the Charge de Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy Vienna, – who was represented by Minister Florence Lola Ejim – all dignitaries and guests in the hall for the honoured invitation. He also recognized members of PAPONAHA and thanked them for their energy, time and the enthusiasm they exhibited in pursuit of a successful inauguration, and appealed to all to support the organization. The Master of Ceremony (MC) Chief Wise Ibeji, Eze Okonko, introduced Dr Ogbonna and other bigwigs of the occasion.

Delivering his speech titled “The Dream Comes Through”, he narrated the genesis of how the journey of PAPONAHA began. It was a comprehensive and a well-expressed presentation of the history of the organization and its challenges that started from his first visit on 26 July 2023 to Prof Paul Uche J. Mbakwe in Uturu, Umuahia, Abia State, to the inauguration day. Prof Mbakwe whom he described as a great thinker and a motivator “is the founder of PAPO Nigeria DG/Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) Peace Advocates and Practitioners Organisation (PAPO/PAPONEHA) worldwide”, said Dr Ogbonna.

Conflicts around the globe like the situation in Sudan and in the Middle East, the threat of war from Iran, and the war between Hamas and Israel, Hezbollah and Israel, Russia and Ukraine etc. were all cited as imperative reasons for an urgent quest for peace.

Leaders of the invited organizations mounted the podium and gave eloquent speeches and praises expressing profound gratitude for such a honourable cause on how humanity regardless of race, religious background and political affiliation could live in peaceful co-existence. National Association of Nigerian Community Austria (NANCA) was also represented.

“PEACE BEGINS WITH ME, PEACE BEGINS WITH YOU” was the title of Lady Dr Chinedu Brown’s speech. She was not present at the occasion but was represented by Mrs Chinwe Agatha Egwuibe the wife of the Chairman of Igbo Cultural Society (ICS) who classily delivered her speech brilliantly. According to her, the Global Peace Index (GPI) developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Austria ranks the 3rd most peaceful country in the world while Nigeria ranks 147th among 163 countries in the analysis. She appealed to Nigerians living in Austria to endeavour to contribute for peace back home.

Professor Mbakwe is the founder/Director General and BoT Chairman of PAPO-PAPONAHA. He is a lecturer at Abia State University, Umuahia. He flew in from Nigeria for the occasion. In his speech titled “THE EMERGENCE OF PAPO-NEHA: OUR MISSION AND OUR VISION,” he recounted and attributed the genesis of PAPONEHA emergence to a question one of his 2020/2021, 200-level law students of Abia State University, Umuahia asked him, precisely on 12 October 2020. He said the question inspired him into action that led to the formation of the group. He reiterated the aims and objectives of the organization and the importance of peace in the world. He thanked Dr Ogbonna and his team for a job well done, and officially inaugurated the group with some dignitaries called to the podium as witnesses.

Mrs Florence Lola Ejim, a Minister and the representative of the Nigerian Embassy Vienna, was proud as a Nigerian and encouraged all and sundry to spread the good news about the organization, as she urged members of the group not to relent in their quest for peace because everyone needs peace. She promised that Nigerian Embassy will support any noble cause such as being championed by PAPONAHA whenever necessary and possible.

In his vote of thanks, Engr. Okeke John who is the financial secretary of the organization thanked all that graced the ceremony and reminded them that the inauguration was just the beginning of miles ahead.

Let me firmly and finally lend my voice here once more without any ambiguity that the path members of the group have chosen is a noble one. I am quite sure that they are not oblivious of the challenges ahead. Therefore, as professionals and intellectuals, I am optimistic that with dedication, perseverance, consistency to strive for fairness at all times, and applying wisdom in implementing what is just and right, the fundamental objective of the group in the globe will not be elusive.

Indeed, we all need peace.

♦ Uzoma Ahamefule, a refined African traditionalist and a patriotic citizen writes from Vienna, Austria. WhatsApp: +436607369050; Email Contact Uzoma >>>>

Texas Guardian News
Continue Reading

Trending