Retired Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Anambra State, Most Rev Godwin Okpala, who just regained his freedom after he was kidnapped on December 6, 2024, has recounted his ordeal in the hands of his abductors.
Okpala was abducted alongside his driver, but was only able to regain freedom on January 3rd, after spending 27 days in captivity.
The clergyman spoke to journalists at his residence in Nnewi, during a visit by former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.
He said: “Those 27 days were hellish because the people were not behaving like human beings. They kicked us about like thrash.
“They kept us in a very thick forest and none of them cared,” the Archbishop said.
Reacting to questions on whether his abduction was as a result of mistaken identity, and whether he was in his priestly attire, the retired prelate said it didn’t matter to the kidnappers who anyone was.
He said: “I was in my cassock and they knew that I was a Bishop, but they didn’t care. They pulled down my cassock, asked me to undress and I had only shorts, a shirt and my collar on.
“For the 27 days that I was with them, I didn’t take my bath, I didn’t brush my teeth. They were giving me water which I don’t know the source.
“They were giving me one meal a day and it was either rice or garri. The food was usually remnants from those they gave to boys who worked with them. They have cooks who prepared food there.”
The 75 years old Archbishop praised Peter Obi for coming to visit him, saying that since his return from the kidnappers’ den, no one had visited him until Obi came.
“He (Peter Obi) has again shown the humanity in him. I’m not the first person he is coming to see in this manner. I want to say thank you to Peter Obi who came to visit me after my travails.”
Meanwhile, Nnewi Catholic Diocese on Thursday buried three priests of the diocese, including Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, a pharmacist and native of Ekwulumili in Nnewi South Local Government Area.
The priest was murdered on December 26, 2024, in Ihiala, Anambra State, by gunmen operating in the area.
Until his death, the priest was the manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.
Anambra has for sometime now been in the news because of the spate of kidnapping, which has not abated despite promises by the governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and police authorities in the state.
African Action Congress (AAC), on Wednesday, called on Inspector-General of Police, IGP kayode Egbetokun and the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam to stop officers from extorting motorists plying the State.
According to the party, the police and other law enforcement agents usually stationed at checkpoints have turned Anambra State and the rest of South East geopolitical zone to cash cow while insecurity kept on ravaging the entire zone.
The State Chairperson of AAC, Comrade Chioma Ifemeludike, who raised this concern at a press conference in Awka, Anambra State capital, urged the relevant authorities to checkmate the anomaly and bring lasting peace to the zone.
According to Ifemeludike, this called for the officers to be called to order, while their welfare should be improved upon as better salaries and incentives would make them to stop such illegalities.
“It is dangerous and reckless to hand guns to police officers whose basic and social
requirements are not well taken care of leaving citizens at their mercy. Anambra State has become a cash cow for the police. They do it boldly and no one is holding them accountable. They even give out changes to the motorists without shame.
“Anambra people must join hands to pressure the government to do the right thing at the right time. We must start holding them accountable so they can do the right thing now. Our youths have been battered. We must sit up and demand for the police and the Government to deliver on their mandate,” she lamented.
The party further called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to wake up to address the insecurity ravaging the State, lamenting that if allowed to continue, socioeconomic development and others would be impeded because nothing thrives in atmosphere of chaos.
She said the party would no longer keep quiet while the citizens lives were wasted for nothing, adding that they would mobilise their members and other citizenry to launch social media campaigns geared towards mobilising the populace to take ownership of the security and secure Anambra State from crimes and criminalities.
“These men of the underworld have caused mayhem, pain and suffering to the
physical, financial and emotional well-being of the good, hardworking and law abiding citizens of the state. This menace is suffocating and almost crippling business activities in the state.
“Anambra State known as the light of the nation seems to be struggling with darkness of insecurity and fear of the unknown terror gangs. It has gotten so bad that people now avoid to travel or disguise when they are visiting homes. This is totally unacceptable and we hold the government of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo responsible as the chief Executive in the state whose major duty is to secure lives.
“We urge governor Soludo to take charge and be proactive with matters that affect security of lives in the state as this is the bedrock of commercial activities, growth and development in our dear state. The mental and psychological state of Anambra populace is our utmost interest and we will do anything and everything in our possible best to make sure our people are safe and sound.
“We will defend our ancestral lands against intruders. We will not run away from unscrupulous elements both the official and unofficial, the masked and unmasked, the ones on uniform and the ones running criminal network. We warn that we will use every tool available to us.
“The African Action Congress, Anambra state chapter highlights the major issues of insecurity in Anambra state right after the state Governor declared a state of
emergency which seems like a mere political statement or lip service due to
government’s inability to effect any obvious change in securing lives of Ndi Anambra which is their utmost responsibility.
“In recent times, villages and communities in Anambra State have been ransacked and invaded by what we know today as unknown gun men, faceless men who have terrorised, oppressed, kidnapped in most cases murdered innocent citizens in cold. The once bubbling state and
nightlife environment where commuters and visitors travelled at anytime of the day
without any fear especially during the festive seasons have now come to an abrupt end,” she lamented.
A group known as the Igbo Mandate Congress has claimed that the recently concluded Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election exercise was hijacked by South-East Governors.
The group, in a statement sent to us on Friday, signed by its Director-General, Rev. Obinna Akukwe, dsclosed that the governors conspired to keep the venue of the election secret adding that they had warned prior that the Governors were planning to install a Senator from Rivers State.
It can be recalled that Senator Azuta Mbata emerged as the New President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo earlier today in Enugu while Uche Okwukwu emerged in the one held in Port Harcourt.
The statement read in Part; “The venue of the election was kept top secret till Friday morning when delegates were informed that it would hold at Old Governors Lodge, Enugu. At the old governor’s lodge, team of police and DSS officials were given lists of delegates for the polls and given orders not to allow anyone inside the venue. The lists were as compiled and approved by the respective governors.”
“From Abia to Anambra, Enugu, Imo, the governors asked their cronies to select loyal persons to represent the state at the elections. The delegates list was kept secret till Friday morning, to void other candidates, include former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, from gaining access to them.”
“The delegates elected by the governors and their cronies were told to assemble at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Headquarters to collect both their accreditation tags and their payment money for loyalty.”
“Some delegates told IMC officials that they were paid a couple of millions, while others were paid hundreds of thousands of naira, according to levels and status. The loyalty payments were given through electronic transfers at the Ohanaeze Secretariate, while some received theirs at the Old Governors lodge.”
“Igbo Mandate Congress, a body first with credible Intelligence Information in the South East and Nigeria, have alerted the contestants, including activists, since Monday January 6th that the governors are planning to ambush former IGP Mike Okiro with a Senator from Rivers State. IMC also implored the activists to act together, raise necessary alarm, make strategic moves to verify the authenticity of the governors list and secure their positions at the Ohanaeze National Executive Council.”
“The aspirants, exhuming empty over confidence, were baited, with divided ranks, and outflanked before the polls. The Governors made frantic efforts to force Mike Okiro to step down for Senator Mbata and he initially refused. After granting a press conference announcing a withdrawal until he gets legal redress, Okiro appeared at the Ohanaeze Secretariat , got screened by 10 pm and asked his supporters to await a court judgment tomorrow that will enable him to contest.”
“By 12 pm when the delegates started going to the Old Governors Lodge, Okiro’s legal redress was yet to come. Igbo Mandate Congress condemned the first time governors imposed Chief Nnia Nwodo and other officers. It condemned the manner Governor Uzodimma imposed Professor George Obozor and it is now condemning the hijacking of delegates list and the fraudulent manner of the current polls.”
“Igbo Mandate Congress enjoins all Igbo Stakeholders to task the governors until they remove their hands from Ohanaeze affairs.”
A credible source at the election ground of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Enugu has disclosed to our Reporter that, contrary to our earlier report that Uche Okwukwu has been declared Ohanaeze President General , we have gathered from reliable sources that Uche Okwukwu was suspended by Imeobi in Enugu and the election is still ongoing with Senator Mbata standing unopposed.
It was gathered that Okwukwu emerged from a factional election in Port Harcourt, where he was returned unopposed.
While another election is holding in Enugu, Okwukwu’s faction held his in Port Harcourt.
According to information available, while some Igbos from Rivers had stepped out to contest, one, in the person of Uche Okwukwu was suspended by Ime Obi and cannot run for the office.
Former IGP of Police Chief Mike Okiro Obama also stepped down yesterday following a court order barring him from the contest.
The other candidates include Senator John Azuta Mbata and others.
A renowned Activist lawyer, Dim Uche Nnam Okwukwu, has emerged as the President General of Ohanaeze N’digbo Worldwide at the organisation’s ongoing convention in Port-Harcourt.
The General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, according to a statement by the returning officer, Dr. Achi Achi, copy of which was made available to newsmen, said the new President General, Okwukwu, was returned unopposed at the the convention, which began on Thursday and is expected to end on Friday.
The returning officer said the President General, Okwukwu was elected by the progressive movement in Igboland, expressing appreciation to the national delegates who stormed Port Harcourt for the exercise, even as he noted that they were the true members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for finding the helmsman worthy.
He said the new leader had pledged to defend the interest of all Igbos under the sun and uphold the tenets of the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Okwukwu, in his acceptance speech, Okwukwu thanked the delegates, saying that he humbly accepted the enormous responsibility imposed on him to lead the Igbo race “at this moment in our history.”
The newly elected President General said his top priorities included engaging the Federal Government on the unconditional release of the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and restructuring Nigeria.
Besides, he promised to “unite fractured nerves and bring the Igbo together as one indivisible family,” saying that he was fully aware of the unprecedented trust reposed in him and his capacity to do so.
This was just as he pledged solemnly to defend Igbo nation by living up to their high expectations, adding: “I shall live up to their high expectations.”
He thanked all members of the Electoral Committee, the elders, members of the press and Igbo public, men, women, and youths for all the joint efforts that helped to yield these positive outcomes.
The newly elected President General, while noting that Igbo nation had gone through unprecedented travails, assured that he would waste no time in engaging the Federal and State governments, Igbo businessmen, politicians, youths, and intelligentsia, to address the problems facing the Igbo nation.
He said he would meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to work for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and other political prisoners, and ensure de-criminalization of political exiles to enable them return home to join the process of reconstruction.
“We shall encourage the Federal and State governments to engage all agitators to address grievances so as to bring a just closure to issues,” Okwukwu said.
Speaking further, the newly elected President General said he would also engage the Federal Government in dredging, modernization and restoration of the Igweocha/Port-Harcourt and other coastal ports for the Igbo/East and others, together with the dredging of the Azumini to Opobo Imo River basin to the coast, in order to recreate a pole of export-import industrialization and development in Igboland/East, down to the Middle-Belt and Maiduguri.
“I will work for the creation of the Anioma State as an equalization state for the Igbo, and for additional Aba, Adada, Etiti, Orlu or other states in case the balance is further disrupted,” he said.
On restructuring, Okwukwu promised to mobilise the Igbo for it to come about, which he said all other ethnic nationalities had ready templates, but no recent Ohanaeze leadership had had any courage to address.
“I will work hand in hand with critical Igbo stakeholders to advance the unity of the Igbo nation, and ensure that Igbo communities in Benue, Edo etc, are fully incorporated into the Ohanaeze family memberships, modernize the Igbo language as one of the major languages of global commerce, culture, science and technology,” he said.
Okwukwu, it was gathered emerged as the consensus candidate having been identified as the only independent contestant among more than four aspirants that sought to lead the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
The election attended by several people was held in Port-Harcourt, with delegates from the South-East and the Diaspora in attendance, while more than 200 social and cultural groups were also present at the historic event.
Okiro is from Ogwumankwu village, Obiakpu community, Egbema, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State.
His age grade is OTU EGOBUEZE and their secretary is Christopher Nze Umezuruike. Other members of his age grade are Chief Clement Mmata, Mr. Owuamala Stephen and Chief Toke Gilbert etc.
His late younger brother, Eze Ozoemela Okiro was the traditional ruler of Obiakpu community Egbema, Imo State.
Okiro was the special Adviser to former Gov. Rochas on security matters.
His son, Saviour Okiro, is the special adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodinma on community matters.
His age grade is junior to OTU REPUBLIC age grade.
Kindly put it on record that Mike Okiro is an Imo man and cannot deny Rivers Igbos their right. Thank you and God bless.
The new wave of insecurity in Anambra in particular and the South East has its roots in preaching wealth without work championed by the likes of Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, aka Ebube Muonso. They are merchants of fake miracles and fake prophecies who, for decades, have taught our youths to believe they can become wealthy and great without work, perseverance, and morality, all vital virtues for which Ndigbo were reputed in the past.
Such virtues that accounted for the outstanding successes of Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo, in general, are now assailed by their wrong teachings. Ndigbo work their way to the top, to borrow Soludo’s expression. The greatness attained by some is never by sudden flight but through their toiling upward at night while their contemporaries went to bed, to paraphrase the philosopher. Ndigbo persevere. They work quite hard and believe in God, who promised in Deuteronomy 28:12: “The Lord will bless the work of your hands.” That’s the foundation and Igbo wealth code that Ebube Muonso and his fellow miracle merchants want to uproot.
Ebube Muonso started out over a decade ago and relies on esotericism and controversies to draw people to his church, one of which was the first-ever recorded stampede in Anambra State, which claimed many lives in his church in 2010.
Mahatma Gandhi brought the world’s attention to the seven mortal sins, namely: wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice, and politics without principle. Gandhi was a moral compass for the Indians of his generation and still is.
But that’s India. In Nigeria, the so-called men and women of God are selling prayers, prophecies, and miracles to the highest bidders, and many people believe them, thus manipulating their followers to believe in the sudden wealth their fake prophecies would produce.
What is more worrisome is that this trend has permeated the Catholic Church, where miracles and prophecy are ordinarily treated with circumspection. The Lord Bishops need to call Catholic priests with such tendencies to order. They are tainting the church.
These so-called prophets and miracle merchants command God to act on the misplaced prayer requests of the adorers of their churches who pay for such miracle prayers and prophecies. Ebube Muonso’s Adoration Ground at Uke, Anambra State, is typical. Brainwashing, fake miracles, fake prophecies, etc., are integral parts of their worship.
When Karl Marx postulated, “Religion is the opium of the masses,” he certainly had Nigerians in mind, and these so-called men of God, like wolves in sheep’s clothing that Christ warned about, are cashing out big time on it. Many of them have sprawling estates, private jets, yachts, and a fleet of Rolls-Royces, etc., while their flocks wallow in poverty, ignorance, and disease.
Yet, one of them (Ebube Muonso) would have the temerity to insult Governor Soludo, who has instituted free education for all, free antenatal and delivery services for women, 1 Youth, 2 Skills, free digital skill training, small and medium business support schemes with soft loans up to N10m without collateral, etc., to help the poor. One wonders who is a better Christian.
Christ fed the poor, but these men of God fleece the poor. They sell their own portraits, anointing oil, and holy water to the poor worshippers, who they drive emotionally to frenzy with the mumbo-jumbo and abracadabra they present as speaking in tongues. The worshippers buy the articles by faith, believing they are sacramentals. If they work for them—and they rarely and coincidentally do—it has nothing to do with these charlatans who have called themselves prophets to milk the poor, claiming that God called them. Truly, spiritual materials are not auctioned like you find with these fake prophets. Healing, the Bible says, is God’s children’s bread—and not to be sold.
As a knighted Catholic and practising Christian, one is aware of what the book of James tells us: James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also,” the same eternal words uttered by Mahatma Gandhi when he postulated that wealth without work is a moral and mortal sin.
Indeed, there is a perfect correlation between Ebube Muonso’s preaching about miracles without work and crime and criminality. For example, there are worshippers in his church praying for miracles at the hours they ought to be at work. The solution to hardship is hard work, good health, and trust in God, not prayers alone. One has to work and pray, not pray and pray. But Ebube Muonso and his ilk encourage indolence rather than hard work, and it has consequences. These so-called men of God do nothing about the empowerment of the youth and the poor. No loan schemes or scholarships to help suffering widows and orphans. The most expensive schools, far beyond the reach of the poor, are run and owned by them. Ironically, the schools are built with tithes and offerings and the sowing of seeds.
Miracles happen but are exceptions, never the rule, even in the time of Christ. So, teaching people to hope in miracles and wealth without work is evil because it goads millions of our people the wrong way and into a life of depression, suicide, and crime/insecurity. Such preaching has created social disorders and failures rather than successful people and is therefore more of a problem than a solution. It attacks the Igbo wealth code, which is hard work, integrity, patience, and belief in God.
Miracle prayers for wealth without work are perfectly correlated with crime, and here is how. Most people who are praying for sudden wealth, in their desperation, sink deeper into rituals and idolatry. Today, many youths are seen burying cows alive or drowning cows in rivers as sacrifice. Ritual killings are part of it. ‘Ego Mbute’ (stupendous wealth) and ‘Oke Ite’ (money-making juju) go hand in hand, and ‘Oke Ite’ is said to involve human sacrifice. They are all byproducts of Ebube Muonso’s kind of preaching and a major part of the insecurity in Anambra and the South East that must be rooted out.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has condemned fake prophets and fake native doctors and is out for their checks. But to me, there is a need to extend the searchlight to fake prophets and churches where fake miracles and fake prophecies are bandied about to confuse and fleece the poor and unsuspecting members of the public. He needs to be told in unambiguous terms that many of the youths he has misled with fake prophecies are stranded, and some have taken to crime and criminality, which has culminated in and accounts in part for the insecurity he complains about today. He needs to repent, ask God’s forgiveness, and join the governor in finding a lasting solution to the insecurity in the state.
Walking the talk, Governor Soludo is set to launch and unleash Operation Udo Ga-Achi to deal decisively with insecurity, crime, and criminality in the state. Over 160 trucks and special-purpose vehicles have been procured and branded for the purpose. The joint operation will involve the six leading security agencies: the armed forces, the police, the Anambra Vigilante Group, and all.
Meanwhile, the application of the Anambra State Anti-kidnapping Law has commenced. Any property used for kidnapping will be confiscated by the government and levelled to the ground as a deterrent, and some buildings have gone down already since the first week of January 2025.
Public beware! Let me use this opportunity to advise Ndi Anambra, who built houses and live outside the state, about ensuring that such buildings are not used for criminal activities, particularly kidnapping. Ignorance of the law, as they say, is not an excuse.
Anambra is rising because solution is here! There is nothing the diatribe of a million Ebube Muonsos can do to stop the moving train.
*Law Mefor PhD is the Information Commissioner for Anambra State. email: drlawmefor@gmail.com; X: @DrLaw_Mefor.
In a press statement issued to newsmen in Enugu on Thursday night, Chief Okiro cited an existing court order that bars him from participating in the election.
In his statement, the former police chief expressed his disappointment, stating: “The court order, which is based on an alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. It is unfortunate that I was neither invited nor heard before this objectionable order was issued, which I learned about through the media. The facts are as follows: (a) I am from Egbema in Rivers State, as proven by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. (b) My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has confirmed my status as a native of Rivers State. (c) In my numerous published works, my indigene status of Rivers State is explicitly stated in the author’s column, notably in my bestseller, *Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy*. (d) Page 6 of my biography, written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama, also affirms my Rivers ancestry. (e) I have participated in numerous Imeobi meetings, representing Rivers State, as documented in the Secretary-General’s attendance list. (f) During my time at the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I served as Treasurer while the distinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected Secretary. (g) I represented Rivers State at the South-South People’s Assembly, alongside our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, with Prof. Pat Utomi representing Delta State. My records and credentials speak for themselves.”
Okiro reiterated his commitment to the rule of law, stating, “As an Igbo man and elder statesman from Rivers State, a position that has been zoned to me by the electoral committee, I respect the court’s order. My obedience to court orders, regardless of their nature, reflects our commitment to democracy. I believe the principles of the rule of law are fundamental to our collective progress.”
While confirming that he will not participate in the election pending the resolution of the case, he urged his supporters to remain composed. “The rule of law is the foundation of our society; its principles must be upheld, for our democratic values are non-negotiable. Together, we will emerge stronger. Our commitment to justice, due process, and the rule of law will ultimately vindicate us. I will refrain from participating in any election until the matter before Honourable Justice N.R. Oji of Enugu State High Court is resolved, as the court imposed the restraining order.
“Although I have not been formally served with the suit or order, my dedication to law and order remains steadfast. Yet, the reliefs granted in the order against me appear to infringe upon my fundamental rights as outlined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
“I Was Sacked, Not Removed By Tinubu”
“My esteemed career as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police highlights my commitment to justice and ethical conduct. I have instructed my legal team at Eze Okafor & Co. to pursue this case vigorously to ensure those who propagate hatred and lawlessness are held accountable in accordance with our legal framework.”
“As stipulated by our constitution, I demand to be heard, and I trust that the court will uphold the principles of natural justice in handling this case. We remain hopeful in our judicial system.”
“I call upon my immediate community, Egbema, and the broader Igbo-speaking populace of Rivers State, who stand firmly with me, along with my supporters across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to uphold the rule of law throughout this contest. Our resolve strengthens the unity and progress of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Together, we will navigate this challenge.”
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his support and reiterated his “commitment to the ideals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo—unity, progress, and peace in Igbo land,” asserting that “justice will prevail; Igbo unity and progress remain our guiding principles.”
“I assure you all that we shall overcome this minor setback, as our democratic values are non-negotiable.”
A schoolmate of the Retired Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Senator Andrew Uchendu, has diffused the controversy about Okiro’s state of origin, declaring that he is from Rivers State.
Briefing newsmen, Senator Uchendu explained that he and Okiro met at the University of Ibadan in 1974, and where he served as the General Secretary of the National Union of Rivers’ State Students, while Okiro was the Treasurer.
The clarification was informed by a claim by some groups, including Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), describing Okiro as an indigene of Imo State which has had its fair share of Ohanaeze leadership, ahead of the election of the President General of Igbo-Socio-Cultural group holding on Friday.
“The retired IGP, Sir Mike Okiro, has been my friend for many years, right at the University of Ibadan, way back in 1974. We met formerly at the National Union of Rivers States Students, UI, Branch. I was the Secretary. One Late F.J. Kuruye was the chairman, and Mike was the Treasurer.
“I asked him then and he said he is from Egbema, and I know that we have a local government called Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema in Rivers State…When he was the Treasurer, he was an active member of the association and we ran a strong union, related very well and maintained the relationship till now.”
Speaking in the same vein, a South-South leader and businessman, Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, an indigene of Opobo, in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government corroborated the nativity of Okiro in Rivers State, stating that the retired IGP is a Rivers’ son. “People should differentiate between Ohaji-Egbema in Imo State and Ogba/Egbema/Udoni in Rivers State. It is the turn of Rivers State and we the Ijaw people and Ndigbo in Rivers State are happy and are solidly behind Sir Mike Okiro. It is a unanimous decision,” he said.
He alluded to the sterling record of Okiro, “as a retired service chief and former Chairman of Police Service Commission, which qualifies him to give quality leadership to Ohanaeze, and he will utilize the same to address security and socio-cultural needs of Ndigbo around the world.
Dagogo, a South-South leader and businessman, explains that the system in Rivers State is behind Okiro for the job. “We are happy with the response we are getting all over the country. We are happy that the Amnesty we enjoy today in Niger Delta was facilitated by our son as IGP during the tenure of President Umaru Yar’Adua The people of Rivers State.
“Mike Okiro will bring stability to the South-East. Can you bring a mechanical engineer to work as a chemist in the laboratory or surgeon in the theatre? You can’t take a medical doctor to decide a case in the courtroom. So, Okiro has the necessary education, skill, strategies, experience to mitigate the security challenges we are having in the South-East today. Go back to his history, his antecedents; he has done very well,” Dagogo.
Earlier, Okiro had received the endorsement of key stakeholders from Egbema in Rivers State.
The National President General of Ogbakor Egbema Alinso, Ifi Francis Igwebuike who addressed a media conference at Okwuzi community, Egbema in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area of Rivers State, declared that Dr. Mike Okiro is eminently qualified for the position of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and should be supported by all lovers of Egbema ethnic nationality.
On his part, the Nzeobi of Egbema Kingdom in Rivers State, His Eminence, Eze Evaristus Amuda said Mike Okiro is a Rivers son, has right from childhood, as an Mgbede indigene of Egbema, Rivers State, and been contributing his quota for development of Egbema ethnic nationality.
Also speaking on the development, the Youth Leader of Ogbakor Egbema Alinso, Evaristus Nicholas called on Ndigbo to support the former Inspector General of Police, Dr Mike Okiro
–he is a committed Igbo patriot who the younger generation should emulate – Igwe Agubuzu
–he is a big asset to the society and I’m here in appreciation of the support he has given to me in my job – Dr Olachi, Coordinator, FCDO, Southern Nigeria
-he is a sincere and committed colleague who speaks truth to power in line with the name of his news medium- hoo!haa!! – Comrade Udekwe, Chairman, NUJ, Enugu State
Enugu – It was a deluge of goodwill messages and encomium, as Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji held an event captioned Chapter 50: For Ndigbo & For Blackkind, to mark his 50th birthday celebration on Friday, 20th December, 2024.
Igwe Amb LOC Agubuzu, Fmr Chairman, S’East Council of Traditional Rulers & the celebrant, Mazi Ọjị
The event, held at Nemeria Suites, NUJ Press Centre, Independence Layout was a gathering of close allies of the celebrant.
In his speech, the chairman of the occasion and former chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Ambassdor L.O.C. Agubuzu, OON, CON showered encomium on the celebrant
“This Christmas season is a very hectic time in the Igbo society with so much activities ongoing. However, it is commendable that we are all gathered here today to celebrate and express solidarity with our brother.
“Anyone here who doesn’t know Comrade Bismarck, should look at him and take note of him because he is a committed and solid Igbo man. Wherever a good deed is being done in Ala-Igbo, there you shall find Bismarck.
“He is not greedy or materialistic.His commitment to the Igbo cause is exceptional and he is not swayed by money or materialism He is humble and always works for peace and societal advancement. Therefore, I seize this opportunity to say to him, “Bismarck, keep it up”
“Everyone on earth has his own destiny, no one can collect another one’s destiny. Our prayer today is that all God has destined for him shall be fulfilled.
“Ala-Igbo needs people like you, who shall strive without seeking for personal gains while sacrificing for the betterment of the society. May God ensure that whatever you seek shall be your portion.
” Finally, I urge the younger ones here to emulate him”
Highlights of the occasion included a review/ presentation of two of the celebrants books, cutting of cake and toast/goodwill messages.
Other dignitaries in attendance included; HRH Igwe Kingley Uchechukwu Okeke (Kitikimkim) – Ogboha II of Ogboli -Ohaja, Awgu Egbeleli, Awgu LGA, Enugu (the celebrant’s senior at the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, Engr Abel Orjinta(the author’s professional colleague), Lt. Col. Jonah Eromsele Unuakhalu, Army Public Relations Officer, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, AVM Chris Ndubuisi Chukwu, Rtd (represented by Comrade Adindu Okoro),Dr Olachi Chuks-Ronnie, Coordinator, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Southern Nigeria.
Others were Comrade Sam Udekwe, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter, Dame Ifeoma Amuta, Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter, Chinedu Kama, Chairman, Nenwe Improvement Union (NIU), Enugu branch, Mazi ‘Zulu Ofoelue, former Provost, ATCOI College of Education, Enugu, etc.
The books review was done by Olushegun Richard Babalola, an architect, author and a member of Afenifere.
The summary of the elaborate review reads:
“I feel elated to have been chosen by the celebrant – Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji, as the reviewer of his books on the memorable occasion of Chapter 50: For Ndigbo & For Blackkind, an event in commemoration of his 50th birthday.
The choice, no doubt is symbolic as I’m a Yoruba man from Osun State. However, it is in line with Mazi’s belief in Igbo – Yoruba solidarity (Handshake Across the Niger) as a necessary step towards Southern/Middle Belt solidarity.
We met in July, 2022, when he was in Osun State, on behalf of the Obidient Movement ahead of the 16th July, 2022 Osun Governorship Election. Since then, our common belief in Pan-Africanism and the liberation of the Black Race, which the author refers to as Blackkind, through collaboration between the Igbos and Yorubas has been a common bond. We are both partners in the Igbo –Yoruba rapprochement and pan Nigerian collaboration of progressives to birth a new nigeria.
50th Birthday Cake – IKE@50: ÓGBÉDÓWÓ
The author’s four books by reviewed include; His Soul (An Anthology of Poetry), Like Ndigbo Like Blackkind, Blessed Yet Benighted (A Collection of Essays), Ilu Nenwe Ogu Lese (A Book on Igbo Proverbs) & My Ohanaeze Journey ( An Autobiography)
His Soul (An Anthology of Poetry) is dedicated to the author’s late father – Chief Madukaeku Michael Oji (Osuofia 1 of Nenwe)( 1929-2010) “for bearing the pains and turbulence of fathering me(Bismarck) and to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chuba Okadigbo (Oyi)(1941-2003) – Former President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria “for mentoring me(Bismarck) and my comrades in the Confederation of Igbo Students (CIS)”
Under acknowledgment, the author acknowledged Okuke Abiama, the Almighty God, “who encrypted poetry into his genes and made poetic occupations his constant burden.Then his elder sister- Ada Oji Mrs Uchegbulem Eze (Nee Oji), who unknowingly inspired him by being the first person he saw writing poetry although she was yet to publish anything.
The foreword, written by Late Prof Ben Obumselu, who the author described as “a father and a friend” in 2008, explained that in the book – His Soul, the author takes readers on a journey into his soul. In fact, the foreword is a concise and precise description of the whole book
The foreword reads thus:
The book is divided into four segments namely; Tributes to Oyi, Religion, Romance and Abstract.
Tributes to Oyi, as the name implies is dedicated to His Excellency, Dr Chuba Okadigbo, Former Nigerian Senate President. Poems here are the poet’s elegies to his icon and mentor. The second segment – Religion focuses on poems of a religious theme. However, these poems still border on the political since the author is an activist. The third segment – Romance is dedicated to romance and matters of the heart. Yet, the author’s activism is still evident even when he writes about romance and love. It shows that the author’s poems are not all belly aching and too serious. The fourth and last segment – Abstract is for everything else that doesn’t fall into the above earlier segments. It covers diverse issues from politics to nature.
Every good poem should have these three elements; fiery imagery, memorable language and a rhyme scheme. This anthology contains poems having a measure of all these”.
Like Ndigbo Like Blackkind, Blessed Yet Benighted is a collection of 16 essays written by the author on topical issues. It is an 84 page book in A5 format and the essays appear in chronological order. as follows; Imperatives of Nenwe Interest (2004), Ministerial Sack &2015 Politics (September, 2011), Fashola’s Apology to Ndigbo: The Real Issues (September, 2013), Ndigbo, the Benighted Giant of Black Kind(2014), Gluttons as Thinkers (20th May, 2015), What Ndigbo Want (January, 2016), Atiku, APC and the Restructuring Debate (July, 2016), An Award for Aisha (November, 2016), Trump’s Victory, Buhari’s Loss (November, 2016), The Re-Scheduled Ohanaeze Imeobi as Nwodo’s Mark of Leadership (December, 2020), Post Covid-19 Nigeria and the Ekweremadu Compass (A Salute to Nigeria’s Prophet of Restructuring @58) (April, 2021), Ohanaeze 2021 Election: Between Joining the Bandwagon and Standing Against Corruption (January, 2021), Admiral, As You Sail Home, Awaken Our Saints (September, 2021), New Enugu Cities and Enugus Oversized House Rents (April, 2024), Lefthandedness, a challenge not a disability (August, 2024),Tsunami Trump and the Igbo- American Community (November,2024 ) .
The colourful cover depicts the theme of the book – Pan- Africanism and the role of Ndigbo, the Yorubas and other prominent African tribes therein.
The author dedicates it to his father – Chief Madukaeku Michael Oji (Osuofia 1 of Nenwe)( 1929-2010) for being the first God that he knew. He then dedicated it to Adm. Ndubuisi Kanu, Rtd for the sole reason of his enigmatically epitomizing the lessons of this book – Like Ndigbo, Like Blackkind: Blessed Yet Benighted. He believed in and expended his life campaigning for a just society, from Ala-Igbo to Nigeria and Blackkind. He was a sailor’s sail, never afraid to sail on a voyage for activism, no matter how rough the sea was.
Under acknowledgement, he acknowledged God;Like Ndigbo Like Blackkind, Blessed Yet Benighted is merely an expression of that divine spark which my Chi impacted on me through my Agwu(Egwu). He then acknowledged the backroom boys namely; Idejiogwugwu Echezona Tony Okeke-Ojiudu, late Prof Ben Ebele Obumselu, late Owelle Barr. Oyibo Chukwu, Ugwumba Dr Joe Nwaorgu, Obunakueze Engr Chris Okoye, Igwe Ambassador L.O.C. Agubuzu and Agbalanze Dr Chike Madueke. These are(were) his intellectual comrades in the Igbo struggle, who work sacrificially behind the scene and without publicity or fanfare. He then acknowledged Prof Chidi Osuagwu for his Haiti tales.
The preface vividly portrays the book. It reads thus; Like Ndigbo Like Blackkind, Blessed Yet Benighted is a collection of some of Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji’s essays, published in commemoration of his entrance into chapter 50, the 5th floor of his human sojourn on earth, by virtue of his being birthed 50 years ago, precisely on 25th May, 1974.
The essays all dwell on contemporaneous issues of econo-political essence and have a common thread running through their DNA. That thread is Pan-Africanism, using his Igbo homeland as take off point or launch pad. He is influenced firstly by Zik’s book Renascent Africa and Chinua Achebe’s poem Beware Soul Brother. Mazi Oji enjoyed the tutelage of some Igbo philosophers such as Prof Ben Obumselu and Dr Arthur Nwankwo. However, Idejiogwugwu Echezona Tony Okeke-Ojiudu, it was, that turned him into one of the backroom boys.
For him, Blackkind is the black quotient of mankind, regardless of their continent. After all, Bob Marley said, “Where ever you’re from, if you’re a black man, you’re an African”
Since February, 2000 when he got born again again, by giving his life, this time, not to Christ but to the Igbo struggle, Mazi Oji has been involved in everything Igbo. He joined Ohanaeze Ndigbo then and thereafter had the privilege of knowing Biafra from the master himself.
Between 2000 to 2008, he had the opportunity of listening to the father of the Biafran nation – Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in private audiences and while leading groups to meet him. He equally heard him speak at Ohanaeze meetings and at other Igbo fora. The message he got was this: Biafra is a thing of the mind. As such, we’re Biafrans, by virtue of the part of Nigeria we come from, whether there is a sovereign state of Biafra or not. Whatever Ndigbo want is not different from what other patriotic Nigerians want, regardless of region or religion. Never again must Ndigbo allow themselves to fight against the rest of Nigeria.
Consequently, he authored Handshake across the Nigeraimed at Southern solidarity and by extension Southern – Middle Belt solidarity. Ojukwu saw Yorubas as siblings, not enemies.
Ilu nenwe ogu lese is a collection of hundred Nenwe proverbs with their meanings in central Igbo and English. Interestingly, the author co-authored this book with his mother – Lolo Rebecca Nwogbonneye Oji (Nee Nwabueze). According to him, much of what he knows about Nenwe proverbs were learnt from her. As a Yoruba, I find this book amazing since it exposes me to the richness of Igbo culture as embedded in Igbo proverbs.
My Ohanaeze Journey is the author’s biography. It promises to be a controversial thriller.
Below is an appetizer;
“MY OHANAEZE JOURNEY
My Ohanaeze journey is the journey of my life.
A journey that has owned the greater of my adult days.
A journey that my father never ever consented to,
for his right reasons.
A journey that has defined my life.
A journey of heart breaks, trials, betrayals, fratricidal battles, even.
A journey within a journey that defined the journey.
Yet, in all of these,
I’m proud of my Ohanaeze colours
and I wear my badge with pride.
Ohanaeze has been a leadership training institution that brought me under the tutelage of the Igbo elders, from February, 2000 till date; Ndubuisi Kanu, Ikemba, Ozobu, Ikedife, Obumselu, Joe Nwaorgu, Chris Okoye, Tony Okeke, etc. What more can I ask for?
In this book, Mazi tells his story, the story of his life, the story of Ohanaeze, the story of his involvement in that Igbo flagship, the story of the ships sails and storms. It is his story and he tells it with a religious commitment, never to touch or re-touch the truth.
Finally, the books are all exciting and as intoxicating as fresh palmwine.
In his welcome speech, the celebrant had this to say:
“I appreciate all those who found time despite the tight schedules associated with Christmas season in Ala-Igbo. Surely, you have all made my days and I’m comforted to realize that my sacrificial service for Ndigbo and Blackkind has not been in vain.
“Looking back on this half century of my life, I have every cause to thank God Almighty -Okuke Abiama, Chi Ndigbo, because, all things considered, it is well. The tribulations have been many, the mistakes several. Yet, all things considered, we have not arrived at our destined port but we have managed to steer unto course, after being severally blown off course.
“The inscription on my birthday cake reads – IKE @5O : ÓGBÉDÓWÓ. That sums up this my journey. In Nenwe dialect, Ógbédówó means “It has gone well” “The barrier has been removed” “The road is clear” “It has ended well”. That is the name of my 14 month old son; a son who came as I turned from the dark tumultous past to behold a tommorrow brimming with brazen light.
“This is the first time I’m celebrating my birthday or any personal event of any kind and I cherish all of you, who came to stand by me.
“Actually, I’m having a presentation of my books today. There were meant to be four but only two made it out of the stable. This is just a presentation of my books, to show some of the intellectual byeproduct of my life’s journey; a formal launch shall come in due course.
“I appreciate my elder sister – Ada oji (Mrs Uchegbulem Eze). Although she was the first person I saw writing poetry, who triggered the poetry in my DNA, she is yet to publish a single line. In fact, her manuscripts are all lost. Like I said in my poem – Dead Library, it was my fear of not wanting to be like her that forced me to get my books published.
“Yes, after 50 years, half of which was spent in the service of Ndigbo, in Ohanaeze, a journey of twists and turns, I’m proud of the scars I have gotten from the battles along this dusty road. Yet, because it is the very essence of my life, I have no option than to continue on this course of service to Ndigbo and Blackkind through Ohanaeze.
“Yes, despite the recent challenges being faced by Ohanaeze – the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, it remains a necessity for Ndigbo and I remain committed to any genuine effort to make Ohanaeze more functional. After 25 years, I offer myself once more for service in the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze. The last time I was in the Ohanaeze NEC was 16 years ago when I served as the Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide under Dr Dozie Ikedife’s Presidency. Today, after much tutelage from revered Igbo elders and months into my fifties, I’m much more seasoned and experienced”
In their respective goodwill messages, other dignitaries had this to say
“Mazi Bismarck has been a great asset to me in my job. Unlike those who knew him from childhood, I have just known him for some years. However, his commitment to duty is topnotch. Whatever he decides to do, you can go and sleep with the assurance that it would be well done; not just done but perfectly done.
“It was through Bismarck that I met Igwe Agubuzu and a lot of the Igbo personalities I need to meet in the course of my work. I want to appreciate the solidarity you have shown me and I want to assure yo. I want to let you know that it has not gone unnnoticed, I really do appreciate. That is why I said, no matter what happens, I have to be here to show solidarity and I say thank you for all the solidarity you have shown me. I wish you many more happy celebrations
“And you have really challenged me from what you said (in Dead Library, one of your poems). In fact, I have about six books half done, I will try to finish up and publish them next year” – Dr Olachi Chuks-Ronnie, Coordinator, Foreign Commonwealth &Development Office (FCDO), Southern Nigeria
“Mazi Bismarck is someone we’re all proud of in Nenwe. His commitment to community development is exceptional. He has brilliant ideas and has bountiful energy to execute such ideas. Although, he is a distant relation since his grandmother was our sister, he is indeed a younger brother to me and one in whom I’m well pleased” – AVM Chris Ndubuisi Chukwu, Rtd
“Mazi Bismarck is a sincere and committed colleague who speaks truth to power in line with the name of his news medium- hoo!haa!! – Comrade Udekwe, Chairman, NUJ, Enugu State
“I have known Mazi Bismarck from our yesteryears when our families lived opposite each other at Marcus Garvey Street, New Haven, Enugu. We have always known him as an Igbo activist. Eze Ndigbo, that’s what we call him because of his love and commitment to Ndigbo. He has been a friend and brother, long before we crossed paths in journalism. I wish him all the best” – Dame Ifeoma Amuta, Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter
“I have known Bismarck from our undergraduate days in ESUT. He has always been committed to community service. We were both involved in students unionism and I attest to the fact that he has remained a worthy comrade. He has also been a key member of our town union – Nenwe Improvement Union (NIU). He is indeed a good brother because we are from adjoining communities in Emudo – Nenwe; Umulevo and Umungaranwu. I wish him all the best in life, , as@@# – Chinedu Kama, Chairman, Nenwe Improvement Union (NIU), Enugu Branch
In her speech, the celebrant’s mother – Lolo Rebecca Nwogbonneye Oji gave an insight of what she described as “My Ikechukwu Story”;
“Ike was born on 25th of May, 1974. As at then, his father was overseas for his Masters Degree program at Iowa State University, USA. While travelling he left me in the care of a brother and friend – Chief B.C. Alukwu whose wife was a matron at Isienu Health Centre, Eha- Alumona, Nsukka LGA, Enugu State.
“Before his birth, I was already being called Mama Ik. His elder sister – Ada, is older than him with five years. At the age of three, when she goes to her friends’ house and tries to play with their baby brother called Ik, the girls will refuse, asking her to leave their brother alone. She would come back home crying, asking me why I dont want to buy her own ‘Ik’ for her as she thought babies were bought from the market.
“Eventually, I gave birth to Ik, at night when Ada woke up she exclaimed, “Ik, nwanne m, nno!” (Ik, my brother, welcome!). So, when their dad was asked what name he would be given, he said the baby boy had already been named Ikechukwu, by his sister. He also directed that he be given the name Emmanuel as his birth was prophetic, having being awaited for five years.
“Whatever you see him doing today, he has been that way from birth. Just like his late father, he believes firmly in societal advancement and service to humanity. He is very sincere and truthful. I wish him the best”
A young man, Ejiofor Onah, one of the celebrant’s mentees also shared his testimony:
“I’m an Engineer today because of Engr Bismarck. He met me several years ago at my mother’s shop at Ogbete Market. He asked me which course I wish to study in the university and I said Medicine. He then advised to go for Engineering since I was good in Mathematics. Today, all thanks to Engr Bismarck, I’m a Mechanical Engineer and my younger brother, here present is also a Civil Engineer. Engr, I owe you so much, thank you”
The celebrants colleagues from the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu Branch was represented by Mr Ogochukwu Unegbe( his classmate of the class of 1992) and Mr Dereck Ossai (1991 set)
