Anioma not Biafra: Historian educates the Delta nincompoop Ifeanyi Okowa over Biafra GAFFE

Anioma not Biafra: Historian educates the Delta nincompoop Ifeanyi Okowa over Biafra GAFFE

In reaction to the embarrassing statement by the governor of Delta state,Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi, who is from Ika in Aniocha, that Aniocha is not part of South East, I wish to remind him a bit of history.

" And in 1939, the Obi of Agbor, Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko and the Obi of Aboh, for themselves and the entire Western Igbo people, petitioned there Colonial Administration for carving out the Western Igbos from their Kits and Kins East of the Niger. 

"Consequently, in 1956, Western Igbo leaders organized the AMA1 conferences where it was resolved that the answer to the political problems of the Western Igbos was to create a West Niger Igbo State with the Headquarters at ALIDINMA. The agitation for the creation of the West Niger Igbo State assumed the name ANIOMA after the civil war".

It is pertinent at this point to look back and critically outline the roles of the Delta Igbo’s during the most critical period in the life and history of our brothers across the Niger.

A significant officers and men of Midwestern origin-Delta-Igbos fought on the side of the Biafran Army:

Col. Mike Ndukwe Okwuechime, to start with was the Chief of Linguistics, Defence headquarters, Biafran Army till the end of the Biafra-Nigeria war on January 12, 1970. 

Navy Commander Frank Anukwu from Ika was in charge of Biafran Navy till the end of the war. 

Brigadier Nwawo from Aniocha North was General Officer who commanded 4 Command (Special) Division of Biafran Army. 

Col. Joe Achuzie from Oshimili South was General Officer Commanding (GOC) 16 division.

Late Col. B.S.A. Nwajei from Oshimili North was at a time, the Commander 14 division. 

Col. Ochei from Oshimili South was Commandant of School of Infantry Biafran Army. 

Col. Morah and Col. Henry Igboba from Aniocha North and Oshimili North, respectively fought gallantly for the survival of Biafran people during the war. 

Late Major Albert Okonkwo from Oshimili North was the Administrator of the Republic of Biafra 

Mr. George Nwanze from Oshimili North was the secretary to Odumegwu Ojukwu, Head of State defunct Republic of Biafra, to mention but a few. 

It is important to mention that the above top military Officers and highly respected men of substance from the then Midwestern region, did not fight as mercenaries. I want to state that as a matter of historical fact, I too fought gallantly on the side of Biafra. 

In fact, I came back from my studies in oversea and was confronted with the war, as Igbo people were been slaughtered all across the North, we had to run from Jos to Ibusa where I joined force with the Biafran Army.

Most importantly, it should not be forgotten that late Chukwuma Nzeogwu of Okpanam in Oshimili North died at Oboleke fighting on the side of Biafran Army. 

It is paramount to mention that late Col. Okonweze from Asaba was killed at Abeokuta during the counter Coup of July 29, 1966. 

Late Col. Henry Igboba from Ibusa suffered the same fate in Benin City in 1967. 

Late Mr. Ogwude from Ogwashiuku, a Permanent Secretary was killed in Benin City the same 1967. 

The Benin City, Sapele Warri, Isheagu, Ogwashiuku and Ogbeke-Asaba massacres, to mention but a few, were reprisals against Ndigbo on both sides of the Niger. 

Ndigbo east and west of the Niger shared a common fate during the war as a direct consequence of the January 1966 Military Coup, which was purportedly described as Igbo Coup.

Don’t you think Igbo Delta people not just those across the Niger, but those in River State etc have not been receiving their own share of respect and acceptance that prompted Okwuechime to voice out his frustration?

The truth is that Ohaneze Ndigbo and the World Igbo Assembly (IWA) has created solid sense of belonging everywhere Igbo people reside. To buttress this fact, the brotherly relationship between Igbo South East and Anioma people is based on mutual love and respect manifesting in the election of Late Ogbueshi Dr. J.B. Azinge of Asaba as Deputy president General of Ohaneze Ndigbo before the tenure of Col. Joe Achuzia as Secretary General. 

The incumbent President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo is his Excellency Ambassador Raph Uwaechue of Ogwashi-Uka in Aniocha South of Delta State.

Related Story:

Mischievous Okowa is suffering from identity crisis - IPOB excoriates Delta State Governor over Anioma-Biafra inane statement

-M.M.Mbanaja