Ojukwu, The Grave Issues Still Lie Afloat

Over the years, the history books about the civil war have blamed Ojukwu for the frightening results of the civil war. A war that sympathizers have termed genocide and needless. But the truth is the grave issues that led us to war are still floating unattended to. Like every other war hero, Ojukwu has enjoyed what could be called a fair/unfair share of blames for the war.

More so, he is perceived as turbulent and ambitious, arrogant, power-hungry, and most of them all too youthful to comprehend the import of the war then.

And also, he has had to contend with critics who have labeled him a coward because he left when he saw the chances of winning the war were just a mirage.

The important issue is that as a nation we suffer from these grave issues like over-centralization, a skewed electoral process, a very expensive presidential system among others. All these have stymied the advancement of the Nigeria state with fears about its future lingering.

Critically, Ojukwu’s death has thrown up the need for us to look at these issues; for example given more powers to the regions. As it is today, our system keeps stymieing the possible progress that could be made. Hoping on decisions made far away in the nation’s capital is not good for anyone.

Finally, the war was a disaster but the issues are real. It is agreed that he, Ojukwu was protesting injustices and the tampering of the army system of rewarding its hierarchy and staffs, with seniority in the ranks playing a leading role.  He is still admired by people. The war might have ended but the issues are still floating around us.

One Comment

1. 

   Obinna Cosmas Chukwuemeka

   November 30, 2011 at 10:52 pm

   NIGERIA – BIAFRA WAR ERA IS FAR MORE BETTER THAN THE PRESENT STATE OF NIGERIAN ECONOMY THAT IS FULL OF UNCERTAINTY, INSECURITY, LOOTING OF PUBLIC TREASURY, LYING ON OATH, BETRAYAL OF TRUST, INCESSANT KILLING OF INNOCENT CITIZENS (DEPRIVED MASSES THAT ARE ONLY GOOD FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGN BUT DO NOT DESERVE GOOD LIVING), AND SO ON. WHETHER OJUKWU WAS JUSTIFIED FOR EMBACKING ON WAR OR NOT, CAN BE ATTESTED TO BY THE CURRENT CONDITION OF NIGERIA. OJUKWU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD SAVE US IN THIS COUNTRY NIGERIA!