Throughout history, countless lives were sacrificed by brave individuals fighting for a cause they believed in. Many gave up their prime years, fighting for the Igbo nation, only to be abandoned at the end of the Nigerian Civil War. Today, the aftermath of those sacrifices is painfully visible in the rise of groups like MASSOB and IPOB, along with the power-hungry opportunists who exploit the situation. Without reflecting on our past and honoring those who fought and died, there will be no peace for the Igbo people.

My message is simple: Until Ndigbo set aside a day to mourn and eulogize the thousands who perished in the 1966 pogrom and the millions lost in the Biafran Genocide, the cycle of misfortune will continue. The dead, especially those who died for a cause, do not remain silent. Their spirits, especially, cannot be ignored.

A Personal Reflection on Biafra

As a Biafran Boy during the Civil War, I carry my memories of those days deeply within me. Now, as an older man and comparative historian, my perspective has evolved. General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s decision to fight back against those who sought to annihilate the Eastern Region was justifiable in 1967. His bold stand, however, couldn’t prevent the inevitable outcome of the war. By 1968, it was clear that Biafra could not win. Even Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the father of Nigerian independence, saw the writing on the wall. Many of Ojukwu’s contemporaries also recognized the need for diplomacy, something Zik had already pursued by gaining international support.

However, Ojukwu and many others dismissed this approach, opting instead for a path of continued resistance. The Biafran cause became synonymous with Ojukwu, his closest allies, and their vision, and many of today’s proponents of Biafra still carry this mentality. Ndigbo must look to history for guidance and reconsider their current path.

The Roots of Nigeria’s Conflict

The January 1966 coup, which initially seemed like an opportunity for change, was a disastrous move that threw the country into chaos. Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu, with all his intelligence, did not realize he was merely a pawn in a larger, more complex scheme. The mastermind behind the coup was Wale Ademoyega, a trained historian who joined the army in 1962. At the time of the coup, Igbo men were in significant positions of power: Nnamdi Azikiwe was President, Nwafor Orizu was Senate President, and General Aguiyi-Ironsi was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Nigerian Army.

The coup plotters, though motivated by a desire to free Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison, did more harm than good. By assassinating northern leaders and civilians, they did not win the support of the Yoruba or any other ethnic group. The tragedy of the coup was felt throughout Nigeria, especially in the aftermath of the violence.

Biafra’s Legacy and Heroes

Before anyone shouts “Biafra,” it is important to remember the real heroes of the war. Gen. Philip Effiong, an Ibibio man, stood by Biafra until the very end. His surrender to Obasanjo and Gowon likely saved many lives. Yet, in modern discussions, how many Biafrans honor the memory of Effiong or other unsung heroes like him?

How many Biafrans, for instance, paid tribute to the late Félix Houphouët-Boigny of Côte d’Ivoire, or to African leaders like Kenneth Kaunda and Julius Nyerere, who were strong supporters of Biafra? Revolutionary movements are often shaped by the wisdom and foresight of past leaders. We must remember them, not only in speeches but in action.

Figures like Air Vice Marshal Osita Obierika, who advocated for the full integration of Biafrans’ talents into the Nigerian Air Force, are often forgotten. He was an advocate for peace and unity, seeking a future that transcended the war’s devastation.

The State of Ndigbo Today

In today’s Nigeria, Igbo leadership remains fractured. When Sylvester Nwakuche, an Oguta man, was elevated to the position of Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, it was thanks to the support of a Yoruba minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Yet, there was no outcry from Igbo leadership—no acknowledgment or even the simple act of saying “ndo” (sorry) when Nwakuche’s ascension was delayed by the so-called “Sahara Mafia.”

Likewise, when Dr. Chike Akunyili, a Biafran who fought for the cause, was gunned down in public, many chose to ignore the tragedy, more focused on other events. Similarly, when Igbo political movements gained ground, like the Labour Party’s success in Lagos in 2023, many failed to recognize the cross-ethnic alliances that contributed to that victory. It wasn’t just Igbo votes—many Yoruba supported Peter Obi.

Ndigbo must look inward. The South-East region is a place of immense potential, filled with ingenuity and resilience. The same people who built refineries and airports during the war can achieve even more in peace time. Today, many Igbo leaders play follow-the-leader, not daring to forge their own path. But figures like Sam Mbakwe, Zik, and Dr. Michael Okpara were men of vision. Ndigbo must follow in their footsteps.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Enough noise, enough blame. It is time for Ndigbo to reflect on their past, learn from history, and take control of their future. The promise of a prosperous South-East is within reach, but only if we are guided by wisdom, unity, and respect for those who came before us. Only then can we move forward as a nation, honoring the fallen and building a future worthy of their sacrifice.