There are two Igbo people Ndi Igbo have been unfair to as far as our modern history is concerned.

Incidentally, these two great sons of Ala Igbo are from Onicha which presently at the center of national spotlight; Nnamdi Azikiwe and Asika Ukpabi.

Nnamdi Azikiwe I believe needs no introduction to many Ndi Igbo. Although, what many of the younger generation of Ndi Igbo know about him is unsavoury, distasteful and unkind.

Asika Ukpabi on the other hand, has been consigned into the dustbin of Igbo history.

Although, I must warn, once you die in Ala Igbo, you will most likely be swept into the dustbin of history no matter how illustrious you are. We are as a people appear to have no regards for the past.

Asika Ukpabi was the Governor of East Central State. One of the states that was created during the war in an attempt to divide the Eastern Region headed by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Asika who was a lecturer of Political Science at the University of Ibadan during the civil war accepting the position of Governor was surely accepting a poisoned chalice.

As expected, many Igbo branded him a saboteur for accepting the position from Gowon.

However, by the virtue of Asika accepting that unenviable position, it became the soft landing many Ndi Igbo used in reintegrating themselves back into Nigeria both during and after the war.

As Igbo towns or communities sacked during the war by Federal soldiers came under his control and supervision.

By accepting the position of Governor of East Central State at that checkered point of our history, Asika ensured Ndi Igbo were not entirely out at the decision making table of Nigeria.

Unfortunately, Asika who should be a hero to us if we are sincere as a people has been completely forgotten. And when remembered, he is remembered as a saboteur.

It is unfortunate that we Ndi Igbo tend to always forget our very best. The most informed amongst us. Those who noiselessly fought and ensured our survival.

I am urging Governor Soludu to see that these two illustrious sons of Anambra are given the robust recognition they deserve in our history.

It’s high time young Umu Igbo knew those who are actually worthy of emulation. It’s time Ndi Igbo honor those who ensured they were not completely wiped out when they were following a dead end.

Meanwhile, thanks to Ncheta Ndigbo for filling the lacuna of remembering past Igbo legends.

SoludoHonorZik

Ezeikolomuo
Igbo Consciousness Teacher

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