EXIT OF A LEGEND THE GREAT IROKO DIM OJUKWU 4TH NOV 1933 TO 26TH NOV 2011

THERE are not many people to whom the grace to live and contribute like Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu is given. It can truly be said that he came, saw and conquered. He was the one who described the late Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo as the best President Nigeria never had. It was so apt that it stuck, surviving the years

How could one describe such a man for whom the bell tolled on November 25? Do we simply say the man died? That would not do justice to the memory of a man who left bold footprints on the sands and rock of his time. He was a catalyst of change. In the Nigerian army, he left no one in doubt that he did not just join to receive salute from junior officers and offer compliments to his seniors. Any record of the Nigerian Army without the role played by Private or Lt. Col Ojukwu would be grossly incomplete and distorted.

He was the soul and moving spirit behind the Biafran Army. He dictated the pace and he enjoyed himself while doing so. For him, there could be no dull moment. While he had commanders, he planned the war and the battles. He handled foreign relations and procuments. He was simply in charge. In the process, of course, he made many mistakes. His commanders, as Madiebo, Hilary Njoku and others attested, merely took instructions. Madiebo said he did not even know the size of the armoury. In the context, it was difficult to plan. Rabble rousers, in no time, took over what was supposed to be purely a military action. The word of the Commander-in-Chief was law. Whoever opposed Ojukwu was dubbed a saboteur and given the treatment meted to Ifeajuna and Banjo. Njoku was luckier, a jail term was deemed sufficient punishment for looking the ultimate commander in the face. Many would swear till date that the fate that befell Nzeogwu was arranged.

All these could not detract from the standing of the man. He was many things in a lifetime. He got more attention and opportunities than five other men considered great. As Biafran Head of State, he loomed large. Very large. The beautiful and philosophical Ahiara Declaration has survived the years. His many addresses as Head of State call attention to what we have missed in the current leadership of our country.