who killed Major Nzeogwu?

WHO Killed Major Nzeogwu? MAX SIOLLUN maxsiollun@yahoo.com Tuesday, August 4, 200 A GRIM ANNIVERSARY Last week marked the 42nd anniversary of the death of Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. Nzeogwu died in the final week of July 1967. While there is consensus that he died, exactly how he died and at the hands of whom has remained in dispute. In conspiracy rife Nigeria, all manner of rumours and apocryphal stories have alleged that Nzeogwu was murdered in a Machiavellian plot engineered by Ojukwu to eliminate him or perhaps that he was killed while trying to defect to join the federal army. As always, the truth is much more mundane. NZEOGWU IN PRISON For his role in Nigeria's first military coup, Nzeogwu was imprisoned by the military regime of Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi at the notorious Kiri-Kiri maximum security prison in Lagos.  His co-conspirators were also initially detained there but many of them were later moved to prisons in the Eastern Region: including Majors Ifeajuna (Uyo prison), Ademoyega, Onwuatuegwu (Enugu prison), Captain Gbulie (Abakaliki prison), Major Chukwuka, Captain Nwobosi (both Owerri prison).  Nzeogwu was the only officer among the plotters that was moved to Aba prison.  After Ironsi was overthrown in July 1966, Nzeogwu remained in prison until he was released in March 1967 by the Eastern Region's Military Governor Lt-Colonel Ojukwu.  NZEOGWU’S RIFT WITH OJUKWU However after his release his activities were curtailed.  He and Ojukwu did not see eye to eye. Nzeogwu was never enthusiastic about secession. As late as 1967 he articulated in an interview with Dennis Ejindu his view that: “secession will be ill-advised, indeed impossible. Even if the East fights a war of secession and wins, it still cannot secede. Personally, I don’t like secession and if this country disintegrates, I shall pack up my things and go. In the present circumstances, confederation is the best answer as a temporary measure. In time, we shall have complete unity." The interview did not go down well with Ojukwu and Nzeogwu’s words to Ejindu were the last official statements attributed to him before his death.  Relations between Ojukwu and Nzeogwu deteriorated further as Nzeogwu made no secret of his desire for a united Nigeria.  Even though war between Nigeria and Biafra was imminent, in April 1967 Nzeogwu was suspended from all military activities by Ojukwu.  The immediate pretext was Nzeogwu’s involvement in a battle simulation military training exercise in Abakaliki and other towns in the Eastern Region.  Recalling that Nzeogwu had turned the night time training “Exercise Damissa” into a full blown coup the previous year, Ojukwu banned all such further exercises. Relations between Ojukwu and Nzeogwu got bad enough for Ojukwu to consider putting Nzeogwu back in prison. In a June 17, 1967 letter to his friend Olusegun Obasanjo, Nzeogwu confessed: “You have no doubt heard a lot of rumours about my relations with Ojukwu. We obviously see things quite differently after what he did to my supporters in January 1966. He is also worried about my popularity among his own people. I was to be put back in prison, but he was afraid of repercussions. Right now I am not allowed contact with troops nor am I permitted to operate on the staff. One gentleman’s agreement we have is that I can carry on with what ever pleases me.” Amazingly even at this late stage, Nzeogwu was still entertaining fantasies of Nigerian unity and reintegrating the Nigerian army: “I will create a new Nigerian army inside Biafra!! With Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and all other ethnic groups.” Nzeogwu inspired and frightened with equal measure. A personality cult bordering on hero worship grew up around him in the Eastern Region and he was being feted as an immortal indestructible warrior. Although Ojukwu gave Nzeogwu the Biafran rank of Brigadier, he was not given any formal command in the Biafran army. Despite not officially being part of the Biafran army command, Nzeogwu was not the type of character that could remain idle.  His impulsive nature and rebelliousness towards superior officers has been documented.  Lt-Col Patrick Anwunah went so far as to describe Nzeogwu as: “a radical and an inwardly insubordinate young officer…..(who was) full of his own ideas and probably thought he had the answers to all problems. His statements and comments at that time gave me the impression that he could become insubordinate as he had no regard for senior officers.” Frustrated at his exclusion from military duties, Nzeogwu took to informal ad hoc guerilla raids against the federal army. He would impulsively conscript other soldiers to join him during these raids.  It is not certain that these raids and conscriptions were authorised by Ojukwu. Nzeogwu was admired and feared in equal measure. He was admired for his intelligence, warmth and charm. He was feared because of his suicidal courage.  Junior Biafran foot soldiers were reluctant to be conscripted by Nzeogwu. Conscription by Nzeogwu meant being taken to the front line and faced with grave danger.  Nzeogwu was brave enough to cross behind enemy lines, carry out reconnaissance and engage the federal army in close quarter combat. In late July 1967, his courage took him a step too far. THE DEATH OF NZEOGWU Nzeogwu had gone out on a reconnaissance mission in the Nsukka sector. He was travelling in an improvised armoured vehicle (known as a "Biafran Red Devil") that had been converted by the ingenious Biafran engineers from a Bedford truck. The vehicle was cumbersome despite its impressive ingenuity. The vehicle became immobilised and was surrounded by federal troops of the 21st battalion at a roadblock near the University of Nigeria Nsukka campus.  The troops were led by Captain Abubakar Gora, and they opened fired on it. The vehicle's improvised armour withstood their bullets until it was attacked with the fearsome 106mm recoilless rifle which pierced its body.  Ironically, the 106mm recoilless rifle was the same anti-tank weapon that Nzeogwu and other soldiers used in January 1966 to attack and destroy the official lodge of the Sardauna of Sokoto. At this point, the accounts diverge. Olu Mamdap (former military driver to General Domkat Bali) witnessed the incident and claims that Nzeogwu and the other “two or three” occupants in the vehicle were killed while still inside the vehicle.  Mamdap claims that it was not known that Nzeogwu was inside until the corpses were dragged out.  However Major-Generals Mohammed Shuwa and Abdullahi Shelleng (who were not present when Nzeogwu was killed but saw his corpse) claimed that while being fired on, Nzeogwu jumped out from the vehicle, shouted in Hausa and identified himself as Major Nzeogwu but was shot dead anyway. Ojukwu's mixed race half brother Tom Biggar was also killed along with Nzeogwu.  Biggar was the child of Ojukwu’s mother with a European named Biggar. Nzeogwu's corpse was identified by Lieutenant Abdullahi Shelleng who ordered that it should be stored firstly in the University of Nigeria campus at Nsukka. However, by the time Shelleng arrived, Nzeogwu's eyes had been plucked out in what appears to have been a ritual mutilation. According to Shelleng the soldier who shot Nzeogwu was ironically Nzeogwu's former batman. The corpse was later sent to 1 division headquarters in Makurdi where the 1 division commander Colonel Mohammed Shuwa informed the head of state Major-General Gowon. Despite the fact that Nzeogwu was now technically an enemy soldier killed in combat against the Nigerian army, Gowon ordered that Nzeogwu's body should be flown to Kaduna and buried with full military honours – even as the war raged on in the Eastern Region. Even in death, Nzeogwu was still respected by federal and northern troops.  Domkat Bali referred to him as: “a nice, charismatic and disciplined officer, highly admired and respected by his colleagues. At least he was not in the habit of being found in the company of women all the time messing about with them in the officers mess, a pastime of many young officers then….we believed that he was a genuinely patriotic officer who organised the 1966 coup with the best of intentions who was let down by his collaborators….If we had captured him alive, he would not have been killed. I believe he probably would have been tried for his role in the January 15 coup, jailed and probably freed after some time. His death was regrettable.” http://maxsiollun.wordpress.com/my-book/

Simply surprise yourself yonder

hi,

its been long since i posted on this page. i am so sorry for my inconsistency, i initially had issues accessing my account, but that has been soughted  out. i am so inconsistent very bad. i think i should add 'consistency '  to my new year resolution for 2012.

Schooling in Nigeria!

I really cant remember when i started my LLM Programme, at the Lagos State University( LASU), neither do i know when i will finish this programme. Today the Marine Insurance Class was a joint class, a combination of LLM 1(First yr) Maritime Law students and LLM2(Second yr) General law/corporate law( my own class). After lectures , a student in LLM 1  Maritime turns around to face me and he asked me these questions:

‘ please when did you start this programme’

 ‘ honestly i cant remember’

I had to think twice, do some calculations, some arithmetic before giving an answer.

‘ ok i think i enrolled for this course  late 2009 , just when we were about to start classes ASUU ( Academic Staff of Universities Union) went on strike, so we resumed in 2010, and just when we were about to start our 1^st semester examination around October, ASSU went on strike again, the school was shut down, we resumed in 2011. Immediately we resumed we wrote our exams and thereafter resumed 2^nd semester, luckily no strike since then. This is the beginning of 1^st semester for the 2^nd and last session’

‘Waoh! So when will this session end’

‘ honestly i don’t know, i cant guess, i cant tell’

This  what schooling in Nigeria is like, no certainty, strike upon strike, no stable programme for the session, its any how, any way you see it, you take it’  

Now back to the class, the next lecture for my own class is LANDLORD AND TENANT. The lecturer comes in and demands for our seminar papers. Apparently i am the only student who has a seminar paper ready to deliver. My class mates begin to complain that it is suppose to be a group work. I did not know that, i thought everyone in my group was suppose to prepare his or her own  work. Anyway at the end of the day, i am allowed to deliver my paper titled MESNE PROFITS, COMPENSATION AND OCCUPATION A MYTH OR A REALITY, my classmates criticized some of the issues i had raised. At the end of the day it was an interesting and interactive class. Most of all i am happy that i have cleared one seminar paper for the semester.

As the lecturer leaves the class, another lecturer walks in to teach the same course. What! This lecturer is actually the main lecturer, the ‘authority’ (very conversant in an area of law)in landlord and tenant, but refused to take the course, claiming that he was cheated in the last promotion exercise. According to him, he ought to have gotten a promotion. His approach to his classes is cool: we are going to study and review the new law on tenancy, LAGOS STATE TENANCY LAW 2011. 

 ‘ok i don’t get it!  Why did he put us through all this stress, OMG!, It took me like four days to put my seminar paper together, now i have to write another one for him OMG! This school sulks! My only consolation is this ; now i have to be honest here, the lecturer is really an ‘authourity’ (very conversant in an area of law) in Land lord and tenant . His lectures very cool! As for my last seminar paper, i have no regrets!

My dear readers this is what it takes to study in a Nigerian University. No consistency! For those who have the time and money its better to school abroad, or attend a private university here in Nigeria. But one thing i like about schooling here is that references are made to Nigerian laws and as post graduate students we are expected to proffer solutions to  several issues  in Nigeria.  

REFLECTING ON LIFE AND........

REFLECTING ON LIFE!

Yesterday i had my high points and low points. I woke up just feeling happy and grateful to God, bounced into my office with a camera on one hand, i needed to take some pictures. My staff had a good time laughing, i allowed them to laugh their heads out, as i took different pose. I could be the strict boss but today, i just played things down a little. After much laughter we got down to business and thereafter had lunch together. I insisted we ate together, for me i don’t see anything about this life, whether you are rich or poor, big or small we are  all equal in the eyes of God.

Patience is a peculiar staff, the first time we had lunch together she was just 3 days old in my firm, we both ordered for our separate meals, when it was served, she lamented about the quantity, and asked if mine was ok, for me, i replied that it was ok for me. Patience just nodded her head and said ‘ Barrister please don’t be offended, this food is just too small for me, i need more’ No problem, you can ask for more. She did ask for more, and as she ate, she just kept talking about her huge appetite for food. I like people like her who are honest, down to earth and open. I am happy that i have her working for me.

Now back to yesterdays’ activities, my low point began when i received a call reminding me of Engr Nwankwo’s service of songs taking place in the club house. Engineer Nwankwo died two weeks ago, his death was a shock. This man had attended the estate monthly meeting, which takes place every last Saturday of every month at the club house. Our last meeting was on the 30^th Sept 2011, he died two weeks  after that meeting in a motor accident on his way to Abuja, leaving behind a wife, children, mother and siblings. At that meeting his voice was heard, his contributions considered and implemented. If anyone had told us that,  this would be the last time he would be having a meeting with us, none of us would have believed.

The invitation to attend the service of songs just brought back memories of my deceased loved ones, very recently was Mr Darlington, my Aunt, my grandfather. I decided to play some lawn tennis before attending the service of songs. While playing lawn tennis, that’s when i began to really reflect on life. What’s the hustle and struggle for? Why do we hate one another? Why do we keep malice? Why are we jealous of one another? When at the end of the day we cant live forever on earth. Why do we find it difficult to give and forgive? Why do we accumulate so much wealth on earth, when one day you die and leave everything behind? Why are women crazy about gold? Why are we crazy about cars, a big house, expensive cloths? Why? To me there is nothing in this life. The whole thought going through my head began to really affect my game, then when i heard the Christian mourning songs flowing from the club house into the lawn tennis court, I almost broke down in tears.

I asked myself a sincere question can i really attend this service of songs. If i get there i am very sure that i would cry more than the bereaved. My tears may not be just for late Engr Nwankwo, it will also be for my dear friend, my aunt and my grandfather. Sometimes i wonder, do people really see life the way i see it. Life is easy, if we take things easy. Life could be fun,  if we learn to relax our mind and body and let God take control, life could be filled with challenges but with patience, your challenges become history. Life is a gift, a blessing an opportunity to reach out to people.

Unfortunately i was not tough enough to attend the Service of songs my hubby did, but when i got home, i had my bath, prayed, and listened to verses from the Quran. I love meditating, this was the time to do so. I prayed for everyone, my family and my loved ones (deceased), especially Engr Nwankwo and his family.

I sincerely believe that to please God, all you need to do is to help others and love your neighbours as yourself. Giving water to people attracts huge blessing from God, giving shoes, cloths and food to those who need it is awesome. Remember that as you count your designer shoes, some don’t even have slippers to wear, as you lament about your poor wardrobe, some don’t have cloths to keep warm. Lets learn to love one another, and ask for forgiveness from God, because no one is perfect, no matter how hard you try, you cant be 100% correct with God. This is my view on life, i keep reflecting, praying, meditating ................. God please direct us, forgive us, bless us, grant us long life on earth, and open the doors of paradise for us after our time on earth is over. Ameen!

STAY BLESSED

  

PICTURES TAKEN TODAY: Freestyle!

THE ENTREPRENEUR (DARA'S EFFECT LTD)

THE ENTREPRENEUR (DARA’S EFFECT LTD)

Today i am meeting with one of my youngest client, Dara. I am actually registering a company for her: Dara’s effect ltd. I am so impressed with this young entrepreneur. Dara is a make up artist, one of those few Nigerians who have decided to take the bull by the horn, by creating a job for herself. I dedicate this write up to her and others like her. She does make up for some of the big time movie stars, currently she is one of the makeup artist for MTN. Her story is inspirational. Aside our business talk, Dara would be teaching my cousin the make up artistry, all negotiations have been concluded and she starts classes today.

I also want to commend my Aunt who listened to me and agreed to have her daughter learn this art. Almat her daughter loves to draw and her mum is a bit worried  about her gift. Every parent wants his/her child to work in a bank or a big company, her fears are that with her passion for art, no industry may require her services. i asked if Almat must work for someone. She has to learn now, how to become an entrepreneur, learning the  Artistry of makeup is a good start. 

Tara one of Nigeria’s leading makeup artist is a lawyer. Sleek another make up /beauty product company, is owned by two sisters, one is a lawyer and the other a medical doctor.  Both have practised extensively in their various fields before going into the beauty industry. TY Bello a graduate from UNILAG, is also one of Nigeria's best female photographer .

Every year, our Nigeria universities produce lots of graduates. With no jobs, most are frustrated. There are some who have been home for years waiting for that dream job, that seems to be so far from their reach. There  appears to be no end to hardship. No jobs and no source of funds to start their own business.

Its based on this that i advice graduates seeking for employment to get started , learn a skill and be like Dara. Start a consulting firm, sales representatives, property agents ,photography, modelling agency, catering(baking), event management, cleaning outfit, day care centre, outdoor bar  etc these are some of the different kinds of businesses  that one can start without huge capital.

The unemployment situation in Nigeria is so sad, but the only way out is for us to help ourselves .

This piece is for all the entrepreneurs whether big or small. Lets keep pushing!

BUYING LAW BOOKS

I have always wanted to have my family members watch me do my thing in the court room, unfortunately that has never happened, today i felt i was close to having that family attention in the court, when my hubby agreed to take me to the Ikeja High court, the only difference was that i wasn’t in court, dressed in black, i just needed to buy some law books. It was fun having him around, showing him the courtroom where Rev king was tried, the pastor who constantly molested his female members, his last crime was when set them ablaze. It was for his last issue that he was charged to court. The man had so much force around his members. Also showed him some of the court rooms that i had appeared in.

At the back of high court is the location where law books are sold, i needed to get the new Lagos state Tenancy Law and other books to enable me prepare my seminar paper. I picked the first book, valued at twenty Thousand Naira, my hubby shouted 20k! Yes oh! I replied, then as i asked the book seller for the price of another book, my hubby replies if this one is Twenty Thousand Naira, then this one should be forty Thousand Naira, the book seller started laughing, the price was actually close to it. for each area of law needed, the book seller was fast to give me references, she could pass for a lawyer herself. My hubby made jokes out of the whole thing, ‘madam u ought to be a lawyer oh, you are so good, you know all the books ’ ‘ its too late, honestly if i had known i would have read law, but now i leave it for my kids’ she replied.

I bargained, bargained, bargained, sampled prices and at the end of the day paid for some good books.

Law books are quite expensive, but ‘wetin person go do’ if you don’t buy them how will you know the position of the law on different issues. Books are every lawyers greatest assets. We cant help but buy them. I enjoyed this outing with my hubby he made the whole buying and bargaining fun.