"""…….when Zik was born, Nigeria was not in existence, but the Igbo ethnic was; even if the ethnic existed in subgroups of the greater Igbo as we currently know it. So you see Zik was first Igbo and then a Nigerian. This is a statement of fact…."""Unquote Benebo G. Opubo
Benebo G. Opubo,
Some of your statements below exemplify the parochial view of many Nigerians about what a modern nation is and why so many Nigerians subordinate their nation to their ethnic groups. It is only among Nigerians where you find this "My Ethnic Group First Before My Nation syndrome" and it clear from the performance of Nigeria so far; even at 50 year post Independence, there is no reliable cross-nation highway, no major City with mass transit system, reliable pipe-borne water, waste/sewer Management system, road network, regular electricity et cetera. I am sure you may not know the ethnic specific groups of several of your friends from other country. And that is the international standard!
Many of you harbor this blunted view about one's ethnic group coming first before one's nation, but don't stop to think that there are bona fide Nigerian citizens whose ethnic origins are not among those that can be traced to the present geographical boundaries of Nigeria. I guess some of you would believe such a citizen cannot be a REAL NIGERIAN; and you are WRONG! Are you happy with a Nigerian-born citizen but with Indian ancestry who tells you that his loyalty is India first and Nigerian second? Except of course you make the exemptions that the practice of "my ethnic first before nation" is reserved for people whose ethnic groups constitute the original dwellers of the geographical location of a nation. This will become clearer when you realize that that the indigenes of the Indian nations/ethnic groups that USED TO OCCUPY THE AMERICAS are not the ONLY TRUE AMERICANS in the Americas today [USA, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Argentina et cetera)]. Besides, the history human civilized practice has shown that a Scottish American has no problem commanding an American army to fighter Gt Britain when there is a war between American and Gt Britain!
So the notion that one's ethnic group is Superior to the Nation of birth is misguided because one's nation doesn't have to be among the original ethnic groups a nation is forged in a particular geographical location. We have to cure ourselves of these ethnic jingoisms and discipline ourselves to conform to acceptable international sociocultural and legitimate behaviors so that we don't expose ourselves to ridicule out there. Nationhood is the modern man's legal and socio-cultural basis for human identification. In fact, it is condescending for you to introduce an American/Canadian Jew, Black, Irish or French by their ethnic group on the international scene.
The point here is that once you are a bona fide citizen of a nation, you MUST declare absolute loyalty to the nation and don't attempt to juggle nation versus ethnic group when discussing identification and national issues. Take care. Joe Igietseme
From: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Alabo Opubo
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 2:00 PM
To: NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; kalabariclan@yahoogroups.com; edo_global@yahoogroups.com; talknigeria@yahoogroups.com; drama_free_abujanig@yahoogroups.com
Cc: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; naijaintellects@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [NaijaObserver] RE: [NIgerianWorldForum] RE: [asa-usa] The Updates on Zik Statues and Mausoleum with current pictures
Bimbola,
I know you do not know, but please note that most of my friends,
Hispanics, actually call me pappy. May be you should try that.
Now about your ability to read and think before responding to posts:
please note that when Zik was born, Nigeria was not in existence, but
the Igbo ethnic was; even if the ethnic existed in subgroups of the
greater Igbo as we currently know it. So you see Zik was first Igbo and
then a Nigerian. This is a statement of fact and had not divisive
quality to it except in your mind, where you are probability harboring
divisiveness. Actually even Pan-Africanism did not exist when he was
born. Hopefully you have now learned the vacuity of your submission.
Next there is this issue of PROTOCOL which you seem unable or so blinded
to recognize as having been violated because oh you are so awed to be
mixing with such people you presume to be intellectuals but of course
are wrong about. Now listen to me little girl, protocol requires that
when someone such as Azuoma Anugom suggests a project all interested
parties contact her and work out the logistics with her first, before
anything gets brought to the public. Bolaji Aluko, the
intellectual-thief that he has always been did not do that and he never
even recognized that he was in breach of protocol. Bolaji Aluko had no
business jumping on the project and taking ownership of it: Such action
is generally and rightly described as boorishness, ill-trained
personality, and intellectual thieving. Bolaji Aluko ought to have
contacted Azuoma Anugom positioning himself as a support, and eventually
co-founder of whatever entity they choose to institute to perform the
project with. An educated intelligent person does not behave that way,
and what puzzled me to no end was that none of the Yorubas making
pledges saw it fit to advise him to stop and go back to Azuoma Anugom
and growth the issue properly; what also puzzled me to end was none of
the Igbo men came out to defend Azuoma Anugom by telling that boor
Bolaji Aluko to stop being disrespectful of an Igbo woman. Just plain
mind boggling.
Even more disappointing is that you snorty nose little girl, whose mind
is not filled with as much issues to resolve as those of us are old
could, not even have the mind to recognize that Bolaji Aluko had in fact
become boorish, ungentlemanly, and utterly disrespectful; and that he
had even shown himself as nothing but a thieving bully: intellectually
and behaviorally.The man needs to get some training in manners and
behavior. I was having a discussion with a restaurant waitress and even
she disapproved of the bad behavior of that Bolaji Aluko, and you little
girl are here proffering an advise that in fact shows you up as
ignorant, irrational, and dumb.
Here is another PROTOCOL that all of you Yoruba who have been jumping up
and down thinking that you are accomplishing something by following that
boorish intellectual thief, Bolaji Aluko, failed to recognize as also
violated: when even a new Captain has to come aboard a ship to take over
command, he/she still stops at the threshold and gets to be announced to
the departing Captain before coming aboard. Even the admiral who comes
aboard the ship of a Captain of lower status never walks in front of the
captain; in the worst case, he walks at par with the Captain. Yet here
is Bolaji Aluko who chooses to walk ahead of Azuoma Anugom the rightful
owner of the project, and none of you recognized that he was being
boorish and disrespectful and you want people to take you seriously?
Certainly you jest.
Now little girl go and get some training on protocol you seem woefully
lacking in that aspect of life, and while at it take that boor Bolaji
Aluko with you. Oh and also do not forget to have him taught that
assuming the project idea of someone else is simply a broad display of
poor ethical training and bad-upbringing. He is certainly a walking
indictment of his up-bringing. Poor ethical judgment is often a
demonstrative telling of criminal disposition.
Regards,
Opubo G Benebo
There is no earthly hope for a man who is too lazy to acquire enemies
[be forthright and you will acquire enemies, be truthful and you will
acquire enemies] -- a Noble Canadian.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [NaijaObserver] RE: [NIgerianWorldForum] RE: [asa-usa] The
Updates on Zik Statues and Mausoleum with current pictures
From: bimbola adelakun <adunnibabe@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, August 26, 2010 12:23 am
To: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com, NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com,
naijaintellects@yahoogroups.com
Pa Opubo,
You said and I reply:
Why is Bolaji Aluko crying so much louder than the Igbos, after
all Zik was first and foremost Igbo before he became a Nigerian. Have
the Igbos on these fora not beaten us on the head consistently with the
fact that Zik didnt do much for his own people because he
was...was...what's that big word again? Yeah! Pan-Africanist! If Zik's
outlook is as African as they would have us believe, why are you
reducing him to an Igbo phenomenon? Instead of calling him a pan African
in one breath and calling him an Igbo thing in another, why don't we
settle for one and let us know how to relate with him? Besides
the statues are in Igbolands, would Bolaji with his over-vaulting
ambition have allowed an Igbo person to take lead of the suggestion of
an Yoruba woman to repair Awolowo statue? Why not? We are not that
narrow minded? If an Igbo man feels suffieciently inspired the life of
Awo and decides to repair the statue, he is very welcome! In fact, that
will be very welcome because it will prove that Awo is not just a Yoruba
phenomenon.
I just do not understand the
posture of the Igbo men on this forum to allow Bolaji Aluko with his
amply demonstrated despise of the Igbos to let him take lead in the
restoration of Zik.Are you trying to spoil things or making things
better?
Where is Vin, that cosmopolitan Igbo and his Igbo pride? Where is that
so vociferously proclaimed Igbo pride that is thrown at my face all day,
everyday on this forum?Alagba Opubo, this is very divisive. With all due
respect, this is an 'agbaya' kind of behaviour and it is very
unbecoming. You are an elderly man and Yorubas say 'agba aja ki ba awo
je'. It roughly translates that a veteran hunting dog doesn't destroy
the hide.
You are supposed to be at the forefront of cementing relationships and
not putting a knife through an already bad one. There is just no way
Bolaji Aluko would even
dare to do something similar in the RS Ijaw area and I would let him if
you don't allow him, what if others do? What if others broadmindedly
welcome an inter-ethnic relationship?, so
where is the Igbo pride, I ask again? Then, why would the Igbo governors
not recognize the need to have an Igbo lead this project I ask again,
why reduce Zik to an Igbo thing? My family elders who witnessed Zik's
glorious days are not on these fora but if they are, they will gladly
contibute and even head any committee or whatever that seeks to do
something for Zik. and push Bolaji
aluko to a second tier, even third tier position? where is the Igbo
pride?
Pa Opubo, no offense meant to you but this is not right. If you don't
believe in the project, distance yourself away it. Don't set out to
worsen an already bad situation.
All respects.
Have a nice day, sir.
From: Alabo Opubo <alaboopubo@gbanalysts.com>
To: NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com;
naijaintellects@yahoogroups.com
Cc: IDU USA <idu-usa@googlegroups.com>; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; ANAMBRA
FORUM <AnambraForum@yahoogroups.com>; IGBO EVENTS
<IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com>; IGBO FORUM <igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com>;
WORLD IGBO CONGRESS <WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com>; Bolaji Aluko
<alukome@gmail.com>; talknigeria@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 26 August, 2010 0:14:29
Subject: [NaijaObserver] RE: [NIgerianWorldForum] RE: [asa-usa] The
Updates on Zik Statues and Mausoleum with current pictures
Greetings KC,
Since your posting, intimating the fora that the statues of Zik were in
fact in full/repaired form, I have consistently read your posts waiting
to note when you would finally ask the question of "why Bolaji Aluko
would even dare to assume control of a project suggested for undertaking
by Azuoma Anugom? After all Azuoma Anugom came up with the idea of
repairing the statue so when did this project become Bolaji's project?
Then, something else worries me about all these development, when did a
friend wail over and mourn the dead more than the family members of the
dead? Why is Bolaji Aluko crying so much louder than the Igbos, after
all Zik was first and foremost Igbo before he became a Nigerian. Besides
the statues are in Igbolands, would Bolaji with his over-vaulting
ambition have allowed an Igbo person to take lead of the suggestion of
an Yoruba woman to repair Awolowo statue? I just do not understand the
posture of the Igbo men on this forum to allow Bolaji Aluko with his
amply demonstrated despise of the Igbos to let him take lead in the
restoration of Zik.
Where is Vin, that cosmopolitan Igbo and his Igbo pride? Where is that
so vociferously proclaimed Igbo pride that is thrown at my face all day,
everyday on this forum? There is just no way Bolaji Aluko would even
dare to do something similar in the RS Ijaw area and I would let him, so
where is the Igbo pride, I ask again? Then, why would the Igbo governors
not recognize the need to have an Igbo lead this project and push Bolaji
aluko to a second tier, even third tier position? where is the Igbo
pride?
Regards,
Opubo G Benebo
There is no earthly hope for a man who is too lazy to acquire enemies
[be forthright and you will acquire enemies, be truthful and you will
acquire enemies] -- a Noble Canadian.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [NIgerianWorldForum] RE: [asa-usa] The Updates on Zik Statues
and Mausoleum with current pictures
From: "Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY)" <Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca>
Date: Wed, August 25, 2010 2:44 pm
To: <asa-usa@yahoogroups.com>, "ANAMBRA FORUM"
<AnambraForum@yahoogroups.com>, "IGBO EVENTS"
<IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com>, "IGBO FORUM"
<igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com>, "WORLD IGBO CONGRESS"
<WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com>, "Bolaji Aluko"
<alukome@gmail.com>, <talknigeria@yahoogroups.com>,
<NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: "IDU USA" <idu-usa@googlegroups.com>
Dr. Okenwa Nwosu/Folks:
I did observe with some concern as Bolaji Aluko did "the
pitch-fork-like staff in the Inisi Onira statue" of the Great Zik.
Me thinks that a staff in the form of the "ancient Igbo nobleman in
his burial chamber (carbon-dated 8th-9th Century AD)" would be more
appropriate.
KC Prince Asagwara
From: asa-usa@yahoogroups.com [mailto:asa-usa@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Okenwa R. Nwosu, M.D.
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 4:25 PM
To: ANAMBRA FORUM; ASA USA; IGBO EVENTS; IGBO FORUM; WORLD IGBO
CONGRESS; Bolaji Aluko; NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com
Cc: WIEF FORUM; IDU USA; Zik Project
Subject: [asa-usa] The Updates on Zik Statues and Mausoleum with
current pictures
Graphic depiction of ancient Igbo nobleman in his burial chamber
(carbon-dated 8th-9th Century AD)
Bolaji,
Bearing a staff of authority is an ancient Igbo cultural practice as
shown in above graphic depiction of an Igbo nobleman. All the
paraphernalia and appurtenances of authority shown in picture were
actually recovered from an archeological site in Igboukwu, Aguata LGA,
Anambra state in early 1960 by Professor Thurstan Shaw and his crew. The
staff impelled in front of the Igbo ancestral nobleman was cast in
bronze and was retrieved intact. The ivory tusks, though degraded, were
still recognizable.
Having a great Igbo leader like Zik to bear a staff of authority, even
if just in form of artwork, is nothing unusual in the authentic Igbo
cultural practice. Perhaps, we need to engage the sculptors of Zik
statues, if they are still around, to explain why they chose the
specific staff designs they used in their work.
I concur entirely with your observations about the lack of
proportionality in Zik's features as shown in the rehabilitated statue
at the Onira Retreat.
Okenwa.
From: NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bolaji
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 4:27 PM
To: NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [NaijaPolitics] Re: The Updates on Zik Statues and Mausoleum
with current pictures
Ike Agbor & Okenwa Nwosu:
Since both of you have mentioned it, let me give you some concerns that
I have about both statues, independent of their un-edifying
surroundings:
1. Why does Zik carry a spear-like weapon? cultural staff? in both
statues?
2. I am troubled by the pitch-fork-like staff in the Inisi Onira
statue. It is similar to what the devil is stated to carry, short of a
middle prong. I EXHALED when I first saw it.
3. The DMGS statue is MAJESTIC - with Zik looking up and forward, but
the Inisi Onira statue looks forlorn, with Zik looking down.
4. Most importantly, indeed the Inisi Onira head is MIS-SHAPEN, out of
proportion with the rest of the body, and the face looks TOO YOUNG for
the full body. Quite frankly, if you ask me, I do not think that the
sculptor did a good job.
But those are just my opinions....and there you have them.
Bolaji Aluko
From: wief@googlegroups.com [mailto:wief@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of
Okenwa R. Nwosu, M.D.
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 1:11 PM
To: ANAMBRA FORUM; ASA USA; IGBO EVENTS; IGBO FORUM; WORLD IGBO
CONGRESS; NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com
Cc: WIEF FORUM; IDU USA; Bolaji Aluko
Subject: [WIEF FORUM] The Updates on Zik Statues and Mausoleum with
current pictures
Original Zik statue at DMGS Roundabout
Newer Zik statue at Onira with reattached head
Abandoned Zik Mausoleum exposed to the elements
Umuibe,
In spite of the poor image quality of these recent pictures posted by
Azuoma, a careful observer can easily notice something queer in the
restored Zik statue at Inosi Onira Retreat. The neck looks out of
proportion with rest of the body. The restoration work was mostly in the
neck which, of course, had to be severed when the initial statue at the
location was vandalized by decapitation. Compare the Onira statue with
the original creation standing at the DMGS Roundabout since the early
1960s which was the handiwork of master-sculptor, Prof. Enweonwu.
The question that still needs to be answered is whether the Onira Zik
statue was properly restored close to what it was before being
decapitated. This can only be ascertained by comparing the restored
statue with the original one which was vandalized as far back as 2003.
The restored statue was unveiled by Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred
Achebe, on Monday, January 1, 2007. Almost four years lapsed before the
decapitated statue of the Great Zik was "rebuilt by a prominent
Onitsha philanthropist, Mr. Henry Onukwuba". The unanswered question
is why did it take this long to amend the vandalized memoriam of
Nigeria's first President and Head of State? Who supervised the
restoration work in order to assure that the rehabilitated Zik statue
would not end up being a distortion of the true image of Nigeria's
premier leader?
My contention here is not to dispute whether or not Zik's "statues
have been restored". My point is that it may be premature to regard
the whole statue saga as now moot. As one would say, it is not over
until it is over. The ambience in which these statutes are displayed as
well as their maintenance schedule are still of major concerns to those
committed to optimal restoration and completion of abandoned Zik
memorials in Onitsha and elsewhere. By the time the mausoleum gets
completed most of the building's substructure might begin to
disintegrate and crumble due to lengthy exposure to the elements in the
past 14 years.
Let the pledges keep on coming because there is still a whole lot of
work that lies ahead…..
Okenwa.
-----Original Message-----
From: Azuoma Anugom <adaejiagamba1@aol.com>
To: igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com;
igboworldforum@yahoogroups.com; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com;
nigianworldforum@yahoogroups.com; naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com;
ORAUSA@yahoogroups.com; imostatecongress@yahoogroups.com
Cc: alukome@gmail.com; zikproject@googlegroups.com
Sent: Wed, Aug 25, 2010 6:56 am
Subject: NIDOA | The Updates on Zik Statues and Mausoleum with current
pictures
Dear All,
As promised I called Onitsha and my contact got a photographer to take
the pictures of the current state of Zik statues both at DMGS and Inosi
Onira Retreat and the mausoleum. Here are the pictures with dates and
the name of the photographer. He took the liberty to decorate the
borders but aside the flowery borders you can see the pictures clearly.
As you can see these pictures were taken on August 17, 2010. The
statues have been restored and we have two statues both at DMGS and
Inosi Onira Retreat which the photographer dubbed Roundabout. However,
the mausoleum is still uncompleted. So, for full disclosure purposes,
the fund raising is for the mausoleum only--as the other issue is now
moot.
We don't know the estimate for the completion yet and we have formed a
committee which will look into the modality of tackling this project. I
will be calling a meeting of the Comittee members for this Saturday. I
will be sending out an email to all the people that pledged so that you
can participate and/or join this committee if you so wish. I believe in
doing everything worth doing properly. One of the things we discussed is
forming a non profit organization that will carry out this project as
well as keep the vision of Zik (democracy and pan Nigerianism) alive.
So, I thank you for rising to the call of duty and I'd crave your
indulgence to join us in keeping this vision alive. Let's this not be a
mere knee jerk reaction, let this be the beginning of a great movement
in Nigeria. Like I shared with some folks, if we succeed in galvanizing
the government to complete this mausoleum then we have accomplished a
lot indeed.
I shall be back with more comments. Thanks and God's bless.
Azuoma Anugom
~~Adaejiagamba
Life shrinks according to one's courage. Dare to be remarkable.
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