The vivid memory of Nigeria-Biafra war became intense after reading an article published in The Guardian Newspaper on July 25, 2004 where Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle was quoted to have said, “I don’t dislike Ibos. But I learned one word from the British and that is ‘sorry.’ I did not want this war. I did not start this war – [Odumegwu] Ojukwu did. But I want to win this war. So I must kill Ibos. Sorry!” I hastily searched for euphemism to characterize the pogrom; then I recalled Dr. Chimalum Nwankwo’s scintillating, but provocative “Rodin in Biafra”.

Before delving into the poem, it is apt to reintroduce Prof. Chimalum Nwankwo, who is currently Writer-in-Residence and Professor of English and World Literatures at the Nigerian Turkish Nile University in Abuja. I contacted Nwankwo on the Facebook seeking his permission to use his poem in my column and also requesting for his updated profile. He graciously obliged. When I first met Dr. Chimalum Nwankwo, he was a professor of English and World literatures at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina. I invited him to be a guest speaker at an event organized by Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF-USA) some years back.  He genially honored the invitation and was among powerful speakers, who graced the occasion. In fact, I remember vividly what I was doing when Prof. Nwankwo approached the podium to speak. I was standing at the corner of the hotel banquet hall diagonal to the podium and fellow standing beside me asked me in a soft voice, “What’s he going to speak about?” I whispered to his ear—just listen.

At the start of Prof. Nwankwo’s speech, he read a poem on Biafra and suggested that the current Igbo reverses stemmed from the little attempt at remembering the sacrifices of the civil war and the countless of people who died in order that we may live. In his appearance at the Pan Igbo Conference in Dallas organized by Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF USA), where he thrilled the audience, Professor Nwankwo prefaced his condemnation of Nigeria and, in particular, of the Igbo people with a poignant poem, “Rodin in Biafra” which revisited the Biafran Revolution and its miserable relationship with Nigeria’s politics of ravenousness, selfishness, blatant corruption, and venal tendencies. Prof. Chimalum Nwankwo used his poem to paint a portrait of the agony of Biafra, which has trailed the Igbo people unabated till today. Here it is…

    Rodin in Biafra

As the unit quartermaster, I was called up one evening for the burial of a Biafran officer who had dined with me in the morning of that day before returning to the front for combat. I remember his last name as Lt. Ihekenna from around Umuahia. In this Biafran war wrote a poem, I try to recall and therefore exorcise from my tortured Biafran mind, the painful memory of a little boy, probably no more than five years old, who sat quietly and somberly on a pavement watching us bury this dead Biafran army officer at Abayi-Ohanze, off Aba, in the Azumini sector of the war…It was, I think, in late 1968…The grave was shallow and unmarked…The posture of his gaunt and ghostly little boy devastated by Kwashiorkor, the dreaded malnutrition, disease, was exactly the posture of Rodin’s The Thinker…

Something was old in those knuckles on a cheek That pensive head on an unseen burden Something that echoed something unknown Something in that lull in the whistles of deathAnd Rodin sat on a public square thinking The pose was perfect with elbow on kneeOne forgotten arm rested on the reedy lap But there was no artist there to see Rodin well The artists were lost or dying in war And Rodin sat on a public square thinking

All art was now expressed in blood And when the taps of blood appeared to pause Because all enemies were having a break And the whole planet seemed to hold its breath And Rodin sat on a public square thinking  We placed a cold corpse on a lonely pavement The residents of the house were dead and gone Rats and lizards conferred with their ghosts Perhaps only Rodin knew what they were saying And Rodin sat on a public square thinking

In silent haste we buried the cold corpse No bunting of tears could mark his passing Passing was common like the setting sun But we gave him speeches of valor and honor And Rodin sat at the public square thinking A jet swooped low with a rain of bullets And man and woman rushed to shelter their heads Like chicken fleeing from an army of hawks A chill of death serrated their wails of fear And Rodin sat at the public square thinking Sirens warned of more hawks coming The graveyard mounted a banner of gloom

With memories of the dead stirring in the wind And each second was heavy with a frozen fever And Rodin sat at the public square thinking

His eyes glowed strangely from inside his head And his cheeks made him a thousand years old What camp of pain is this web on bones This five year old this shrunken Rodin And he sat there at the public square thinking No one knew where his parents were When he ate last or whether he had friends Which deserted homestead had last saw his tears And who heard last his sweet baby laughter

And Rodin sat at the public square thinking… Prof. Chimalum Nwankwo received BA in English at the University of Nigeria in 1974. He holds MFA, MA, and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Chimalum Nwankwo, a former Fulbright Scholar, is a leading voice in modern African Poetry and has a hoard of literary works around the world.

Well, as the agitation for Igbo presidency in 2015 revs up, and rightly so, we are hopeful that the actionable discussion of the issue would take a center stage at the upcoming World Igbo Congress convention in Dallas on August 30 –September 2, 2013. However, an unanswered, but salient question is: does the clamor have armor?

That is precisely why issues concerning mothers attract an enormous attention. Perhaps, that was why my piece, ‘Honoring Mothers on This Mother’s Day’ which came out a few days before May 12, 2013 was riveted with avalanche of reactions. Thus, many of my readers who read the story on or before the Mother’s Day reacted for varied reasons. Some reacted because of their emotional attachment to their moms; their appreciation of how their moms cared for them unselfishly.

The sacrifices their mothers made to ensure that they grew up healthy and without unmet needs. To others, the piece conjured up fun memories of their moms with uncontrollable emotions. They recalled how wonderful their moms were and how they wished they were alive to be repaid for their deeds. To both groups, their reactions were a testament of how valued mothers are everywhere. While some could hug, kiss, and say Happy Mother’s Day, mom, others could only whisper that in silence. In any case, at any given time, people’s memories of their moms are filled fun images that could be seen very close, but still too discrete to hug or feel.

However, their moms appeared sacrosanct. Nevertheless, before getting to some of the reactions to my last column, let me use this moment to remember in our thoughts and prayers the 19 victims who were shot while participating in the Mother’s Day parade on Sunday in New Orleans, Louisiana. We thank God that the nineteen people with gunshot wounds are expected to survive. In the same vein, we must NEVER forget the mothers who lost their innocent children and the daughters/sons who lost their mothers at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012.

It was a tragic day for the nation as the shooting touched everyone. These mothers were not able to receive the Mother’s Day wishes this past Sunday from their children who were gunned down in a heinous act of violence. In the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre by a single gunman, twenty children and six adults were fatally shot in what was described as the worst carnage the United States has witnessed in modern times. Sadly, no one can fully comprehend how a mother feels for the loss of a child.

It can only be imagined. I could vividly recall the anguish written all over my mom’s face when she lost my immediate senior brother. The loss of my brother was devastating to my mom, who struggled to regain her composure years after the loss. Until this day, she continues to reference my brother who left us about a decade ago. With this experience, I can empathize with the Sandy Hook victims’ families for their loss. Going back to some the reactions to my last week’s piece, for paucity of space this column could not accommodate all the reactions I received. Thus, a few of them are published here. Read on…

Reacting to the story, Chinonso Echebelem, the first son of Mr. Ngozi and Mrs. Ukay Echebelem, wrote this about his mom: “I would like to wish my beautiful mother a well deserved Happy Mother’s day.” “You mean the world to us and we want to let you know that you are much appreciated,” Chinonso continued. “We thank you for the values and morals you have instilled in us for we are so blessed to have such a god-fearing woman in our life. We love and appreciate the fact that you have always been our biggest supporter in whatever endeavor we have chosen to take on. You are the true backbone of our family and your wonderful sense of humor coupled with your great personality is truly infectious,” he expressed.

Chinonso concluded by thanking his mom, “Thank you for being the wonderful woman and mother you are.” Lady Augusta Okorufor, an aspiring Orlu Regional Assembly-USA presidential candidate reacted, “Dr. Orabuchi, this is a comprehensive mother’s day write-up. On this special day, I will pay a tribute to my best friend; my mother-a quiet soft spoken, but courageous woman. Though departed from us twelve years ago, the life she led resonates with us today. Your life brought gladness, peace and love to us. My mother was the care taker of everyone in the family. She did whatever it took to provide safety and comfort for us, her nieces and nephews. Her love was unconditional, genuine and sincere.”

Okorufor continued, “My mom loved her role as a mother, telling us funny stories, imitation of funny characters and calling us by multiple nicknames. She instilled in us humility, confidence, kindness, generosity and adventurous spirit. The quest and desire for education, the ideology that one can accomplish anything they set their mind on it. Mother, you were my inspiration. In my summation, a mother’s love is unconditional, enduring and comforting. It is the wing beneath the wing. Thank you for a wonderful job.” Sir Fidelis Ezewike, the current vice president and aspirant for the office of Orlu Regional Assembly-USA presidency said, “This is a well thought out article and I really don’t know how to react to it other than to say thank you for a job well done.” “I love the article and the outpouring emotion attached to it,” Ezewike expressed.

“Mothers are special to us. During this administration [Orlu Regional Assembly-USA executive], we have devoted our energy and overwhelming commitment to ensure that mothers and their children are a great part of what we do. We use what we do to honor our mothers. We have embarked on numerous medical missions in Nigeria just honor our mothers over there,” Sir Ezewike added. “Thank you very much for well a written article about our mothers,” he concluded. Mr. Ngozi Echeblem, who lost his mother two years ago recalled, “Your piece reminded me of my mother.” “Well, today marks a good day for mothers all over the world as we celebrate Mother’s Day. Mothers are special in everything we do.

For some of us that have lost our mothers it is very difficult to wake up on mother’s day and don’t have a mother to call and say happy Mother’s Day.” Remembering his mother, Mr. Echebelem said, “It has been two years since I lost my mother, it hurts me so much knowing that she is no longer there for me to talk to and be proud to say I spoke to my mother on Mother’s Day.” He advised, “Please cherish your mother if alive and make it a duty to call her when you can because you can only have one mother and she can never be replaced with anyone.” Mothers are truly special! People cherish and appreciate their moms in their own unique ways. Strive to celebrate your mom daily! You may follow me on twitter.com/achosr

Edwin Hubbell Chapin Truly, no amount of words and certainly, no amount of time will be sufficient to illustrate the great value of mothers; and definitely no language can be enough to convey our infinite gratitude to all mothers in every culture. Mothers are like the pillars of families in their uncanny ability to shepherd their children with love and protection through the life’s unpredictable and sometimes uncharted paths.

Around the world, mothers’ unique characteristics and qualities are similar—they comfort and nurture their own. Their instincts are inexplicable and are not overly discernible—mother knows best. Thus, as we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12, 2013, I want to dedicate this column to mothers of all cultures. Honoring mothers, especially on this Mother’s Day is apt and essentially fitting considering the role of mothers as the primary and seminal foundation for the normal formation of children through nurturing and provision of experiences that shape the children as they grow into adulthood.

Global Mother’s Day celebrations seem to have different origins according to historical information. But the celebrations of Mother’s Day or Mothering Sunday around the world are designed to honor mothers. However, in the United States, the establishment of Mother’s Day celebration in 1908, which evolved over the years with some transformations, was credited to Anna Jarvis.

Following the death of Anna Javis’ mother, Ann Jarvis on May 9 1905, a small memorial mass was held in her honor on May 12, 1907at Andrew’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where Ann Jarvis was reported to have taught Sunday school. A year later, a formal service was held in Ann Jarvis’ honor in the same place of worship. Subsequently, Anna Jarvis campaigned to have Mother’s Day declared as a national holiday in the United States. That did not happen until May 8, 1914 when the United States Congress passed a law that designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

The next day, a proclamation was issued by President Woodrow Wilson declaring Mother’s Day a national holiday to primarily honor mothers who lost their sons in a war. Though the present day Mother’s Day has been highly commercialized to the benefits of retailers and other businesses, yet giving of flowers, as well as various gifts, going to church service, visits, and family dinner in the restaurants still trail the tradition on that day. People use the opportunity to call and/or send cards to their mom. Many fathers honor both their own mothers and mothers of their children on Mother’s Day in various ways.

On this Mother’s Day, let me seize the moment to drop a line or more to my mom, Ezinne, who is my icon. My dear mom, it’s me your son writing to express my immense gratitude and an unparalleled appreciation for your unwavering love for and protection of me and my siblings when we were growing up. You truly made each of us feel secure and safe in your unique ways. Though this letter may not be adequate for me to fully express how I feel about you, particularly your daily sacrifices to ensure that everything was provided for us.

Mom, I remember vividly how you made sure that we were well fed and our needs were met while dad was away working long hours as an engineer with the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC). You always put smile on my face when you gave me choices of what to eat. When I was sick, you prepared special meals for me. Sorry, sometimes I pretended that I was sick so that you could prepare special meals for me. I do smile whenever I remember how you protected me from a stern discipline of our dad, who was a strict disciplinarian.

Thank you for the pains to save me from some lashes. I knew it was difficult for you to tolerate my occasional indiscipline—going to where dad told me not to go, but you had no iota of difficulty shielding me from what was to come each time I misbehaved. Your tender loving care was insurmountable and soothing; your presence alone was fulfilling and assuring as it provided me a sense of boldness and security. Till today, I still remember my childhood which was laced with strings of security anchored with unfailing love of a mother like you.

You are a rare gem and trailblazer in your own rights.   In fact, having a mom like you while I was growing up was the best God-given gift to me. You instilled in me the most important values that guide my life today. Love, joy, self-confidence, as well as other virtues, I learned from you. You comforted and nurtured me. You’re my heroine and I’m greatly indebted to you for all you did for me. I’ll forever love you. Your son, Acho… My eldest daughter, Nkechi Orabuchi, wrote this of her mom, “Many holidays or notable days are celebrated throughout the world. However, the important ones are those that help us to reflect on our lives and Christ Jesus.

Parents are a blessing to children because they are to be examples as Christ leads us in our lives. Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:30 both discuss the importance of obeying and honoring our parents. It is the first commandment with a promise which is long life. The role of mothers is defined as one who is loving, caring, nurturing, and one who meets the needs of her family which is also discussed in Titus 2:4-5. A mother exemplifies selflessness, a servant to others, which is what Christ wants us to be. My mother, Mrs. Ngozi Orabuchi, is an example of what a mother is to be and continues to be.

So I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to her and all the mothers out there. Although this is a day to recognize and show appreciation to mothers, we should never take them for granted and show appreciation and love to them daily.” Indeed, we need to show love for the mothers daily for all that they have done for us. Prof. Charles Mambula said this of mothers as we honor mothers on this Mother’s Day, “Mothers are priceless.

We can never quantify the value of mothers in any terms. From conception, the labor, the nurture, upbringing and support in all kinds of ways through life time all at no charge, is unspeakable. The love mothers give is second to none. Nico Mbarga the African musician in his lyrics summarizes the Love and Affection of Mothers very well by simply referring to ‘Sweet Mother’ that cannot be forgotten forever, because a mother’s love is special.

There are many thoughtful references about the mother from the Holy Scriptures, mostly from the book of Proverbs. One of the most touching stories of the true test of a true mother’s love is found in the book of 1Kings 3:16-27. Then the King (wisest ever) answered and said, “Give her the living child and in no wise slay it, she is the mother thereof”. You may follow me on twitter.com/achosr

As we were talking, as usual, I inquired about his family, particularly his kids. He replied with an unusual statement: “My kids are with their mother.” As I was confused with his response, I asked for a clarification. He told me that he was separated from his wife for over two years. I was speechless because we have spoken occasionally, but he never mentioned the ordeal until yesterday. I pursed briefly and asked him to tell me what caused the separation. Without letting him make any further statement,

I asked if he did anything to create the situation. He answered no. He proceeded to say that the problem had been lingering and he could not take it any longer. What problem? I retorted. In a soft voice laden with emotional load, he said that his wife was unwilling to stop messing with men outside her marital home. To ensure that he was not making a wild accusation about his wife, I asked him if he had any evidence of infidelity. Again, he reiterated that the problem had been going on, but she refused to stop.

“I don’t need to catch her in the act to have evidence,” he said without further elaboration. With our conversation, I quickly recalled an episode that happened some years ago pertaining to another couple. It was on a Christmas Eve of 2006; all was set for a house party in a mansion in a suburb of Dallas. Shortly after 9:00 p.m. the guests started arriving—streaming in and exchanging pleasantries, as well as frolicking around in a seduced atmosphere ripe for an all-night party.

Without notice, an alleged lover, a married woman herself, came in with her usual flirtatious characteristic, greetings everyone on her way. As she had finished mingling with other guests and settling with a glass of “Irish Cream”, little did she know that a lady she thought accepted her good wishes noticed her.

The woman of the house was definitely busy making sure her guests were well taken care of. Unfortunately, the presence of her husband’s alleged girlfriend was unknown to her as she was truly busy with another lady who may have alerted her about the presence of the invader, no pun intended. Well, as the unwanted visitor was trying to make herself very comfortable sipping her Irish Cream, which turned out to be her defensive tool, the woman of the house caught a glimpse of her. Leaving everything she was doing, the woman host rushed to this lady that had been her husband’s sloppy second; the lady that had been trying to snatch her husband away.

Or I should say, the lady her husband was allegedly and stupidly messing with. Lo and behold, what seemed at first to resemble an excited rush to acknowledge the presence of the “snatcher”, turned out to be a staid confrontation within a blink of an eye with a disastrous bedlam. Literally, hell broke loose! But for the hurriedly and sensitively managed drama by the two confidants of the man of the house, the chaos would have gotten out of hand. One of the men restrained the lady of the house and another one escorted the invader who was duly invited by her boyfriend, the man of the house.

The invader poured the “Irish Cream” on the woman host and she was whisked away to avoid further drama. As she was escorted to her car and she subsequently disappeared into the night, the woman of the house went into tirade naming other ladies she would never want to see in her house as long as she is married to her husband who only thinks through his pants. Well, the duo tried to manage the shameful crisis with their usual “hush-hush” attitude. Well, the invader never left the house without receiving a ravaging slap on her face from the woman of the house.

The jilted lover left the mansion shamelessly with a clear message—do not mess with someone’s husband. But come to think about the whole incident, it’s dreadfully wrong for a man to disrespect his wife to the degree of inviting his girlfriend to the family home. The diatribe went on. Who would blame the woman of the house whose husband stupidly chose to disrespect by bringing his girlfriend to the family home. When the entire fracas was happening, the dude that invited his girlfriend was nowhere to be found. He was conspicuously missing as his guest was looking for him to come and rescue his girlfriend.

Rather, the man of the house ran like a rat to hide in a closet for the duration of the mêlée. He was hyperventilating as he was crawling out of the closet, trembling like a wet chicken… The moral of this true story is that infidelity is not limited to the women. Men are much more prone to infidelity than women. However, when a woman is engaged in one, the taboo is more pronounced. Nevertheless, some people chimed in with their varied opinions on why marriages in the Diaspora fail.

Prof. Donatus Amaram explained, “Two factors (among others) seem to be at work here: (a) unremitting hardship in Nigeria (at least since the mid 1980’s) drives our young people to marry those whom they have no interest in, attraction to or love for, just to get out of Nigeria; (b) many of the females (particularly nurses and the like) earn as much as or more than their husbands, thus becoming more assertive than traditional practice would allow.” Chief Ken Jerry Ike reacted to my earlier snippet saying, “Your assertion that Igbo/ Nigerian community are facing an epidemic of broken marriages is quite true and the reasons are not farfetched. We have lost the core family values which we grew up with.

In 1 Corinthians 11:3 God set out the authority that should exist in a family structure which says that Christ is the head of every man (husband), man (husband) is the head of woman (wife) and God is the head of Christ. People are beginning to usurp the powers of God by deviating from God’s set out authority structure. A woman is not supposed to take instructions, seek opinion or discuss issues patterning to her family with any other person other than her husband because that’s what God said and in the other hand a man is not supposed to take instructions, seek opinion or discuss issues patterning to his family with any other person other than Christ. Most Igbo / Nigerian marriages lack communication.

Lack of communication creates boredom in a relationship. Boredom is a sign of relationship stagnation which will eventually give rise to divorce.” Felix Otti opined, “Disregard for marital vows; lip service to God and religion; loss of traditional values and responsibilities; competition for social status, and lack of respect for family, oneself, and each other.” Dr. John Emale concurred, “New found freedom for women, the stress of over work created by conspicuous lifestyles, little time for husband/ wife social connections and bad influences from other divorcees; to me stand out as culprits.” Pray for those in the Diaspora! You may follow me on twitter.com/achosr

Well, since writing a piece, ‘Imo’s Tour De Farce,’ a few weeks ago in response to Mr. Uche Onwuchekwa’s rambling response to a story I wrote earlier, a lot of events have taken place. Chief among them was the historic impeachment of Sir Agbaso and his immediate replacement with Prince Eze Madumere. With the promotion of Madumere from Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Onwuchekwa who was Media Adviser/Chief Press Secretary to Chief of Staff, Imo State Government, is apparently the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor—a plum promotion, perhaps for his raucous attack on a substantive piece I wrote where I provoked a healthy discussion that could benefit the masses.

Also, Okafor Chike John and Eche Ezenna George, Imo State Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General respectively have been arrested by the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in relation to the contract awarded to JPROS. The sweet deal contract was paid in full while the job was not done. As I write today, the job has not been done and the money has not yet been recovered. Similarly, many reactions have trailed my piece. One of the individuals who reacted once again to my story was Mr. Uche Onwuchkwa, who published his second response to my column in another newspaper.

For paucity of space, this column will not be able to accommodate Mr. Onwuchekwa’s second diatribe aimed at the columnist. Other reactions that came to my inbox were soothing and encouraging. Reading my piece, Geoffrey Nzeadibe, the National Chairman of Pan Ndigbo Foundation-USA (PNF-USA, Inc.) alarmed, “Time after time the politicians and their supporters have resorted to attacking the personality of the message deliverer instead of the message when that message being delivered exposes their weakness, incompetence, mismanagement or outright misuse of office.”

He pointed out, “This time, it’s is not different as we have seen in this case of Imo State governorship circle of influence.” Nzeadibe asked rhetorically, “Why do these politicians and their supporters do so?” “It is just simple; it is a way of diverting the focus of attention from the issue to something different instead of answering to the issues they do not have any good answer for.” “They believe that vilifying and demonizing the messenger is a lot easier to do and that will tend to make the message irrelevant. However, the truth always wins as long as the messenger does not bow to the frivolities of the attack dogs, Nzeadibe concluded. Equally, Chief Ken Jerry Ike, a resident of Texas condemned the behavior of the government when a citizen points out its failings. He said, “Our country, Nigeria is a weird country where things work differently. We claim to be practising democracy, but I don’t think so. What we practise is autocracy.

The people in government do whatever they want and get away with it because our people are so gullible. So because the people in government are now so used to getting away with the things they do, they tend to get so upset whenever someone criticizes them. In some cases, people have lost their lives or have been kidnapped for criticizing the people in government. Criticism is supposed to be a tool for democracy. In a developed world some government officials have been forced out of the office through strong criticism for actions like bribery, infidelity and other things that nobody will even take seriously in Nigeria.

People in the Ggovernment in Nigeria see themselves as the untouchables. It’s only in Nigeria.” In a lengthy reaction to my piece, Dr. Okechukwu Oboh, a practising pharmacist with an impressive dossier, made provocative and insightful comments. Dr. Okechukwu Oboh’s reaction: “Dr. Orabuchi, you started your piece by defining democracy. Subsequently you tried in vain to equate what is happening in Imo State and the whole of Nigeria to democracy.

You don’t have to answer because we all know the answer. You cannot practise democracy where there is no rule of law. Every functional democracy must have at least three independent branches: the parliament that makes the law, the judiciary that interprets the law and the executive that executes the law as interpreted by the judiciary. In Imo State and Nigeria as a whole the executive is the only functional branch out of these three arms. The implication of this is the lack of checks and balances inherent in every functional democratic dispensation. Dr. Orabuchi, every day I cry for our beloved State because of the way she is being systematically raped by individuals who are supposed to protect her virginity.

Cronyism and nepotism are the orders of the day while the masses live in abject poverty.” Expressing hope, Dr. Oboh admitted, “Despite all these setbacks I believe that the people of Imo State may one day see a leader who will rise up to wipe away our tears. Dr. Orabuchi, this will become a possibility one of these days because of fearless people like you who continue to write about the truth the way they see it despite the danger to themselves and their families. Let’s hope that God will hear our cry one of these days.

Keep up the good work.” As a middle aged opinion writer and commentator, it’s my responsibility, I think, to provoke an intense discussion, as I prick people’s consciousness so that when they partake in my journey—an opinion wrapped by my story, their opinion and thoughts on the issue I table will never be the same. It’s also my onus to share information with my readers so that they can make their own judgment.

The mélange of communal killings, religious riots/killings, kidnappings, extremist agitation, corruption, criminally minded populace, unemployment and poverty, lack of purposeful leadership, hopelessness, and an array of despotic leadership have not only made the nation fertile for the operation of Boko Haram, but have also converged to place the nation called Nigeria on a cliffhanger.

Nigeria is on the verge of falling off the cliff or deteriorating to precipice with the amalgam of lingering problems it is facing at this critical moment-notably, Boko Haram. Unfortunately, when idle minds, especially the illiterate ones with a blinkered religious dogma, cultivating evil thoughts converge with criminal tendencies, extremists of worst kinds emerge. Nigeria harbors many people like these whose actions will continue to ignite the inferno that will engulf the nation sooner or later.

In addition, Boko Haram terrorists are emboldened by the silence of their alleged highly-placed masterminds, who refused to condemn the killing of Christians. As a result, Nigeria could be characterized as so fractured and heavily enamored of the extreme ethnic and religious terrorists whose nuances and actions are aimed at producing incendiary and destructive outcome.

The nation is, indeed, sitting on the edge and grappling with the situation seems elusive. Some argue that the center lacks the vision and actionable plans to create a substantive and moral symbol that would arouse sense of national unity among the citizens of Nigeria to frustrate the activities of inhuman groups.

Also, they contend that the center could be perceived as despotic and lacking egalitarian principles thereby inhibiting the structural development of Nigeria’s nascent democracy. In the absence of those phenomena, the virtues of democracy, particularly lack of substantive national symbol, the nation is filled with hopelessness and a sense of despair. Sadly, the recent Boko Haram carnage around the northern Nigeria and the group’s rejection of amnesty is not helping the matter rather the group’s activities seem to reveal how deep-rooted the problem of intolerance and the consequent insecurity is in Nigeria.

The prejudice, coupled with some prominent Northern leaders’ indifferent attitude about Boko Haram’s terrorist activities is also exacerbating the lack of unity among ethnic and religious groups thereby undermining the effectiveness of the federal government. Additionally, the consequent appearance of inconsistency of the center smacks deep into the credibility of the federal government to deal with issues of grave importance in a decisive manner. All these help create dampening confidence of the people that enervates the foundation of democracy thereby leaving the nation susceptible to anarchy.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan understands the enormity of the security problems Nigeria is currently facing. Referring to Boko Haram, President Goodluck Jonathan in his past address to the nation said, “What began as sectarian crises in the North Eastern parts of the country has gradually evolved into terrorist activities in different parts of the country with attendant negative consequences on our national security.” Mr. President continued, “Government in an effort to find a lasting solution to the security threats occasioned by the activities of the Boko Haram sect, constituted a Presidential Committee under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the crises.”

Agonizing over the activities of Boko Haram, GEJ assured, “While the search for lasting solutions is ongoing, it has become imperative to take some decisive measures necessary to restore normalcy in the country especially within the affected communities. Consequently, I have in the exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of section 305(1) of the Constitution, declared a state of emergency in the following parts of the federation, namely…” I sincerely empathize with President Goodluck Jonathan. It is a seemingly daunting task to solve Nigeria’s protracted problems. It obviously requires enormous leadership with the cooperation of the citizenry to begin to find solutions to Nigeria’s security enigma.

However, amnesty is not the answer to the Boko Haram issue. It is cosmetic and does not address the root causes of the problem(s). It is rather reactionary instead of proactive. Yet, we still have a choice! We still have a chance even though the time is ticking to arrest the situation. Yes, I agree with the current actions the President is taking. Nevertheless, the country waited too long to address the actions of this terrorist group, Boko Haram, dismissing it as a sectarian agitation. Before its evolution into a terrorist group, I assume that there were details of security reports concerning the sources and sponsors of the group, including its potential to destabilize the country.

It is therefore unconscionable that the country’s security apparatus could not predict the obvious intentions of Boko Haram. As a result, the group has been allowed to be emboldened by the successes of its recent killings. The group now has the audacity to issue warnings and reject amnesty daring the nation to make the next move. Reacting to the activities of Boko Haram and the federal government’s response, the Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation USA, Inc. (PNF-USA) under the leadership of Mr. Geoffrey Nzeadibe issued a press release a few days ago saying, “Ndi-Igbo under the auspices of Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF USA) condemn in the strongest terms the appeasement of the terrorist group, Boko Haram by the federal government.”

“Boko Haram has terrorized innocent citizens, bombed and killed people worshiping in churches, destroyed public and private facilities and now they are being rewarded handsomely by the federal government thereby creating the apparent position of supporting or promoting terrorism in the country,” the group continued. “What is Nigeria getting for such handsome package to each and every member of that group and what did the innocent citizens of Nigeria do to provoke their terrorist acts in the first place?” the group asked.

“At what price is the Presidency willing to spend for the peace that is guaranteed by “Boko Haram” and at what price is the presidency willing to pay the next “Boko Haram”? PNF-USA, Inc. is strongly urging the President to reconsider and withdraw the offer of amnesty to Boko Haram,” Mr. Nzeadibe advised. Well, terrorism is a serious threat to any nation. Before the sky becomes the limit for Boko Haram, some drastic actions must be taken by the federal government immediately. In other words, to diffuse the bombs-the chaotic tendencies brewing in the nation-there must be bold actions taken decisively.

The masterminds of Boko Haram should be identified, arrested and tried for treason. President Jonathan should not allow any arrested individual associated with Boko Haram be granted bail. Individuals arrested in connection with Boko Haram activities should be remanded in custody until they are brought to justice. There should be adequate policing and security infiltration in the areas to fish out the perpetrators of these heinous killings. Enough is enough! Innocent people are dying in the hands of Boko Haram and people cannot take it any longer. No society can make progress while trapped in fear.

When the country solves the Boko Haram problems and other related issues, the citizens will then truly have a chance to enjoy the abundance the Nigeria’s resources have to offer through the portal of democracy. Otherwise the populace may be unprepared for the horrid reality of destruction cultivated at the center and harvested at the layers of the system. The center may then not hold if the recipe for anarchy is not replaced with a recipe for security, egalitarianism, and hope.

Perhaps, that was a glib assumption. The event enamored with an appealing theme, ‘Strategically Positioning Ndi-Igbo for Growth and Global Advancement’, had two goals: 1. “To expose Ndi-Igbo and all interested parties to the global network of businesses, financial and economic awareness of the modern time that enhance knowledge and empowerment. Knowledge is power.” 2. “To raise fund to benefit a proposed “Igbo Community Center” in Dallas/Forth-Worth Metropolitan.”

All the preparations for the banquet point to a sensational evening. Goal one appeared to be redundant since most people that would attend the event were already receiving training in their respective businesses to keep abreast with the changing rules and laws affecting their operation, as well as changing business climate in their sphere of operation. In any case, the event began at about 10:30 P.M. on Saturday, March 30, 2013 with a riveting, but incisive prayer by Rev. Dr. Gabe Echendu. Soon after that the activities began with the traditional breaking of kola nut.

The organizing committee relatively accomplished its first goal. It succeeded in attracting good speakers who shared relevant information on business climate here and business/investment opportunities in Nigeria. Judge Chizoma Ihekere, an Administrative Judge with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, spoke eloquently about legal challenges facing immigrant-owned business. Judge Ihekere advised business owners to always obey the law. She advised, “If the Feds/agents start sniffing around, don’t wait, seek legal advice immediately and be prepared to pay.” Judge Okere further stated, “If you’ve been involved in some shady or below table activities, don’t think that just because you made it through the year and filed taxes with no problem that you beat the system.

The government may take its time, but generally, they find wrongdoing eventually.” “If something happens, and a client complains of something and you don’t respond, or ignore it, and you don’t hear anything right away, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear, especially if the media or press is involved,” she continued. Judge Chizoma Ihekere warned, “Don’t think you can outsmart the government; I can’t tell you how many times I meet people who think they can talk their way out of bad situations as if everyone else around them is a fool. The prosecutors and agents are often specialists in these areas.

They do these types of cases day in and day out, so there is rarely anything they haven’t seen before. By the time they bring you in to speak to you formally, they generally have all the answers to the questions they’re asking you, they just want to see what you will say. Be realistic in your expectations of what will happen when serious trouble does come.” Keynote Speaker, Dr. Austin Chidi Agbahiwe, Business Development Manager, overseeing First Bank of Nigeria’s 20 branches in Imo State, carefully enunciated investment instruments and banking services, as well as International Card Products available to those in the Diaspora to consider exploring in Nigeria. Dr. Agbahiwe shared that Nigeria is embarking on reforms that will attract foreign and local investors.

He said, “The biggest reforms Nigeria is embarking upon in 2013 are in electric power and oil & gas (upstream).” With significant reduction of government involvement, “There must be fiscal incentives for new entrants post reform; producers of goods/services should be allowed to set their own prices.” “The sector must attract new investors-local and foreign,” he added. On the surface, it appeared that goal one was accomplished. Gleaning information from the cursory crosstabs, one could conclude that limited success was achieved. Also, Judge Chizoma Ihekere addressed issues primarily faced by those in health care business, who made up less than one-fifth of the audience.

At the onset, the extent to which goal two would be accomplished depended largely on the number of people who were prepared to pay in advance to attend the event. As a result, goal two would be the engine driving most people to the event to help ICAN raise funds. Building an Igbo Center in the Dallas metropolitan area has been a lofty goal every successive ICAN administration since 1990s, and so far, it has been an illusory proposition.

This just concluded Igbo Business Banquet was one of Chief Sam Nwankwo’s final acts in office. He talked and worked on making Igbo Center a reality, but to no avail. One wonders why building or buying a building for Igbo Center has eluded the Igbo community in the Dallas metropolitan area for so many years. Paucity of funds is simply the issue. And that was the primary goal of the Igbo Business Banquet and other banquets in the past-raising funds for the Igbo Center. Thus, the organizing committee made a great effort to attract as many people as possible to the banquet by going to a great length to inundate the community with calls, text messages, and incessant email messages.

The organizers offered attractive packages to those individuals buying $1000- and $500-tables, a marketing strategy that created three classes of attendees–$1000, $500, and $50, which resulted in a discriminatory treatment. Despite the din, the organizing committee for the banquet fell short of achieving the goal 2 of its agenda because of its conspicuous and relentless effort to get health care business people to buy as many $1000-tables as possible.

Thus, the committee ignored the rest of the community. Why was a heavy emphasis placed on selling $1000-tables-an ill-advised marketing strategy in a community bereft of dour economy? Perhaps the intension was to sell 30 tables at $1000 each and 35 tables at $500, which did not materialize. Oblivious of the negative impact on focusing entirely on a jaded marketing scheme which led to the abject treatment of those individuals who paid $50 each for admission, future Igbo Business Banquet could severely be in peril. The third class status was incidentally created by the organizers’ machination.

Therefore, some people were indeed treated with ignominy as they left in disappointment and with a bitter taste of the banquet. In deriding this marketing concept employed by the committee, Atty. Edwin Nwokocha, a legal luminary regrettably alarmed, “I sat in a table with four couples that paid $50.00 each. Then, I observed a Silver table that sat four couples at the cost of $500.00. While the couples that sat at the Silver table were served with bottles of Moet, Irish Cream, Remy Martin and Salmon, the couples that paid $50.00 each were made to be spectators and wait for the crumbs.”

Nwokocha chided the organizers, “The narrow focus in our community that only lawyers and Home Health Care Agency operators can financially support our Business Banquet is misplaced. Our community has other professionals, business men and women who love our heritage equally. Cultivating these individuals would expand the pool of benevolent members of our community.” Some of the people in attendance were Prof. Christopher Amatobi, Chief Nnaerika Okonkwo, Organizing Committee Chair for the 2013 World Igbo Congress Convention, Chief Johnson Ihemeremadu, Co-chair, Mr. Geoffrey Nzeadibe, National Chairman of Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF-USA), Atty. Godson Anyanwu, Chief Ken Jerry Ike, PNF-USA Chieftain, Chief Chris Ogbuehi, Chief Linus Ayozie, and Chief Val Mbamala.

Also present to grace the occasion were Mr. Festus Okonkwo, Atty. Gabriel Ogueri, Nwaka Vitalis, Esq., Atty. Fidelis Nwaozuzu, Sir Chris Onyeador, Chief Sam Okere, Chief Vin Igbokwe, and Anderson Obiagwu, President/CEO of Big A Entertainment. Apparently, the end of the banquet marked the beginning of a campaign for who takes the helm of ICAN come January 2014.

Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27) “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28) “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) “It is finished.” (John 19:30) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The preceding statements Christ made seem to capture the ordeal on the cross to demonstrate how enormously significant the cross is to our lives. Interestingly, Easter celebration was a few days ago, but I hope it served as an immense opportunity to many of us for self-reflection on our daily lives so that we may be able to discern the inherent inconsistencies that have perennially permeated our activities.

Shrilly, there is a recurring line in the story of death and resurrection of Christ that seems to be mysterious on how it can unfold in the lives of people. Everyone’s life contains a story of a beginning and an end. But to unlock the period of the new beginning and sustain it till the end seems to be an eternal mystery. Chirpily, there is an inalienable assurance of hope and victory in the recurring line of Easter if applied genuinely to the story of our lives. Easter, signifying the death and resurrection of Christ, indicates that the purpose of the cross is the washing away of our sins, particularly of the Christian faith, through the grace of God.

It has been taught that death and resurrection respectively signify the death of our sinful nature and our newness, Christ-like being. God paid the debt for our sins by sacrificing His only son to die so that we may live. He wants us to come to Him through His son, Jesus Christ who died on the cross for the forgiveness and remission of our sins. Our merciful and gracious Lord is a protective father who does not want His children to continue to swim in sin.

While Easter and Holy Communion are the yearly and weekly ineffaceable reminders to the Christians of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, partaking in the Holy Communion signifies one’s total commitment to both the symbolism and purpose of the events on the cross. If so many of these people who observe Easter hold fast to the cross, one would wonder why people who live precipitously different lives abound in our society. Well, have you been to church lately? Have you observed those walking or should I say filing to the altar to receive the Holy Communion? Or better still, have you observed the demeanor of those people walking back to their seats after receiving the Holy Communion?

If you have not, please take time to examine the sanctimonious deportment of those individuals walking back to their respective seats after a stride to altar to receive the sacrament or for atonement. I have attended occasions where Catholic Masses were served. Being an Anglican (Protestant), I did not partake in the Holy Communion served by the Reverend Father. Rather, I was a keen observer who maintained a critical distance in order to have a full view and understanding of the environment.

What I am going to say is in no way an indictment on the Catholics and may not be construed as a degradation of any religion. Please this is not an indictment on the Catholics. In any case, what attracted my attention was how people pretentiously-walking holy-to the altar to be served the Holy Communion by the Reverend Father. There was a stark difference in people’s behavior and attitude in church and outside the church. The inconsistencies were alarming. More strikingly, people do have a totally different attitude when they prepare to or when they are in the process of receiving or have received the Holy Communion.

I have watched in disgust how some people I knew put on the veil of holiness and serenity as they walked back to their respective seats. By the time the bread-the body of Christ and the wine-the blood of Christ could make their way through their esophagus, the veil of holiness was completely replaced with what was their true nature. I should say that no sooner had the veil of holiness been stripped by their true nature than their nefarious deeds and thoughts ensued. One should have thought that the manifestation of spirituality in these individuals as reflected in their countenance as they took the Holy Communion would burgeon on what was once an infertile heart. No sooner had they taken their respective seats than their precipitation of holiness evaporated.

I wish these individuals could truly lay their lives on the Potter’s hand for the ultimate molding. Ironically, it is easier to fake it than to live it! Every society has an established set of beliefs or religions that purport to set the standards, which ultimately guide individual behavior. In addition, there are laws and precepts of the society that set the standards for an acceptable behavior. All these are in vain without individual responsibility and moral obligation for one to conform to the societal obligations. However, if the society has lost its moral standing, then who ensures that there is law and order? If the center cannot hold, chaos will be an acceptable option. Most of our politicians cum leaders are bagging titles from churches and secular realm as if they could only be validated with titles and not service.

Have you been to places of worship and looked up to admire the designated seats for the “Knighthooders” as if they are holier than thou? Unfortunately, most of the churches in Nigeria have those. The private actions of these individuals are inconsistent with their public ones. These individuals trample upon the actions prescribed and required in accordance with the doctrinal principles of their faith. However, the Bible assures us that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Also, I have noticed that in some churches it is carousal-like atmosphere, but without alcoholic beverages. People are supposedly filled with the spirit and they act it.

Nevertheless, deciphering the kind of spirit the individuals are filled with will take a miracle to unlock the mystery. Undoubtedly, it is best left to the individual intoxicant to unveil the spirit behind the mask. I am not passing any judgment on any one. However, if you feel that way, please forgive my imperfection. “For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Let us be driven by our faith so that our actions will be congruent with the precepts of our religion.

Let there be a new beginning in our lives. The Bibles says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:14-15) Also, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

This legendary iconic and prolific author had allowed us to truly run in his literary shoes for a better understanding of self and our ecological variables. No wonder the global sorrowful reactions to his death last week were read in the national dailies around the world-media coverage reserved for a world figure. Furthermore, the Nigerian intelligentsias from all stripes weighed in with varied emotions. Nigerians everywhere received with great sorrow the death of Prof. Chinua Achebe, an advocate for justice and equity, eminent scholar and a literary icon, who had used his literary works to inspire and touch the lives of so many people around the world.

Their reactions will come later. Well, in 2005, as the National Chairman of Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF-USA, Inc.), I had the privilege and esteemed honor to personally award Prof. Chinua Achebe the 2005 Life Time Achievement Award, one of the few awards he accepted during his life. In our phone conversation prior to the award, Prof. Achebe, a soft-spoken icon, expressed how elated he was about the news of his award. He happily and wholeheartedly accepted to receive the award on May 7, 2005 in Dallas, Texas.

He expressed his appreciation of the gestures very much. Also speaking for Prof. Chinua Achebe during the period was Prof. Michael Mbabuike, Professor and Coordinator Africana Studies Unit/Humanities Department & The Center for Igbo Studies at Hostos Community College of the City University of New York who wrote, “I have been directed by Prof. Chinua Achebe to write you this letter of appreciation and acceptance of the very worthy award of the year 2005 which the PNF is conferring on him. Prof Achebe is tremendously grateful and sends his warmest thanks for all you are doing for Ndi Igbo here and in the rest of the Igbo Diaspora.

The award of the year means a lot to Prof.” Achebe remembered in various positive ways: Prof. Donatus I. Amaram, Virginia State University professed, “Many of us in academia today from Nigeria cut our literary teeth on Achebe’s first two seminal works, Things Fall Apart and No Longer At Ease. Accurate and very entertaining rendition of traditional way of life in the Igbo community of Nigeria prior to colonial intervention, Things Fall Apart is a parody of how colonial administration ushered in practices that were inimical to the customary ways of life in Nigeria (e.g. greed, bribery, prostitution, etc.) and upset the natural order, as Nigerians imbibed these practices to the detriment of traditional fair dealings among neighbors.

Thus, things fell apart. And because things fell apart, we were no longer at ease, as the consequences of imported foreign influence took hold and began to replace the way of life that had served us well for centuries-the subject of Achebe’s sequel. Achebe’s masterful sprinkling of humor, idioms, proverbs, allegories and metaphors in his narratives captured literary attention and catapulted his books into the world stage where many universities in Europe and North America began to designate them as required reading alongside Shakespeare, Hemingway, Albert Camus and other literary giants. Nigeria and the literary world will miss Chinua Achebe.

But we will all take comfort from the literary legacy he left us.” In her special tribute to Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili, the former Federal Minister for Information and Communication for Nigeria, emotionally stated, “As we say in Igboland when an extraordinary person dies, the iroko has fallen.” She recalled her first stint at UNN when Prof. Achebe was a professor there, “I feel a sense of personal loss because Prof. Chinua Achebe was not only from my state, Anambra, but was also one of my role models right from my days as a faculty member at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), where he also taught until the road accident that made him to relocate to the USA,” Prof. Akunyili evoked.

“Prof. Achebe’s death leaves a void not only in Nigeria and Africa but also globally because he was one of the best novelists the world has ever produced. He will be sorely missed but we take solace in his rich legacies,” Prof. Akunyili concluded. Dr. Anthony Ejiofor, Executive Director of World Igbo Congress had this to say: “Although he is gone, Professor Chinua Achebe remains the doyen of African literary world and indeed stands head and shoulder to shoulder with the best the world has ever had. While he lived, Achebe did provide the compass for the Igbo through his brazen and principled stand-up against injustice to his people in Nigeria.

The Igbo must read Achebe over and over for guidance. The Igbo must make haste to deploy the wisdom he had so graciously made available to us. The World Igbo Congress will miss him, especially at this time that we are beginning to take a harder look at the Igbo question.” Similarly, Dr. Uzo Unegbu, Chairman of ORADC expressed his sympathy by saying, “Prof. Chinua Achebe was a noble cultural man. He propelled the Igbo culture around the world and promoted cultural awareness with his novels. My first completed book was his novel, Things fall apart. I still reference his book to some of the cultural activities we perform today. He will be missed.” In the same vein, Dr. Richard O. Nwachukwu, Publisher of African Herald held, “Prof. Chinua Achebe is an icon in the literary world. He is an Iroko in the world of literature.

I have read a lot of his books, including The Trouble with Nigeria. He is the conscience of the under-privileged. He is anti-corruption as could be seen through his writing and rejection of a national award from President Olusegun Obasanjo. My regret for him is that he was not bestowed with the Nobel Laureate honor in which he more than merited.” Tony Otoiheoma Egbe rightly pointed, “Prof. Chinua Achebe was an African legend, who lived his Life educating, not only Africans, but the rest of the world with his powerful novels of African tradition and culture, using his examples from his Igbo tribe traditional upbringing! With such novels like Things Fall Apart and the Arrow of God classically represented a typical African culture from his tribal cultural upbringing. He captured the interest of the whole world in literature.

With his astonishing expressions in his books, he captured world recognition as a giant in literature, and went further to gain the respect of the whole world. Prof. Achebe paved the way for most of the African authors both dead and alive.” Lady Augusta Okoroufor expressed, “Prof. Chinua Achebe, what an icon in the literary world of Africa. He is an authentic writer. He introduced Nigerian literature to a higher learning. Most Nigerian writers, if not all drew inspiration from him. Prof. Chinua Achebe was a writer who was idolized by older literary school of thought and younger literary school of thought.

His book Things Fall Apart, which is widely read in different languages, resonates with both the older and younger generations. There will be none like him. We will miss him greatly.” Achebe truly left a mosaic of indelible moral impressions in our consciousness regarding our onus to humanity, particularly to the downtrodden. With his legacy, we will forever be indebted to the man, Achebe.

They seem to have a sleuth of captivating phrases they use year after year. Unfortunately, in most cases, the promise of help on the way neither reaches the purported recipients in Nigeria in kind nor in cash. Interestingly, there are many fundraising activities organized by various Nigerian organizations in the continental North America for a variety of projects in Nigeria. In the Dallas metropolitan area alone, no weekend passes without two to three fundraising activities in the area. This may hold true in many other areas that have a large concentration of Nigerians, particularly the Igbo.

Through the goodwill of many Nigerians, so many organizations have raised substantial amounts of money for community projects in Nigeria only to see or hear that one or two leaders of those organizations have embezzled the money. Sad still, some organizations deliberately organize fundraising activities in pretense of utilizing the funds in Nigeria. Members of such organizations fiddle people who have good heart for giving of their money. There are some individuals who literally live the teaching of Luke 6:38, the scripture says, “Give and it will be given to you…” And there are people who are bent on taking an advantage of such people.

In 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” One such giver who has given generously to various Igbo communities in the Diaspora is no other than Igwe Sabinus Akas, a philantropist in Dallas who has donated generously to various Igbo communities in the United States. Igwe Sabinus Akas received the coveted PNF-USA Humanitarian Award in 2012 for his immense generosity. There have been many fundraising activities organized by various Nigerian organizations for variety of projects in Nigeria in the past year. Many such activities are lined up for 2013.

As we are bracing for the onslaught of fundraising invitations from numerous organizations this year, we still have to contend with other social activities, such as graduation parties, christening and naming ceremonies, birthday parties, and of course, the wake-keeping that occupies one’s weekend. Talking of wake-keeping activities, in some weekends, there may be four to five such activities that exert enormous pressure on one’s inelastic time. However, people are more apt to attend wake-keeping ceremonies because they are considered legitimate and most often they attract sympathy. Similarly, death is a debt collector that can come knocking at any door.

Thus, people in the Diaspora are resigned with the fact that if not now they will in the future witness the loss of a loved one. Perhaps, attending wake-keeping activities is the best way for some individuals to cultivate goodwill. On the other hand, fundraising activities organized by clubs or parochial organizations are treated with derision. Considering the number of these activities, one has to forage for money to meet the cost of loyalty and friendship. Well, since fundraising is a lucrative business, many more community organizations are forming each year thereby placing an undue burden on cheerful givers who manage to scrounge up enough money to meet the unnecessary demands.

Inasmuch as one cannot contain the proliferation of community organizations and fundraising activities, one can inevitably guard his/her wallet against some of these fraudulent Igbo leaders in the Diaspora. Cases or allegations of embezzlement of money in Igbo community organizations are on the rise and misappropriation has plagued many Igbo community organizations in the Diaspora as the number of fundraising activities increases. Unknown to the donors, some Igbo community organizations have not sent a dime home after their first fundraising activities in which they told the contributors that the proceeds would be used for projects in Nigeria.

These organizations and their leaders are shameless to organize other fundraising activities after swindling money from unsuspected contributors. Exasperated by the incessant misappropriation and squander of public funds by some Igbo leaders in the Diaspora, Chief Ken Jerry Ike opined, “The general intent by Nigerians living in the Diaspora to raise funds to support their home country targeted at improving the Educational and Health Care Systems is a laudable one but the biggest problem is that most of the funds raised in such occasions never made it home or used for the targeted projects either because the funds are mismanaged or completely embezzled.

Some unscrupulous elements in the Diaspora are now using this as a way of enriching themselves. Every year these unscrupulous elements will deceitfully call unsuspecting individuals together with a very attractive theme to come and donate.” Annoyed by the importunate embezzlement and waste of public funds by some Igbo leaders in the Diaspora, many Nigerians seem to shun fundraising activities organized by parochial organizations. Also many clubs and parochial organizations have resorted to going to court to have their respective matters settled.

Disturbed by the disarray in some Nigerian organizations in America exacerbated by the spate of cases of financial misappropriation, Sir Ike Ginigeme alarmed, “Oftentimes some groups or individuals will come up with all sort of things geared towards raising money. Medical mission, schools, and motherless-babies homes just to name a few have been the vehicle used by most organizations or individuals to raise funds which they turn around to pocket.” “They exploit people’s desire to help the underprivileged, but they don’t deliver as promised.

It is sad that now even some churches here are now joining in the game. At the end of the day, all the funds raised end up in the hands of a few individuals. Currently there are several court cases pending to address this matter. This cannot continue in this community where people are taking from each other to enrich themselves instead of actually helping those in need,” Ginigeme concluded. Perfidy notwithstanding, there are still some Igbo community organizations that raise money for credible causes.

These organizations apply the resources for the intended purposes. Chief Sam Nwankwo, president of Igbo Community Association of Nigeria (ICAN), has raised over $100,000 for the organization, and substantial amounts of money have been paid to some bereaved Igbo families during his term. As a leader, he not only accounted for every cent that has come to ICAN, but also he is so far transparency personified. No wonder he has been receiving accolades in various Igbo communities as he is concluding his last term in office.

Nwankwo has been recognized for his probity and transparent leadership. While many Igbo community leaders in the Diaspora are filled with duplicity and controlled by venal behavior, Sam Nwankwo’s leadership engine has been greased with honesty and accountability. Undeniably, he has demonstrated an outstanding leadership in ICAN! Under Nwankwo’s leadership, ICAN will in August/September 2013 host the World Igbo Congress Convention in Dallas. Primed for success, ICAN is working diligently to make the WIC convention a memorable one.

In any case, people are yearning in silence for a moratorium, at least for a two-year moratorium, on fundraising activities not only to give us a break from the drudgery, but also to find a mechanism to ensure that the funds being raised are used for their intended purposes. Most donors of these fundraising activities are beginning to wonder how their hard earned money is being used. The quiet questions of these contributors are beginning to get louder with every passing weekend of fundraising activities in the Diaspora.

There are about 100 Igbo community organizations and clubs in the Dallas metropolitan area alone. Conservatively, the average annual fund raised by each of these organizations is $10,000. That means that the Igbo organizations are collectively generating an annual income of $1,000,000 in the Dallas metropolitan area alone. In a period when some Third World countries derive substantial percentage of their foreign exchange earning through remittances from their citizens abroad, $1,000,000 yearly, if utilized wisely, would help immensely the economy of Nigeria, chiefly the Southeast Zone. What else can I say other than kaput!