I was employed by the Daily Star, Enugu, after topping my class at the Jackson College, UNN. 1984 December, we saw the burning plane and I ran to the airport. I was the first reporter to talk with the Ghanaian Pilot and the only other surviving passenger, a Yoruba man, who jumped from the window of the doomed aircraft. “I was so sure I was jumping to my death…. but it took so long before I landed on the ground and beside me was my daughter whom I was escorting from Lagos to start schooling at the Federal Unity College, Enugu,” he told me. “Apparently, my daughter joined me in that faithful jump into the unknown.” The name of Bianca’s sister, who died with all the other passengers, was Dr. Josephine Onoh. Emma Okocha, I can testify told a true story.
-Joshua Iwebuka, Publisher, Knight Magazine.
In the company of the late Senator Offia Nwali, we watched at the lounge the burning to ashes of his wife and his four little children. That spectacle stayed on with the late Senator until his death few months ago. The mystery of the whole calamity remained unraveled, as the other surviving passenger, Mr. Anazonwu, and the Ghanaian pilot all were to die in separate auto crashes. What I saw at the airport is my own eye witness account to collaborate the enchanting piece that was Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Of the other spiritual excursion of the beautiful Odinakachukwu, I cannot risk throwing my hat. All the same, if it is true that our Helena transformed to a mammywater, then Emma Okocha would indeed be congratulated for his acuity. But if it is not true that this lady could conjure the powers of the supernatural and hold all in trance, drivers, passengers and readers, then give it to this genius, an artist who is creating characters that are believable. –Okosisi, Lawson Lagos.
“Bianca had started to chart her course to stardom (possessing a rare combination of virtues) before meeting Ikemba. After Ikemba, she would not be the same again. There are names that simply don’t fade into oblivion; for their associated great deeds. Put differently, behind all great names are great deeds! All great deeds have their historical antecedents and significantly impact/change the course of history and world views. Names are revered because of the great personalities and deeds associated with them; and with lasting memorials.
All widows automatically belong to God. He cares for them; sustains and takes care of their needs (Ex. 22:22; 1 Cor. 7:8; 1 Tim. 5:3; Jas. 1:27). I hate to think that a widow, unmindful of all, avails herself for the highest “bidder.” The late Matriarch, H.I.D. Awolowo, did not remarry, following the death of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (mindful of the status of her late husband and the associated acclaim). Your description of her party, APGA, as “lacking intellectual compass” is so true and regrettable. I would urge you and other Igbo elite, who believe in Ikemba’s vision for APGA and the Igbo, to use your column and writings to educate on the present leadership of the party, on the need to grow on the vision and mission of the founder of the party, and stop projecting their personal selfish egos. -Barrie Atuona, Abuja
Emma, the imagery you brought to bear on the write-up on her Excellency – Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was amazing. By that, you belong to the Pantheon of Chaucer of our time. You are indeed a worthy member of the Jackson College of Journalism of UNN. -Chief Iheanocha
I just want to commend you for this wonderful write-up on Daily Sun newspaper on the 10th of August, 2016, captioned; “Bianca Odinakachukwu Odumegwu-Ojukwu.” Honestly, akpata oyi wuru m after reading it. You are indeed gifted. I pray to also improve in my own romantic writings. -Anene A. Maduechesi
PDP: The burden of Nigeria’s greatest political party
Political appointment in Nigeria is seen by the appointer, as an invitation to come and eat: To the appointee, it is a ticket to escape poverty forever. PDP surrounded itself with political gluttons and, therefore, lost focus, legacy and direction.
-Rev. M. J. Gold
Bonjour, Amuma Ndi Ibo/Niger, just read your thunderbolt “PDP burden…..” Well encapsulated; aligns with your young Bismarck listened to the young Tafawa Balewa, who had come with lofty ideas but got chased out by old man Clark and the Ogogoroman of the creeks.
-Obinwa
In other words, despite all of Zik’s heroic international diplomatic initiatives and overtures, the Gowon Government never ever made any inch of concession in form willingness to revisit the Aburi Accord! When Enahoro in his old age came to repentance, and joined the cause of self-determination, he acknowledged this fact.
-Chris Ike
Col. Adekunle Fajuyi in July 29 coup
Emma, no matter what Danjuma, Jerry boy Useni, Junaid Mohammed and the rest of them will say, it will not change the truth, motive and facts of the action of Jan 15, 1966 and the revanchist bloodbath of July 29.
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It is pertinent to note that no Nigerian soldier from the North ever received any recognition for professional excellence internationally. They have only excelled in mindless killings and coup plotting. It is only the northern Generals that became billionaires after retirement. I await your coming book. Don’t forget to send copies to me.
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Can you try and convince Prof. Akinyemi to go with you to General Danjuma and (the driver) Jerry Boy, for the true story of 1969; in fact, Tony Momo can join you. We are tired living in error, e.g. books like My Command, etc.
In your interesting piece, Fajuyi in July 29 coup…. Northern rage has refused any consolation. Please, state appeasement offers to North as consolation.
Sqn Ldr S. Lawal (rtd)
The Federal Ministry of Information issued a statement on Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu in the 60s. Find it in “Africa Who is Who” by Raph Uwaechue’s firm. Please, re-issue it. -Mike Ogwu
Please, read The News Magazine of June and July 2016. Parts 1 and 2. You may have to react to some of the issues raised.
-Dr. Sam
Thank you for the wonderful piece on the column, ON THE NIGER, on the issue of the July 29, 1966 coup. People like you should not allow the truth to die. Keep up. May the good Lord continue to increase your wisdom in history and writing!
-Apostle S.J. Nwachukwu, Christ Army International Movement
I told you that Nigeria is the spiritual reality of God. As a Catholic, what can you say of the Jesus-like image, that appeared at Saint Augustine’s Church, Nenger, Makurdi.
-Solomon U. C.