From Benjamin Nworie
The just concluded Ebonyi state stakeholders political summit was successful,but there were partial accounts of stakeholders and political actors participation on the journey to Ebonyi state creation.
Whether deliberate or calculated attempts to annihilate the contributions of these political actors, the efforts of many individuals can not be buried when discussion of Ebonyi state creation surfaces.
Without any contradictions, why we acknowledge the numerous and overwhelming contributions of the pioneer leader of Ebonyi Movement, Late Dr Akanu Ibiam, it must be noted very clearly that there were other individuals who played prominent and sacrificial roles at various quarters including financial donations for the creation.
In a review of the summit, it was clear that some stakeholders chose to state the facts as they knew it but we are duty bound to state the facts correctly in order not to erase history.
Anyone could wonder why a notable personality like late Senator Offia Nwali who deputized Akanu Ibiam in the Ebonyi Movement and also moved a motion on the floor of the Senate for the creation of the state was not mentioned. It is also the same for chief Innocent Ugo Chima who moved a similar motion on the floor of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.
Late Senator Andrew Nwankwo; late Ezeogo Samuel .O Mgbada; Late Pharmacist Anthony Ekoh, Late Senator Polycarp Nwite and late Chief Benson egede, the thenLagos based business mogul from Ohaukwu local government area, whose contributions covered accomodation, transportation and other logistics were not remembered.
Even Chief Samuel Okohu who donated a whooping one million naira then on the day of the launch of Ebonyi Movement at Abakaliki township stadium, now known as Pa Ngele Oruta township stadium have remained forgotten or unacknowledged in the historical facts about the creation of our great state.
The summit failed to remember Late Rev Nwafor who was killed in the struggle for the creation of the state
While the organisers of the political summit should be commended for a wonderful event, at least, first of its kind, subsequent summits should critically chronicle the leading roles of other Ebonyi founding fathers.
It is important to refresh our memories about the political incident in 1981 when the former governor of old Anambra state, Jim Nwobodo visited the old Ezza local government area headquarters Onueke, where Chief Ugo Chima was attacked by security operatives attached to the former governor, for agitating and protesting for the creation of the state, but was lucky to be rescued by students of Ezza High school who whisked him away, and made efforts that Saw Jim Nwobodo's convoy leave the scene.
These historical facts remain evergreen and verifiable, and deserve acknowledgement and commendations when issues of the journeys and struggles are discussed. It is also important to recognize these undeniable facts because those individuals who paid supreme sacrifices, committed valuable resources and sacrificed their comforts in pursuit of the creation of our great state, should at all fora deserve acknowledgement.
It is expected that since some of the political actors telling the story of Ebonyi state creation now, because of their privileged political influence, should carry out thorough consultations to be informed of the actual facts. The story of Ebonyi state creation can not be complete with the exclusion of these uncommon patriots who sacrificed a lot for the struggle.
The summit was golden and it is our belief that the follow ups shall have these observations put in the proper perspective. Ebonyi people are one people, let the truth about our beginning be told.
Therefore, it is surprising that some individuals who were still in secondary school during the struggle could now allude themselves some success histories of the creation.
As ridiculous as it appeared, the story of Ebonyi state creation is now being narrated by individuals who never contributed any active roles and barely knew what the struggle was, and they are narrating it with narrow mindsets.
History teaches us to state facts as they are and credit must be given to who deserves it. Do not distort facts to promote yourself and refuse the real actors a mention.
The organizers of the summit deserve commendation for the coordination and successful hosting but in subsequent events, concerted efforts should be made to properly articulate these unsung fathers of the state.
For the summit, it is the first of kind, stressing that the adoption of power rotation and endorsement of the second term bid of Governor Francis Nwifuru, have further cemented the unity, peace and spirits of Ebonyi founding fathers.
There is nothing more important now in our history than the re-election of Governor Francis Nwifuru in 2027.
It is to be noted that there is nothing comparable to facts as they are sacred and that everlasting zoning arrangements have been planted in Ebonyi state political firmament and coming at this time, was an added advantage to ensure the victory of the incumbent governor, who should be voted and supported to serve his complete eight years like his predecessors.
The summit has given hope for the political future of Ebonyi state, as the templates will serve as historical documents for power sharing and arrangements. With this development, it is clear and adopted that each senatorial zone of the state has known when it is their turn to govern Ebonyi state.
God bless Ebonyi state.
The Spirits of our founding fathers lives on.
Post a Comment