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Igbos in the enterprise called Nigeria:

My perspective

By Jacob S. P. Nwokolo

Role during the civil war

THIS journey started for me sometime in July 1965 when I accompanied Dr. Okechukwu Ikejiani on a return to Lagos from London. While in London, he had decided that I should live with him, while I attended the mandatory law school in Lagos. I stayed with him in Lagos, up till the July 29th coup detat of 1966, which forced most Igbos back to the then Eastern Nigeria, and in Enugu until October 1967 when the civil war reached Enugu. I consider myself incompetent in this forum to talk about Dr. Okechukwu Ikejiani but for the benefit of the younger generation in this assembly, I would venture to say that no history of the Igbo people can be written without a special place being reserved for O.K.

His abode in No. 96 Apapa Road, Lagos otherwise known as National Clinic was the unofficial headquarters of all Igbo activities in Lagos. Dr. Okechukwu Ikejiani is second to none in Igbo patriotism which is, and has always been synonymous with true Nigerian patriotism.

In the event of January 15, 1966, my life was saved by the late Justice M.O. Ajaegbo of the Supreme Court and a Nigerian Army Officer of Togolese extraction called Major Hans Kweti at the then Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation at Ikoyi. The reason for that coup had nothing to do with the Igbos. Every honest Nigerian at that time, was aware of what was going on in the Wild West. Also corruption, even though it had not reached the 10 per cent level at that time was considered intolerable. For avoidance of doubt, those who are interested should revisit Major Chukwuma Nzeogwus broadcast in Kaduna. Looking back now, the politicians of those days who have now died, should be seating next to God Almighty as the highest ranking saints when compared to the madness that is the order of the day now, where billions are being siphoned away brazenly. The main purpose of the coup of January 1966, the way I understand same, was to eliminate corruption, and to go to Calabar prison, collect Chief Obafemi Awolowo and install him the Prime Minister of Nigeria. Certainly, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was not an Igboman.

Following the killings of Igbos sometime in April/May 1966, a section of Igbo leadership which usually met at Dr. Ikejianis residence decided to send me to Kaduna to assess the killings, that were going on. When I reported back after my trip, the leadership felt that my report should better be made available to the Commander-In-Chief, then Major-General Aguiyi Ironsi in my own words. An appointment was made for me through the then Police ADC Mr. Onubogu C.S.P. This trip quite unknown to me at the time set me up. A former Inspector-General of Police, sometime in 1971, met me in late Maj.-General I.D. Bisallas house now the official residence of the Chief Judge of Enugu State and confirmed to me that he was with the Commander-in-Chief that faithful morning, when I was debriefed and being a special branch officer, he ensured that all my activities thereafter were put under special branch scrutiny.

After the July 29 Coup of 1966 and the killings that took place, I lost my innocence. My early baptism came with the killing of Capt. Okoye at Abalti Barracks in Surulere. This debonair, handsome officer from Nnewi was one of my close contacts who kept me informed of the goings on in that barracks. He came as usual to see me and left quite late. By morning the following day, word reached me that he had been murdered in cold blood. Immediately this information was confirmed, I decided to do something about the other Igbo officers. I arranged the return to Igboland of some, and a few I brought back personally. For example, Cols. Tony Eze and Mich Ivenso of blessed memory took the risk with me. Also, where I could, I arranged for household goods to be brought back. I took up residence in Enugu about late Sept. 1966. I joined the great patriot Dr. Ikejiani at No. 75 Zik Avenue Enugu.

From that September until the late Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu was released, I busied myself in intelligence work, at my own cost. I used to go to Lagos alone very late in the night usually arriving in the early hours of the following morning. My return trips were also at night. Most of the time, I undertook those trips three times a week. In one of those trips, I had cause to go to Ikeja Airport to meet the plane from Enugu. I was arrested along with some other Igbos including an air force officer called, I believe, Capt. Nzegwu. Every Igbo person that was arrested that day was killed the following day at Ikeja Barracks. The beauty of a young Igbo airhostess saved my life. Yes, Florence from Ogbunike who later died in very tragic circumstance during the struggle without even knowing she indirectly saved me, is the reason I am standing here before you today.

Capt. Paul Dickson now deceased who was then in charge of the Ikeja Airport was so taken aback by the vital statistics of this young Igbo girl, that he lost his concentration. As the good Lord would have it, it was at the height of his lust that his soldiers asked him what they should do with me and he carelessly asked them to whip me and allow me to go. May the good Lord continue to look after Florence and may her gentle soul rest in peace.

Thanks to the then young governor of the then Eastern Group of Provinces, some of my greatest heroes were released from detention. To name a few Maj. Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Maj. Ademoyega, Lt. Olahimefun, Maj. Timothy Onwuatuegwu, Maj. Humphrey Chukwuka, Capt. Ganiyu Adeleke, Lt. Fola Oyewole, Lt. Bob Igbikor, Capt. Ben Gbulie, Capt. Emma Udeaja and Capt. Emma Nwobosi. For the first time, I must confess today that even though I only knew Chukwuma Nzeogwu for less than two years, he is the most significant event in my life. Chukwuma taught me that loyalty and principle are much more important than anything else in life. He knew that he would die young and he therefore utilised everyday of that short life to do good to all manner of men and women. He was deeply religious and loyal to a fault.

I believe it is important at this point, to state certain facts in order to correct some false claims. At the end of March 1967, Chukwuma and some other officers of the then Eastern Command under the then Col. Hilary Njoku in the light of the obvious struggle that was looming, decided, I believe with the approval of the then governor, to conduct battle simulation exercise in Abakaliki and a few other towns. I believe that because of idle gossip, that action was misconstrued as having some other sinister purposes and stopped, a few minutes to the event. The following morning, Col. Hilary Njoku was relieved of his command and allowed to go to Ireland for the extraction of bullets he received at Ibadan during the July 29th coup. Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu was sent on an indefinite leave. He was never officially recalled from this indefinite leave before he died fighting in the Nsukka sector.

The troops and their commanders felt quite dispirited when Kaduna was sent on leave. Most of them believed in his leadership as a military strategist and constantly bothered him on a daily basis for advice. Chukwuma could never say no to a request that would help a fellow human being. I being his unworthy companion and driver found that almost on a daily basis, in response to these requests, we were visiting units all over the then Eastern provinces. It was in one of such visits to Calabar on the 6 of July 1967 that we found a signal waiting for us in Calabar from the then Brig. Hilary Njoku Army Commander informing us of the beginning of the civil war.

About three days after this event, Col. Tony Eze who was then in charge of parts of Nsukka sector came back to HQ complaining that Nsukka town was about to be overrun by the Nigerian soldiers. The following day the then Brig. Phillip Effiong was sent to help stabilise and coordinate the defence of Nsukka. Again, a few days after Brig. Phillip Effiong came back to HQ. We were later to meet that faithful evening. He told me that the soldiers were asking for my hero and that without him the war was as good as lost. A number of other people pleaded with me. I remember that I discussed with Dr. Okechukwu Ikejiani, Dr. Felix Adi of blessed memory and, perhaps, one or two others. Sometime after midnight, that is, the early hours of the following day, I received a visit from Mr. Clement Nwagbo who was then either a two star ASP or a DSP and the then police ADC to the then Head of State of Biafra. He pleaded with me to ask my friend to go out and help. I was persuaded and I headed to No. 11 Independence Layout where Chukwuma and some of the other officers were quartered. The following morning he left for Nsukka sector with the then Brig. Phillip Effiong while still officially on leave.

I was to see Chukwuma once again in Army HQ. About a week after he left for the Nsukka front, there was a very strong rumour that he had been killed. I was devastated and lost the will to live. But being a coward, I felt that rather than kill myself, I should die at the hands of the enemy. I therefore discussed with my mentor Dr. O. Ikejiani the possibility of a mass attack by civilians. He bought the idea and being a man of action, he went off straight away to discuss same with the C. in C. less than two hours after he left, he came back and informed me that the C. in C. would like to see me. I remember that evening with certain degree of nostalgia and elation. I was expected. At the gate, I received immediate clearance. I was ushered into the presence of the C in C. who was in deep discussion with certain persons. I was then taken to a side room and in a matter of minutes the C-in-C came in, had a brief discussion with me and granted my request which was to backload as many as possible the civil defenders from all over Biafra to Enugu, to be organised for the mass attack. The C-in-C introduced a Mr. Ben Odogwu a Foreign Service personnel to me and asked him to go with me and help organise the expected civil defenders. Mr. Ben Odogwu was later to become the D.M.I. as Col. B. Odogwu.

A few days later Ben. Odogwu joined me in Enugu campus and some military personnel were sent to help organise us. On the 19 of July, we were ready to go in, and we were moved in vehicles to 9th Mile Corner. Sam Inya-Aghas role must be acknowledged because when our courage was failing us, he clearly showed that he was more of a man than some of us. We were informed as soon as we disembarked, and were to start moving, that we were more likely to be killed by our own men and that we needed to liaise with the Army High Command for a safe corridor through which we could get in under cover of darkness. Sam and I went back to Enugu to see the Army Commander the then Brig. Hillary Njoku. As I stepped into Hillarys office, who did I see? Chukwuma with a plan spread on the table in front of him discussing with the Army Commander. Immediately the desire to die evaporated. We had a very brief discussion because he was heading back to the front that night. I never saw him again.

On or about the 31 of July 1967, Brig. Gen. Phillip Effiong as he then was confirmed to me that Chukwuma was no more. Following the demise of Chukwuma, Phillip Effiong did not return to Nsukka front. We became attached to each other and started in a more serious way to organise the civil defenders most of whom were not sent back. They were renamed Biafran Militia. In order to continue my association with the civil defenders now christened Biafra Militia, I decided to take up Chukwumas commission and gave myself the rank of Major. I stepped into a pair of shoes, which I knew would never fit me even if I lived a thousand life times. I was designated the co-ordinating staff officer of the nascent Biafras militia and the then Brig. Philip Effiong became the commander.

Sometime in August, early one morning there was a news item that Mr. Philip Alale a trade unionist had been commissioned and decorated with the rank of Major by the C-in-C who we were told was his in-law. Later that day, the said Major Alale was to arrogantly swagger into my office then at the Enugu Campus armed with a letter from the then State House appointing him the co-ordinating staff officer of the Militia and late Brig. Banjo was to take over from Brig. Philip Effiong.

My rebellious spirit could not accept this especially coming so soon after the death of my hero whom officially was said to be on leave and had no business going out to fight. I therefore decided to do something about what I perceived at the time was an affront. I went to Brig. Philip Effiongs house at the G.R.A. We both went to the Barracks collected "Shady Boy" Capt. Shedrack, the then Provost Marshal of the Army, located Philip Alale in C.I.C. where he was addressing militia outfit quartered there. He was stripped of the military uniform and left in his pants and singlet. That was the last time I saw him alive.

About four weeks after this event, I was arrested by Mr. Ugboaja Deputy Commissioner of Police then in charge of the State CID. I was in detention at the Police Headquarters Enugu when Enugu was overrun by the Nigerian soldiers. We detainees were abandoned. I managed to find my way to Aba where the CID Headquarters was then located. I reported to Mr. Ugboaja the D.C. He took a look at me and told me that I must be a mad man. He wondered why I should come looking for him when other detainees were running away. He then confessed to me the love and respect he and his department had for me. He said that he will get into trouble if he allowed me to go because an instruction had been sent down to locate and re-arrest all the detainees. The detainees were quartered in one common hall, men and women alike, for about 10 days. Some of my co detainees at Aba were Mrs. Julie Alale, Miss Julie Onum, Mrs. Laura Obienu and Mr. Okeahalam etc.

From Aba, we were taken to Umudike Federal government college where we met other detainees, like Late Justice Dan Ibekwe, who died as president of the federal Court of Appeal, Barr. Ewin Nzegwu, Mr. Z. Dibiaezue, etc. There was this young officer from Nimo a Captain who left an indelible mark on me. He kept wondering most of the time why he was incarcerated, he wished to die for Biafra. I remember he was an artillery officer because his boss Lt. Col. Akagha joined us for a few days in detention. This young officers wish was granted him so shortly after, he got released, sent out to the front and less than three days after, he joined his hero Chukwuma.

I was the only one who got released from the Umuahia detention camp. One early morning Mr. Ugboaja the D.C. came to the camp, called me out and in a dramatic way asked me what I was doing in his detention camp. I was not amused at all. He insisted that I must leave the camp immediately and I resisted. Despite the intervention of Late Justice Dan Ibekwe and others, I refused to leave. Mr. Ugboaja had to enlist the services of Mr. William Achukwu who lived in the same Federal Government College compound to persuade me to join him Willy. I am ashamed t confess that Willys white rice which he used to bring to us accounted for my defection. After the rice meal in Willys house, I went back to see my friends and co detainees and I was shocked to find the place empty. I was later to learn that as soon as I left with Willy everybody in that camp was moved to the infamous Ntueke Detention Centre.

I spent a few days with Mr. William Achukwu and then went looking for Brig. Phillip Effiong and the Militia. They were then headquartered at Nnenwe. The Commander received me very well. We discussed the possibility of re-absorption into the militia, but after briefing me about the new organogram, I found that my replacement in the person of Tracker Sam Nwoye the then University of Nigeria Librarian at Nsukka was head and shoulder above me and there was no way I could fit in. I then left. Sometime after, Philip was promoted to the rank of Major General. and transferred to DEFENCE Headquarters at Umuahia as Chief of logistics. I sought his advice and decided to set up my own fighting unit, which I named the Biafran Leopard Group Fighters.

I believed based on what I learnt from my hero that I could help the war effort better by collecting intelligence and causing havoc behind enemy lines. I started off with about 20 persons well known to me, and whom I felt could trust. I found them accommodation very close to my own abode at CRUSADER High School. Their exploits have been well documented in the book written and published by Col. Ben. Odogwu D. M. I. However, his claim of having set up the B. L. G. F. left me amused. At a point in time, and to ensure survival, we did come under the umbrella of the D.M. I. and it was under that umbrella that I went to my third detention in the Catholic Seminary at Umuahia.

An officer of the D. M. I. and a senior to me in legal practice Mr. Fred Enweonwu was commissioned and given the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. And then deployed to D. M. I. He was directly instructed as I was told, by the C. in C. to investigate an allegation against his boss Col. Ben Odogwu and Maj. Gen. Philip Effiong. His adverse and unwarranted report was brought to my notice. I discussed with these two friends of mine and decided to do something about the said report. I had him sent for, and when he showed up at D. M. I Headquarters, my boys were waiting. The B. L. G. F. boys lifted him up. I gave him 36 strokes of the cane. This is one of the few things I learnt from another good friend of mine Hannibal whom most of you know as Col. Achuzia. I believe that this action earned me the said detention. While I was in detention Lt. Col. Aghanya came to see me. He sought my permission to use my B. L.G. F. boys for operations at Ibadan. I granted the request. So soon after I heard of BOFF and their exploits and that closed that chapter for me. I believe I spent about four months in my third detention and so soon after my release, Umuahia had to be evacuated. I moved to a small hut along Umuahia Mbano Road where my family was squatting. I soon attracted attention. Most of the field commanders remained faithful and even the Army High Comman continued to relate. It was therefore not surprising that the said small hut became a beehive of activities which certainly would attract any discerning eyes, more so when it is appreciated that the location was not far from Madonna the seat of the Biafran Government, Senior officers like Maj. Gen. Philip Effiong, Maj. Gen. A. Madiebo the G.O.C., Brigadiers Tony Eze, Mich. Ivenso, Pat. Amadi, Emman Udeaja, Timothy Onwuatuegwu, Col. Joe Achuzia, Emma nwobosi etc. were seeing me on a regular basis. Also my relationship with the Catholic Church which I inherited from my hero Chukwuma had deepened to the point where foreign dignitaries were being brought to see me by the Clergy.

During the oil mens operation in Kwale etc I was arrested one early morning by soldiers and police officers whom I was later told were sent by "Agbawo Dike Izu" Lt. Col. Sam Mbadwe the then Administrator of Okigwe province. I was picked up with my entire family, made up of my aged mother and father, all my brothers and sisters, their spouses resident there and Col. Joe Achuzias girl friend who was to travel with me that faithful morning to Orifite where Joe had his Headquarters. The line of questioning by Mr. Onwu S. P. the then D.P.O of Mbano Police Station, where we were incarcerated left me in no doubt about why I was picked up. I was dubbed a saboteur whose comings and goings were unknown to the powers that be. He was quite sure and full of himself in the big catch he had made especially when they had to spend a good part of that morning recovering, drums and drums of fuel, vehicles and stockfish etc. We were banged into the cell.

A little bit after midday, I was summoned by the D.P.O to his officer. He asked the officer who brought me to leave, and as soon as the officer left, he told me how sorry he was to be involved in this arrest. He pleaded for my forgiveness, and wondered how I would have lived within his area of command without his getting to know me better. He then recalled the officer that brought me and ordered that I should not be taken back to the cell. He also instructed that all my relations should be brought out from the cell and detained behind the counter. I was later to learn from Sgt. Raymond Agu from Udi who died a few months ago that Mr. Onwu sometime that morning was threatened by obviously loyal friends. Up till today, I have not been able to find out by whom and how the said threat was delivered. But from the first day, I am sorry to confess that I was treated like royalty. Perhaps one of our greats "Agbowo Dike Izu" may have something to say about this my last detention since he was the commander of Okigwe province and particularly in the light of the little conversation we had in the residence of Mr. Victor Masi in Ikoyi, while Victor was serving as Minister of Finance in the then Shagari Regime.

While in detention, I was still very active in our struggle. I am sure the then C. in C, may be amused to know that most nights I was out in one front or the other consulting and advising. Indeed, I remember that there used to be a meeting every Monday night called the Joint planning council. I would like to believe that I was always fully briefed about the conclusions of that August body as soon as the meeting rose.

Members of my family and Joes girl friend were released earlier and a few days to the end of the civil war, I was released. About the 8th or 9th of January 1970, Col. Joe Achuzia came as usual to see me. He told me he was coming back from Uli Airport. He confirmed that he saw the take off of the last flight from Uli airport, which had on board the C-in-C, Major-Gen. Alexander Madiebo and others. We discussed the future and agreed to see later. I had to leave my Umuelemai residence for good the following day because of the reported movement of the Nigerian soldiers. I was headed to Nimo my mothers town. While passing Bishop Shanahan College Orlu, I saw a considerable number of vehicles and human movement and I wondered aloud what was going on there. My girl friend who is a native of Nimo and was travelling with me in the same car told me that she heard that the C-in-C was there. I told her that Col Joe Achuzia saw him take off but the young lady insisted. Her persistence created sufficient doubt. I then felt that if at this end game the C-in-C. had decided to stay, I was going to be part of it. I stopped the car I was driving, ordered my girl friend out despite her frenzied protest. She was put in one of the escort vehicles accompanying me to Nimo and I went to join the C-in-C. When I got in I met Maj-Gen. Philip Effiong, Lat Sir Louis Mbanefo, and Mr. Patrick Okeke among others. There was a meeting going on. At the end of the meeting, Philip filled me in. Part of his brief was that Col. Ben. Odogwus house at Amichi called and known as Atuchukwus House should serve as the government House. I accompanied Phillip to Amichi and we were quartered in a very small bungalow belonging to Mr. Okeke whom I understand used to be a foam mattress dealer at Onisha. The said bungalow was about two poles from Atuchukwus house.

About 4.30 a.m. the following morning Col. Achuzia (Hannibal) came calling. He offered to link up with the Nigerian troops whom at the time we were told had captured Uli Airport. To facilitate this effort, he demanded the rank of Maj. General and we settled on the Rank of Brigadier. He was decorated with his new rank and before day break, he took off. At about 10.30 a.m. while Maj. General Philip Effiong, Col. Ben. Odogwu, Col. Anwunah, myself and a few others were meeting at the said Atuchukwus house, Joe Achuzia turned up and in tow were two Nigerian officers, Lt. Col. Julius Alani Akinrinade who was introduced as the principal staff officer to the G.O.C.; and Major Sam Tumoye the Brigade Commander of the Nigerian forward troops. Discussions were held and after about (one) hour, the then Brigadier Joe Achuzia left with these officers who had promised to come with their G.O.C. the following day. Less than two hours after they left, and while we were still discussing what transpired between us, Joe reappeared again this time with the two officers and the G.O.C. whom we where expecting the following day.

For the benefit of those who have lampooned me in the newspapers recently and suggested that I may have been a fifth columnist during our struggle, that was the first time I met Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. He was then a full colonel. Discussions were held at the end of which the Biafran High Command led by Maj. Gen. Philip Effiong were invited to Owerri the following day. I made it quite clear that I was not part of that command and therefore would not be at Owerri. In effect, I demanded my own personal invitation and got same. The following morning the said G.O.C. Col. O. Obasanjo came with his men to escort us to Owerri. I refused to enter any of the official cars and insisted that I would follow the convoy in my own Morris Monor car.

About 6 kilometres from Atuchukwus house, I was stopped by the Nigerian soldiers and the Morris Minor was confiscated. I had to hitch hike to get to the venue of the meeting at Owerri and by the time I finally got there the meeting was almost at an end. Part of the decisions taken was for Maj. Gen. Philip Effiong and a few other persons to go to Lagos through Port Harcourt for the formal surrender.

The said meeting at Owerri took place at what was then described as the Brigade Headquarters. At the end of the meeting I was introduced to an officer, Lt. Col. George Innih said to be Brigades Commander. He replaced my confiscated Morris Minor with a 404 Peugeot vehicle. Sometime in June last years the then Lt. Col. Alani Akinrinade now Lt Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.) former Chief of Army staff and Chief of Defence staff and myself met my beloved Hannibal in Aso Rock. We had quite a good laugh when Alani told us that the official Nigerian Army history of the end of the civil war stated that it was the then Lt. Col. George Innih that made contact with the Biafran soldiers.

A few weeks after when I felt it was safe enough for me, I left Nimo for Enugu and moved into 13 Osadebe Street opposite the U.N.N. Campus. Shortly after, I was informed that I should have, and must report to Owerri for screening and documentation as all Biafran Military officers had been ordered to do. I refused to do that knowning fully well that I commissioned myself. I continued to receive the threat until one faithful day, after I had been told there was a signal for my arrest by the 1" Div. From the 3" Div. HQ in P.H., I got an order I could not disobey. Philo Nzeogwu who issued the said order came late that evening and informed me that the then COL. O. OBASANJO would want to see me. I informed her that I was already aware of the signal and was waiting for the arrest. She then gave me satisfactory reasons why I should go to P.H. and not Owerri to see the then G.O.C. I did and the rest is history. It is perhaps important to note at this junction that the name Nzeogwu is sacred to me and would continue to be the rest of my days.

ROLE AFTER THE CIVIL WAR

At the end of the civil war, I felt that perhaps there was still something more I could do to help the terrible situation we found ourselves in. Because I was the first co-ordinating staff officer of the militia, and also because of the role the Militia had to play, I got to know a lot of young men who had passed through us and were then without limbs. That situation was like a nightmare to me and the good Lord soon came to the rescue. Earlier in this documentation, I mentioned the Catholic Church who throughout the civil war looked after me and treated me like they would treat my hero Kaduna Nzeogwu. Two Reverend gentlemen in particular Brothers James Carroll of blessed memory, an American and Francis, an Irish, both of the Marist Brothers of Schools then headquartered at Uturu, decided to help. They launched an appeal for funds. We traversed the whole of Europe and America looking for funds and ideas and the good Lord rewarded us richly. The Hopeville Scheme at Uturu Okigwe was built and some of our amputees were fitted with limbs built there. They were also taught certain trades which thanks to the Almighty had made them self-reliant. That monument is still there for any of you who care to see.

I have heard it repeated often that I was cursed by another great son of Igboland and a true prince of the Church, Late Dr. Godfrey Mary Paul Okoye C.S.S.P. Nne Efi Na etu nne ma. Even though his Lordship Bishop Anthony Gbuji the current Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese made a public statement on the 14 of May last year, I still think there are other grey areas to be covered in order to rest this matter finally. College of Immaculate Conception at the end of the civil war belonged to the Marist Brothers of schools and under Rev. Brother Aloysius. I was retained as their lawyer on the issue of take over of schools by the then Mr. Ukpabi Asikas administration. The first sword I had to cross with my beloved G.M.P. as a lawyer was on the take over of schools as it then affected my clients. While this matter of CIC was going on, my in-laws in Ogui Nike brought to my notice a land transaction which they had with the Catholic Church for which none of the terms of agreement was fulfilled. As a lawyer, I looked into the matter, saw merit in their case and took it up with G.M.P. He wanted to retain the property based on the unfulfilled terms and in accordance with the oath I swore in the Supreme Court of Nigeria, I said no. Barrister Anthony Mogboh (SAN) was G.M.PS lawyer. I am sure that he did not see any merit in his clients case and that was why he never pursued it.

On a personal note, I had been called a land grabber and what have you but the Ihewusi Onuato quarters of Ogui Nike who own this land can still testify that not only did I pursue this matter without any fees, I planned and developed a layout for them at my own expense and yet paid them a handsome amount of 22,500 (British) pounds and when their kith and kin the Umunevo quarters who were not part of the original deal with the Catholic Church kicked and said they should be included, another 6,000 pounds was paid. I am sure you do know the worth of 28,500 pounds in 1970 -1971 when all Biafrans were receiving 20 pounds as prescribed by the then Nigerian government for whatever they had in their bank accounts before the civil war. For those who care, they may cross-check these leases in the Enugu Land Registry - 79/79/479 of 7th April, 88/88/479 of 22nd June and 99/99/479 of 2nd September 1971. Also this $28,500 did not include the cost of over twenty goats and other handouts. It may be important to ask how I could have come to that type of money at that time. Most of that money came from Brother James and Brother Francis, who belived very much in me.

Bishop G.M.P Okoye C.S.S.P was a relation of mine. The mother is from my extended family and his affection for me knew no bounds. I was one of his confidants and some of the mistakes that I have made in life were mostly when I rejected his words of advice. His affection showed even in his last hours on earth. G.M.P was said to be in coma