Being Igbo

Being Igbo

Emeka Njoku
London, Canada

Tuesday, October 22, 2002

I want to thank Kwenu for publishing three articles on Igbo people. It inspired me to write this article. It is wonderful to know the uniqueness of such a gifted people (Igbo people or Ndiigbo). World class people such as Olaudah Equiano, Dr Africanus Horton, Jaja of Opobo, Venerable Tansi, Cardinal Arinze (potiental 1^st Black pope in modern times), Phil Emegwali (Computer/Internet), Chinua Achebe, Zik, Ojukwu (1^st university-educated Nigerian army officer). Ibo Landing in USA where Igbo people drowned instead of accepting slavery (liberty or death). Democratic culture. Progressive society (community development). Self-reliance instead of begging. The only shame is that some Igbo people do not know who they are (ignorance of self) while some, because of love of money and status (political/economic harlots or traitors), have sold their birthright for a cup of soup (Esau in the Bible) in Nigeria. No ethnic or group is perfect. The most important thing is that Igbo assets (positive) outweigh the liabilities (negative). The current injustice and victimization of Igbo people in Nigeria will not last forever. Like Israelites enslaved in Egypt, God will eventually hear the cry of his people and end Igbo slavery in Nigeria. I can assure you of this fact.

On the Igbo-Jewish connection, there is no question that there is a connection. The history and culture of Igbo and Jews are strikingly similar. The Hausa and Fulani claim to come from the Arabs in the Arabia peninsula and have practically become Arabs instead of Blacks. Since humans originated in Africa, it makes sense that the Igbo have always existed in Igboland in West Africa while some of them migrated northward to the Middle East (Jews).

Despite some Igbo traitors and sellouts, I thank God that I am an Igbo. The education excellence, hard work, love of freedom and self-determination, self-help are impressive Igbo qualities. As an Administrator, I taught university students about situational leadership (an Igbo culture) instead of rulership (dictators) or monarchy or feudalism.

Today, executives worldwide are spending huge amounts learning about situational leadership and consensus building which are God-given (natural) to the Igbo people.

Today, the civilized world is insisting on democracy and freedom which are God-given to the Igbo people.

Today, all religions are teaching that you be your brother's keeper which is God -given to the Igbo people.

Every Igbo person should be grateful to God for the gifts He gave us. That is why we are hated/envied by other losers. Do not buy the rubbish that tries to justify the massacre, injustice and hatred of Igbo people in Nigeria. You should read the Bible to learn why Cain murdered Abel or why Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. It is called jealousy (a deadly sin)! It leads to hatred which leads to evil actions. The jealous person (loser) will find any excuse or pretence to camouflage the real motives behind his/her evil actions. Can you tell me the real reasons (not excuses) why 2 million Igbo people were killed/starved during the 1966 Pogroms and Nigeria-Biafra War? Can you tell me the real reasons (not excuses) why the World Trade Centre was blown up by terrorists (9/11)? Read about jealousy. It is the most destructive human emotions and the opposite of love. If you are a jealous person (loser) then you will try to destroy or oppress someone who is better than you or has something you would like to have but cannot or is favored (chosen). One of the problems facing Igbo people is "ignorance of self" in Nigeria. It is tough being an Igbo person because you attract jealousy and hatred from other groups in Nigeria because of your God-given qualities/gifts. This is the genesis of the Igbo problem in Nigeria.

So, you want to be an Igbo person in Nigeria? Wear the full armor of God to withstand the Evil One's tricks and wicked actions including enslavement or bondage.

Although it is not easy, it is still better to be the oppressed than the oppressor, to be the "jealoused" than the jealouser, to be the chosen than the loser.

That is why I thank God that I am Igbo despite the problems and slavery in Nigeria.

May God continue to shower His gifts on Igbo people.