Abiola National hero? Yes indeed : unseen forces and prior assertions !

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Jun 21, 2009, 1:28:30 AM6/21/09

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Abiola is and was a NATIONAL HERO. He as Aaare-ona-Kakanfo of Yoruba land, did the bidding of the Alaafin of Oyo, (as the Alaafin asserted in 1981, to roll back the carpet of the jihadists (whom his grandfather defeated) , and return Nigeria, the Yorubas and their cousins to democratic rule, remove them from Northern suzerainty AS IT WAS BEFORE THE BRITISH RULE IN 1860.

That was Abiola's mandate, and he achieved it by DEFEATING the Northern Military establishment and enthroning democracy by his vicarious sacrifice and death. It was precisely because he was the Aaare-ona-kakanfo, and with the implication of that known to the Sultan Dasuki, that his election was annulled. Since them, the sultanate has been greatly dimimished.

The Igbos were not supportive of the June 12 struggle save for patriots such as Commodore Ebutu Ukiwe, Alex Ekwueme, Arthur Nwankwo of the Eastern Mandate Union, Joe Igbokwe and a few others. A majority of our Igbo brethrens understandably saw the June 12 annulment and subsequent assassination of Prominent Yorubas and Edo/Delta peoples as "pay back" for the civil war. Some even stated that 'it is the turn of the Yorubas to suffer" and many collaborated with Abacha's self succession plan. When Abiola died, the Alaafin Oyo recited the oriki of the AARE-ONA-KAKANFO and hailed his bravery as a true Aaare-ona-kakanfo and asserted that he had accomplished the task he assigned him ( In 1981, when Shagari was President i was present at the Alaafin's palace in Oyo, when Iku baba yeye Oba Adeyemi II asserted with AUTHORITY AND FINALITY (among other prophetic statements he made) that the next elected President of Nigeria will be a Yoruba man - which turned out to be Obasanjo (it could have been Falae ) in 1999 before the end of the century. Thereafter, other Nigerians will break the monopoly and hegemony of Northern rule.

Despite Igbo antipathy to Abiola, i am glad that they are beneficiary of his courage and avowed intent to achieve his goal of attaining democratic rule for Nigeria. Some Yoruba things are deep, and hard for others to comprehend. The killing of Abiola's predecessor Aaare-ona-kakanfo Chief SL Akintola (who i am not enamored with)ultimately precipitated the civil war.
"Aki pa aare,
Eni pa aare ki kadun,
eni pa aare ki posu
eni pa aare ki pojo "
is a Yoruba saying or incantation.
Meaning " Do not dare kill the Aare-ona kakanfo, those who do so dont survive a year, do not last a month, do no last for many days " .

These are not matters to be dismissed with levity.

Melchizedek

-----Original Message-----
From: Dr. Valentine Ojo <val...@md.metrocast.net>
To: AfricanTalk <Afric...@yahoogroups.com>; Africare-Newpublications <Africare-new...@yahoogroups.com>; Edo-Ciao <Edo-...@yahoogroups.com>; NaijaExcel <NaijaExcel@yahoogroups. com>; Naijaintellects <Naijain...@googlegroups.com>; Naijanet <Naij...@yahoogroups.com>; Nigeria360 <Niger...@yahoogroups.com>; OmoOdua <Omo...@yahoogroups.com>; TalkNigeria <TalkN...@yahoogroups.com>; Voice-of-Uganda <Voice-o...@googlegroups.com>; Yorubas-Community <Yorubas-...@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: sholaa...@gmail.com; Nidoa <Ni...@yahoogroups.com>; USAAfricaDialogue <USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Jun 20, 2009 10:55 pm
Subject: [Naijaintellects] RE: [NIDOA] Abiola National hero? An alternative view!!!!IBB HAD ANSWER SINCE 2004 BUT

Prof. Omo Omoruyi, please listen to the REAL PAINS of REAL NIGERIANS - caused by your dingy 'hero-general', IBB...:

"We watched our parents become paupers just because of IBB. My uncle, a former secondary school principal, died of a heart attack cleaning toilets in London, just because IBB destroyed Nigeria's economy and he had to come and do dirty works in London in order to educate his children.

My story is not unique, millions of Nigerians have similar and even worse experiences." - Shola Adenekan

On Sat 06/20/09 1:36 AM , Shola Adenekan sholaa...@gmail.com sent:

Dear Prof Omoruyi,

I wish I'd run into you one day and tell you to your face the havoc the likes of you and your beloved IBB wrecked on Nigeria. By running Nigeria to the ground through massive corruption during the 8 years that IBB was in power you destroyed the future of my generation (people in their 20s, 30s and 40s). It's during IBB reign that Britain, USA and most western nations introduced visa restrictions on Nigerians. Whenever I see young Nigerians cleaning toilets in London and New York, I curse IBB and the people who allowed him to destroy our hope and aspiration.

You helped destroy our education, health, security and agricultural sectors. You wiped out the Nigerian middle classes. We watched our parents become paupers just because of IBB. My uncle, a former secondary school principal, died of a heart attack cleaning toilets in London, just because IBB destroyed Nigeria's economy and he had to come and do dirty works in London in order to educate his children.

My story is not unique, millions of Nigerians have=2 0similar and even worse experiences.

Instead of defending IBB, you should be praying for our forgiveness and for God's mercy. Yes, you and your offspring may be living well today, but I believe in karma. It may takes 20, 30 or even 40 years, but some of those who helped destroy Nigeria will account for their deeds one day.

Please stop insulting our intelligence and tell IBB that some of us will never forget what he and his friends did to us.

Shola Adenekan, Mr.
www.thenewblackmagazine.com

On Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 5:02 PM, Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/CCID/NCPDCID) <jb...@cdc.gov> wrote:

Prof Omoruyi:

I am sure Mother Eve will be regretting why she listened to the Devil, ate the forbidden apple and gave some to Adam; because she must be regretting what her act of disobedience led to: being thrown out of the Garden of Eden, the Or iginal in all human beings and the sufferings human beings go through that are attributed to the act.

There are a number of world leaders who would want to do things differently if given a second, third or even fifth chance. But life has to move on; and it moves in generations and grades without any single human being believing that he/she is indispensible; it is both undemocratic and despotic; IBB has had his time; he can support other people to bring in a new vision to Nigeria. That is how honorable Statesmen/women act to maintain their integrity and legacies. An attempt by IBB to bulldoze his way back into governance in Nigeria will bring back other baggages as well and Nigeria will be spinning on her wheels. Take care. Joe Igietseme

From: NIDOA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NIDOA@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of omonhiomwan omoruyi
Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 9:54 AM
To: Mobolaji E. Aluko; Emmanuel Omoruyi; Nigerian Politics; naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; Nigeria -NIDOA NIDOA
Subject: FW: [NIDOA] Abiola National her o? An alternative view!!!!IBB HAD ANSWER SINCE 2004 BUT

FOLKS:

One issue that may never be addressed is what IBB wanted to do when he planned to reenter the "orbit" of partisan politics quoting the great Zik when he entered the presidential race in Dec. 1978.

As a Consultant to the General, I am aware that he had planned to IMMORTALIZE MKO.   I am aware that this would have part of his atonement for the anti-democratic act of cancelling the June 12.   I am aware that the General greatly regretted what his act led to.   How many Nigerians have cared to visit the IBB decision to "ratify" the two landmark human rights treaties that later had to be used to condemn later junta.   Again this is an aspect of the June 12 episode never uptill now raised and discussed. This should be left to memoir writers. This is life.

Omo Omoruyi

Joe,
Even now, in retrospect when folks have had the opportunity to rethink Abiola and his master-plan and have a change of heart, I still think Nigeria would have been better with an Abiola presidency. You see, all knew of his His shenanigans (ITT) and innuendos (Muritala's wife, Coups, Politics etc) and his parleying with the gods - both literally (presidents, Generals, CIA), and figuratively (kakanfo, Islamic leadership), but there was this certain calculation, that if - he could run Concord Newspapers successfully, employing thousands and enabling other newspaper houses to take off its premises, and if he could run Concord Football Club, leading them to victories in far away land while whipping up followership and sentiments, as well as run Concord Airlines, employing a few more hundreds and bringing a certain sophistication to infrastructural development, and also run his Wonder Bakery, once again employing hundreds and servicing thousands (he even made Accountancy, his profession look attractive) - then he would transform Nigeria, even if we had to lose a billion dollars or two. Afterall, whoever became C-in-C, would steal money nonetheless.

The government even took an oil block, (which they knew had oil) and allocated it to him in the guise of him prospecting for oil, only for him to declare he had found oil in the next few weeks (what a joke!). Anyhow, there were bright visions and thoughts of a functional railway network, of well -functioning educational institutions,etc of a functional Nigeria. Because Abiola was truly a transformational figure. No one can take that from him.
But he failed the first test. re "I would have won without the Igbo", which was countered with IBB declaring "We don't know who will rule, but we know who won't rule". And with that, we will never know how and Abiola presidency would have panned out.
What we know is that his flippancy, which exposed his heart for who he truly was, did him in and relegated him to the history books of Regional leaders. What a wasted opportunity. Now, Nigeria is none the better.
This is a lesson in flippancy. It abounds much on these forums.
What to do?

Ike Okwuobi

From: "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/CCID/NCPDCID)" <jb...@cdc.gov>
To: NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com; TalkNigeria@yahoogroups.com; omo oodua <omoodua@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: abujaNig@yahoogroups.com; NaijaElections@yah oogroups.com; Nidoa <Nidoa@yahoogroups.com>; afenmai@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 9:54:09 PM
Subject: RE: [NaijaPolitics] RE: Abiola National hero? An alternative view!!!!

Leye Ige:

Note that (unlike what some other people think) I don't fault Abiola for going abroad to seek international support for his election that the military was snatching from him. In my opinion (then and now), it was the right move. The outcome actually revealed an interest situation in Nigeria: that even when he went back home, both the internal and international pressures were not enough to prevent the military from detaining him; which meant the internal pressure alone (assuming he had not gone out) couldn't have done or meant anything to the military boys and the powers egging them on at the time.

That said, my point about Abiola is that his efforts were centered on how to enrich himself and grab the ultimate power by becoming the President of Nigeria. With all his riches , there was no evidence of a deliberate effort by Abiola to make a significant difference in the lives of average Nigerians beyond maintaining the status quo where Abiola and his cronies swim in unneeded riches while there is no clean water and electricity or roads for the average Joes. As I said previously, these people have no vision for society beyond their enthronement as the lord of everybody and the only kid on the block; In deed, Abiola was not fighting for any socioeconomic ideology in Nigeria beyond self glory when his untimely death occurred in the prisons of the military in Nigeria . Abiola was so rich that he could have campaigned on the platform of Nigerian infrastructural development so that every Nigerians could be exposed to regular water and electricity as well as good roads, just as most of Abiola’s friends had private jets, generators, houses abroad and access to national treasuries for all they wanted.

My Brother, we are lucky that Africa/Nigeria has heroes like Zik, Nkrumah, Awolowo, Aminu Kano, Nyerere, Sadatt, Mandela, Papa Obama (father of Pres Obama); if not, people will be wondering what the African has got by now. Take care. Joe Igietseme

From: NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:NaijaPoliti cs@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Leye Ige
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 6:26 PM
To: TalkNigeria@ yahoogroups. com; NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com; omo oodua
Cc: NAIJAPOLITICS NAIJAPOLITICS
Subject: Re: [NaijaPolitics] RE: Abiola National hero? An alternative view!!!!

Joseph Igietseme,

Your critique of Abiola, though factual in relation to the NPN period,(although I do not see how he prevented an NPP/UPN alliance, when the NPP prefered to go with NPN to solidify 12 2/3rds), it did not contextualise the issue of "hero/heroism" ; for we would not be talking/writing about Abiola today, on this subject, if he did not "dare to struggle" until death. And struggle for what? Aside from claiming his mandate, which, because of his antecedents, he could have easily let go; he refused to be bowed by the military and the emirates, who were also his friends. Furthermore, he dared Euro-America, through his reparations campaign. To do justice as to whether he is a hero or not, therefore, has to be contextualised. Anything ouside of this is just an appreciation, good or bad, of the man Abiola, with all his foibles, which are very good subjects for birthday/chieftancy award dalliances.

Leye Ige

--- On Thu, 6/18/09, Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/CCID/NCPDCID) <jbi8@cd c.gov> wrote:

From: Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/CCID/NCPDCID) <jb...@cdc.gov>
Subject: [NaijaPolitics] RE: Abiola National hero? An alternative view!!!!
To: TalkNigeria@ yahoogroups. com
Cc: "NAIJAPOLITICS NAIJAPOLITICS"
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 9:58 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen:
My position on this issue may not be popular but a man's is going to say what a man wants to say anyway. As a bona fide Nigerian, I owe my community the truth and facts as I see them at any time point, especially when they have serious impact on the people and society.

In general, my position is that opportunists and noveau riche megalomaniacs like Abiola are the bane of African misery and continued underdevelopment. Characteristically, these people are greedy and self-centered, but carry out token philanthropies here and there provided they earn the accolades and self-promotions that go with the symbolic gestures; in addition, these people have no vision for society beyond their enthronement as the lord of everybody and the only kid on the block; besides, these people are ready to sell out (to foreign or domestic forces) any minute to satisfy their expediencies and thirst for power and greedy self enrichment. In the process, they dine with devils and make unholy alliances that reverberate (when the divine plan takes over) to plague them; at such times of reckoning, the shallow memory of the people usually forget that these greedy people sowed the seeds of their own destruction, since they undermined and destroyed other people in the past, and they are merely reaping the fruits of their past deeds.

Specifically, it is of significant historical record that Abiola was a major influence that prevented the progressive forces led by Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe from taking over the leadership of Nigeria to build a visionary future for the society and people during the second civilian regime in Nigeria in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Abiola connived and entered into unholy alliances with malicious elements in NPN and other visionless elements in the country (e.g., those in the military and some traditional rulers) to derail the ship of nation, just because he was promised the presidency after the first term of Shehu Shagari. A shock ing and pitiful action that remained indelibly implanted in my consciousness was the swift withdrawal of Abiola’s support and resources that was hither-to promoting the NPN, a party that obviously had No Plans for Nigeria , when it became clear to him (Abiola) that the NPN was not fielding him for the presidency in the 1983 general elections. Thus, it was Abiola’s selfish ambition to become president of Nigeria that guided all his malevolent actions against Awolowo and others all the while, not because he was looking for the best outcome and leadership for Nigeria and Nigerians.

In fact, it is the same pattern of self-centeredness and unholy alliance that led Abiola to collude with Abacha to take over the Govt so that he could be brought in on a platter of gold. But things didn’t go his way; and he paid dearly (of course regrettably) for it with his life. In deed, Abiola was not fighting for any socioeconomic ideology in Nigeria beyond self glory when his untimely death occurred in the prisons of the military in Nigeria . Abiola was so rich that he could have campaigned on the platform of Nigerian infrastructural development so that every Nigerians could be exposed to regular water and electricity as well as good roads, just as most of Abiola’s friends had private jets, generators, houses abroad and access to national treasuries for all they want. So if events are put in their proper historical perspectives, we will be less emotional about secondary outcomes that actually feed on the wine of yester-deeds. Thus, to me, Abiola is not a national hero as far as leadership vision for Nigerian advancement is concern. Abiola takes the seat among national leaders who will provide future generations the lessons against greed at the expense of nation and the dangers of unholy alliance that undermine what is best for nation. The nation remains a Bigger stake than any citizen within her borders, regardless of the riches and gold in the citizen’s vault. This is my candid opinion on this matter. Joe Igietseme

From: TalkNigeria@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:TalkNigeria @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Afis
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:22 AM
To: NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. . com; TalkNigeria@ yahoogroups. com; odidere2001@ yahoo.com
Subject: [TalkNigeria] Fwd: Re: [NaijaPolitics] Abiola National hero?

Joe Da Topcrest states: "Before we begin to rewrite history, ABiola is NOT by any measure a Nigerian hero. ........His death was unfortunate but there was nothing heroic about him."

My=2 0View: Joe is shifting the goal post to suit his kicks.

You can't isolate Abiola's death from the man Abiola. You cannot just say "his death was unfortunate" , as if he died while riding a bicycle. That would be very "unfortunate" , if Joe could not understand the symbol Abiola's death represents. What is more "unfortunate" is for us all to now kowtow Joe's line of dismissing Abiola's symbolic death as if the "Man Died" while boat riding on the Hudson.

It was his death, not his person, that galvanized the progressives into some form of coalition to fight the Army dictators. It was Abiola's death that brought about the unifying force among the Yoruba elites with divergent ideologies. It was Abiola's death that created the avenue for the disintegration of the Hausa/Fulani oligarchy and the relaxation of the Oligarchy's choke-hold on the entire North.   Abiola died for democracy, though in a bizzare sets of events. Nonetheless, it was in the service of the nation.

There was an election which Abiola won. He left the country under some mysterious almost shameful circumstances, but eventually redeemed himself, and came back to claim that mandate. In a bizzare way, that was nothing less than courageous. For h e knew the Army boys wanted him dead, that was why he left in the first place. To now come back to a certain death, was nothing short of courage.

It was the man, Abiola, that died on the cross of Democracy, not Nwachukwu, not Emeka, and not even Audu Dansanda. No one can take that away from him. Shikena.

afis

--- In NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com, franklyne ogbunwezeh wrote:

Abiola!!! National hero ko, National hero ni!!!!

Franklyne Ogbunwezeh

--- On Wed, 6/17/09, topcrestt topcrestt@.. . wrote:

From: topcrestt topcrestt@.. .
Subject: [NaijaPolitics] Abiola National hero?
To: NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 6:25 AM

"...For Ken to compare Omar Bongo with Awo, Zik, Balewa, Abiola etc. is the
> greatest insult to those our national heroes past." Prof Aluko
Before we begin to rewrite history, ABiola is NOT by any measure a Nigerian hero.
He is an ITT who worked hand-in-gloves with those that brought us to where we are today as a country. In their attempt to use him to finally bury us, providence intervened.
His death was unfortunate but there was nothing heroic about him.
Joe

--- In NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com, "Mobolaji E. Aluko" alukome@ wrote:
>
>
>
>
< B>> Paul & Ken:
>
> Lord have mercy! You are the new Tom & Jerry of the Net: a case of the
> Weak Thinker (not the Deep) appealing to the Weak Thinker (not the
> Deep)!
>
> For Ken to compare Omar Bongo with Awo, Zik, Balewa, Abiola etc. is the
> greatest insult to those our national heroes past.
>
> And what about Paul's Abacha example? Is that supposed to support or
> to undermine the Bongo proposal or what?
>
> Hardly the former, and more the latter!
>
> Listen up, Paul: Abacha to Ekiti State is like Omar Bongo is to Biafra:
> benefactors is one dubiously shining moment, but in totality and on
> balance, the scale tips against any lasting remembrance for those
> tyrants.
>
> I could point out a difference between Ekiti and Biafra - but why press
> the point?
>
> There you have it!
>
>
>
> Bolaji Aluko
>
> Shaking his head
>
>
>
> --- In NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com, Paul Oranika oranika@ wrote:
> >
> > KC
> > Dont mind Bolaji ojare, your examples were good, oh you forgot one. Do
> you remember a while back when State legislators from Aluko's backyard
> of Ekiti wanted to honor Abacha for creating Ekiti state(Hehehehehe) .
> This one single act would have been a trasparent living evidence of the
> kind of jungle politics we are engulfed with. If not for the uproar
> from well meaning Nigerians Abacha's statute would have been standing as
> a towering g iant at Edo Ekiti by now. Let me sign of for now to engage
> in Aluko type of belly laughs.
> >
> > Paul
> >
> >
> > --- On Tue, 6/16/09, Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY) Ken.Asagwara@ wrote:
> >
> > From: Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY) Ken.Asagwara@
> > Subject: RE: [NaijaPolitics] Re: Proposal in Memory of President Omar
> Bongo in Igboland
> > To: NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com
> > Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 6:14 PM
> >
> >
> > Bolaji Aluko:
> >
> > Can you also call cynical those that are calling on the
> > Nigerian government to honor Abiola who died more than eleven years
> ago?
> >
> >
> >
> > Did you find it cynical that a National Airport ,
> > Universities and other land marks were named in honor of Zik, Awo,
> Balewa, etc.,
> > after their deaths not while they lived ?
> >
> >
> >
> > I bet were it a Yoruba group that wanted to honor the memory
> > of friend that was there for them in their darkest hours of survival,
> you will
> > see nothing bad in that. And you wonder why some Igbo perceive you as
> they do.
> >
> >
> >
> > KC Prince Asagwara
> >
>
> >
> > From:
> > NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:NaijaPoliti cs@yahoogroups.
> com] On Behalf Of Mobolaji E. Aluko
> >
> > Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 4:42
> > PM
> >
> > To: NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com
> >
> > Subject: [NaijaPolitics] Re:
> > Proposal in Memory of President Omar Bongo in Igboland
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Ken Asagwara:
> >
> >
> >
> > What is more cynical than honoring a man only after his death, 42
> years
> >
> > after his good deed?
> >
> >
> >
> >20Bolaji Aluko
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com,
> > "Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY)"
> >
> > Ken.Asagwara@ ...> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > Look up the word CYNIC for its meaning(s) and perhaps, become wiser.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > KC Prince Asagwara
> >
> > ____________ _________ _________ __
> >
> > >
> >
> > > From: NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com
> >
> > > [mailto:NaijaPoliti cs@ yahoogroups. com]
> > On Behalf Of Mobolaji E. Aluko
> >
> > > Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 11:12 AM
> >
> > > To: NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com
> >
> > > Subject: [NaijaPolitics] Re: Proposal in Memory of President Omar
> >
> > Bongo
> >
> > > in Igboland
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> &gt ;
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Maazi Paul Oranika:
> >
> > >
> >
> > > The five countries that recognized Biafra were Tanzania (under
> >
> > Nyerere),
> >
> > > Gabon (under Bongo), Ivory Coast (under Houphe-Boigny) , Haiti
> (under
> >
> > > Papa Doc) and Zambia
> > (under Kaunda). All those leaders are now dead
> >
> > > except the 85-year-old Kaunda.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Any honor for Nyerere, Houphe-Boigny (who shelterd Ojukwu) and Papa
> >
> > Doc
> >
> > > yet? Okay, if Omar Bongo, you might as well do for all of them at
> the
> >
> > > same time. I am serious.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > You always write "Those are my views, yours always welcome?"
> > Well, I
> >
> > > suggest that you call Kaunda up while he is still alive to honor him
> -
> >
> > > and leave the dead alone.
> >
> > >
> >
>< /B> > > There you have it.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Bolaji Aluko
> >
> > >
> >
> > > --- In NaijaPolitics@ yahoogroups. com
> >
> > > NaijaPoliti cs%40yahoogroups .com> , Paul Oranika
> > oranika@
> >
> > > wrote:
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > Brothers and Sisters:
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > As a further tribute to Omar Bongo, I suggest that his name and
> >
> > > statute should be immortalized in Igboland.In my previous
> >
> > communication
> >
> > > in a tribute to Omar Bongo, I mentioned some of the important
> >
> > > humanitarian ventures undertaken by President Omar Bongo towards the
> >
> > > survival of another generation of Igbo children. Such acts as
> >
> > sponsoring
> >
> > > dangerous relief flights to Biafra . Other
> > contributors reminded us
> >
> > about
> >
> > > Omar Bongo's repatriation of young Igbo kids suffering and dying
> from
> >
> > > starvation and malnutrition for treatment in Gabon .
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > I herby suggest that at least one of the Igbo Governors should
> build
> >
> > > a brand new park or public square to Omar Bongo. The project does
> not
> >
> > > have to be financed with public funds. There are numerous Igbo sons
> >
> > and
> >
> > > daughters both at home and abroad who may contribute to this project
> >
> > > when initiated. His name must live on in Igboland for eternity.
> There
> >
> > > are many cities in Igoland where a suitable public park or space
> could
> >
> > > be allocate for this important project., in such places as Enugu ,
> >
> > Awka,
> >
> > > Onitsha , Owerri, Umuahia, Abakaliki, Aba and others. Possibly
> > there
> >
> > may
> >
> > > be a street name dedicated to Omar Bongo already in Igboland, what I
> >
> > am
> >
> > > suggesting here goes beyond that.
> >
> > > &gt ;
> >
> > > > The truth of the mater is that our people would have to think
> >
> > > strategically at times. Many would say of what consequence would
> this
> >
> > > project be to the revitalization of Igboland. To anyone thinking
> that
> >
> > > way I would remind them, that such tribute would serve many
> purposes,
> >
> > > such as stimulating local tourism and further stressing the already
> >
> > > strong economic ties with the people of Gabon . Who knows, maybe
> sooner
> >
> > > or later, there may be direct air links from Igboland to Libreville
> ,
> >
> > the
> >
> > > capital city of Gabon .
> > But I need not get into this here only to say
> >
> > > that what is good for the geese is also good for the gander, and
> that
> >
> > > one good turn deserves another. We must acknowledge Omar Bongo's
> acts
> >
> > of   humanitarianism, and kindness to starving and dying Igbo children during the20war. Hopefully the attention of one of the Igbo governors would be
> > drawn to this message.
> > Those are my views, yours always welcome.
> >
> > > > Paul Okechukwu Oranika
>
--- End forwarded message ---

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