IGBOS BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

FEDERATION OF IGBO YOUTHS ABROAD ( F. I. Y. A ) Service To The Fatherland

INTRODUCTION

Federation of Igbo Youths Abroad (FIYA) is the umbrella organization for young Igbo Intellectuals, Professionals and Businessmen resident outside Nigeria. Its vision is to see Ndi-Igbo assume their rightful and befitting place in the comity of World Ethnic Nationalities. It aims at pointing the right way for her people, Ndi-Igbo, using the advantage of The Traveller, to achieve this objective of Self Fulfillment. It promotes dialogue, debates, analysis and information exchange on topical issues of interest to Ndi-Igbo.

FIYA is not a partisan political organization. Neither is it a militant youth outfit for political hatchet man jobs. Yet, her members are encouraged to participate actively in responsible political activities with a view to practicalize FIYA dreams and agenda ; more so, since we also aim at grooming credible future leaders for the Igbo nation.

PREAMBLE

Following the declaration of a Sovereign State of Biafra in 1967, the Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon announced a package of Comprehensive Blockade against the then Eastern Region. At the cessation of hostilities in 1970, the three Rs policy of the Federal Government did not include the lifting of the 1967 blockade. The continuous enforcement, albeit subtly, of that blockade, more than 30 years after the civil war, remains the single most devastating impediment to the development of Igboland nay the entire Eastern Region. It is believed in certain quarters that the "No Victor, No Vanquished" declaration of the Federal Government at the end of the civil war in 1970, was in fact a decoy to make the Civilized World look the other way while the "Victorious" tribes quietly DEAL with the ex-Biafrans as they deemed fit. This school of thought also believes rather very strongly that it would have been better if the Igbo were clearly and openly declared "The Vanquished" and be subjected to "legitimate indemnities of war" by the Federal Government under the close watch, scrutiny and supervision of the United Nations Organization. This way, the plight of the ex-Biafrans would have been confined within definite terms and time frame, which might have been all over by now, as opposed to the current Heaven-knows-when-it-will-end dilemma. Should this line of thought be given analytical credibility, it follows that the No Victor No Vanquished smokescreen must, at this time, be given its proper historical place to wit: ranked side by side with (a) The criminal declaration and enforcement of Hunger Against Kwashiorkor-ed Children As A "Legitimate" Weapon Of War and (b) The pro-rata handout of Twenty Nigerian Pounds per bank account holder irrespective of the account's credit holding.

THE INHUMAN SELFISH EXPLOITATION OF THE BLOCKADE

The Igboman has always been known and is still known to be industrious, intelligent and bold. However, taking undue advantage of the devastating effects of the Federal Government blockade, Drug Barons from the victorious tribes scooped on the Igbo nation to recruit the desperate youths into business adventures that were totally alien to Igbo culture. When a man's positive side is suppressed, his negative side is automatically developed. The Igbo youths, cornered and pushed to the wall, with no legal openings to express their ingenuity, succumbed to the lure of drug money from the Barons. When the natural ingenuity of the average Igbo youth is applied to this negative venture, the result is best left to the imagination. Poorly educated within the formal school system due to deprivations suffered by their parents in the aftermath of the civil war, these youngsters ended up making huge amounts of money without the commensurate knowledge of how to invest the fortune wisely. To them, life was all about making it and showing it off through flashy cars and opulent lifestyles. The youths of the other tribes, even though were already long in the drug business but lacked the ingenuity of Nwa-Igbo, soon caught the bug. In time, it became the vogue for many Nigerian youths, irrespective of tribe of origin, to strive to make it like his Igbo peer. Before long, Nigeria became a pariah nation on the international scene as she became notorious as the bastion of manifold vices. In summary, the post civil war anti-Igbo Federal Government policy had boomeranged to become anti-Nigeria, like a Frankenstein monster. This is the irony and wages of the Dog eat Dog policies of the Federal Government against Ndi-Igbo. Unless and until these obnoxious policies are abrogated, the Nigerian experiment will remain like the biblical building on a foundation of sand which down fall would be great and great the sound of its ruin. This lend credence to the Igbo adage that "Whoever is holding a man of little stature on the ground, is inadvertently holding himself" since he can never get up unless he first releases his victim. The Federal Government of Nigeria should release her Igbo victim so as to rise herself.

TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT OF THE BLOCKADE

The most devastating of the numerous consequences of the 1967 comprehensive blockade against the East is that it served as an effective tool to drive the Igbo in herds and droves towards the North and the West in search of job/work/trading opportunities. This straight-jacket exodus of Ndi-Igbo became an economic magic in favour of the North and the West in terms of rapid infrastructural, economic, commercial and social development. At the time of writing, millions of Igbo youths are virtually stranded in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Cotonou, Lome, Accra, Abidjan, Niamey, etc. with no viable incentive to attract them back home as Igboland remains in ruins. In effect, if today there happens another civl disturbance in Nigeria affecting the West and the North and leading to the closure of the land boarders, then millions of Igbo would be totally cut off from Ala-Igbo and would live entirely at the mercy ECOWAS natives who have demonstrated unparalleled hatred against Ndi-Igbo, even in these times of peace. We, in FIYA see this situation as a siege designed to keep the Igbo permanently scattered, disoriented and in check. The situation is really frightful and calls for urgent redress.

WAY OUT: EASTERN LAND, SEA AND AIR GATEWAYS

Forging greater bilateral and economic ties with tribes and nations bordering Igboland in the East, is most desirable at this time to compliment the current Westward migration of Ndi-Igbo across Edo and Yoruba nations. To achieve this, Igbo leaders should bring all their clout, connections and strength to bear on the Federal Government for the construction of STANDARD DUAL CARRIAGE EXPRESS ROADS FROM IGBO HEARTLAND THROUGH THE YAKOR TRIBES OF UPPER CROSS RIVER TO THE NIGERIA/CAMEROON BOARDER and even beyond. This should be the EASTERN LAND GATEWAY. Obasanjo built the WESTERN LAND GATEWAY in 1978 from Lagos to Cotonou; Shagari built the NORTH WESTERN LAND GATEWAY to Niamey in Niger Republic while Gen. Abacha built the NORTH EASTERN LAND GATEWAY to N'djamena in the Republic of Tchad. In other words, Ndi-Igbo need, as a matter of sine qua non, an EASTERN LAND GATEWAY for survival.

The issue of an AIR BRIDGE to Ala-Igbo is very crucial. The only direct flight originating from Lome - Togo to Port Harcourt International Airport which made home going a bit convenient for Ndi-Igbo resident in Cotonou, Lome and Accra has for long been stopped by Nigeria Airways in furtherance of the anti-Igbo Federal Government policies. It would therefore be proper for Igbo leaders to press for the upgrading of the Owerri Airport to International status and for direct flights to patronize it from the world over. Ndi- Igbo need this crucial Air Bridge as a safeguard against any eventuality. Igboland is not really landlocked per se. Apart from the contentious ownership of the Port Harcourt Seaport area, other potential sea ports of international standard in Igboland are Oguta, Asa and Onitsha. It will only take a persistent agitation for the immediate implementation of the Abacha decree on the dredging of the lower Niger from the Atlantic Ocean for these natural seaports to become a reality. Igbo leaders should therefore identify with any serious campaign aimed at giving life to the Niger River dredging proposal and removal of all tribally biased strategic opposition to the project.

LEADERSHIP

To have a role in the emerging new world order, Ngi-Igbo must have a voice and to have a strong voice, we must have a strong home base. To have a strong home base, we need a common spokesman cum leader as opposed to the motley of discordant voices currently speaking for Ndi-Igbo. We need a true leader with the people behind him. Only a true and transparent leader can produce Igbo unity. A leader who will see himself as servant to Ndi-Igbo and not a boss or mini god and in so doing, will attract the people's loyalty and unwavering support at all times. The kind of support once extended to the great Zik, to M. I. Okpara and to Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Once we achieve this, there will be no stopping Ndi-Igbo. Having a say and influence in Government is also a bye-product of unity, solidarity and pursuit of a common goal by the people agitating for the say. Sell-outs, betrayals, sabotages and internal feuds are anti-thesis to the noble goals of the present generation of Ndi-Igbo. The old assertion by a Yoruba leader that "the only way to ascertain the death of an Igbo is to jingle some coins by his ear" should be debunked once and for all times.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF NDI-IGBO : GLOBALIZATION IS THE ANSWER

Nigeria needs a progressive, liberal economic policy with smart growth potentials. This will entail selling all Government economic establishments to private local and international entrepreneurs who can run them efficiently and profitably with MERIT AS THE EMPLOYMENT POLICY. When competition, excellence, good results and profit accrues to the consumer, to the stake-holders, to the government and to Nigerians, it will help heal the ailing Nigerian economy. Ndi-Igbo need massive involvement in pressing for the globalization of the Nigerian economy because by our nature as a globalized people, we shall fit in very well into such scheme. By encouraging the government to privatise the Telephone system, the Airways, the Oil and Gas industry, Shipping and Maritime Industry, the Media, the School system up to Tertiary Institutions, the Service Industries, the Railways etc, job opportunities will become available on MERIT. The abundance of Igbo talents that left Nigeria for greener pastures abroad would return home for gainful employment and Ndi-Igbo, with a track record of excellence in environments of fair competition, would once again recapture the heights of Nigeria's economic and industrial life. The impressive showing of the Igboman in the promotion of Private Banking, Intra/Inter-state transport and Haulage, Insurance, the Internet Infotech, Home Video Industry - all of which are private sectors, is a pointer to his potentials in a globalized economy. To foster full Igbo participation in the on-going national economic globalization exercise, Igbo leaders should device a smart way of helping Ndi-Igbo to pool funds at Micro levels and buy sizeable shares in the privatized concerns. Here, we suggest that Ohanaeze should galvanize the town unions, Clubs and Age grades to raise investable funds for this purpose. State Chapters of Ohanaeze can handle the exercise effectively and invest the funds in accordance with expert advice from a Special Ohanaeze Committee to be created purely for the Igbo Participation in the Nigerian Economic Globalization Scheme. With this approach, Ndi-Igbo will fit in from two main axis namely Policy making levels of important share-holders and at Management/Staff level as skilled hands. A Special Ohanaeze Committee should be formed to tour places of dense Igbo population outside Nigeria i.e. USA, UK, France, Benin Republic, Togo Republic etc. to liaise with the Igbo community leadership in this places to device a means of galvanizing this Igbo in the Diaspora to participate in the exercise.

POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF NDIIGBO

Migration is human nature right from creation but the rate of exodus of the cream of Igbo youths and talents in the last 20 years is to put it mildly, excessive. This development has considerably weakened our position in the Nigerian polity. Many reasons could be advanced for this phenomenon especially the failure of the Biafran experiment and the resultant unfavourable Federal Government policies aimed at the perpetual marginalization of Ndi-Igbo. While granting that all Igbo can not live within territorial Igboland at the same time, there is an overwhelming need for a strong home base. Home base here should be understood within the context of a Strong Igbo Presence and Influence in all facets of national life in a United Nigeria. A lot of Igbo in Lagos State, for instance, do not have nor care to have Voters' Cards hence can neither vote nor be voted for. Curiously, the Igbo population in Lagos State is enough to return not less than three local government chairmen with a comfortable number of Councilors into office. The same numerical strength places Ndi-Igbo in a very excellent stead to bargain for commissionership slots at the State level. These political strength should make resident Igbo in Lagos very secured and comfortable. If we are sincere and serious about One Nigeria and equality of Citizens before the law and the Constitution, Ndiigbo have no excuse going through the horrible political experiences that is their lot in Lagos State. In this democratic dispensation, our democratic franchise must be put into use to change the trend and give Ndi-Igbo their constitutional right and place in Lagos, as in elsewhere through out Nigeria. Igbo leaders should therefore put a mechanism in place to ensure that Igbo resident outside Igboland are sensitized, organized and motivated to make maximum use of their electoral franchise to safeguard and better their lot.

POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT (Cont'd)

The Yoruba example over the years proves the wisdom in the adage that " IF YOU SAY I AM, THE ANGELS WILL SAY THOU ART ". The Yoruba and to some extent, the Hausa-Fulani have always stuck to a political party of their own; a kind of tribal party with national outlook. Consistent and faithful to this tradition, the Yoruba were able to arm-twist the Federal Government to register their tribal party (Alliance for Democracy - AD) even when, as a political association, they failed to meet the laid down criteria for registration . Our own Rt. Hon. Dr. Azikiwe successfully secured a national political party for Ndi-Igbo for the 1979 general elections (NPP) in spite of overwhelming odds. We, of FIYA, see nothing wrong if Ndi-Igbo should come together under one of the current three registered political parties ; taking over the entire structure and pursuing the noble Igbo interest under that umbrella. The APP fits the bill for this exercise since PDP is a ruling party and is totally encumbered while AD obviously belongs to the Yoruba. Ndiigbo should no longer be swallowed in fragments and regimented within so called national parties that, actually belong to some bossy non-Igbo. Let us proudly and gallantly answer our fathers' name ; negotiating our part and place in the national scheme of things with the other tribes on equal terms and let our fate be determined by the extent of our efforts. This is the real political empowerment and self determination.

SECURITY The security of Umu-Igbo both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora should be paramount in every Igbo agenda. Right now, Igbo in the West African states of Benin Republic and Togo are living under very serious threat to their lives and property. FIYA has done, is doing and will continue to do her best to tackle the issue of Ethnic hatred against Ndi-Igbo anywhere in the world, yet Igbo Leaders should draw the urgent attention of the Federal Government to these volatile spots which are actually, potential time-bombs. Attached to this letter are different Situation Reports at DIFFERENT TIMES from FIYA chapters in Togo and Benin Republics. Both reports speak for themselves and should move every true Igbo son and daughter to think deep about his/her people . On the home front, the popular Igbo Vigilante Group christened BAKASSI BOYS must neither be disbanded nor politicised. The original ideas that informed its formation, which was primarily to protect the lives and property of Ndi-Igbo in the face of abysmal police failure, should be upheld. One cringes at the nightmarish tales that filtered abroad on the escapade of miscreants and hoodlums in Igboland, prior to the coming of the BAKASSI BOYS. The group should, indeed be strengthened and equipped for rapid intervention wherever lives are threatened anywhere in Igboland. Igbo leaders should resist any attempt from any quarters to abolish Bakassi.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.

Igbo Leaders should draw the attention of the AMERICAN Government to the plight of the Igbos in connection with the Osama bin Laden terrorist saga. The supreme sacrifices, on daily basis by Ndi-Igbo in Northern Nigeria should not be dismissed as Nigeria's internal problem because IT IS NOT. The deaths are, in all intents and purposes, VICARIOUS as Ndi-Igbo are seen by their Muslim assailants as supporters of America and her allies, particularly as co- Christians. It is therefore most disappointing to see America saying and doing nothing to console Ndi-Igbo for these vicarious deaths and ruination. Indications are that certain countries and peoples are already enjoying some measures of compensation for their SYMPATHY with America and her allies. This is reflected in the recent trade concessions granted by the US Government and there is the fear that secret negotiations with the Arab Terrorists, leading to a new world order, may be in the offing. Igbo leaders should send strong signals to the Americans that Ndi-Igbo are watching and expecting that whatever concessions or new arrangements should be extended to the Black Africans. No one should wait for the Black man to develop a black bomb with which to threaten the entire humanity before taking them into reckoning. America may begin to show appreciation for Igbo sympathy and vicarious deaths by bringing pressure to bear on the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay prompt and adequate financial compensations to the families and dependants of the victims of the Kano, Jos, Kaduna religious riots.

APPRECIATION

Information reaching FIYA indicate that potential Igbo Leaders are emerging from the current political dispensation. These have shown grasp and understanding of the challenges facing Ndi-Igbo. We, of FIYA wish to congratulate this great sons and daughters for rising above parochial considerations and opting to render selfless services with a view to bequeathing a worthy legacy on future generation of Ndi-Igbo. These are; The present governors of south eastern states who, we believe are able to identify Igbo problems and speak with one voice - thanks to the south eastern governors' meetings. Thanks should also be given to all the Igbo(South EAstern) Houses of Assembly members for their renewed efforts in working for Igbo interest.

The Igbo Governors and officials are also creating good relationship with Governors, officials, people and Igbos in the South South zone, by making effort to make our neighbours and other tribal groups in the South South Zone to live in peace and have a better understanding with each other. This is in the overall interest of Igbos and South South Zone, making for a strong Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria, ultimately a stronger, fair and just Nigeria in general.

FIYA is also hopeful that the young and new generation Igbo Leaders should learn from the more experienced former and present Igbo leaders in the Federal, State and Local Governments including people in the private sector. The Younger and new generation Igbo Leadership who are learning and are grasping the rough road for Igbo emergence in the new dispensation, and are forging good relationtionships with Igbos and our neighbours in South South Geo-Political Zone and Nigeria in general. 

They are:

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim - The Senate President, who we believe is serving as a stabilizing factor in the nascent Nigeiran Democracy and has demonstrated an excellent temperament to lead Ndi-Igbo well.

Others are: Senator Mike Ajaegbo , Senator Nnamdi Eriobuna, Senator Chris Adighijie, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Sylvanus Ngele, Senator Vincent Obasi Usulor, Senator R. E. Osakwe, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Senator Fidelis Okoro, Hon. Rep. Ned Nwoko, Hon. Rep. Nduka Irabor, Hon. Rep. Nwuche Nwabueze, Hon. Rep. Wilson Asinobi, Hon. Rep. Austin Adiele, Hon. Rep. Chinonyerem Macebuh, Hon.Rep. Mao Ohuabunwa, Hon. Rep. Alexander N. Nwofiah, Hon. Rep. Patience Ogodo, Hon. Rep. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. Rep. Chudi Ofodile, Hon. Rep. Tony Ene, Hon. Rep. Sylvester Ugwuoke, Hon. Rep. Tony Anyanwu, Hon. Rep. Cajethan Dike, Hon. Minister of Aviation - Chief Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Chief Dubem Onyia, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe of Nigeria Communication Commission, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu of NDDC, Mr. Okechi Kanu - Chairman, Isuikwuato LGA, Chief Felix M. Okite - Chairman, Bende LGA, Mr. Okey Muo Aroh - Chairman Idemili North LGA, Dr. Nkem Okoro - Chairman Arochukwu LGA, Chief Vitalis Njoku - Chairman Aboh Mbaise LGA, Lr. Goddy Osele - Aguata LGA, Dr. Emmanuel Ngwu - Chairman [Udi] LGA, Mr. James Nweke - Chairman Afikpo/Ivo LGA, Hon. Acho Obioma, Hon. Chimaobi Nwakanma, Hon. Chinnoyerem Macebuh among other not mentioned.

CONCLUSION

We believe that if the above noble objectives are pursued and achieved, they would bring about the Igboland of our dream. They would bring about a more dynamic and economically vibrant Igboland that will, in turn, curtail the mass exodus of Igbo youths. Then and only then, not before then; will Ndi-Igbo be able to raise their heads, step forward and take their rightful place among the comity of nations. 

With a solid base, Ndi-Igbo need not beg any body for their fair share of the national cake. With a solid home base, Ndi-Igbo will draw the attention of the International Community more easily and recognition for our potentials and contributions towards a better world, will come easier. Ndi-Igbo will be able to make meaningful impact on global situations and leave indelible FOOTMARKS . Ndi-Igbo could then voice out their condemnation of International Terrorism and the world would listen. Ndi-Igbo could give approval to worthy causes of universal import and be appreciated. Then, Ndi-Igbo can form cultural and economic alliances with peoples whose policies run in harmony with our fundamental objectives and excel. Then, Ndi-Igbo can worship the Almighty God the way and manner they deem fit without INTERFERENCE.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2002 TO NDI-IGBO THE WORLD OVER.

LONG LIVE NDI-IGBO

LONG LIVE IGBO YOUTHS

LONG LIVE FIYA

Yours in the service of our Fatherland

Ref. FIYA/GOL/PR011105 

Date. 26 December 2001 

Signed below: -

Rev. Prince Ugwu Ukiwo Dip. Th.A; B.Th Gen. Coordinator e-mail: ugwu@caramail.com  Tel. +228.945.76.47 Fax. +228.222.14.07

Dr. I. Rapuigbo Gen. Secretary fiya.world@caramail.com 

Mr. Percy Agu Paul Coordinator - Africa Region agupaul@onebox.com   Tel. +228.949.02.33

Mr. Ikoro N. Kalu Org. Secretary Central Executive Committee macpostin@hotmail.com Tel.+228.990.15.60

Elder Jerry Martins Nwokeka Secretary, Africa Region jerrimartins@onebox.com 

Mr. Anlex Iwo Anya National Coordinator Benin Republic Chapter footmark@firstnet.bj  Tel.+229.31.20.03 +229.94.67.44 +229.33.75.49

Mr. Evans Kalu Olughu National Secretary Benin Republic Chapter fiya_benin@37.com 

Mr. Chekwas Okoroeni Org. Secretary Africa Region upstream@onebox.com 

Dr. Prince Azu Anya National Coordinator Republic of Togo Chapter danielles75@hotmail.com  Tel. +228.945.81.74

Dr. Michael E. Chukwuma National Secretary Republic of Togo Chapter fiyatogo_chapter@yahoo.com 

MR. Ugo Harris Nigeria Democracy And Justice Project Washington D.C.,

National Coordinator United States of America Abuja@naijanet.com, abujarock@yahoo.com 

Mr. Paulcy Iwuala National Coordinator People's Republic of China Chapter mansionez@yahoo.com 

Mr. Philip Okuwa Agbanyim National Coordinator Republic of Ireland Chapter chiefokuwa87@hotmail.com 

Chief Joseph Mmeh National Coordinator Federal Republic of Germany Chapter jomek@gmx.net 

Dr. Eric Irozuru Member Federal Republic of Germany chapter e_irozuru@yahoo.com 

Mr. Joseph Okorie Okoronkwo National Coordinator United Kingdon chapter joleadinvest@hotmail.com 

Fr. Abraham Nwali Member Vatican City anwali@FW.DIOCESFWSB.ORG 

Mr. Nelson Oru Publicity Secretary Republic of Togo Chapter nellykingus@yahoo.com 

Chief Kalu O. Kalu Okai Investment LLC Houston Texas Member U.S.A. Chapter okainv@msn.com  | Tel.+1.713.981.4000 +1.713.981.1422 Fax.+1.713.981.4994 Web. www.okayi.com

Mr.David Kalu Member U.S.A. Chapter

December 2001