July 31, 2006

Igbo Diaspora Most Wanted Man

The Ambrose Ehirim Files by Ambrose Ehirim (Los Angeles, California) --- Yes, I have been chastised uncountable times about my critique of a particularly confused Igbo bunch who would rather not get anything done to help the Igbo Nation. I have been called all kinds of names. Just for exercising my right to free speech, I have, like NBA basketball player, Shaquille O’Neal, been called the “Big Felon.” I have been called “Maradona” after the wizard dribbler in FIFA World Cup Finals. Also, like Hollywood script writers and movie makers, I have been called a “copy cat.” Wow!

Maybe I should stop dribbling and change my writing style. I have been asked to stop criticizing and condemning Igbo “elite” and “intellectuals” and their coterie of wannabes even when it’s obvious they are taking us to hell.

I have been accused of not being Igbo, thus, writing with a pseudonym to incite anger and frustration within the Igbo elite and intellectuals who write behind closed doors in Igbo-related forums mostly at yahoo. It has been said that the name Ambrose Ehirim doesn’t exist, that it is a “handle.” I have been accused of money laundering and using the funds to engage in “terrorist activities” in support of MASSOB and to cause havoc all over Igbo land. I have also been accused of being an uppity Igbo radical and a “mad man,” which would take me nowhere but create a series of confusion.

For instance, the wave of civil unrest in Onitsha and elsewhere in Igbo Land caused by the poor leadership of Mr. Peter Obi is now said to be my making. Never mind that it was the clueless Peter Obi who invited known enemies of Nd’Igbo to slaughter Igbo youth in the name of fighting an anarchy in Anambra, an anarchy that Peter Obi himself and Chris Ubah formulated in the illicit pact that put Obi in power. I have been accused of using the proceeds from BiafraNigeriaWorld to engage in anti-elitist activities as portrayed in my columns, which continues to address the ills in the Igbo Nation.

I have been accused of trying to break up the country using the resources of BiafraNigeriaWorld. I have been accused of using BNW to destroy the political ambitions of the Igbo Diaspora “elite” and “pseudo-intellectuals” who are running around in the US in Nigerian political campaign vans, gunning for public office in BiafraNigeria. I have been told that I am wrong to take sides with the underprivileged class and the powerless in Igboland. I have been accused of a growing lip, whatever that means.

I have been accused of writing under the influence of akanaeme and other spirits. I have been accused for lamenting the fallen standards of Igbo ideals. I have been accused for writing extensively and nearly exhaustively about Igbo problems grand and small. I have been accused for lamenting Obafemi Awolowo’s orchestrated “Economic Blockade,” which starved Igbo women and children to death.

I have been accused of in-your-face attitude telling the Hausa-Fulanis that they slaughtered my kith and kin in the most brutal of circumstances, and yet would not offer an apology. I have been accused of saying it aloud that the Yorubas stink and can’t fight to save their own lives. Bbut no one, absolutely no one has taken into account the ethnic slurs of “nyamiri,” “okoro,” “okobokobo” frequently bandied about by the Awusa and the Yoroba. I have been accused for calling Igbo a nation state. I have been accused for asking the bookkeepers and managers of World Igbo Congress to put their acts together before it gets too late. According to Bob Dylan, “It’s not dark yet, but we are getting there.”

I have been accused for having the guts to “attack” the gutless leadership of Chibuzor Onwuchekwa of WIC. I said it was lousy leadership when Chibuzor Onwuchekwa made nku ukwa and ill-gotten castles in Abuja his blueprint, while Anambra, his home state, is burning. I have been accused for citing Senate President Ken Nnamani’s disappointment during WIC’s annual picnic and efulefu dance at the basement of Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel. I have been accused of telling the simple truth. According to Peter Tosh’ lyrics, “I have been wanted dead or alive by the evil forces” at Igbo forums at Yohoo. I am “FBI’s most wanted man,” said one crazed Igbo Yahooligan.

Aaarrggh, Holy Moses! Ah ah! See what my little biro has caused me!? Imagine!

Ironically, these accusations leveled against me have been from none other than the free-based Yahoo groups forums catering to various Igbo groups. As one is weary of pointing out nothing gets done at Yahoo and even the archives have been wiped out because the operator are loud mouths who wouldn’t spend a dime to preserve the records.

What’s going on here? What are the raging and the beef, and the prize on my head all about? That I wrote an article based on what I witnessed regarding a fractured WIC and its funny bookkeepers and managers? That WIC’s annual picnic and efulefu dance is disturbing and has become a trademark for a bunch that would never get things done? That MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazuruike is languishing in jail and WIC would not say a word while his alleged “co-conspirator” Frederick Fasheun has been granted bail on “health grounds?” That I was concerned that innocent people were being killed in Onitsha by Obasanjo’s Gestapo and nobody is saying a word? That I “was crazy” to comment on the debacle in Anambra on the ground that I am not from “Onitsha?” or from “Anambra State?” That I should shut up for whatever happens in Anambra is none of my business? That “their” master Olusegun Obasanjo is doing some pretty good stuff in Igbo land, and I have no right to question or criticize him whatsoever? I don’t get it!

First, I should begin by blaming Acho Orabuchi and Magnus Ekwueme, the moderators of the refrigerated free Yahoo Igbo Forum for allowing fake names and dubious handles to run wild in an Igbo community discussion group. It is really disturbing when Orabuchi and his group of moderators at the Yahoo Igbo Forum, even though the Yahoo shack is now running without memory, would collaborate with a gang of Dallas-based pacifists to use all kinds of concocted names in attacking me, when Acho Ohawuchi himself knows exactly who I am down to the village I hail from. Did I say “Ohawuchi?” Yes, as Acho Ohawuchi’s fellow Orlu man, I should know, as they say in the Igbo proverb, how water entered the pumpkin’s pipe and transformed an Imo man from Ohawuchi to Orabuchi. But, I kept calm, thinking I was in polite company.

The following is typical of one of many incoherent responses and write-ups targeted at me in the Orabuchi-Ekwueme managed Yahoo Forum where any subject matter may arise for discussion and engagement at any given time. Of all the responses, I shall cite two. One is wrong and totally a piece of garbage because it fails to address the issues in question, and the other I address because the writer wrote of interest. In the Orabuchi-Ekwueme Forum, one of the cowards who operates behind handles and is not bold enough to say who he really is contributed the following response to my article on Onwuchekwa and the inept and corrupt World Igbo Congress. The fake handle is “Texas Memorial” and here is what he had to say:

Ambrose Ehirim is one of FBI most wanted man, if that is the real name of the writer. Ambrose, challenging WIC on Onitsha; Ambrose is a Money Launderer, and a Felon with a record of evading paying Taxes, and illegally transporting large amount of cash to Nigeria in support of MASSOB, and killing of innocent civilian, Youths and women. Ambrose with his support of MASSOB has witnessed young girls raped in Igbos states, and with his money laundering to Nigeria, saw large cashes of weapons and ammunitions transported to Nigeria that MASSOB's are using in killing our people, the Police and destruction of the Prisons.. Ambrose is not an Onitsha Man. Ambrose Ehirim is at USA while our young ones are dying unnecessarily. Ambrose should go to Nigeria and represent MASSOB in Nigeria and not in Diaspora…

Now, how does the above line of nonsense parallel to the subject matter? But the irony to all the brouhaha in Yahoo Igbo Forum could be drawn from a bunch of moderators who work in concert or use the dimwits to keep dragging the forum to hell, in which nobody understands why its archives shouldn’t be kept intact, losing its credibility since it was established seven years ago. When rhetoric like the one above by a name that doesn’t exist keeps popping up with rubbish in Yahoo Igbo Forum, why would someone take Orabuchi and his group of moderators seriously? When the kind of nonsense above keeps making the headlines in Yahoo Igbo Forum, what has that reduced the Igbo nation and intellectuals to? When we keep seeing such lines that has no meaning to a subject matter in question, even though the handle speaks for itself of being fake and yet allowed to be drawing attention with irrational thoughts, and nobody is saying a word, what does that make the group moderators and management team in Yahoo Igbo Forum look like?

When you have a forum like that, and of course, where every individual matters based on sponsored or referred registration, shouldn’t a handle in the name of Texas Memorial be questioned based on its lack of signature with the real name attached to it? Why is nobody talking when a handle of this kind is ruining our credibility in the outside world, and why would they, the outside world, be taking us seriously? What is wrong with Igbo people?

On the other hand, I must not fail to address the second citation which I thought to be necessary. I found it necessary because the writer made a “valid” point, in the sense that he strongly believed a dialogue could be reached in apprehending the ills of the WIC and Igbo matters in general, that is, if put on the table as the Boston magic is “dedicated” to present. But I must also not fail to point out that it doesn’t make sense at all when we take a dovish stance while surrounded by hawkish neighbors who use every opportunity at any given time to attack and slaughter us on the streets, at the market square and anywhere that Nd’Igbo gather. We must continue to defend ourselves at all costs, under any circumstances to prevent a repeat of the past.

Never again!

For a variety of reasons, Nd’Igbo must be on guard to produce robust leaders in order to effect change, especially given that the battered and bruised WIC that claims to be Igbo Diaspora umbrella is now colossal failure. We must honestly choose who to lead us based on character and conduct over the years. We must keep up with the basic ethic of transparency and accountability to avoid the conflicts of funny bookkeeping and dubious managers. We must continue to watch and report the ways and means of those that keep our records. We must never allow riff raffs because they have sacks of money to the brim to keep running the shows in our name. The politics of “Godfatherism” should not have been allowed to occur in the first place. We must rise to the occasion to defend worthy causes and give honor to whom honor is due and restore the merit system on which the Igbo Nation was founded.

If the WIC is Igbo umbrella like it claims, we must ask for its monthly, bimonthly, and quarterly reports. But that has not happened in the many years since WIC’s formation; rather, what we see is a continuous cycle of “no gain, no loss” in every convention, which indicates the bookkeepers and managers are not being honest in dealing with Igbo Diaspora. Otherwise, what’s the purpose of each convention when profits cannot be made? Again, of what purpose is the WIC picnic at a record loss in every convention? Just to see people, dine, wine, womanize and flirt?

I am compelled to cite Mike Ozulumba’s note of interest with regards to WIC’s annual picnic. We must bear in mind that Ozulumba was speaking on behalf of WIC’s Boston area organizers who promised a better convention, this time around. However, to set the record straight, my article did not suggest in any way that Igbos should follow my path to actualizing Biafra, and I had no “personal dislike for Onwuchekwa.”

Ozulumba writes:

Obviously, your article consumed a rambling plethora of dubious subjective analysis based on your apparent preconceived belief that unless and until Igbos follow your path to actualization of Biafra, nothing is working. I find your argument internally inconsistent in many respects. While collaboration is an accepted avenue to actualization of strategic needs, you see Ichie Onwuchekwas efforts with our other ethnic partners as futility. I am amazed at your devotion of undue time to vent personal dislike for Ichie Onwuchekwa and your sweeping insult of Igbos especially in the Los Angeles area. I must tell you that Igbos in Boston mean serious business. We will not have much patience here with you when you reduce yourself to insulting individuals. Granted you may share a differnce of opinion with respect to how best to make WIC a veritable organization. We sure may have problems of leadership, but with heinous and venomous followers like you the journey will sure be more ardous. I will not profer advise to you here on how best to actualize your Biafra. I understand that fringe lunatics may exist among us and you sure are not doing the Biafran cause a good favor in the manner you write and express your views. I hope you will not find time to come to Boston, but if you do, you will be pleasantly surprised. It takes several steps to complete a good journey. Ichie Onwuchekwa may not have impressed you thus far, but we need to work together to assist him or replace him.

While Ozulumba could not see how Igbos had been trapped in an uncertain and troubled nation and not helping chart the course, he agreed with me on lack of profound leadership; but he patently declined to confront the most vital issues within the Igbo nation today. From his observation, I guess there is no way to avoid active engagement with Egbe Omo Yoruba and the Zumunta even at the point of death because Igbos may not have the chance or would not have a choice doing it alone probably that her survival relies on the status quo. This line of thought is irrelevant and disingenuous.

Ozulumba declined to “proffer advice” on how to strategically go about the Biafran struggle. He deliberately ignored to comment on the crises in Anambra, his home state, which has no end in sight. He ignored to share with me the problems of the WIC since its formation and why WIC should not be granted the privilege to bear the name Igbo Umbrella. He did not share with me on Onwuchekwa eating up his own words when he said every Igbo indigene would be a WIC card carrying member, and when he insulted Yahoo Igbo Forum writers as “noise makers.” He (Ozulumba) believes in pacifism and would not explain why his neighbors are hawks because it’s okay for ones kith and kin to be slaughtered without saying a word on the ground that uttering a word might hurt the healing process and jeopardize any prospect of dialogue with the Hausa- Fulanis and their Yoruba co-conspirators. He refused to see a confused Igbo Diaspora bunch on the basis it’s not timely and perhaps the “Boston RSVP Party” will change all that. He ignored the fact that WIC is a fraternity like any other social club and nothing Igbo-related. Yes, the WIC is a fraternity. It is a social club. It has no Igbo interest.

So my learned friend, for being “pleasantly surprised,” hold on, and let go. I have no desire to attend WIC’s annual bash until I am well-convinced that the WIC has ceased to be a fraternity by way of taking care of Igbo-related issues. And since your interest in organizing the Boston RSVP Party was to use that platform to boost your campaign for public office, hang in there. I have news for you. To be honest, I was not surprised at all to learn about your political ambitions in your home state of Anambra to represent Ihiala Federal Constituency, and I am totally not impressed for you to have taken such a step using Boston’s convention on your doorstep to campaign for an election your war chest could never match that of your opponents back home, and for the fact that you have not spent enough time with the electorate to sell your ideas.

So would the campaign for public office and chance of nku nkwa be the reason why you have decided not take the wrong side when bad things happen. You will be the candidate of self-interest for the BiafraNigerian House of Representatives from Okija? Would the quest to be lawmaker be the reason why WIC cannot be wrong because your campaign team is very likely to be WIC card carrying members? Would mentioning the name Biafra jeopardize your chances, and if so, be the reason why you thought the Biafran struggle is all a waste of time because you couldn’t wait to fall in line for your own share of the nku ukwa? Would the fear of missing out on WIC and its party lines be the reason why you are tongue-tied when hoodlums and the likes of Chris Ubah have turned Anambra into a state of empire and anarchy?

As it also happened, on July 15, 2006, as part of my early morning rituals, I drive to Venice Beach, California. Normally, I listen to Philly Sound and Tamla Motown classics—Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Temptations, Commodores, Marvin Gaye, etc.—while driving to the coast. I find a parking spot and jog on the beach’s sidewalks with workouts in between. When I’m done, I check the newsstands and comb through the headlines. Then I head back home for shower and breakfast.

On this particular day, while driving back home after my morning rituals, my phone rang and a friend of mine was on the line requesting I should join his entourage scheduled to be paying condolence visit to a colleague whose father-in-law had died. I honored his request and was picked up later in the day for the visit. On arrival, we were offered a table as we joined others in showing sympathy.

As usual, gatherings of this nature are not complete without political discourse about “our” troubled nation. Enter Igbo matters and Biafranigeria politics. I was engaged and here it goes:

“Don’t you guys think Obasanjo’s third term defeat was a Hausa political victory? It sounds to me like the presidency is going back to the North with that kind of victory. What do you guys think?”

“In fact, Obasanjo will never allow power to go back North. I think we’ve had enough of Hausa drama.”

“Who wants another Hausa-Fulani oligarchy? No way, we’ve had enough.”

“I have no idea why Ambrose would want power back to the North.”

“I did not say that. I only asked a question.”

“What do you mean you did not say that?”

“I didn’t. All I said was that the third term showdown in favor of an overwhelming majority denying Obasanjo a third term was a Hausa political victory.”

“You can say whatever you like; Orji Kalu is going to be the next president.”

“I think Orji Kalu has done a good job. He challenged Obasanjo. He deserves to be the next president.”

“Are you guys sure?”

“Of course he is the man! It is our turn and he is the man!

“You see why Igbo people have a problem? Ambrose doesn’t want an Igbo president.”

“I did not say that. Ok., let’s for the sake of this argument let’s assume Orji Kalu gets the mandate, and I mean if he could not deliver as governor what guarantees he would perform diligently as president?”

“That’s the problem with Igbo writers. Have you ever seen a Yoruba or Hausa criticize their own? If you go to Yahoogroup forums, you will see Igbos criticizing our leaders, something the Yorubas and Hausas don’t do.”

“Name one Igbo writer who criticizes our leaders?”

“Are you asking me? You should know better.”

“So you mean the Yorubas and Hausas don’t criticize their leaders.”

“Yes! Name them.”

“In October 1986, Dele Giwa was murdered in cold blood with a letter bomb for criticizing the Ibrahim Babangida military juntas. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has been critical of Obasanjo’s regime and all the military juntas combined. Rotimi Durojaye of Daily Independent Newspapers and Gbenga Aruleba of African Independent Television were slammed recently for criticizing Obasanjo’s regime. What’s your point?”

“Look, I speak Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo fluently, so I know what I am talking about. Name a Yoruba and Hausa that criticizes their leaders.”

“I just did. Ok. Mike Awoyinfa and Hammeed M. Bello. Need more?”

“Name them!”

“Bayo Onanuga and Mohammed Haruna.”

“It’s people like you who don’t attend Igbo meetings that sit on the side and criticize.”

“How do you know I don’t attend Igbo-related meetings and conventions? I was at World Igbo Congress last summer and it was nothing to brag about. Don’t you remember?”

“Well, I didn’t see you.”

“You did not see me because you must have been hiding somewhere.”

“What do you mean I was hiding somewhere? Look, I am a staunch WIC member and I have attended every convention since the birth of WIC. You can’t say that about yourself because you don’t go to Igbo meetings.”

“Who told you I don’t attend Igbo meetings. For your information, I was at the last Igbo Cultural Association of California meeting held at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. No big deal! The meeting was a disaster. I was totally disappointed to see our elite class behave like loquacious market women. Is that the kind of meeting you are talking about?”

“Yes and other meetings including your native village meeting. Where are you from, by the way?”

“Amazano.”

“Where?”

“Amazano!”

“Do you go to their meetings?”

“Of course, before it disappeared from Planet Earth. Maybe, it will reappear. Who knows?”

“Did Amazano ever register at the WIC for its own seat for recognition?”

“What recognition?”

“Other Igbo organizations are required to register with the WIC because WIC is Igbo umbrella.”

“Oh yeah? How is WIC Igbo umbrella and what has WIC done for Nd’Igbo?”

“WIC has done a lot for Nd’Igbo and whether you like it or not you are under WIC.”

“This is ridiculous! How can I be under a fraternity that has a history of funny bookkeeping and dubious managers? Do you know that WIC’s account is questionable under Chibuzor Onwuchekwa?

“All you do is criticize, criticize and criticize. It is people like you who sit on the side and do nothing but criticize. You need to come and join us and contribute your own ideas instead of criticizing your own people.”

“I have been told that before. You mean join a fraternity like WIC?”

“Yes!”

“So WIC is a fraternity, not an Igbo umbrella?”

“No WIC is Igbo umbrella and that’s why we meet every year at different locations in Diaspora to discuss issues.”

“What issues? You mean seeing people, the picnic and dance?”

“Maybe you don’t know how it feels to see people you’ve not seen in years. That alone is big business and we should be proud of it.”

“I see, big business, huh?”

“Now tell me if you know of any Igbo organization that has recorded a profit after overheads?” Not even your own native village convention has recorded a profit. Not even one.”


“Would that be the reason why the management of the WIC does not care about its account and openness indicating it is a fraternity?”

“Come on guys, knock it off. Enough!”

Evidently, like the 80’s university campus “Buccaneers” and “Pirates,” where nothing practically was achieved in that respect, WIC is a fraternity. It is a social club. It has no Igbo interest, period!

Without a doubt, the pen is mightier than the sword as a result of my article and other thought-provoking write-ups alike. It has cleared a whole lot of stuff. All of a sudden, WIC’s constitution has popped up. All of a sudden, we are beginning to see what WIC has been doing behind closed doors. All of a sudden, WIC is paying attention to critics. And, all of a sudden, Anambra State Association-USA (ASA-USA) in a press release is sounding positively engaged for MASSOB’s right to exist as in all democratic fabrics.

Mighty biro’s magic, you see? I am innocent until proven guilty in the court of uncut, uncensored and free press.

The saga continues!

Ambrose Ehirim,
Los Angeles, CA

Posted by Administrator at 07:45 AM | Comments (0)

July 14, 2006

Of Nku Ukwa, Chibuzor Onwuchekwa, and World Igbo Congress’ card-carrying Members

The Ambrose Ehirim Files by Ambrose Ehirim (Los Angeles, California) --- Can Ichie Chibuzor Onwuchekwa deliver Nd’Igbo from problems grand and small? Forget it! That will never happen, and you would be better off looking elsewhere for such leadership. Alas! upon his return from a psycophantic trip to Aso Rock, Chibuzor Onwuchekwa announced that his will be the Nku Ukwa era in WIC; nku ukwa is of course a crude version of trickle down economics, which calls on Nd'Igbo to set aside their suffering or political aspirations and instead support the enrichment of certain corrupt Igbo men in Abuja, who, it is hoped, would repatriate some of the loot to Igboland or to Nd'Igbo.

At his election in Los Angeles, the question was: would Onwuchekwa (like Kalu Diogu before him) go down as another Igbo efulefu and sell-out kowtowing for left-over at the rocks of Aso? Without a doubt and from all indications he’s getting there and the nku ukwa doctrine is his blueprint.

Worried about what World Igbo Congress is up to in setting standards according to Onwuchekwa’s doctrine when he proclaimed at WIC’s Los Angeles convention that the time for change has come, and that every Igbo indigene would be a WIC card carrying member under his leadership? Baloney! We’ve seen that before and like any other Igbo politician seeking appointments with the bigot Mathew Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo, it’s nothing new.


Almost ten months and still counting since Onwuchekwa took over the administrative affairs of a do-nothing WIC and yet to see what he has to show for it, other than his embarrassing and disgraceful trips to Abuja, and the way he bragged about it as if anyone cares. Of course, he felt he was doing a good job and not even ashamed he had let the Igbo nation down with reports that made him look like a real Igbo efulefu. Reports indicating he had no sense of belonging in assuming the highest post of a fractured “elite” Igbo organization, the alleged Igbo Diaspora umbrella—the WIC.

In the words of Onwuchekwa, every Igbo indigene will be guaranteed WIC’s “card-carrying membership.” A year will soon pass by and Onwuchekwa’s-led WIC is yet to present a budget of administrative overhaul to Igbo people. Igbo organizations all over have gotten worse by the day and numerous indications of collapse are in evidence. The vigor for improving conditions of living in Igbo states has not shown any sign of improvement, and, more importantly, the zeal for instigating peace and tranquility in Anambra State, for instance, has visibly waned. Anambra, is by all accounts a state of empire and anarchy. Ralph Uwazuruike is languishing in jail and nobody cares; not even Onwuchekwa and his bunch of Obasanjo apologists who are scared to talk about it. The slaughter of MASSOBians continues apace on the streets of Onitsha while Onwuchekwa and his colleagues at the WIC are tongue-tied. As it happened, and if you don’t already know, be aware now that Onwuchekwa and his slogan of “every Igbo will be a WIC card-carrying member under my leadership,” was just full of it.

So, what’s WIC up to? Clearly, WIC is up to nothing, and, as usual, would soon be having its annual picnic; this time, in Boston, for another gathering of cheap talks and efulefu dance while Obasanjo’s Gestapo are carrying out a series of murderous attacks in Onitsha and elsewhere in Igboland. And that’s basically about it!

It would be inaccurate and misleading to say the politically suicidal Onwuchekwa and his fraternal seven-man WIC delegation to Abuja last December had a platform meant to address the ills of the Igbo nation. In black and white, WIC has been a disaster, still a disaster and bound to remain a disaster if the management of WIC declines patently to handle its affairs in a way that would confront its socio-cultural and political impotency within the framework of a bastardized nation.

First, Onwuchekwa began his trip to doom when in 2005 on Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles, at the Airport Hilton Hotel, lobbied delegates for votes to push an agenda fabricated by his colleagues who would go to any length for selfish motives and nothing Igbo-related. When the selected voters and so-called delegates engaged in a twisted “dialogue” that lasted for hours in deciding which candidate deserves WIC’s leadership after a long haul of speeches by the potential candidates “determined” to effect change in a battered and bruised WIC over the years for its lack of organizational effectiveness, it didn’t take long before Onwuchekwa emerged in an “astounding victory.” A victory today I’m sure he would have declined if he had known the difficulties and complications of a bleeding and disfigured WIC. That is, if in his right thinking mind, he would be honest to admit he miscalculated and dabbled into a nasty political tactics by being cornered for a leadership that would put his reputation on the line.

Upon announcement that a new WIC president has emerged began the efulefu dance, the Gypsy way, and joyous festivity to signal nothing much would change but the same old song. In a very typical scenario of Igbo gatherings where practically nothing gets done, coupled with rowdy sessions and igba izu ,secret talks, that created more confusion among the delegates and candidates for various positions, the organizers of the event, a do-nothing Igbo Cultural Association of California with a Los Angeles mailing address was dealt a big blow when its point man, Chuka Obiesie, lost in an election preplanned before the annual picnic began. A ready to show off victorious ICAC and Obiesie’s entourage disappeared just like that, ushering in Onwuchekwa whose slogan of “card-carrying” membership and agenda was actually a pregnant pause while Nd’Igbo watched another bad leadership in the making.

Who indeed gets the blame when WIC comes way short in living up to its responsibilities? Absolutely no one but the secret cultists themselves on the ground there’s nothing Igbo-related in WIC’s formation addressing the plight of a people whose history has been of violence and political weakness. WIC, now on its own and whatever the cult members of this ridiculous organization do is none of our business; they have ridiculed the Igbo nation beyond repairs and they should stop claiming to be representing Nd’Igbo. They should leave Igbo people out of the mess they’ve created in all these years of fraud and haggling, keeping funny books and retaining dubious managers.

On December 09, 2005, Onwuchekwa sent a report to Igbo-related forums; of his encounter with the bigots in Aso Rock claiming his meeting with an inept and outrageous Obasanjo’s “Ministers of Igbo extraction” was a victory notably and among other things his tour of “castles” belonging to successful Igbo merchants in Abuja. His arrogance, political stupidity and inability to see from a smokescreen reminds one of Second Republic’s former Minister of Transport, Umaru Dikko, who alerted nothing like hunger existed in Nigeria on the basis no Nigerian was yet to be found scavenging for food from dustbins, acknowledging there was no such thing as widespread hunger and sufferings in the country.. Meanwhile, Onwuchekwa has resorted to name-calling depicting Igbo Diaspora “e-groups” as noise makers clouded by false information. Onwuchekwa writes,

On the whole, and from my opinion, a lot is going on in Abuja as we speak that will shape our Nation for years to come. "Nku Ukwa" is being shared at Abuja as we speak, while some of us here are content with noise making and meaningless analysis of false information in the e-groups. Ndi Igbo are seriously holding their own in various areas in Abuja, especially in Business and the economy. Ndi Igbo have done well, and have continued to do very well in acquiring property in the Capital. We urged more aggressive acquisitions. The Business groups we met are waiting for our proposed Economic Conference. In fact, one Igbo son in Abuja took us to his property, and proved to our amazement that he has enough room in his compound to hold a Summit of about 500 to 1000 people. He gave us a tour, and our jaws dropped as we exchanged unrehearsed "high fives."

At the very moment Onwuchekwa and his seven-man delegate were so pumped up at Abuja based on their blurred vision, applauding a sound Igbo enterprise and economy, while the rest of the country had every privilege to attend school free of charge from government subsidies and grants of all sorts, pupils of Igbo-related states can hardly pay their tuition fees when governors and local government “bureau chiefs” are squandering every account of appropriation required to make our scholars stay in school and establish a profound generation. There was no mention of MASSOB leader Uwazuruike being locked up behind bars, nor even any indication his trial would be commencing soon. Moreover, at a time when Obasanjo’s administration has used Igbo “elite” gullibility and vulnerability to manipulate all aspects of shady dealings in Igboland, Onwuchekwa and his blind colleagues in pursuant of the so-called nku ukwa, national cake, were swiftly drowned out by his “Excellency” who had commended Igbo Brahmins for the nation’s thriving economy.

Of course, I agree with Pini Jason of Vanguard Newspapers who observed before hand when Igbo leaders planned to meet at the Concorde Hotel, Owerri, that the Igbo elite is scared to put MASSOB and other Igbo-related issues on its table of dialogue with Obasanjo’s inept and corrupt regime for the fact that they would probably miss out on a national cake sharing formula if Obasanjo’s prescribed conditions is being challenged. Eventually, Jason was right. There was no mention of Uwazuruike and Biafra on the basis they would be “giving life to a word the Nigerian state decreed out of existence and cleaned off the map.” And without a doubt, that’s Igbo leaders of post civil war era.

Let’s face it though. What has brought about Igbo powerlessness in Onwuchekwa’s nku ukwa, a cake-sharing formula the Hausa-Fulani elite has no problems collecting at any given time? And why is the “Igbo elite” so fearful of a coward Obasanjo while their Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba counterparts are bold enough to demand for whatever they want whenever they want it? Could it be the bigot has conquered the Igbos drawing out a plan that clearly says so, setting precedent that would remain relevant forever? Could it be the Igbo elite, having no idea what is it they are doing, and negating the fundamentals of Igbo ideals in order to feed from the crumbs of the caliphates and Obasanjo’s aides in Aso Rock? Could it be Obasanjo bought them out to seal their lips, thus validating federal troops’ assault on innocent Igbo people and perhaps fabricated on the assumption MASSOB is being motivated by agitators of Biafra to operate and threaten peace all over Igboland? Or, could it be the Igbo elite, infallible and confused, has drowned, giving up, and exhausting all options of existence in a democratic fabric? Otherwise, why has Anambra State become the hotbed of major Igbo problems since the beginning of the Fourth Republic? Anambra is burning. And there is WIC touring castles in Abuja.

Just like that, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State is sounding positively bloodthirsty, ordering shoot at sight on his own people and threatening massive air raids. A resemblance of the past? Anambra is burning. And there is WIC touring castles in Abuja.

To understand the unique nature of WIC, and the surprising legitimacy it enjoys as Obasanjo declares a thriving economy put together by Igbo men of industry, it is important to recognize the ugly deep roots of WIC’s history. In its thirteenth year of annual bash, could WIC pride itself on the wonderful achievements that have established it as Igbo Diaspora umbrella? Why has it become a tradition that WIC must assemble every year in different locations around the United States to collect fees in demand for worthy causes, yet no detail account is made public by its bookkeepers and managers? And what has WIC got to show for its contribution in humanitarian causes, generous social provisions and youth empowerment? What’s WIC’s purpose when Obasanjo’s Gestapo is free to cause all sorts of havoc in Igbo land without any questions being asked whatsoever? And why is WIC working in concert with its enemies—Egbe Omo Yoruba and Zumunta—the same bloodsuckers who destroyed her kith and kin during the pogrom?

The knowledge that during the pogrom, the murderous Hausa-Fulani and its Yoruba contemporaries killed at an unimaginable scale other people who they had never met or knew before has not left me; and yet Onwuchekwa has the guts to tell Nd’Igbo that “it will be recalled that the World Igbo Congress (WIC) has been collaborating and acting synergistically with Egbe Omo Yoruba and the Zumunta since the fall of last year in tackling vexed contemporary issues in Nigeria that have direct impact on our corporate existence and aspirations.”

What “corporate existence and aspirations”? That Egbe Omo Yoruba will not make sudden 180-degrees turn when a deal is not in its favor? That Egbe Omo Yoruba is one you can trust and make a deal with knowing how these traitors handled the crisis after the decision at Aburi? That Egbe Omo Yoruba has shown remorse when the bigot Obafemi Awolowo justified his orchestrated ‘economic blockade’ which deprived thousands of women, infants and children of food as they starved to death? That Egbe Omo Yoruba knowing how they stink and can’t fight would not betray the trust in the event a dialogue is reached?

Or, that, the so-called Zumunta, the Hausa-Fulani bunch that murdered every Igbo within their reach, in the classroom, at the market square, at church and places where Nd’Igbo gathered and yet would not offer apology for the most blood-soaked event in Africa in that era? That it’s okay to dine and wine with a blood-lust Islamic nihilist in getting things done because there are no other options for Igbo survival? That the Zumunta, would deal with WIC with all amounts of honesty and condemn in its totality when scores of Igbo traders in the North are murdered by Hausa-Fulani lynch mobs?

For Onwuchekwa’s admirers who think that he has been doing a good job on behalf of Igbo people by collaborating with Egbe Omo Yoruba and the Islamic Jihad Zumunta in “tackling vexed contemporary issues,” they should think again. While Onwuchekwa and his efulefu bunch are busy touring Aso Rock for crumbs, a wave of violence is sweeping over Anambra State instigated by Obasanjo, targeting his political opponents as well as Igbos who wants to be left alone. While Onwuchekwa and his colleagues are busy begging and negotiating for contracts to be part of nku ukwa sharing formula, the dubious Igbo state “governors” and local government “bureau chiefs” are busy squandering and embezzling funds that belongs to the people, and yet he has the guts to talk about nku ukwa.

Onwuchekwa has failed to take into account Senate President Ken Nnamani’s keynote address at the basement of the Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel during the WIC’s annual picnic in 2005 when he asked over and over again the ultimate objective of the WIC and Igbo Diaspora getting organized like any other community exploring the vast opportunities as in the Chinese community and its unique tradition and culture kept intact; the Indians and the use of human capital to create havens of technological and economic development; the Latinos who have thrived through collectivity; and the list goes on and on, not even mentioning Little Ethiopia just founded a couple of years ago near Miracle Mile in Los Angeles.

Little Ethiopia speaks for itself: The eateries—Nyala Ethiopian Cuisine, Rahel Veggie Cuisine, Rosalind’s Ethiopian Cuisine, B & M Café, Messob Ethiopian Restaurant and Marathon Etiopian Café & Restaurant—all on Fairfax Avenue, serving varieties of Ethiopian dishes. The markets: Expansive mini-markets tucked-away thrift shops and modern bakeries rub shoulders with late night cafes, bars, clubs and room salons. The cultural boutiques of Ethiopian antiquity; and the crowds of Ethiopian descents and non-Ethiopians alike with signs of “grand openings,” which has marked the speed at which this new community has grown. The displays on the sidewalks and how a people who nearly perished from a natural disaster in the 70s have turned things around in Diaspora, establishing and completing themselves like other communities that worked collectively to bring about change. Just like the Koreans turned the Wilshire Corridor in Los Angeles into Korea Town. It’s Korean this and Korea that all over the Wilshire District for a people who explored the shores of America about the same time that we did.

So what has Onwuchekwa’s Abuja errands got to do with Igbo Diaspora development in terms of “rebuilding social capital,” according to Nnamani? Whose interest is Onwuchekwa pursuing at Abuja and why is it a big deal? Igbos, and building community? Or, that of his political coattails at the WIC and Igbo elite? You must be kidding me!

Many, including myself, agree with Nnamani when he lambasted WIC and its organizers that the annual conventions over the years seems to be going nowhere, and that until the leaders of the WIC takes a specific role of conceptual and political leadership that would effect change, engaging and competing in the global economy. But ironically, WIC leaders, bent on mischief and nku ukwa, aren’t listening. They are on line for petroleum resources, forgetting to explore avenues supposedly connecting with technological development and advancing its programs with a sound market economy required to place the Igbo in a fast growing universe of globalization without dependence on “petroleum resources.” Disturbingly, Nnamani notes:

We need to break away from the prevailing mentality that the best way to exist as Nigerians is to dissipate energy over perishing oil resources; to quarrel over insufficient resources, instead of working hard to increase the economic pie through higher productivity and innovation. We must break away from the state thinking that we can keep away from the mainstream of technological development and hope to be a viable people. In the new economy, only those who focus on the use of scientific and technological innovation to enlarge the economic pie have a hope of surviving.

Before I proceed any further, let me pause to point out that no particular Igbo organization since the days of the Igbo Union has worked hard enough to translate the Igbo nation into a model of technology. And neither the WIC nor the Igbo elite (and certainly not even the successful merchants and technocrats) has transformed the Igbo nation, home and abroad, into an entailed autarky. Rather, Igbo is becoming more and more by the day like the Gypsies. But, yet, Onwuchekwa is quick at applauding to one or two Igbo merchants in Abuja and nku ukwa with castles and guest houses to share the night.

However, WIC’s failures should not be wholly blamed on Igbo woes. Igbo is a nation state. It is a major tribe with a universal language. It has an enormous human capital to develop into an advanced nation: The scientists and engineers. The medical arts and contributions to health and human development. The theatrical arts. The successful merchants thriving on the basis there is no substitute to hard work. The Igbo does not need any form of natural resources to survive on its own. The Igbo has it all. Human capital is the key.

But the irony as could be patently seen is that Igbos are confused. And how come? A case in point could be drawn from a confused and worthless Igbo Cultural Association of California, practically based in Los Angeles. So, too, are other Igbo organizations elsewhere with series of conventions, fundraising, games, all-you-can-eat-buffet and things like that, in the name of pursuing worthy causes to find out it’s all a gimmick. It has become a tradition. ICAC, the organizers of WIC’s 2005 Los Angeles Convention precisely is a mess and there was a meeting.

On Sunday April 09, 2006, ICAC management scheduled a meeting at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church on Normandie Avenue in South Central Los Angeles. It wasn’t anything serious, but just for the heck of it and particularly regarding an organization that had problems putting its act together when it comes to checks and balances, I made up my mind and decided there was no way I could have won in a debate having nothing to do with my cultural heritage. I squeezed time in between my schedule to attend the meeting. The meeting was scheduled to be held promptly at 4:00 P.M. I arrived earlier enough to beat the time. I walked in and found a couple of members hanging around like professional doormen. I “sticked” around to see if I was actually at the right place, that is, St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, off 43rd and Normandie Avenue in Los Angeles. I was indeed at the right place and just two folks had arrived. It’s 4:30, and a couple of guys more breezed in. I took a walk and made a couple of phone calls. It’s 5:45 and about six other guys had joined the rest of us in the parking lot exchanging pleasantries as if the picnic had just begun and the chest ready to burst.

It’s 6:10, and no member had respected the secretary-general’s call to punctuality. Meeting was scheduled to commence at 4:00 P.M. prompt, remember? But the meeting was held anyway, and unbelievably as one noticed, it was a market square. Everybody was talking and nobody was listening, the kind of scenario where garrulous women bargain at Afor and Nkwo markets. The meeting lacked a degree of coherence and guiding principles.

In a meeting where most, if not all, are American-educated folks, one will be wondering why such an “elite class” lacks the understanding of what its guiding principles or bylaws are. However, the meeting did not go well. It was a whole lot of confusion. A real melodrama of “I am the boss!” “You shut up!” “Do you know who I am!” and things like that. No agreement could be reached. Not even the budget. Not even the election that was long overdue on the ground that certain people from a certain state had fabricated and inflated accounts of its list of members to legitimize “their” factions of sort.

Interestingly, the same confused bunch will be trooping to Boston on the forthcoming Labor Day weekend for another cycle of picnic and efulefu dance. Odi egwu!

For the WIC card that presumably should be coming to your mail box (that is if you received it), leave it at home. And for sure, it’s worthless and we are back to square one where nothing gets done.

Anambra is burning. And there’s WIC.

The saga continues!

Ambrose Ehirim,
Director of Public Relations
Biafra Liberation Movement (BLM)
Los Angeles, CA

Posted by Administrator at 12:19 AM | Comments (0)

October 11, 2005

Oliver de Coque’s Bad Vibes at L.A.’s Local 250 Warehouse

by Ambrose Ehirim (Los Angeles, California) --- With no media coverage and a little fanfare, Oliver de Coque’s Local 250 Warehouse concert in Gardena, California, was absolutely a flop and very disappointing. The crowd, many of whom drove down from the San Fernando Valley and Inland Empire to see Coque and his brother, Eugene, were upset and felt it was all a waste of time and money. “Oh, my God, is this a fund-raising ceremony or actually a concert?” asked a curious man who came to watch Coque live in concert.

I have watched Sunny Ade perform at the Vanguard in Hollywood, the Royce Hall at UCLA, and the Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, California. I watched Lagbaja perform with passion at the House of Blues in Hollywood. I watched the legendary “Chief Priest” Fela Anikulapo Kuti in several occasions at the Greek Theater and Gibson Theater (formerly Universal Amphitheater). I also saw the South African-born legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela twice at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles and UCLA’s Royce Hall. Masekela’s performance resonated with emotion reaching well beyond the music, just like Fela and Lagbaja.

Back in the old days, while growing up, I watched Emma China’s –led new Wings perform at Orupolo Nite Club, in Port Harcourt. I saw Bongos Ikwue perform at Lido Night Club, in Port Harcourt. I watched the promising artist Kris Okotie launch his second album at National Theater, Iganmu, Lagos. I saw Tee Mac, then resident soloist play his flute at Suru Lere Nite Club. Also, in those pretty old days, we turned classrooms into ballrooms and had a ball with DJ’s and local ensembles; Action 13, Founders15, Heads Funk, Black Children and “Stone Face” Iwuagwu. We watched Okukuseku, Apostles and One World (Otu Uwa) perform at Hotel Unicoco, Aba. And, of course, back in the day, musicians—be it rock, highlife, afro beat, afro funk, soul, juju, ikwokirikwo, roots music and folklore--performed at night clubs, bars, concert halls and auditoriums, the appropriate place for performers and players of instrument.

However, Local 250 Warehouse located at 18355 Figueroa Street in the industrial layout of Gardena, a Los Angeles suburb, was the last venue of all places I had expected to watch a concert. Never in my entire life have I seen anything like that, a warehouse with two exit doors as concert venue. On Saturday, October 1, 2005, the teamsters’ warehouse would now be home to ‘Ogene Sound’ concert, to test the staying power of Coque and his brother, the fanciful duo admired by showman Solomon Egbuho and his group of promoters in the Los Angeles area.

The ticket I had purchased three days earlier at Four Seasons African/Caribbean Market read: “Afam Kings Entertainment Group/African Lions Productions/A.P.T.N. celebrates Nigerian 45th Independence Anniversary featuring Chief (Dr.) Oliver de Coque and special guests on Saturday, October 1, 2005 from 8:00PM to 6:00AM at Local 250. Donations: $25 advance/$30 door. Donations are non-refundable.” Are these promoters keeping up with the books? Was Coque performing for all proceeds to go to charity? Was the cover charge meant for worthy causes as the promoters claimed? Reality check, here we come.

First in the day, I was left with two of three choices, to go see South African singer Miriam “Mama Africa” Makeba’s last L.A. appearance at the West Los Angeles Church in a Musics of the World Celebration Concert; and prepare myself for a long night at Local 250, or stay at home like a normal couch potato, eat, drink with phone calls at intervals and watch mob movies all night long. Unlike Coque’s “45th Independence Anniversary” show, Makeba’s West Los Angeles Church performance attracted prominent black leaders, politicians and activists from all around the world. Representatives of music’s World Forum and various government officials, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D. Los Angeles) stopped by.

What took me to Makeba’s was the same desire that brought me to Coque’s at Local 250: Music is my passion. Born Oliver Sunday Akanite, he began his music career in the seventies when Olumo Records contracted him to do recording sessions in its studio. He had a fairly successful career considering he’s the originator of Ogene Sound, a blend of Congo drumming and “massive” guitar works. Without a doubt, Coque did more original materials in his earlier projects until his music became a money bags choice. “Identity” is still a good song. “Ugbala” and “Peoples Club” are also good songs. ‘Peoples Club” originally was made an Igbo traders anthem by Stephen Osita Osadebe before Coque’s flavor of a different version popped up.

But Coque I saw at Local 250 was totally different from the Coque of Identity years. His “yes” is no longer his yes. His “no,” I’m not sure. He is now full of pride, too much iyanga. He used to be “a simple man by nature.” Not anymore.

The last time I watched Coque perform was on November 18, 2000, at the Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood, California. Back then, he had not degenerated way low into what he is today, the fund-raising, pan handler, coupled with applauding “money bags” and societal nouveau riche who fills up his pocket with stacks of cash. At Hollywood Park Casino, the place was packed with people from all walks of life, including a variety of white folks and Latinos who came to be entertained. Hollywood Park Casino had substance with good vibes, the typical night life, and pub-crawling kind of stuff. Hollywood Park Casino is real stuff of life. The stuff of music jams and cultural arts.

The trouble with Coque’s turn-off show is that the money bags and noisy promoters of the supposedly concert caused a whole lot of distractions each time they climbed on stage to show off their sacks of money and announce Coque as a recipient of a lifetime achievement award by the organizers of the show who would go to any length in the name of money. It was a full time job for the coordinators who picked up money all night long as it dropped from Coque’s face down to the floor. Ridiculous?

The moment of truth came when a little bit past midnight, Coque introduced his eight-piece warehouse band with his brother on guitar while his Diaspora road manager Christian Emedom took the microphone as background vocal. Typical of Coque mix and fund-raising ceremonies, Los Angeles-based attorney Jude Akubuilo set the night rolling when he brought his wife along with him to the stage and turned a night I had anticipated to watch a live concert into spraying money-in-your face, hi fives and name-calling jamboree.

No wonder Coque has been labeled a money-chasing musician instead of doing what he does best. Play his guitar. And no wonder the audience reacted angrily when all they heard Coque’s eight-piece warehouse band utter was a rendition of “Akubuilo,” Akubuilo,” Akubuilo,” Akubuilo,” “Akubuilo,” “Akubuilo,” on and on to open up the act. For more than twenty-five minutes, it was Coque and his band’s rendition of “Akubuilo,” “Akubuilo,” over and over again while the money man himself, Akubuilo kept spraying money on Coque, non-stop. Money flowed from all angles of the stage to launch Coque’s fund-raising drive. And the mood in the crowd was obvious; Coque “screwed up” the show and had disappointed everybody. Many displayed their feelings of regret each time Coque praises a spraying money-in-your face title holder, the “Ogbuefis,” the “Onyilimbas,” the ‘Okezes” and things like that.

“Is this what we came here to see this evening,” Emma Obodo asked during the intermission before Coque continued the spraying money-in-your face event. “It’s not worth it, I should have stayed home. This is outrageous.” Even Altadena, California Councilman, Bill Nwoye whom I had an extensive chat with, was disappointed from what he saw that night. Nwoye has not been out to any Igbo gathering in a while, and could not believe what he saw from the greedy, scandalous vendors who hijacked prices of food and alcohol at the makeshift stalls that hanged around the corners of the warehouse. There were also a group of bootleggers who made brisk business selling pirated CDs and DVDs. It was a concert-turned swap meet. No wonder our local performers live and die in penury as a result of record piracy by counterfeiters and street peddlers.

If you had just arrived, you haven’t seen anything yet. Next was Eddie Iheanacho who came on stage with bundles of a dollar bills. He began his spraying money-in-your face without much ado. Coque gave it to him anyway, in “Onyilimba Orlu” rendition that lasted for more than thirty minutes. There was “Quality,” the lady who had no problems telling the audience she was single and available. She sprayed money, sprayed money, danced and danced while Coque rendered “Quality,” “Quality,” on and on until her wallet ran dry. Enter Jude Uwaezuoke of all people. He joined the chorus as if he had just won the lottery. More single ladies and single mothers popped up on stage to point out the coast’s clear.

Rewind back five years when Coque performed at Hollywood Park Casino. The venue alone had the crowd jumping and stomping on their feet, and I remember Coque pulled out all the tricks out of his hat for the show—all the things that make live performances worth attending, playing many tunes and handling his guitar the way musicians do.

At Local 250, Coque was a bad rap. I paid attention to make out what he was saying in his lyrics. He sounded like he forgot the words in the verse, and kept playing and improvising lyrics about being rich and generous like the “Onyilimbas,” Qualitys,” “Onyeolilis,” and “Okeosisis” did, spraying money as a symbol of societal nouveau riche. Coque’s rendering of “king of kings,” and “alpha and omega” was exactly what his Diaspora road managers and promoters wanted as spraying money-in-your face continued apace. That’s why, if you check world music/African section of a major record store, Coque’s songs and projects are no where to be found.

I made some trips to Amoeba Music on Cahuenga and Sunset Blvd., the biggest record-selling franchise to check out Coque’s works. There, I asked one of the store attendants where to pick up Oliver de Coque’s CDs. “Oliver who?” he asked. “Do you mean Oliver N’Goma or Oliver Mtukudzi?”

“Oliver de Coque,” I said.

“Well, if you check world/African section and you don’t find it, you know we don’t have it,” he said. For sure, N’Goma and Mtukudzi are well known. Their CDs can be found everywhere.

Meanwhile, the many times that I have visited Amoeba, I took the time to walk the isles of African and world sections at this amazing record store. Uncountable CDs and DVDs of Fela, including the Chief Priest’s “1969 L.A. Session” was there. Plenty of Masekela, Sunny Ade, Osibisa, Makeba, Victor Uwaifor, Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, Manu DiBango, Celestine Ukwu and lots more graced the shelves. Surprisingly, Lijadu Sisters, BLO, Ofo & The Black Company, Dick Khoza, Ray Stephen Oche and his Matumbo, Assagai, Black Truth Rhythm Band, Matata, etc., lay the shelves in a series of compilations. Coque’s CD or in a compilation could not be found. Nada! “Never heard of him,” one patron said. Besides, the CDs at Amoeba were much, much cheaper than what the bootleggers and street peddlers sold at Local 250 Warehouse.

So why should the underground ‘Ogene Sound’ maker be making headlines in the entertainment world when one cannot find any of his CDs at major record stores? Why are his promoters and entertainment projects not making any breakthrough and have Coque perform at sold-out concerts like Masekela and the rest always do? Or, would it be lack of exposure, bad promotions and poor showmanship? You bet!

By 2:45 AM and after two and half hours of spraying money-in-your face convention, three quarter of a frustrated crowd have left the warehouse. “We came here to watch a live concert, not this nonsense,” exclaimed a woman who left with her group of female friends, cursing out the show promoters who brought Coque to Los Angeles.

I don’t mean to criticize Coque for a song he didn’t write. I think I like “Identity,” and he should have kept up that way. Nothing can be compared to real music and original materials like Perry Como, Ozoemena nwa Nsugbe and Eddie Okonta.

Ambrose Ehirim,
Los Angeles, CA

Posted by Administrator at 11:34 AM | Comments (1)

August 25, 2005

Igbo Diaspora, Leadership, and the Igbo Tragedy (2): WIC's Conventions of the Deaf and Dumb

by Ambrose Ehirim (Los Angeles, CA) --- I have been reading the articles, interviews, and varieties of symposiums that have poured into Igbo Excalibur at IgboNet concerning the World Igbo Congress (WIC) house of cards. This year, the debates are dominated by the election of a new WIC chairman at the forth-coming Los Angeles convention and what should be done in correcting the ills of an organization that never lived up to its creed. It’s been quite fascinating considering the “political heavyweights” involved in these debates and so-called dialogue to find a solution.

Jimmy Asiegbu, who now runs errands on behalf of the WIC and his obvious endorsement of Chuka Obiesie to succeed a lame duck and politically suicidal Kalu Diogu whose administration was marred by his constant job search from the very Abuja politicians that WIC was supposed to protect Nd’Igbo from. Jimmy Asiegbu has been doing running the errands with much energy and excitement; and there’s no doubt he has been up to something with that new PR job of his, which also provided him the opportunity to sell phone cards, conference tickets. And what have you, all lumped together as promotion of the upcoming picnic at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton.

Asiegbu has certainly shown a great deal of interest. He would want to see a reformed WIC during the in-house, much talked about and “much-debated” Igbo bash. He has created more Yahoo group forums to discuss WIC issues. He moderates another chapter of WIC known as House Of Delegates (HOD), a member’s only club. He is the man WIC is glad to associate itself with. WIC cannot be wrong as far as Asiegbu is concerned. Kalu Diogu has applauded him. Asiegbu is Obiesie’s right hand man, for now.

With mixed opinions as one reads on from Excalibur, it would seem that the elections will reflect popular judgment on the current situation based on the sorry state of the WIC since its birth. WIC, according to Obiesie, whose vision as chairman he says would transform the organization. In my discussion with him, Obiesie said WIC was formed about eleven years ago, and that nevertheless, it has come close to overcoming all the battle wounds and would surely improve a great deal when he becomes chairman of an organization that the majority of Nd’Igbo are still having problems trying to figure out. Nd’Igbo know neither what WIC really stands for nor whose interests WIC represents.

According to Excalibur accounts submitted by Okenwa Nwosu, Ifeanyi Udibe, Chris Aniedobe, Sylvanus N. Okoye, Ken Okorie, Emenike Nwankwo and many others, the leadership of WIC including its rank and file needs serious structuring in order to put its acts together. There had been misrepresentation and misappropriation of funds; records could not determine faults which have resulted to court appearances and civil litigations. There had been legal tussles in New York City and Los Angeles. There had been WIC’s inability to run a democratic fabric platform, which has resulted in questioning of WIC’s conduct for several years now. “If WIC is not democratic, then why should we have dictators in Nigeria as well as in Diaspora?” Okenwa asked. “Nobody expects WIC to have the means of a government. What we need in WIC is one person one voice, transparency, accountability, and all that is not being practiced in Nigeria. WIC should expose every problem, asking Nd’Igbo in Diaspora to suggest solution.”

Also, there had been cases of constitutional flaws which derided WIC as a mere social club and having nothing to do with Igbo matters. There had been WIC’s failure of dialogues with the politicos at Abuja and the Igbo-related states. There had been political rivalry rather than political teamwork in appropriately addressing the plight of the Igbo Nation. There had been all kinds of crazy stuff, for instance, reminiscing Abubakar Rimi’s special invitation at the 2000 Dallas Convention and the threat to Asiegbu’s life.

In fact, save for the Dallas Convention, I have not seen a debate address our current dilemmas with erudition, political engagement, and commitment to Igbo worthy causes. WIC has been pussy-footing when one thinks about the individuals engaged in the debates and dialogue. Nevertheless, I am not sure any of these individuals would merit Igbo, pre and post independence era retrospective as we’ve always wanted it to be. The long debate has been exhaustive for those of us who visit Igbo related forums, and those of us who’ve been transmitting the stories by word of mouth. As one Excalibur reader at Igbonet once wrote from his myopic observation, Igbo Diaspora get their news from the internet, and most, too, conduct their businesses online which suggests potential candidates for the upcoming WIC chairmanship election should get their projected agenda widely distributed by way of publicity and granting interviews, citing portals to conduct such interviews. I have no idea where this reader conducted his survey and how he came up with such a bogus statistics.

Without a doubt, there is no way one can be effective in the business of political campaigns and propaganda if there is lack in sound publication which is exactly where the Igbos face the problem of competing with their fellow rivals in the media—the Hausa-Fulanis and the outrageous ngbati-ngbati press. But Igbos independent media void belies on the Igbo political and cultural elite to face the challenges of absolutely sound independent Igbo media based on Igbo ideals. Just like my encounter with Obiesie who acknowledged the problem of WIC is that of publication and a robust media, and that he would be making the issue his top priority in the event he’s elected chairman on Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles.

Of course, those of us who read the political commentaries have seen what’s been going on for the past few months regarding WIC’s annual bash at the Hilton. Some observers are now predicting that the WIC will be radically different with elimination of those found to be detrimental to WIC’s well-being when it convenes from September 1-4, 2005. WIC will elect a new chairman, and according to these observers, “history is about to be made” as WIC rethinks its strategy for a viable and intact Igbo nation. I’m not really sure, and I’m not buying any of these propagandas and hearsays.

It is now a tradition after almost twelve years of gathering, to put it concretely, a tragedy, when WIC convenes every year in Diaspora or homeland to display a haul of speeches delivered by “who’s who” in Igbo land, coupled with speeches in several occasions by its Hausa-Fulani friends on terms I haven’t been able to figure out. For I have never seen a reputable Igbo leader address a meeting of Arewa Forum or Afenifere.

In Los Angeles, for instance, many that I spoke with had little or no clue about WIC’s Los Angeles picnic which has gone through series of debates and arguments on the internet and behind closed doors. “I go on line to check my mails and see what’s going on around the world. I have no interest in Igbo politics and no amount of what they say will pay my bills,” said a cyber surfer speaking on the condition of anonymity. They have no interest in WIC and have no idea what it stands for. So, how has WIC created the awareness to be called Igbo umbrella while the folks out there in the City of Angels have not heard of a name so gigantic Asiegbu volunteered to serve honorably? Who are these people Asiegbu has been posting all over Igbo-related sneak joints on the web as organizers of the Los Angeles show? What are their credentials as worthy leaders? And why should anyone, I repeat again, anyone be paying attention to WIC’s picnic in Los Angeles?

For the record, I conducted very brief interviews over the phone, via email and personal encounters with Igbos from all walks of life in Los Angeles pertaining to WIC’s history and what they know of an organization that has a record of questionable dealings and lack fully in its capacity a structure. The ages of these folks as we all know ranges from twenty-six and sixty-something years. The result was not welcoming, at all.

I think it’s a good idea that WIC is bringing its convention to Los Angeles, this time around. I would like to attend if I have the information. I hope it turns out good, but I never knew of WIC convention in Los Angeles until now, which is news to me,” said Los Angeles-based attorney, Chidi Metu. Metu exclaims with little excitement, noting that Los Angeles does not have much of a future with the present cast of “leaders” who weren’t willing to listen to a newer generation who have the energy and enthusiasm. Metu, who had headed Nnewi associations and conventions, had no clue that the Labor Day weekend had been declared “Igbo Weekend” and been reserved for WIC’s “all Igbo picnic.

In that regard, a host of conferences meant to bring together Igbo Diaspora have been cropping up. According to Chuka Obiesie, who presently is part of a “team” organizing WIC’s convention, and whose engaging dialogue with me has been in Limbo, “there was the Igbo Youth Camp” at Carson, California. I had the opportunity to take some of his time during the youth summer camp held on the playgrounds of California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Though very brief and always in a hurry, “I am at the Igbo Summer Camp and we plan to have a collaborative session on Sunday,” Obiesie told me on the phone.

“By the way, what organization do you represent? He curiously asked.

“I represent BNW (BiafraNigeriaWorld),” was my response.

“Oh, I think I know who you are,” mentioning a cousin and other relatives of mine who live in the Los Angeles area. Not really sure if I Know him or have met him in person, he scheduled a convenient future date for us to discuss at length so he could have his thoughts put together, especially the question of the youths he said would be having “their own session and how they can collaborate with us” regarding growth.

On July 26, 2005, I called Obiesie to see if he’d made up his mind putting his thoughts together so we probably could have a dialogue where he could share views and his vision for Nd'Igbo. and what he may think should be done assuming his era of leadership were to to be ushered in following the Los Angeles picnic. I asked if he was in touch with the ongoing political economic, and cultural mess in Igbo land and what steps WIC has taken to alleviate them. Further, I suggesting to Obiesie that I had not seen a prepared WIC ready to deal with the socio-cultural realities that contribute to an alarming Igbo Diaspora woes. Obiesie began by insisting a changed WIC “will be seen,” this time around, that is, provided he comes out of the elections as chairman elect.

Obiesie’s “busy schedule” never gave him a minute to put his thoughts together for a scheduled one-on-one interview I had laid out to verify if he had a valid diagnosis of WIC’s problems. Again, I called Obiesie a couple of times until he finally had the minute to throw some of his finest punches to convince me he was battle ready for my alleged “missiles.” Once more, he noted WIC’s “biggest problem has been that of publicity,” suggesting sound media coverage would boost the confidence that supposedly could help remedy the circumstances surrounding WIC. For sure, Obiesie and I agreed on a basic premise: that Igbo lack a sound and buoyant media to compete in a free press enterprise. We also agreed, I think, from his memorandum that an “establishment of a Veterans Affairs Unit” to alleviate the Oji River menace that has kept concerned citizens and motorists wondering if at all caregivers (government agencies) exists to take care of our veterans who sacrificed their lives in time of necessity to sustain our nationhood.

I have criticized WIC and have always maintained that the WIC is a waste considering its widespread scandals of ineptitude, corruption and dishonesty. Obiesie disagreed with me on that when he suggested I should pen whatever questionnaire for him and send it to his electronic mailbox. Obiesie refused to answer questions unless they were submitted to his e-mail in advance. The discussion ended right there when both of us agreed he should take his time to answer the question-interview-related to be dropped in his email. Few hours after that lively discussion (at least for me), I sent the following interview-format questionnaire to Obiesie’s mailbox:

1

). You declined to criticize Kalu Diogu for his ineptitude toward Igbo problems grand and small in Diaspora and back home. According to you, Diogu has been around for four years as chairman of WIC and two years as its vice chairman. That’s quite some numbers to serve for the interest of the Igbo nation, especially of a new democratic fabric in Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime and vow of “no sacared cows” which leaves the Igbo man today still marginalized and persecuted from place to place. Recently, there were stories of the “Apo 6 killings,” where an organized and corrupt police network targeted and framed hard working Igbo traders as criminals which left six Nd’Igbo brutally murdered by a criminal police enterprise. How has WIC addressed this very disturbing and bizarre case under Kalu Diogu’s leadership?

2). What would you have done as chairman?

3). As WIC vice chairman, and previously Director of Finance, member planning committee, and currently Director of Planning “2005 WIC Convention in Los Angeles,” how are you going to effect change if elected chairman that you couldn’t have done presently as vice chairman?

4). One of the main controversies surrounding the WIC is the notion that it is based on the idea to fraternize which has absolutely nothing in common with the Igbo nation and its affairs of state. As chairman how do you reconcile yourself to that?

5). You talked about publicity being a major problem to the WIC on which you acknowledged to be determined in changing that when elected chairman. In what sense are you talking about publicity? Do you mean establishing an Igbo newspaper based on WIC’s curriculum and Igbo ideals? If so, what was the delay, and why now?

6). According to your memo, you “have received endorsements from Akokwa American Development Association, Orlu Regional Assembly (ORAUSA), and Igbo Cultural Association of California.” Of what significance are these ‘endorsements’ since many critics have derided these organizations as a “confused, efulefu bunch”?

7). What do you think of the Igbo state governors and lawmakers, for instance, in Achike Udenwa’s administration where months will go by with teachers and nurses not paid their salaries?

8). How would your WIC influence that to change the ongoing mess in Igbo related states?

9). According to your statement, you served as the moderator of Biafra Forum held in New Jersey last year. What does that really mean?

After a couple of days or so, I called Obiesie to make sure my email reached him. “I never received it,” Obiesie said. Apparently, I had a wrong email address. With a correct email address and thorough verification, I sent the said questionnaire right away and called later on to find out if it went through. “I received it and I will be responding to it shortly,” Obiesie confirmed.

I gave Obiesie two solid weeks to put his thoughts together in order to answer the questionnaire coherently. Two weeks gone by, I called Obiesie to see how he’s doing with the questionnaire. “I have been busy attending conferences and meetings, and I will be responding to your questionnaire very soon,” Obiesie would tell me. I was not sure if he deliberately avoided me just to frustrate my efforts in an attempt for a scheduled interview—responding to the questionnaire I sent him, or that he was bent on running a shadow administration, that is, if he’s elected chairman of WIC.

However, I still believed my patience has not been tasked to the limit in an anticipated interview with Obiesie who had talked about publicity for reaching out to Igbo people and the press in general. I called Obiesie again to see what he was up to regarding our previous discussions and what he intends to do about it. “I will respond to you,” he said, as usual. Meanwhile, as at that moment, I began to wonder if this man was for real and if he realizes what’s at stake for him. It somewhat makes sense as I recall when Okenwa Nwosu submitted to Igbo Excalibur his views entitled “WIC campaign Issues” calling upon WIC chairmanship aspirants to develop a thoughtful and considered approach by using and taking advantage of Igbo-related forums and publications on what is it they would do for Nd’Igbo.

None of these were surprising knowing the internet reading public is a tiny fraction of which the aspirants are aware of on the ground a cyber ad would not create any impact in their election campaigns. “There are three ways to explain this development. One possibility is that some of the candidates see no utility in using the mass media to press their ambitions since the outcome of WIC elections shall not depend on public perception of contestants and their platforms but on the wise judgment of a select few, Okenwa Nwosu said.

The next possibility is that some candidates may have something to hide and could be stricken by stage fight and thus very much ill at ease under the searchlight. The third possibility could be lack of full appreciation of power of the media. ``` Okenwa Nwosu

I shall rely on Nwosu’s second possibility of WIC chairmanship aspirants having “something to hide,” since Obiesie and I have already discussed the third possibility on which he recognized the power of a media by getting things done, especially in the case of his ambitious campaign to be WIC’s next chairman. For the record, I have not heard from Obiesie by all means of communication since his last “I will respond to you,” late last month, unless his detailed “interview answer” was sent a wrong email address.

As my survey continued to examine people’s perceptive about WIC and its annual picnic, Houston-based attorney Greg Enwere remarked he had no desire for WIC’s fanfare except on the condition he would attend such conventions to see people and socialize for the sake of it. “Other than that, WIC is no show and should be dissolved. The whole situation is hopeless,” Enwere said. Los Angeles-based accountant and businessman, Akubuo Okorie, admires ambitious Igbo men but is no fan of WIC and its ballroom dance, and has never been excited about it on the basis they have destroyed Igbo ideals. “The thing is that I don’t know what they want to achieve from WIC with their credentials from San Diego International University. Since I heard of WIC nothing has been accomplished,” a disappointed Okorie said.

Some WIC critics and many who spoke ill of an organization that is going to hell said Asiegbu’s public relations job for WIC should read (my emphasis):

Los Angeles welcomes Igbo from all walks of life for World Igbo Congress annual picnic at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton on Labor Day weekend. There will be lots of fun. There will be WIC trivia. There will be WIC efulefu dance. There will be raffle draws, dominoes tournaments, draft competition, and chess games. There will be lots of booze, food and rotund women. Please do not leave home without your ‘Ghana must go’ bags.

As it also happened one Sunday afternoon while I waited at a nearby mall to pick up my teenage daughter and her friends from a movie theater in Hollywood, I bumped into Princewill Odunze. Several years ago, I met Odunze at one Nkwerre-Isu community meeting in Los Angeles. Nothing much has changed from the last time I saw him, only that he has added more credentials to his resume. He is now a teacher, evangelist, small business owner and Director of Communications, Opuruiche Social Club of Southern California, and old Orlu Province fraternity.

“Long time no see. How are ya,” I asked Odunze, immediately hoping he would recognize me from several years ago when we met at the Nkwerre-Isu community meeting.

“I am doing fine, only the bills are killing me,” he said.

He did not know who I was until I introduced myself with the kind of tale that traces back to my roots in AlaIgbo. When he got a clue of who I might be, he told me the Nkwerre-Isu meeting has been dissolved, long time ago, as a result of its member’s pigheadedness and the inability to find a common ground.

“So, what brought you here?” he asked.

“I live not too far from here,” I replied and popped up the question of Opuruiche and World Igbo Congress. On Opuruiche, he told me it was formed to be the sole and only organization to cater for the needs of Orlu people with the insight of rapidly moving technology and area developments back home. According to him, that dream was shattered when Jude Paulinus Nwandu killed his wife and tied her to the back of his van, then dragged her body through the streets of Inglewood, California. He told me potential investors who had interest in Orlu area developments could no longer afford to deal with Opuruiche on that course when Nwandu strangled his wife following an argument over a messy kitchen.

“What’s Opuruiche up to now,” I asked.

“Well, we are trying as much as we can to make sure a lot is accomplished within a reasonable timeframe,” Odunze said. “I think we have a better leadership in Mathew Ikpa, Solomon Egbuho and the rest to move us forward.”

“Have you purchased your ticket yet for the convention?” I asked.

“No, I haven’t, how much is it?” he asked.

“One hundred and fifty bucks,” I told him.

“This is a rip-off. These people are thieves,” he exclaimed.

When I told him “Egbuho is not a leader but a socialite,” his views on Egbuho changed suddenly, realizing there was absolutely nothing one could say all the conventions have done for we in Diaspora to complete ourselves.

Precisely, on Friday, August 19, 2005, I took my survey pitch to Saaris Restaurant in Inglewood, California. I had thought it was another perfect spot to pick on my Igbo folks who retire there on Friday evenings for bowls of isi-ewu, ngwo-ngwo and local politics. There, I encountered a whole lot and got a shot of what I came in there for—World Igbo Congress and the Los Angeles convention.

Before my arrival, I had anticipated the folks out there would produce a positive response regarding WIC, that way; my counter-response would kick off a debate. WIC was damned by most that I met. However, I was not surprised to have run into the staunch members of Nd’House, a Los Angeles area social club. Among them: Nkem Iheanagu, Emmanuel Nwaneri Ibe, Basil Nwonwu, Tony Onyeagoru, Churchill Ugwuzor, Hope Ikobi, and Kingsley Ekejiuba. There were other patrons, too, including Silas Awujo. When the issue of WIC popped up, it didn’t look good for WIC’s Los Angeles convention organizers. One of the patrons at Saaris, a Los Angeles area real estate broker was so pumped up about WIC he had already prepared his speech for the convention.

He had told me if his experience with WIC was all that crap, then WIC sucks. To purchase his ticket for the event, he made several calls to find out where to send his money. Of all the call he made, no WIC organizer returned his call until, finally, he was able to speak with someone. From his story of anger and frustration, he drove to African Suya Spot on the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Martin Luther King Boulevard in Mid City Los Angeles. There he met Chuka Obiesie, Kennedy Obi and two others allegedly the organizing committee. He explained his mission, to purchase WIC Convention ticket and his quest to deliver a speech on the Labor Day weekend. He gave the organizers $150 for his ticket and was immediately dismissed without a receipt to show for his purchase.

“This is crazy. Why would you do something like that? That’s dumb,” one of the patrons asked. But like many others who may have faced the same situation, he learned the hard way that WIC only favors those in its fraternity and not the Igbo umbrella he had thought it to be.

“Why would you spend $150 to purchase WIC’s ticket when you refused to donate $30 for my community’s non-profit annual day celebration?” Ugwuzor asked. “Imagine that!” said Awujo.

The sad reality is that, this fellow will never get to deliver a speech of any kind at the convention, and he should bid his $150 goodbye.

I can do a whole stand up from all the drama in this literature improvising our intellectual and political community in Diaspora. It’s not funny, though, in the real sense. It’s an Igbo tragedy.

The upshot: If the enigmatic Michael Okpara, Francis Akanu Ibiam and Mbonu Ojike had lived to see the routine sorry state of the Igbo nation whereby stupidity, greed, anger, weakness and being naive is now the order of the day putting intellectuals, “traditional rulers,” politicians, educators, businessmen, clergymen, and hustlers in the same bag, they would have been pissed. With all that Igbos went through back in the days and still in place at this moment, one cannot conclude, but admit something is wrong.

Ambrose Ehirim,
Los Angeles, CA

Posted by Administrator at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)