Since the demise of Ikemba Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Igbos have continued to grapple with the reality of having left with a leadership vacuum that is too hard to fill. The interesting thing about the late Ikemba Nnewi is that he never really aspired to become the undisputed Igbo leader, but he was affirmed as such by all and sundry, including non-Igbos and even non-Nigerians.
What gave Ojukwu this enviable place in history is his readiness to sacrifice personal ambitions, personal wealth and even personal liberty in order to salvage the Igbo interest and secure our future in the Nigerian project. Ojukwu never won any election in his life, but people climbed on his back to win elections. Ojukwu was not loved by all, but those who loved him, loved him so deeply and with great reasons, too. Those who hated him, hated him with great hatred, but could not tell why. Even Christ was hated, stoned, slapped and spat on by those He loved and even healed of their ailments. Great leaders across the globe are as much hated as they are loved, but the important thing is that they always had great and indelible legacies to point to at all times.
Igbos must have a leader they look up to, especially as we enter a very crucial period in our fight to really belong in this country. By 2019, the decisions taken or not taken as it affects the presidency of this country will go a long way in determining whether the Igbos are really welcomed or not in a country they midwifed with their blood, brain and pen. Before that time and at that time, we shall pay closer attention to the roles and activities of vibrant Igbo politicians like Peter Obi, Ikedi Ohakim, Rochas Okorocha, Ike Ekweremadu and other vibrant Igbo leaders who have taken over from Alex Ekwueme, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and other retiring politicians.
Truth is, Igbos must be brought together by somebody whom they can trust, they must be led to the battlefront by an individual or a group of individuals who can sacrifice his or her personal freedom and ambitions for the collective interest of the people. Who will that be?
IGBO NWE MMERI!
