A former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife
has disclosed that the failed Major Nzeogwu-led coup of 1966 was never an Igbo
coup, stressing that it was meant to install Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the Prime
Minister of Nigeria.
He made this know at the second day of the Igbo-Israeli
Economic Summit titled South East Youth Economic Summit (SEYES) which ended in
Enugu Yesterday.
Ezeife asserted that “it is not true that Igbos plotted the
1966 coup. The coup was planned by some elements within the military
disenchanted with the drift of Nigeria who felt that Awolowo was in the best
position to move Nigeria forward. The problem was that the execution of the
coup got awry at some axis and everyone now claimed it was Igbo coup.”
He stated further that “the coup failed and Genral Ironsi
carved provinces in Nigeria to help each group govern themselves better. They
said that he was running a unitary system and killed him, yet Nigerians
practicing the same system for which Ironsi
died.”
Ezeife while responding to question on the issue of menance
of Fulani herdsmen in the zone, said there was no need for grazing reserve even
in the north, insisting that there are different ranching methods that will
ensure, just like the green house, that some grass could be grown within the
same ranch using high tech mechanisms and used to feed the cattle without
disturbing anybody.
Also speaking, a former Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo
reiterated that youths of the South East can achieve greatness economically if
they are willing to learn.
According to hi, “It is what you believe that you are that
you actually become. Our youth should learn to survive with or without
government patronage. They should learn skills that will make them relevant in
every occasion. The Israelis who are her today are giving us ample opportunity
to do just that.”
Nebo expresses optimism that whatever happens in Israel
economically can be replicated in Nigeria if the people are willing to learn.
The director-General of the Igbo Mandate Congress, IMC, Rev
Dr Obinna Akukwe, in his second day to overview of the programme, stated that
Igbos should stop complaining about what people did to them and concentrate on
how they can open up the economic space of the zone through learning different
skills relevant in the global world markets, which the Israelis are willing to
assist.
He also reminded the audience of how Ezeife stood for Igbo
interests when Boko Harm was harassing Ndigbo in the North.
According to Akuwe “When Boko Haram was terrorizing Sabon
Gari area of Kano, and killing Igbos at random, Dr Ezeife was link between
myself, Barrister Okplaukwu and Chief Tobias Idiga, putting pressures in
certain quarters, until the terrorists left Igbos in Kano alone”.
He stated that “when the position of Senate Presidency was
denied Ndigbo after massively voting for Jonathan in 2011, I led groups of
protesters to Ezeife’s house and he was forced to urgently leave for Aso Villa
that very day to register our displeasure with President Jonathan, and by the
night of that day, the President decided to placate Ndigbo with the post of
Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Okwadike came back to give us
situation report.”
In his remarks, Dr Kaspi Yoram told the audience that the
second day of the event coincided with the commemorative day of the famous Six
Day War which took place in June 6th, 1967.
Explaining the circumstances of the war Yaspi said that “it
look the Israelis only six days to win that war. This was because God was with
us and secondly we didn’t have a choice.”
Yaspi expressed willingness of Israeli investors to come to
the South East and establish the best medical diagnostic center in Africa that
will help in early detection of medical issues.
Dvora Anat Perl spoke on how the people of South East
Nigeria can develop their rural areas using simple models which have been tried
worldwide. He expresses the readiness of Israeli investors to partner with the
South East on rural development.
Architect Emeka Okoye, a pastor and New York-based leading
real estate consultant, spoke on wealth creation and how the South East can
leverage on numerous opportunities to industrialize the zone.
According to him “We should stop talking of marginalization
by Hausa Fulani and start investing. Stop whining, competition does not know
your calling. We can create economic power in the South East.”
He also stated that “we need to be righteous in our dealings
because righteousness exalts a nation. And kick starts economic progress.”
Bishop Dr Obi Onubogu, former President of Pentecostal
Fellowship told the participants not to lose the opportunities which the
Israelis brought to the South East. He led the session in prayer and worship
for the progress of the South East.
Rabbi Gavriel Ogugua of Redeemed Israel Tabernacle based in
Florida, US, advised Igbos to realize their identity with Israel. While Rev Bon
Aneke prayed for the progress of the Igbo race.
The well attended event has youths, investors, business
leaders and government officials in attendance.
Ambassador Uchechukwu Ekpere Paul thanked the participants
on the behalf of Diamond Youth Transformation initiative.
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