The convener, ‘Unify IGBOS Now’ Project has expressed satisfaction over the increasingly growing acceptance of the cardinal objectives of the project. In an interview with STADT Newspaper, Mazi Chukwuemeka Ndukaku revealed that he was intensely encouraged by the receptivity of the campaign across the states. He said he was contented by consistent welcoming dispositions of people everywhere the team went. “We are encouraged by the profound appreciation and warm embraces”. Ndukaku added that the receptivity of the ordinary people offered him the inspirations to reach the high and the mighty. “What is of endless happiness to me is the natives I have met in the deeper journeys in the interiors. Their welcoming nature and broad smile, were exceptionally motivational”. He said, “when I look at the dignitaries, especially, the traditional rulers of the areas we have visited, I see how compassionate they are about their subjects, several of them have inspired me to adopt their leadership approaches, and some of our projects in the coming days will seek to immortalize some of these leaders in our own little ways”. Below are the details of the exciting encounter.
You are undoubtedly the force behind the concept ‘Unify IGBOS Now’. And it is not contestable that the movement is gathering momentum. Tell us more of who you are the roles you play in the crusade.
My name is Chukwuemeka Ndukaku. My role in ‘Unify IGBOS Now’ Project is consistent with a role of someone profoundly determined to achieve sets of objectives.
Some days I feel like I’m a candle in the hand of the creator and whatever art he makes of me I do not decide, other days I wake up just like every other young man aspiring to leave a legacy for the world I have come to be a part of. Regarding the movement, I happen to be the founder, and so far, I have been in the forefront of the struggle, strengthened by grace and the motivation of those who believe in the initiative, everything has been a collective achievement of those who believe in the objectives.
How political is this movement?
According to Aristotle, “man by nature is a political animal”, so I’m not doubting varied political interpretations of the movement. However, we have our more dedicated political team who are brainstorming on the right political model for the movement. However, whatever is eventually approved, nothing changes our orientations as a non-political organisation.
Our interest as a movement is better served by our political neutrality. We are absolutely non-partisan because our vision transcends group interest or particularity of any sort. Our targets are constructively the unifications of Igbo people in diversities. As it is, ‘Unify IGBOS Now’ is not politically sensitive and we will never be in future. Democratic politics as it is in Nigeria is divisional in its essence and therefore inherently jeopardizing to our core values.
For the sake of clarity and for the interest of our diverse readers, what does ‘Unify IGBOS Now’ have in common with secessionist groups across Nigeria particularly the IPOB, MASSOB etc?
This movement is purely dedicated to issues associated with Igbo identity crisis. The central message is unification of Ndi Igbo in diverse communities in Nigeria. The unification is for cultural and linguistic purposes. This is an umbrella providing platforms for integration of the Igbos as an indissoluble whole, culturally. Secession is not part of our agenda, we don’t preach it, we don’t encourage it and we don’t fight those with divergent views about South-east. ‘Unify IGBOS Now’ is determined to achieve an objective. This single and unchanging objective is to put the house of Ndi Igbo in order.
What is the level of understanding and cooperation among the Southeastern political leaders?
Depending on what you mean by the political leaders, do you mean constitutional leaders or traditional leaders. To the best of my knowledge, both the traditional leaders and constitutional leaders are already saddled with lots of responsibilities, we are working with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which recognizes freedom of association. The political nature of ‘Unify IGBOS Now’ will be determined by our political experts guided by the constitution of the Federal Republic and the United Nations principles on self-determination so the understanding of the South Eastern political leaders of our motives will depend a lot on how much they understand these two principles.
What has the Igbo socio-cultural groups particularly the Ohaneze done to support this movement?
We are in great understanding with Ohaneze. We both play totally different roles. While Ohaneze represents us in the more extended political dynamics of Nigeria in relation with other nationalities and systems of Nigeria, my organization has no interest in liaison with any external group be it Afenifere or Northern Elders’ Forum.
Our focus is strictly AlaIgbo, in the case of such external sociopolitical scenario, to a certain degree, Ohaneze may represent and communicate some of our views but in the case of strictly Igbo homeland situation, we want to bring prosperity and change not influenced by external factors. Ohaneze is yet to support us as expected may be because it is occupied with the external interest of the Igbo Nation. We want to focus on internal interests. Still, we are a very young organization and with time we would get the much-needed attention from Ohaneze.
‘Unify IGBOS Now’ is trending, and many South Easterners seemed to be gradually gravitating towards the idea what are your basic inspirations?
Well, I started off with my passion for cinematography, I desired a purpose, little did I know that staring me in the face is the destiny of a Nation. I took the bait when the compulsion to make a mark for my Igbo Nation turned into a burning passion. It seems like the rest is history now only that it is all just getting started.
Why is this movement imperative now
The “UnifyIGBOSNow” project was indeed an accident of grace. I have looked at a people asking for intentional leadership and direction. A people who are both loving and loyal. Not without weaknesses but the sincere desire for peace, prosperity, equity and unity is a characteristic of the Igbo that one can’t overlook. Ever since the civil war, Ala-Igbo has been in disarray. First, I looked for a peaceful way to achieve such objectives because my people have been through a lot.
I still perceive the trauma of the civil war in the eyes of my parents and I say, never again shall our destiny be decided on avoidable confrontation, the first conflict was seemingly unavoidable but there’s no need for another if it will be avoidable. The apex objectives of war are winning without fighting and that’s how I started the journey with the intentions to bring peace, prosperity and harmony not from the trigger but through the eagerness of a people that crave to succeed.
The polarisations and politicisations of the Southeastern geographical region after the war are expected to be some forms of obstacles. What are the challenges?
At first, it appeared as if the whole enemies of the Igbo Nation were coming for me, the enemies within and the external ones. On several occasion in this journey, I have had to sleep in police cells in alien land that I now realized is home. It was difficult meeting your people in land that felt strange at first. Several of them are victims of brainwashing, divide and rule tactics that have been deployed earlier by those who wish to keep us defeated. It was challenging to navigate that part. There were also the errors of not being politically correct and some things I had to learn the hard way.
Honestly, I didn’t start the journey as a perfect man but my challenges have given me a form of refinement. Through the challenges I have also become more humbled knowing that it has been only God that made it possible that we come this far. There were several threats along the line but I will always be thankful to God that we remained resolute and unfettered. I hold no grudges against those who may have attempted to sabotage the process, they had their justifications but I learnt my lessons and not completely ruling out self-preservation measures for myself and my people.
What were your favourite moments?
My favourite moments were the reunifications, the welcoming dispositions of people everywhere we went. We are encouraged by profound appreciation and warm embrace. Some felt uncaged from prolonged period of psychological and physical slavery. The manifestation of the inherent desire of the Igbo man to be free was some of my most treasured gift as we went from hinterland to the coast.
Of all the personalities you have met since you started the campaign who inspired you most?
You ask about inspirations but I needed to be inspired by the ordinary people to reach the extraordinary ones. I can see you mean the dignitaries. What is of endless happiness to me is the natives I have met in the deeper journeys in the interiors. Their welcoming nature and broad smile, were exceptionally motivational.
Now, back to the dignitaries that I have met as a result of this journey. I can go on and on to mention everyone I have met but that would be stories for another day. When I look at the dignitaries especially the traditional rulers, I see how intentional they are about their subjects, several of them have inspired me to adopt their leadership approaches and some of our projects in the coming days will seek to immortalize some of these leaders in our own little ways.
I think such projects will speak more on how they have inspired me than what I will be able to say today. Nearly all the dignitaries I have met inspired me in immeasurable ways.
Recently you organised Unity Conference, precisely, on February 24, 2024. In your consideration, what were the outstanding accomplishments of the conference?
The ‘Unify IGBOS Now’ Conference was a defining moment where the main objectives were outlined. Accomplishment is a continuum; thus, I will prefer to let the future decide the judgement. Left for me, I would say the February 24, 2024 conference was a tip of the iceberg of what is to come.
What do you think could have been done better and what do you hope to be done next time?
I had always maintained that everything has been an accident but being an initiative now built on my culture and heritage, I will then assert that it is divine, I’m only following the direction of my calling and where next it leads me, I shall follow. Not knowing what’s next but I believe it can only get better, whatever happens there’s no going back.
From some indications the conference was a considerable success what is your next move?
I see myself as servant of not just the culture but of my people, a consultation is ongoing and only when the cultural and societal consultations is established can we decide what’s next. As I seek Divine directions, I shall also listen to the voice of my people.
How can other Igbo people be part of the movement?
There is no such thing as “other Igbo people”, the Asaba accord exist to prove that AlaIgbo is one and we are all together. However, if you mean how can my people (Igbo people) officially join the movement, the template for that will be established in the coming days but by default every Igbo person is a part of the movement. This is an all-encompassing Igbo movement.
What else can you say to Umu-Ala-Igbo?
I will say that God listens to every genuine prayer and that no matter the amount of rain, the sun shall rise. We need to continue to stay steadfast and resilient. Work harder and understand that we owe the future better because our ancestors left us better. We seek Prosperity, Peace, Unity and Freedom. We need to be empathetic towards each other, we need to stand together “Maka n’ Igwebuike”.
