Can anyone still remember the altercation between the great Zik and Dr. Chuba Okadigbo when Okadigbo was political adviser to president Shagari?
We should learn never to insult our Elders!
Can you still recall?
'THE RANTING OF AN ANT'
Okadigbo to Zik
Your statements can be likened to the Ranting of an Ant.
Zik to Okadigbo
My boy, may you live to your full potential, ascend to as
dizzy a height as is possible for anyone of your political description in your
era to rise. May you be acknowledged worldwide as you rise like an eagle atop
trees, float among the clouds, preside over the affairs of fellow men... as
leaders of all countries pour into Nigeria to breathe into her ear.
But then, Chuba, if it is not the tradition of our people
that elders are roundly insulted by young men before the world as you have
unjustly done to me, may your reign come to an abrupt and shattering close.
As you look ahead, Chuba, as you see the horizon, dedicating
a great marble palace that is the envy of the world, toasted by the most
powerful men in the land, may the great big hand of fate snatch it all away
from you? Just as it appears as if nothing can possibly go away.
Chuba, as you look forward to hosting the world's most
powerful leader and shaking his hand, as you begin to smell the recognition and
leadership of the Igbo people, may the crown fall off your head and your
political head fall off your shoulders.
None of my words will come to pass, Chuba, until you have
risen to the very height of your power and glory and health, but then you will
be hounded and humiliated and disgraced out of office, your credibility and
your name in tatters forever....."*
Foregoing was excerpt from the content of reply from the
Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, while reacting to Chuba Okadigbo's insult, passed on
to Zik dubbed as the *"ranting of an ant"*
You will agree that everything Zik said came to pass on
Chuba Okadigbo before his death. So it is always better to play the *Omoluabi*
role model. Even while discharging any dirty job, political spokesmen are
admonished to take caution, please.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS!!
The time was in Aug 1983 after the 2nd Republic Presidential
elections won by Shehu Shagari(NPN) as announced by FEDECO Chairman, Ovie
Whiskey. Awolowo(UPN), Zik(NPP), Aminu Kano(PRP), Ibrahim Waziri (GNPP), and
Tunji Braithwaite(NAP), all lost the elections.
Zik was complaining of the irregularities in that election
at the same time he was mourning the death of his first wife, Flora Azikiwe.
But Dr Chuba Okadigbo, a fellow Igbo like Zik, but in the NPN ruling Party,
rubbished Zik and termed his complaints as the *rantings of an ant*, a whole
Zik of Africa! Many personalities tongue lashed Okadigbo for going that far. It
was at this point that Zik placed those curses on him and declared leaving
politics.
And all those curses came to pass before Okadigbo died in
2003.
Dr Okadigbo became the 3rd Senate President in the first
term of OBJ's presidency in the 3rd republic, after Evan(s) Enwerem and
Adolphus Wagbara, becoming at that time, the highest Igbo political office
holder. He was well respected and revered in his Igboland and seen as their new
leader.
Meanwhile, in the US, the President, Bill Clinton, was planning to visit Nigeria in the later part of 1999 before he left the office. Okadigbo, being the SP, was championing the preparations for Clinton's visit as the latter would address the joint houses of Parliament. But just before the visit, in a twist of political maneuverings', Okadigbo lost the Senate Presidentship to Anyim Pius Anyim, who eventually received Clinton to the view of the whole world. Falling from grace to grass, in a way.
He died in Sept 2003 in Abuja, a day after a political
campaign in Kano where police were alleged to have sprayed him with tear gas,
triggering breathing difficulties. Not much assistance could be given to him
before he gave up the ghost!!
All curses fulfilled!
Lesson: *Do not insult elders.
WILL PEOPLE LEARN THEIR LESSONS? THE WAY WE ARE DOING IN OUR
COMMUNITY A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE!!!
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