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THE MISUNDERSTOOD DIM CHUKWUEMEKA OJUKWU

im Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu needs no introduction is a frequent flyer these days. At least we all agree on it. But to speak of him easily leads one to a premise "I've come (not) to bury Caesar nor to praise him". Ancient Roman Mark Anthony had had it slightly different, I suppose.

In trying to discuss Dim Ojukwu here, one question that continues to pry my mind, and I guess also, many of his detractors is: What is this Pa still doing at the centre-stage or wants from the centre-stage, when he could very easily and more conveniently play from the gallery? Or put in a rather more straightforward manner - What does he want? What is the cost to his already larger than life image?

Answering this question coolly might perhaps help in correcting the many erroneous views held among some of his Ndigbo brethren and particularly elsewhere about the personality or if you prefer about Ojukwu phenomenon. It might also help in shaping the current political discourse, which vests so much, in my view, unfortunately on the civil war proper, with no attempt ever on analysing the issues that engineered the conflict. Yet Nigerian literature is full of accounts of the event and after-events. Yet Ojukwu has been back in the country and participated in public life for more than twenty-years now, making humble efforts towards the Nigerian political mainstream at one time or another.

Ojukwu, Nigeria and Ndigbo politics

Nigerians are tired with refrains such as: the civil war warlord again, He is at his old antics, etc, whenever Ojukwu rears up his head. Dim Ojukwu is neither used to soliloquy nor is he used to speak from the side-mouths. Yet some people prefer to see "hell" in whatever he says or does, particularly if the "hell" has to do with raw truth. It would seem that some people are just interested in the man's jugular or would simply be pleased if Ojukwu makes a hara-kiri. These people seem to suffer and imprisoned in what I have called the civil war syndrome. On the other hand, it might perhaps indicate an intellectual unwillingness to confront such an articulate and erudite person as Ojukwu. Even prof. Omo Omoruyi while declaring his sympathy for Ndigbo, in his write-ups betrays this ill-advised attitude. For example, in confronting president Obasanjo and Dim Ojukwu's electioneering tactics, the professor had this to say: "He (Obasanjo) canvassed for support without emphasizing his ethnic group or region like Ojukwu who is campaigning among Ndigbo for the Igbo worldwide to vote only for him". He forgot that both men come from different political seasons. What should one expect from an incumbent president-with a preponderant I-factor- seeking re-election? I leave it at that.

Let it be said once more, gems like Dim Ojukwu are rare in any given society. I dare say that Ojukwu does not only belong to Ndigbo but to the entire nation and Africa in general. The impact Ojukwu has made on Ndigbo and the nation is not something that can be wished away. He is as well fortunate - which is also important- to see it all happen in his lifetime. Therefore it is high time Nigerians learn to appreciate the man's genius and help us move this nation forward. Here is an industry of international dimension, a goldmine waiting to be exploited. You may or may not agree with his political philosophy but the man is not in discussion. Here in the Western countries, even sworn enemies like communists and fascists later become friends and do political business. They all work together to "normalize" their various countries. Ask former US president Ronald Reagan about the once "evil empire" or take a look at Italian politics or the metamorphosis taking place in the Eastern-European countries.

The simple truth is that Dim Ojukwu loves this country Nigeria, wishes it well, and so much so that he continues to offer himself for service; that he also happens to love his fellow Ndigbo - a love reciprocated - and participate in their politics is a plus rather than a minus. His Ndigbo politics belong to the Nigerian mainstream, in my opinion, unlike the fears entertained by some of our distinguished Igbo personalities, who would want to see in Ojukwu's politics as something leading away from the mainstream.

However, one can take solace from the fact that people like Balarabe Musa; spokesman for the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) should stick out his neck to defend Ojukwu's credentials during the heat of the 2003 electioneering campaign. Or that former president Ibrahim Babangida is a latter-day apostle of the call for a National Conference - an Ojukwu old-song. Recent drumbeats point to the fact that even president Obasanjo may have been converted to the idea on his way to Otta. All these reinforce our belief in hope for this country.

It is now often said, what a president Chief Awolowo of blessed memory would have made; that he came probably before his time. But how many Awolowo's has this country had and let them slip off its hands?

Nigerian political parties and the global political village

The trouble lies not in Ojukwu's plain truth talking but in our political discourse and structure. "Where is the beef" in many of our political debates and antagonisms? For example, in this era of globalisation, where do the Nigerian political parties stand in the global political debate? It is often difficult to group Nigerians and Nigerian political parties or better political groups along the classical political divide - left and right or currently centre-left and centre-right. It is equally often embarrassing to be asked, what type of government do you have in Nigeria: a centre-left or centre-right or a national unity government of left and right. In fact, former president Ibrahim Babangida did make a try with his inconclusive two parties experiment- "a little to the left and a little to the right". It is a good idea that is worth revisiting.

Confronting these issues easily shows that the number of political parties in Nigeria is unnecessarily exaggerated. I think this is the time for them to strengthen up and effect alliances and realignments. Some have argued that it is the electoral process that will sort out the list. I agree with this opinion, provided there is a level-playing ground for all.

The issue becomes serious when it comes to maintaining political contacts with political parties in the West- for example in Britain, France, Germany and Italy. In the US, it is a different story because the political horizon is very clear - Republican or Democratic party. What warrants one to define the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) as a conservative or centre-right party? What is progressive about Ojukwu's All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)? In trying to maintain contact with German, Italian or French political parties, for example, where should the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) knock at - the centre-left or the centre-right parties? It is not enough to say that the PDP is the ruling party, to maintain contacts indiscriminately. Those of us in Italy who has been working to strengthen the ties of friendship between Italy and Nigeria know a little. This confusion, ever present is the product of our bread-and-butter-politics. Ultimately, it reflects our lazy and myopic approach to politics: oil. In fact we may have extreme left revolutionaries who hide under the umbrella of "oil politics". At the same time, we equally may have far right demagogues, perhaps even fascists who hide under the umbrella of "oil politics".

Politics and non-politics of substance

Let us begin to call things with their real names or their local variations, which our political scientists would want, provided we all intend on what they represent. Please do not tell me that Nigerians are not yet prepared for issue-oriented politics. I would rather say that it is our political leaders that are not ready. In fact, our country is full of too many colourless politicians, enmeshed in political dogfights without substance. However, Gani Fawehinmi has set the pace. It may take him or his followers years to cross the political Rubicon- winning elections in Nigeria. At least, he has made a head start. I do know that Nigerians are not at home with the culture of patience. It is time to say goodbye to the bulldozer culture prevalent in Nigeria. To get anything, one has to "bulldoze" oneself forward, regardless of who is in front. To sow seem not to belong in our lexicon. Rather we are very much interested in harvesting and quickly too. But presidents Lula of Brazil and Toledo of Peru are good examples in this case.

The same discourse goes for Dim Ojukwu. You may not like his strong Igbo nationalist posture, which is however, not in contradiction with his love for a great Nigeria. At least, he is an issue-oriented person and is always engaging his audience.

Certainly, non-ululated-politics, translated in middle-of-the-road approach to issues is needed as well. Perhaps this might be what is desperately needed now in Nigeria. This is a time of a political new deal for Nigeria; a time of all hands on deck; a time of men of goodwill as the Great Zik of blessed memory would say. It is a time that calls on a pragmatic president Obasanjo to give us pragmatism and lead us to a level-playing season of a "little to the left and a little to the right" that does not necessarily mean a two-party system. Nevertheless, all these "turmoil" are necessary in a democratic set-up. Little by little, history is also being made in our country and tomorrow, our children will have something to read and cheer upon.