Nduka Eze: The Nigerian Nationalist from Asaba Who Lost His Wife to Asaba Massacre

By Emeka Esogbue

Only a few writers of history will recollect Nduka Eze of the blessed memory yet he was one of the most popular Nigerian nationalists, politician, writer, author and trade unionist of his time. As a nationalist, he contributed in several fronts towards the independence of the country from the British colonialists. Born Sylvester Nduka-Eze (familarly called Nduka Eze) in Asaba to Asaba parents from Umuaji Quarters of the community on February 25, 1925, he was one of the most influential and popular Anioma natives that ever lived. Nduka Eze as he was simply called was a freedom fighter, a founding member of the Zikist Movement who also worked with the United African Company where he rose to become the National President of the union. He was a student, believer, follower and propagator of the nationalist ideas and philosophies of Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe before eventually switching side to Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo, Dr. Azikiwe’s political arch-rival.

When the members of the Zikist Movement which included Mokwugo Okoye, Nigerian writer and nationalist from Enugu who was the Secretary-General of the Movement were arrested, tried and imprisoned by the colonial master and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe denied his association with the violent agitators, uttering the famous statement of “All I know is that I am not a Zikist,” undaunted and unconcerned, Nduka Eze patiently stuck to the Zikist Movement and continued to nurture it until it grew again to an enviable state. Happily, Nduka Eze was the mentor of Nosike Ikpo from neighbouring Ibusa who later rose to the position of the Senator representing the Bendel East Senatorial District of Bendel State.

It was Nduka Eze that introduced young Nosike Ikpo to politics and it was under the tutelage of the same Nduka Eze, considered the Nigerian father of leftist nationalism as reported by The Guardian Newspaper that Obi Senator Nosike Ikpo rose to the position of Organizing Secretary of the party.

Separated by differences in ideas in the latter years, Nduka Eze would sadly part ways with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe only to begin a new association with Chief Obafemi Awolowo as result of which he joined the Action Group against the National Council Nigeria and Cameroun. His close relationship with Chief Awolowo and membership of the Action Group placed him against the Zikist Philosophies he once spread and caused him to become to Rt. Hon Dennis Osadebay what Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola was to Chief Awolowo in the West. Incidentally, loyalist, Nosike Ikpo would defect with him to Action Group.

During the Nigerian Civil War, Nduka Eze who was in the United Kingdom gave his entire support to Biafran secessionist, Lt. Col Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu whom he was assisting to secure support from Europe but his relationship with Ojukwu soon became severed because he considered Ojukwu difficult, tyrannical and unyielding to demands and suggestions. Furthermore, the Biafran troop had invaded the Midwestern Region and the Nigerian troop led by Murtala Muhammed had consequently moved into the region with the claim to clear the region and take it from the Biafran forces. In Anioma, the 2^nd Division Troop in the process committed series of massacres in several Anioma communities that included Asaba, Nduka Eze’s home and unfortunately, Nduka Eze’s wife, Rose Nduka-Eze, a registered nurse and midwife, daughter of Obi Okechukwu Mordi from Umuonaji in Asaba was among those murdered in the massacre that ensued in Asaba and Nduka Eze had lost a fortune in her. Incidentally, Nduka Eze was later detained by General Yakubu Gowon's regime because he was an accomplice that aided Biafra during the war. One of his legacies to the people of Asaba and Anioma, in general, is the ttraction of the Asaba General Hospital, which is today known as Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA On January 21 2020, Pen Master paid Chief Fred Ajudua a scheduled visit at his Lagos-VGC Marble Dome Home, a large and imposing house sitting on a hill from where it vigorously engages public views and attention. On entering the house, Pen Master freely walked in and around, in the spirit of the love that always binds the people of Igbuzo. The man, Chief Fred Ajudua often described as the “Architect of Modern Ibusa” is unarguably one of the biggest fish in history to have come out of Ibusa even as it is said that nearly every Ibusa family has benefited from him one way or the other. Beyond what you know about him, there seems many sides you do not know. As the Igbuzo Chief celebrates his 60 th Year birthday, your Pen Master brings you the things you do not know about the highly influential Igbuzo Chief. Pen Master also dug into the Ajudua family photo depository all for your knowledge. Happy reading! ...

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA By Emeka Esogbue Introduction Not many historical literatures on the Obollo people exist for the usual reasons associated with our people who prefer to write the history of mighty and populous peoples already enriched with volumes of historical accounts and records. Thus while there are historical documents on other peoples of Igbo, for Obollo, it is the story of dearth of documents. However, it is within my historical concern that the rich history of this part of Igboland be adequately researched into, documented and preserved for the future generation. I do not hail from this part of Igboland but my historical background, interest and curiosity propelled me towards the acquisition of both oral and written information to put this material together. Geography The various Obollo communities comprising of Obollo Afor, Obollo Etiti, Obollo Eke, Obollo Orie and Obollo Nkwo are strategically situated at the regional bou...

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE Today is Saturday, conventionally set aside for marriage ceremonies. Awareness on how our Anioma brides and grooms attire themselves during their traditional marriage has fast spread and entrenched. We no longer promote other group's cultural attires because we want them to promote our own instead. I say many thanks to our Anioma cultural advocates on this day because our labours to preserve as well as promote the good cultures of our Anioma society have never been in vain. Noticeable now is that in time of our traditional marriages, we costume ourselves in Akwa-Ocha which brings out our god-given beauty. A few moments after her traditional marriage in Umuodafe, Ibusa on December 28, inside the Agokei palatial home, I visited former Miss Amaka Thelma Agokei, the bride. I was rather late; but I met this beautiful bride t...

Emeka Esogbue

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