Yorubas in person of Lt Col Francis Fajuyi was the real architect, Masterminded and planner of Jan 1966 coup popularly coded as “plan 15″.Fajuyi was the commander of the battle group course held at Abeokuta. All those who took part in the January coup were those who had taken part in the course.Fajuyi opposed every effort made by the supreme military council to bring the coupist to book.
Fajuyi deceived others( the majors) into the coup while he played a latent role. Ironsi only aborted the coup, arrested and jailed not less than hundred and thirty two people in connection with the coup. Who and who killed during the coup is a question that only Fajuyi can answer. Fajuyi organized the coup to release Awolowo from Calabar prison. Northern soldiers killed Ironsi because of failure to bring the coup plotters to book within six months. Ironsi died because of Fajuyis’ Sin. As nemesis may have its way,the day Ironsi was assassinated, he was together with Fajuyi. Even though Danjuma never knew Fajuyis role in the coup, other soldiers of the fourth battalion who took part in Ironsi’s assassination, like Lt Col William Walbel (rtd) knew Fajuyi’s roles very well.Yorubas are self acclaimed great people.They use media as a tool for their political propaganda.This why they published “Fajuyi the great†in the western regional publication of 1967.They claimed that Fajuyi Shielded Ironsi, even though he had an option to live if he chooses to do so.
The people that carried out the execution even stated that Fajuyi was a more critical target than Ironsi because of his hidden role in the coup. According to them, General Ironsi even acted a soldier than his colleague (Fajuyi) as he refused to be intimidated and remained silent, refusing to confess any role in Jan 15 coup. Read books- “Why we struckâ€,and “Operation aure:July 29 counter rebellion†will help to put you on track instead of arguing blindly.
These are books written by Yoruba.This one is no longer Chinua Achebe book you are criticizing. I wonder when it became a crime for an Igbo man to write a book concerning the civil war events and Nigerian history at large. Just be informed….too much lies against Ndi Igbo.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The Nigerian Police Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, has revealed that the Police Sergeant who came with his partner to the scene of the Aluu 4 and who allegedly egged on the mob to lynch the four young men has been arrested and dismissed from the police. He is also to be prosecuted.
According to Mba, Sergeant Lucky Orji was not even detailed to the incident of the disturbance, but went there on his own volition and rather than restore order he promoted criminality by urging the mob on.
Mr. Mba blamed the Aluu incidence on the fall in societal values and said that the family unit has to take the lead in imparting values to their wards. “Nigerians must not be quick to heap the blame on the police alone’’ Mr. Mba said.
It would be recaled that four students of the University of Port Harcourt were brutally killed at a neighbouring community to the campus called Aluu. The students were lynched and the lynching was cuaght on tape and went viral causing a huge public uproar which resulted in the investigation by the Inspector General of Police. The students that were killed are – Ugonna Obuzor, 18, 200 Level Geology; Lloyd Toku, 19, 200 Level Civil Engineering; Tekena Elkanah, 20, a Diploma Technical student and Chiadika Biringa, 20, 200 Level Theatre Arts.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
US documents support Achebe: Gowon blocked food supplies to Biafra, shot down Red Cross relief aircrafts, sabotaged Biafran farmlands . Information released online from the US Department of State archive from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2009 indicates that during the Nigeria civil war, the government of General Yakubu Gowon offering a food corridor was busy shooting down RED CROSS Aircraft ferrying food to Biafra. On June 5, 1969, an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) plane was shot down by a Nigerian MIG while en-route to Biafra with relief supplies. Elombah.com investigators discovered that on July 1, 1969, the Federal Military Government (FMG) kicked out the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and imposed a de facto embargo on relief flights into Biafra. Airlifts into Biafra could operate only in daylight following inspection in Federal territory. Those food and medical relief supplies from Sao Tome were declared illegal and subject to military interdiction by Gowon. The issue arose as Alhaji Femi Okunnu, alleged that former Biafran leader, General Emeka Ojukwu used starvation to prolong civil war. He was commenting on the allegation by Professor Chinua Achebe of Chief Obafemi Awolowo using starvation against the Igbo during the war. Okunnu a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as the Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing between 1967 and 1974. He was also appointed by General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s wartime head of state, as a Special Envoy and Leader of Peace Talks, during the 30-month Nigerian civil war. He had said in an interview with Tribune that “the other side refused to negotiate seriously. They were only interested in the sovereignty of Biafra. That was the goal of Ojukwu; an independent Biafra and he tried to use starvation to attain that goal.” biafra But available records show that on 30 June 1969, the Nigerian government banned all Red Cross aid to Biafra; two weeks later it allowed medical supplies through the front line, but restricted food supplies. Later in October 1969, Ojukwu appealed to United Nations to mediate a cease-fire. The federal government then called for Biafra’s surrender. By this time food was very short in Biafra and they were having major problems trying to save the starving civilian population. Many countries and church agencies were offering food, but the planes trying to fly it in had to run a gauntlet of fire usually during the night, which made it harder for the pilots to see where they were going. At one time each cargo plane had a fighter with it to try and mislead the troops below. Many flew at tree top level to evade being in the Nigerians line of fire, cutting down their exposure time to just a few seconds. Commenting on Alhaji Femi Okunnu allegation, a Historian, Obi Nwakamma said: “Okunnu was part of a war cabinet that sanctioned the use of cruel and inhuman methods in the prosecution of war, also known as “war crimes.” Years later after the pyrrhic victory, I do not expect him to say anything less in self-justification. But if he were thinking a little more compassionately you would expect that he’d take a step back, re-examine the situation, and acknowledge that the government in which he served at the highest level bears profound responsibilities. It would not bring back those starved to death or bombed to smithereens but it’d salve the conscience of that unfortunate nation a little bit.” In the words of Obi Nwakanma, the effect of the blockade on Biafra was clear, but once the urgency of relief became equally clear for the survival of the civilian population, it became necessary to limit the blockade on food to the civilian population. The abortion of such a relief as a strategy of war constitutes a war crime. The push to starve the civilian population in order to pressure the Biafra leadership to surrender should be seen for what it was: a targeted, genocidal act. Okunu bears responsibility in part, until it is proven that he dissented from any such initiative. It was not only starvation that was used: the bombing of civilian populations; markets, hospitals, schools with entire school children killed in session, etc are clearly documented. There are rules to war. All is not fair in war. This is the basic point of this argument and the thrust of Achebe’s criticism of the federal policy of starvation. Further archival reports see by Elombah.com show that from 1968 onward, the war fell into a lengthy stalemate, with Nigerian forces unable to make significant advances into the remaining areas of Biafran control. The blockade of surrounded Biafra led to a humanitarian and propaganda disaster when it emerged that there was widespread civilian hunger and starvation in the besieged Igbo areas. An over used tactic of the Nigerian forces had been the sabotage of farmland, and this was now beginning to affect Biafra’s population. Images of starving Biafran children went around the world. The Biafran government claimed that Nigeria was using hunger and genocide to win the war, and sought aid from the outside world. Many world organised volunteer bodies organised blockade-breaking relief flights into Biafra, carrying food, medicines, and sometimes (it was claimed) weapons. Nigeria also claimed that the Biafran government was hiring foreign mercenaries to extend and lengthen the war. Another archival document had blamed Ojukwu and Gowon for Biafra Starvation death toll. It said disagreement on shipments between Mr. Gowon and Mr. Ojukwu, were more to blame for the failure of relief materials reaching dying children, women and men desperately in need of food. Mr. Gowon, the cable said, discontinued air shipments to the Eastern region despite pressure from the United States and the Red Cross, fearing transport airplanes were being used to convey arms to Biafra. Initial shipments by the Red Cross, had delivered 16 to 20 tons of food a night in a lone DC–4, feeding an estimated 850,000 people in Biafra three meals per week, the document said. Federal forces sabotaged farmlands =========================
Sources: US DEPT OF STATE ARCHIVE: – 71. Situation Report Prepared by the Nigerian Task Force, Washington, June 6, 1969 [ PDF version ]
On June 5, an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) plane was shot down by a Nigerian MIG while en-route to Biafra with relief supplies. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 742, Country Files, Africa, Nigeria, Vol. I. Confidential. – 72. Department of State Press Statement, Washington, undated [ PDF version ] In this statement, which was handed out to the press on June 6, the Department expressed U.S. regret for the attack by the Nigerian Air Force and reiterated the U.S. position of avoiding political or military involvement in the Nigerian civil war. The attached briefing paper, which was read but not distributed, acknowledged that relief and arms night flights were intermingled, and urged expanded relief through daylight flights and a land corridor. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Special Coordinator on Relief to Civilian Victims of the Nigerian Civil war, February 1969-June 1970, Lot 70 D 336, Box 517, ICRC, Records. Unclassified. At the top of page one of the statement, Schott wrote, “Clyde – Here is last Friday’s statement. The top page was handed out and the second one only read out. SCS.” In a Letter from the Secretary-Treasurer of Joint Church Aid-U.S.A., Inc. (Kinney) to the Special Coordinator on Relief (Ferguson), New York, February 26, 1969, Kinney expressed hope that one of Ferguson’s first acts would be to ask the Nigerian Government to cease attacking relief planes making night flights into Uli airstrip. – Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Special Coordinator on Relief to Civilian Victims of the Nigerian Civil War, February 1969 -June 1970, Lot 70 D 336, Box 517, D-13 Voluntary Agencies Joint Church AID. No classification marking.
========================
In a Telegram 36410 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Nigeria, March 8, 1969, 1954Z, The Department reported on Assistant Secretary of State Joseph Palmer’s meeting with Nigerian Information Commissioner Anthony Enahoro. They discussed U.S. humanitarian policy,bombing of civilians and relief aircraft, assistance to Relief Coordinator Clyde Ferguson, protection of Ibos, Soviet influence in Nigeria, and delays in Nigerian visa issuances. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 7 Nigeria. Confidential. Repeated to London, Geneva, Paris, and Cotonou. Drafted by R.J. Wach (AF/W), cleared by Palmer, and approved by Melbourne.
=================================
“On 30 June 1969, the Nigerian government banned all Red Cross aid to Biafra; two weeks later it allowed medical supplies through the front line, but restricted food supplies. Later in October 1969, Ojukwu appealed to United Nations to mediate a cease-fire. The federal government then called for Biafra’s surrender. “By this time food was very short in Biafra and they were having major problems trying to save the starving civilian population. Many countries and church agencies were offering food, but the planes trying to fly it in had to run a gauntlet of fire usually during the night, which made it harder for the pilots to see where they were going. At one time each cargo plane had a fighter with it to try and mislead the troops below. Many flew at tree top level to evade being in the Nigerians line of fire, cutting down their exposure time to just a few seconds.”
===============
The Gowon govt offering a food corridor was busy shooting down RED CROSS Aircraft ferrying food to Biafra
===============================
“From 1968 onward, the war fell into a lengthy stalemate, with Nigerian forces unable to make significant advances into the remaining areas of Biafran control. The blockade of surrounded Biafra led to a humanitarian and propaganda disaster when it emerged that there was widespread civilian hunger and starvation in the besieged Igbo areas. An over used tactic of the Nigerian forces had been the sabotage of farmland, and this was now beginning to affect Biafra’s population. Images of starving Biafran children went around the world. The Biafran government claimed that Nigeria was using hunger and genocide to win the war, and sought aid from the outside world. “Many world organised volunteer bodies organised blockade-breaking relief flights into Biafra, carrying food, medicines, and sometimes (it was claimed) weapons. Nigeria also claimed that the Biafran government was hiring foreign mercenaries to extend and lengthen the war.” Mercenary wars – Biafra conflict 1966
======================
Federal forces sabotaged farmlands
=========================
WHO IS THIS Robert S. Goldstein? In a Memorandum From the Country Director for West Africa (Melbourne) to the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Palmer), Washington, April 18, 1969, The memorandum outlined the lobbying activities in Washington of Biafrans Dr. Pius Okigbo, Dr. Eni Njoku, and Dr. Kenneth Dike. – Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Special Coordinator on Relief to Civilian Victims of the Nigerian Civil War, February 1969 – June 1970, Box 514, Lot 70 D 336, Political. Limited Official Use. NO MENTION WAS MADE OF ANY Robert S. Goldstein?
================================== —
60. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 24, 1969 [ PDF version ] Kissinger warned the President that the Congressional chorus on Nigeria might be rising again, in particular due to a new organization, “Americans for Biafran Relief,” with Senator Kennedy taking the lead. Tabs to attachment are included with Kissinger’s January 28 memorandum, Document 25 Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 741, Country Files, Africa, Nigeria. Confidential. Sent for information. — 61. Telegram 3636 From the Embassy in Nigeria to the Department of State, April 25, 1969, 1518Z [ PDF version ] The Embassy suggested that “Americans for Biafran Relief” might present an opportunity to put pressure on Lieutenant Colonel Ojukwu, Military Governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, to facilitate relief efforts. The Embassy wanted the onus for blocking relief put on Ojukwu. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27-9, Biafra-Nigeria. Confidential. — 80. Memorandum From Roger Morris of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, July 1, 1969 [ PDF version ] Morris told Kissinger that the Federal Military Government (FMG) had all but kicked out the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and imposed a de facto embargo on relief flights into Biafra. Airlifts into Biafra could operate only in daylight following inspection in Federal territory. Those from Sao Tome were illegal and subject to interdiction. Morris was apprehensive of negative reaction by Senator Kennedy and the Biafra lobby.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Gunmen attacked a power station and security facilities in and around Ivory Coast’s commercial capital Abidjan in coordinated overnight raids that ended early on Monday, the defence minister said.
Defence Minister Paul Koffi Koffi said a group of armed men disarmed guards protecting the Azito thermal power station in Abidjan’s Yopougon neighbourhood late on Sunday night and briefly occupied the site.
“Around 30 elements tried to take Azito. They were pushed out and 10 were taken prisoner with their arms. They are now being interrogated,†he told Reuters.
“Nine of the people who were arrested at the scene included two policemen, two gendarmes, two marines and two civilian,†Koffi Koffi said.
One of the station’s turbines, responsible for around 15 percent of Ivory Coast’s total electricity production, was damaged in the raid and had been shut down, the mines and energy minister said.
“There won’t be any blackouts resulting from the damage, which seem to be serious, because the Azito team knows what they are doing,†Adama Toungara said.
Gunmen launched another raid in the town of Bonoua, around 60 km (40 miles) east of Abidjan, where they attempted to break into a police station and gendarmerie to steal weapons.
A spokesman for the Ivorian army said the attacks were “synchronisedâ€.
Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa grower, is recovering from a brief civil war last year that erupted after Gbagbo refused to the accept Ouattara’s victory in an election in late 2010.
More than 3,000 people were killed in the violence, and Gbagbo is now awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court charged with crimes against humanity.
While many of the leading members of his government and military were arrested following the fighting, others fled the country and are living in exile, mainly in neighbouring West African states.
Gunmen began attacking army and police installations mainly in Abidjan and other southern towns in August, after more than a year of relative peace.
Ghana’s government has denied the accusations, and Gbagbo’s backers say Ouattara’s government is using the violence as a pretext for a crackdown on the opposition and dozens of arrests.
However, a confidential report by U.N. investigators seen by Reuters last week said Ghana-based former members of the Gbagbo regime had created a “military structure,†hired mercenaries and established several training camps in eastern Liberia. The investigators said the aim was to topple Ouattara’s government.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Police officers were chased away with stones by the mob that attacked and killed the four students of the University of Port Harcourt, in Aluu, Rivers state, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar has revealed.
The IGP in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, explained that the chasing away of the police officers was why the police failed to save the four students who were gruesomely killed by the mob in Aluu.
The Police boss explained that his men were chased away with stones by the mob attacking the boys. He said when a reinforced team of policemen returned to the scene, the boys had been killed and burnt by the mob.
“On 5th October, 2012 at about 0700Hrs, based on a distress call that some armed robbers were arrested at Omukiri-Aluu area in Ikwerre LGA, a patrol team of four Policemen from Isiokpo Divisional Police Headquarters was dispatched to the area, a distance of about 10kms. The Police on getting to the scene met a mob attack on four victims who were supposedly the suspected armed robbers. Attempt made by the Police Patrol Team to take over the suspects were met with stiff opposition from the mob who chased the team with stones†the statement read.
“Consequently, the Patrol Team called for reinforcements, but unfortunately, upon the arrival of the reinforcements, the alleged armed robbery suspects have been stoned and burnt to death, while the mob immediately took to their heels.â€
“The corpses were recovered by the Police who by then have been joined by members of the Joint Task Force (JTF)†the statement added.
The students killed were: Ugunna Obuzor- aged 18 Years; 200 Level Geology student; Lloyd Toku- aged 19 Years; 200 Level Civil Engineering student; Tekena Elkanah- aged 20 Years, a Diploma Technical student and Chiadaka Odinga- aged 20 Years, 200 Level Theatre Arts student.
The Inspector General’s statements confirmed criticisms by witnesses that the police simply abandoned the students to their fate when they got to the scene of lynching.
A relation of one of the victims actually accused the police of encouraging the mob to kill the boys.
Mr Abubakar said the Police immediately launched an investigation leading to the arrest (based on information) of Alhaji Hassan Welewa, the Traditional Ruler of Omukiri Community, Aluu where the heinous incident took place and 18 others, some of whom are members of the vigilante group of the community.
According to the police “intelligence report implicated Alhaji Hassan Welewa, as being the person who incited the mob to unleash terror on the victims.â€
“Further investigation conducted by the police indicates that four (4) suspects, namely: Felemo Solomon; Cynthia Chinwo; Ozioma Abajuo and Chigozie Samuel Evans have been closely linked to this barbarous act.â€
Mr Abubakar gave the assurance that the perpetrators of the Aluu massacre will be made to face the law, saying “may I assure Nigerians that the Police Force will do everything legitimate, within its capacity, to ensure that perpetrators of these dastardly acts at Aluu in Rivers State are identified and made to face the lawâ€
Explaining the reason that lead to the boys visit to Aluu, the statement revealed that “the victims had gone to the area where they met their unfortunate death earlier that morning to demand for money allegedly owed to them by Coxson Lelebori Lucky, alias ‘Bright’, who raised a false alarm that the victims were armed robbers.â€
“Although, Coxson has gone underground, Detectives are on his trail†the statement added.
Abubakar said the police have in the meantime made a massive deployment of Policemen to the area, including detectives to assist the State Police Command, adding that “investigation is ongoing with efforts being intensified to track down others who are involved in the incident. Those who are found culpable shall be prosecuted.â€
“Normalcy has been restored in the area, while the situation in the area, especially in the University and other tertiary institutions are being closely monitored with a view to forestalling any untoward reactions.
“Efforts are being intensified to establish the motive(s) behind this crime, arrest all who may be directly or indirectly connected with the crime and eventually bring all indicted persons to book.â€
“I wish to use this medium to advice and appeal to Nigerians to see it as their civic obligation in the fight against crime and criminality, to assist security agencies in the discharge of their responsibility. Security is everybody’s responsibility and so, should not be abandoned in the hands of security agencies alone. The maximum cooperation of the public is needed to ensure that Nigeria is safe for all†the Police boss appealed to all Nigerians.
He called on Nigerians to discourage the vigilante mentality saying “Nigerians are further reminded to avoid taking laws into their hands, as two wrongs can never make a right. More so, it is criminal and against the laws of the land and those that do so will surely be made to face the full wrath of the law.â€
The IGP also appealed to citizens who might have information touching on this and other on-going Police investigation not to hesitate in turning over such information to the Nigeria Police Force.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Bloody Sunday again in Maiduguri, there has been an explosion accompanied by sounds of gunshots on Bama Road of Lagos Street in Maiduguri. That was same street were an explosion killed some soldiers about a week ago purportedly leading to retaliatory attacks on civilians and houses by security operatives, which finally led to the death of about 30 people.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
October 14, 2012 (ROSWELL, N.M.) — Extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner landed safely on Earth after a 24-mile jump from the stratosphere in a dramatic, daring feat that may also have marked the world's first supersonic skydive.
Baumgartner came down in the eastern New Mexico desert minutes after jumping from his capsule 128,097 feet, or roughly 24 miles, above Earth. He lifted his arms in victory shortly after landing, sending off loud cheers from jubilant onlookers and friends inside the mission's control center in Roswell, N.M. Breaking the World skydive altitude record.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
A few days after she was delivered of a set of twins, Mrs Shekinat Abdurazaq, 27, allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday when she jumped into the Osun River in Ede.The incident occurred at about 3.30 p.m. on the Osun River Bridge on the Oke Gada Road. It was learnt that the woman, who hailed from Ede in Osun, delivered the twins 11 days ago. NAN Reports
An eyewitness account revealed that shortly before Abdurazaq jumped into the river, she reportedly prayed and gave alms to beggars around the bridge head. One of the eyewitnesses, who identified himself as Selia Mojeed, said that people did not know that Abdurazaq wanted to commit suicide; else they would have prevented her from doing so.
Although efforts to speak with her husband failed, it was said that the woman had no outstanding problems with her spouse, family or neighbours before the incident. Efforts by sympathisers and passersby to rescue the woman failed as she was said to have drowned immediately.
Shortly after the incident, her husband who also attempted to jump into the river was prevented from doing so by onlookers. The police later whisked away the deceased’s husband and placed him under safe custody at the Police “A” Division in Ede.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Folasade Odoro, confirmed the incident.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Jay Z and Beyoncé’s 9-month-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter gets a $798 pair of Ruthie Davis custom made kicks. No wonder E! Says she is the most stylish celebrity kid.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
This is the story of Tina, the teenage girl who was serially raped by Super Eagles star, Godwin Okpara. She has released a book, detailing how the sexual assault went on for two years.
In the book titled, “My Life Has A Price”, the victim narrates how she was adopted at age 13 by the Okparas and taken to France. Then Linda, Okpara’s wife, enslaved her and turned a blind eye to the sexual abuse she suffered in the hands of Godwin Okpara.
This is a part of Tina's sad experience chronicled in her sexual abuse story:
Why did you decide to write this book?
For a long time, I refused to talk about my story. I refused all articles, interviews. One day, I told myself that if I refused testifying, other girls will continue to experience modern slavery. There will be other unhappy children, other “Tinas”. This is what gave me the courage.
Why did you title the book, My Life Has A Price?
It was proposed by Virginia Fuertes, the editor with whom I worked. I immediately found that corresponded to my story. My life has a price since Godwin Okpara gave money to my parents to buy me. But my life has also a price worth far more: the price of tears, fear and courage.
Considering what you went through in your adoptive parents’ home, do you blame your dad for letting you go through all those?No. My father believed in doing what was best for me. He believed sincerely in giving me the opportunity to study in France and have a better future. The Okparas told him that I would go to school and when Linda Okpara made trips to Nigeria, she went to see my father and lied: “Oh yes, Tina works well in school, etc…”
Have you been able to get over the traumatic experience?
In part, yes. Because I was able to go back to school and get a job. Because I work with seniors and I feel useful. Because people have helped me: educators, my lawyer, friends. But I still have crying spells and nightmares. I wanted to write this book also to get it out of me. It came out, but it remains inside.
You had a secret notebook while going through the harrowing experiences. Did the raw material for the book come from the jottings you made?
Initially, I was not thinking about it. These notebooks were used to dump all my sorrow, all my hatred for Linda. It was my lifeline and my friend. But when I started writing the book, I took out the books. It was very hard to read everything.
You portrayed Mamie as cunning and subtly wicked. How were you able to cope with her?
At one point, I thought she might be my ally. But very quickly, I realised that she was spying on me, denouncing me and I learned to be wary of her. She did this because, as everyone in the house, she was afraid of Linda. And finally, she witnessed my tortures without saying anything.
What actually gave you the strength to survive the ordeal?
When I appeared on French television, a presenter first made a summary of the book and my life. Meanwhile, on a giant screen behind me, they ran images of Godwin Okpara as Paris Saint-Germain player. It was horrible. At the end, the presenter of the show turned to me and asked: “Tina, how did you survive that?” I was prepared to answer a lot of questions, but not that. There was a silence on the set of the show; I felt all members of the audience watching me. And a tear ran down my cheek. I was looking for the answer and it came. I said: ‘For the love of my father.’ It’s true. During all these years of suffering, I thought of him. I did not want to disappoint him. I remembered his kindness, his love. I also thought much about my mother, who was in heaven.
Did Godwin Okpara show any amorous interest in you before he actually raped you?
I do not know. In any case, he never tried to seduce me. He took what he wanted, suddenly, without love, without feeling, just for fun.
When did it occur to you that the Okparas didn’t have good plans for you?
I gradually realised when my school year was always delayed and at the same time, I had more work to do at home. And Linda was gradually changing her attitude towards me. At the beginning, it was ‘Tina, please, can you do that for me?’ Later, it became: ‘Tina, do this. Tina, why have you not done this yet?’ The day she spat it in my face that schooling was not for me because I was too stupid, I lost all hope.
You portray Linda as actually controlling Godwin in your book. Could you tell me how the couple met each other and got married?I do not know how they met. Linda had a great influence on her husband. She was older, I think, and more authoritarian. He was afraid of her, I think.
Why do you think Godwin didn’t have the courage to challenge Linda over the way she was maltreating you?On the football field, he was perhaps a courageous defender, but in life, he behaved like a coward. He was afraid of her. She dominated him psychologically. He was the child and she the mother. And I think he was not opposed to her because I was not important to him. I was something like a piece of furniture. You do not argue with your wife because she abused a table or chair.
In your book, you said Godwin gave your father some money. Did Godwin actually buy you? Or is the money a kind of price he paid for you?I think the Okparas were malignant. They gave N30,000, the equivalent of 375 euros to my father, telling him that it was a gift. It was better hidden. In fact, they purchased me without my father’s knowledge. I believe that my father did not sell me .
The couple are still serving their jail terms. But you didn’t write about what happened to their children. Where are their children? Who is taking care of them?After the arrest of Godwin and Linda, they were placed in foster homes. For them also, this story is a disaster. I often think about them because I loved them.
How long did it take you to write the book?
It took an entire year.
You wrote the book in collaboration with Cyril Guinet. Could you explain the nature of collaboration?I did not know Cyril before writing this book. This is a journalist, who has always been interested in issues of child slavery around the world. For example, he went to Haiti to denounce ‘Restavec’, a traditional slavery of poor children. He knew my story by attending the trial of Okpara. As luck would have it, he contacted Maitre Peron, my lawyer, years after the trial. But the day before he called, I had just told my lawyer that I was considering writing my story. I told Cyril my story and he wrote, asking me questions along the way. We both worked several times a week. I cried a lot during these sessions and I gained weight. I even had to see a shrink not to sink. Then he sent me the chapters to re-read. In re-reading my story, I cried every time. But I was happy because the book faithfully captures my story.
What lessons have your experiences taught you?
Hope. This is the most important lesson. I also learned that I was stronger than I thought because I survived.
Where actually did you grow up in Lagos before you went to stay with your uncle?
I grew up at Shomolu, Bariga, in Lagos.
What was the relationship between your dad and the Okparas?
My father knew Godwin Okpara thanks to football. Godwin, when he was young, had played in a company where my father worked.
Does your past experience affect the way you relate with people now?
I do not know. I cannot say how I would relate with people if my life had been different.
Are you in any relationship now? What plans do you have for the future?
Like all girls of my age, I dream of Prince Charming. I want to be in love, get married and have children. I always dream of having a large family: two boys and two girls.
Do you intend relocating to Nigeria very soon?
Maybe to see my family, I have returned several times since.
In your book, you gave the impression that your father was poisoned? Do you still believe that?
He died in a very mysterious way.
What native language did your parents speak. Where are you originally from in Nigeria?
At home we spoke Alago our native language and Yoruba. I come from Nassarawa State.
Considering what you went through, are you satisfied with the judgment?
At the trial, I said all I wanted was a halt to the torture. I wanted to go to school and have a normal life, not to be a slave. Nobody should be a slave in the 21st Century. I told the judges: “If people like Godwin Okpara, if they want to pay to see him play football, release him but withdraw me from them.” Years in prison, it is normal in terms of what they have done. But that won’t give me back my childhood and my innocence.
Why did you think the couple behaved the way they did to you?
You should ask them. But I think they behaved so partly because others had done so before them and others are still doing it. For a certain part of the population, exploiting children is not wrong.
It is a tradition; it has always been this way and they do not understand why it should stop. Unfortunately, Linda and Godwin Okpara are not isolated cases. And today as I am answering your questions, there are many other ‘Tinas’ who suffer. This must stop.
You may wish to know that Godwin Opkara is currently serving a 10-year jail term in France, while his wife, Linda, will be in jail for 15 years.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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