Today, I share a story that resonates deeply with every patriotic Nigerian — a story marked by sacrifice, betrayal, and unwavering integrity.
It is the story of Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the true founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a man whose selflessness and dedication to national progress have been met with disregard and disrespect.
For more than two decades, Dr. Aniebonam committed himself to building the NNPP — not for personal enrichment, but with a vision of a Nigeria where all citizens, regardless of ethnic background, could find a platform to pursue their aspirations.
Out of this noble vision, he registered and nurtured the party into existence. Yet, in an act of goodwill, he handed over the structure he had built to someone he believed shared his patriotic ideals — Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
In 2022, Kwankwaso and his team, led by Buba Galadima, journeyed from the North to Aniebonam’s village in Umuawulu, Anambra State, seeking to contest the presidency under the NNPP. They came with promises and gestures of humility, kneeling before the man who had built the party from the ground up.
Dr. Aniebonam, ever the patriot, saw a genuine opportunity for progress. Without demanding a single naira, he entrusted the party’s platform to Kwankwaso, believing it would serve Nigeria’s democracy. He facilitated their entry, chose to overlook internal tensions, and prioritized national interest over personal gain.
But instead of respect, he was repaid with betrayal.
Kwankwaso allegedly violated the party’s constitution, unveiled a new logo on national television without consultation, and effectively hijacked the identity of the party. What was once a symbol of unity and grassroots struggle was suddenly transformed without the knowledge or consent of its founder.
Dr. Aniebonam’s only fault was that he believed in goodwill, in justice, and in a better Nigeria. What he received in return was marginalization — a betrayal not just of him personally, but of every Nigerian who believes in fairness, especially those from the South East who continue to be sidelined despite their contributions to nation-building.
This incident speaks volumes. It’s not merely about politics; it’s about the recurring pattern where Igbo efforts to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress are often ignored, exploited, or discarded.
Dr. Aniebonam’s story is a painful reminder that in today’s political climate, integrity is often overshadowed by ambition. And when those who embody honesty and patriotism are pushed aside, Nigeria as a whole suffers.
This is not just his story — it is a national concern. Will Nigeria continue to be a country where a few override the collective dreams of many?
To all Nigerians, and especially to the Igbo nation: this is a call to awareness and unity. We must no longer remain silent in the face of injustice. We must rise to protect the values of fairness, mutual respect, and true democracy.
Let us honor those like Dr. Boniface Aniebonam — not with silence, but by championing the ideals they represent. Nigeria's greatness lies not in political power plays, but in the sacrifices of men and women who ask for nothing in return but justice, dignity, and national progress.
Nigeria must heal. Justice must prevail. And loyalty to the founding ideals of our democracy must be restored.
Culled: beadysword.com.ng
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