Why Did Odumegwu Ojukwu Call Some Igbo Leaders “Rats”?

Why Did Odumegwu Ojukwu Call Some Igbo Leaders “Rats”?

Why Did Odumegwu Ojukwu Call Some Igbo Leaders “Rats”?

In May 1996, during General Sani Abacha’s military regime, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu delivered a fiery speech at an Ohanaeze Ndigbo meeting in Enugu.

Frustrated by what he saw as political betrayal, he accused some influential Igbo politicians and elites of abandoning the collective interests of the Igbo nation in exchange for personal political appointments and business opportunities under the federal government.

Ojukwu argued that many of those claiming to represent the Igbo had become submissive to the military government instead of demanding justice, equal treatment, and meaningful political inclusion for the South-East.

According to newspaper reports at the time, he described such leaders as “rats” to express his belief that they lacked courage and had sacrificed the welfare of their people for personal gain.

His remarks sparked widespread controversy. While some Igbo people agreed with his criticism of the political elite, others considered his choice of words too harsh and divisive.

Nevertheless, the speech reflected Ojukwu’s long-standing belief that the Igbo needed principled and united leadership after the devastation of the 1967–1970 Nigerian and Biafra w@r.

Our politicians didn’t start s€lling us today, it has been happening 😱

General Odumegwu Ojukwu really meant well for Ndi Igbo. May he reincarnate back, Isee🙏