By Chris Ngige
I hold the distinction of being Nigeria’s first civilian governor to endure what can be described as a “civilian coup,” orchestrated by a group of powerful godfathers in the nation’s political history.
Reflecting on the nearly 12-hour siege that took place in Awka, Anambra State, on July 10, 2003, one thing is evident: everything that happens serves a purpose. This event reinforced the belief that even in adversity, there can be a higher reason for one’s suffering.
On the fateful day, I had no forewarning of what was to come. Although I had received some intelligence reports hinting at potential unrest, the information was not clear. I sensed unease among my political allies, including my deputy governor, but I couldn’t interpret the signs accurately. Despite my suspicions, I had never desired to be governor; my ambition was to become a senator, a position I had contested for in 1999 but lost. My focus had always been on working towards the Senate, assisting my party, and volunteering in various capacities.
The discomfort among my inner circle was palpable even on the day of my inauguration. The night before the abduction, I began receiving cryptic phone calls. One caller inquired about the whereabouts of my House of Assembly members, while another, my friend Hon. Chudi Offodile, advised me to monitor them closely. I dismissed these warnings, assuming that if any impeachment were to occur, I would have been served a notice.
The final call came from Chris Uba early in the morning of July 10. He informed me of his trip to Lagos, which I later learned was a diversion, as he was actually in Awka. This raised my suspicions. That morning, the state party chairman, Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, visited me at my hotel, Choice Hotel, as the governor’s lodge was under renovation. He inquired about his potential appointment as a commissioner, and I assured him that, apart from the Attorney General role, any position he desired would be considered.
During our conversation, Obi-Okoye mentioned that he had just left Chris Uba, who was unexpectedly in Awka. This raised my concern further. I proceeded to my office later than usual, arriving around 10 a.m. By 11 a.m., the situation escalated. I witnessed my ADC being forcibly removed by the late AIG Ralph Ige and his armed companion, a DSP in mufti. Despite previous encounters with Ige, this incident was unusual.
Ige, not in uniform, demanded that I cease all activities, citing orders from “high up.” When I questioned the authority behind the orders, he was evasive. I was instructed to refrain from answering calls, both external and internal. The state Director of SSS, Okogie, contacted me through my intercom, revealing that Ige had forcibly entered my office, disarmed my ADC, and was presenting forged documents of my resignation.
The documents included a resignation letter and a letter from the House of Assembly accepting my resignation. I refused to sign, asserting that the resignation was not from me. Ige insisted, but I stood firm, confronting him about his intentions. My courage persisted despite the armed presence, including a DSP with an AK47 stationed outside.
The situation was tense, but I remained defiant. I was not intimidated by the show of force. I requested to leave for Lagos to join my family, which I eventually managed. As we departed, I noticed anti-riot policemen trailing us and my sister following discreetly.
At Kwata Junction in Awka, I stopped at my hotel to retrieve my belongings. Amid a heated argument with the DSP and his men, my sister and I were able to communicate with the outside world. We managed to counteract the misinformation being broadcasted on local radio about my resignation.
Traditional ruler Igwe Mbaukwu, an APGA member, intervened and facilitated a call with Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the former Vice President. This call, along with support from the Vice President’s office and influential figures, helped to expose the abduction. Ekwueme’s involvement and the subsequent media coverage, including a live broadcast by Eddie Iroh, were pivotal in revealing my situation to the public.
By late afternoon, after extensive media coverage and political pressure, the AIG and the CPs who had been involved in the abduction returned to my office. They attempted to take me back, but I refused, opting to stay at my hotel as Anambra residents had taken control of the situation, driving away the police.
I was prepared to defend myself if necessary, but fortunately, I did not need to resort to violence. The incident underscored my commitment to resisting intimidation and maintaining my position as governor despite the extraordinary circumstances.
