A Jolly Gentle General: Biography of Charles Bebeye Ndiomu

By Deinbo Briggs

Major-General Charles Ndiomu was erudite and persuasive. Nigerians found in him the quintessence of an academic communicator and administrator at the various military establishments he was posted to. His mind was incisive and penetrating. He was a silent philanthropist who contributed in various forms to education and religious causes. His self-discipline and integrity were in character with his unwavering insistence on fairness and justice. I believe that in the end, it was this quality, this unquenching eagerness to reach and push back the horizons of knowledge, which made Charles Ndiomu relevant and refreshing in the chequered annals of our national search for intelligent men. In corollary therefore, the leadership qualities, thoroughness, love, straight-forwardness and God-fearing demonstrated by the man Major-General Charles Ndiomu, were ingredients that prompted me to research into his life and times.

The Biography entitled The Jolly Gentle General, covered the life and times of Major-General Charles Bebeye Ndiomu (CFR, FSS, mni). In my approach, I have tried to utilize the critics concern with balanced judgement while animating the landscape with a sense of environment where and when necessary. I have tried to recall episodes that I witnessed when necessary, as well as accounts from General Charles Ndiomu himself, and those of his aides, friends and his family members. Throughout, I responded to issues, events and happening the way I would through animated logic.

I wrote about Major-General Charles Ndiomu as a man who started from ground-zero aided by God. I wrote about General Charles Ndiomu, as an Academic Soldier that took me to the ringside of history; a profession that never gave Major-General Charles Ndiomu much money but gave him honour, dignity, knowledge, wisdom, fame, integrity and responsibility; a profession that exhorted him to go after the truth and nothing but the truth. A profession that said he should be fair and just to everybody by hearing all sides of the story before giving verdict; a profession that emboldened him to fight (not engaging in fisticuffs) for his kith and kin in the backwater, and gave voice to the voiceless. It is a book of nostalgia, which I hope the young generation will find some aspects useful and which will allow them to avoid some certain pitfalls in this hectic age. And for the older ones, I believe, they will take pride and comfort that the past was the golden age.

The story tells of Charles Bebeye Ndiomus enlistment into the Nigerian Army and the amazing life he led unearthing, uncovering, exposing, and shading light on stories that would rather be kept in the dark or in the closets of those who would not want the stories exposed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 11, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477269091

Deinbo Briggs

Deinbo A. Briggs, mni, is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was formerly a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Foreign Affairs Unit at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State. He studied Public Administration at Aberdeen College (Scotland, U.K.); Political Science at Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland, U.K.); Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Bradford (England, U.K.); Foreign Policy at University of Maryland (College Park, U.S.A.); Participant of Senior Executive Course 30 (mni) of 2008 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State. He is a major contributor to public debate in Conferences, Workshops, and Colloquia on Defence and Security Affairs.

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© 2012 by Deinbo Briggs. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/03/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6908-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6907-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6909-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012917129

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1: The Genealogy

Chapter 2: Childhood And Adolescent Days

Chapter 3: Enlistment And Early Service Years

Chapter 4: Middle Service Years

Chapter 5: Extra Regimental Assignments

Chapter 6: Service At The National Institute For Policy And Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State

Chapter 7: Years In The National War College, Abuja

Chapter 8: A Complete Izon Man

Appendices

Appendix I: The Contributions Of Iron And Steel Industry To The Development Of Nigeria

Appendix II: Commercialization Of Research And Development Results In Nigeria

Appendix III: African Colonial Society: Its Character Transformation And Role In World History

Appendix IV: Society And Value System

Appendix V: Practical Suggestions On Curtailing Military Involvement In Civil Politics

Appendix VI: Revenue Base And Revenue Allocation/Quota System

Appendix VII: The Military In Government—A Clog In The Wheel Of Democracy In Nigeria

Appendix VIII: Minorities—Constitutional Provisions And Safeguards

Bibliography

Endnotes

FOREWORD

I knew Major General Charles Bebeye Ndiomu from the time he was moving rapidly up the ladder as a Major in Ibadan. Those of us in academia at Ibadan admired this rising star from the Niger Delta for the courage, intelligence and integrity that was evident in his words and actions.

The General lived up to his early promise in service of the nation in its years of crises. His sterling qualities showed up in many varied positions of responsibility.

We note that the biography itself has had a chequered history. We applaud all who have played a role in bringing out this story of a patriotic Nigerian who has served his country in so many challenging assignments with devotion in the light of truth and fairness as he saw it.

This biography should lead to others of Major General Charles Bebeye Ndiomu and others like him, as part of in-depth studies of the role of the military as rulers and servants of Nigeria.

Professor Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa (Emeritus). OON, NNOM. FHSN, FNAL

PREFACE

An autobiography excites more interest than a Biography. The reason is obvious. The reader is anxious to know from the author at the time of writing, his mood, feelings, successes, setbacks, and other factors that inspired him or her, all these in his or her own language and style. On the other hand, a biography is a written account of someone else dealing with the facts and events of the individual experiences put together by another person or persons. This biography of Major General Charles Bebeye Ndiomu, a product of intensive research and investigation, will reveal the monumental saga of a humble beginning, his bold conceptualized policies while in service, philosophies, philanthropy and exemplary leadership devoid of showmanship.

Charles showed a lot of enthusiasm concerning the writing of the biography and I am sure he will guffaw in his grave for this effort. He provided the names and contact addresses of his siblings and relations, from where some information were obtained. That this biography now outlives him is a case of fatalism which no one can alter. I must add that this project had experienced a lot of hiccups over the years. First was the attempt made by Professor Ignatius I. Gabriel, Dean of Faculty of Law, of the University of Jos. After a few preliminary interview sessions with Charles, nothing much was heard, and later Professor Gabriel passed on. Then myself and Professor Eugene Arene came on board to anchor it as a joint project while our employment at NIPSS, Kuru lasted. I made few trips to Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Benin, Ijebu Mushin and Lagos to interview Charles himself, his siblings and friends. Professor Arene also had few interactive meetings with Charles in Lagos.

Indeed, Professor Arene’s sudden retirement from the employment of the National Institute, Kuru, on the one hand, and Charles appointment as provost of the Centre for Peace, Research and Conflict Resolution (CPRCR) of the National War College, Abuja, on the other hand, stalled the project. Charles schedule in the National War College, Abuja became tighter and tighter, and he could not even afford the time for interview sessions. No sooner he settled on his new job, and started going about his duty smoothly in the War College, he granted approval to one of his staff, Dr. Ibrahim Braimah to work on the biography. Dr. Braimah undertook few trips to Lagos and Bayelsa State to interview siblings, relatives and friends of General Ndiomu. Incidentally, Charles voluntarily retired his appointment as Provost of the Center for Peace, Research and Conflict Resolution (CPRCR) of the National War College, and relocated to Lagos. Not long after, Dr. Braimah took ill and passed on.

Then Victor Kalu, Publisher/Editor in Chief of African Verdict Magazine, Gwagwalada, Abuja, requested that General Ndiomu should grant him permission to anchor the biography. The permission was granted and Mr. Victor Kalu did a number of preliminary works on the biography. However, Mr. Kalu’s efforts were to no avail, as Charles also took ill later, travelled overseas for medical treatment but never survived. When not too long ago, Mrs. Ebizi Rosemary Brown, one of Charles daughters approached me for the memoirs, I had to take the gauntlet as a born again Christian. I am happy to state that the jinx surrounding the biography has been broken and the demons have all been defeated.

I must however admit that these hiccups or setbacks were not without their merit, like the lines in As You Like It by William Shakespeare: ii.1.12 (1599).

"Sweet are the uses of adversity

Which like the toad ugly and venomous wears yet

a precious jewel in its head"

These past years initially considered as wasted efforts on the memoirs now afforded me the opportunity to fill in some important details I had left out, make some amendments, recast some part and update others.

In this book, I have written about a life and a profession (Academic Soldier) that took me to the ringside of history. A profession that never gave Charles much money, but gave him honor, dignity, knowledge, wisdom, fame, integrity and respectability. A profession that exhorted him to go after the truth and nothing but the truth. A profession that said he should be fair and just to everybody by hearing all sides of the story before giving a verdict. A profession that emboldened him to fight for the afflicted and gave voice to the voiceless. It is a book of nostalgia which I hope the young generation will find some aspects useful and which will allow them to avoid some certain pitfalls in this hectic age. And for the older ones, I believe, they will take pride and comfort that the past was their golden age.

Deinbo A. Briggs, mni

February, 2012

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

May I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to those who assisted me in one way or the other, in making this publication a reality. Considering the many hiccups associated with this work, I will be-labour myself if I attempt to name them all. However, to forget those who went the extra mile is to be ungentlemanly. I owe a world of gratitude to Major-General Timothy B. Ogundeko (rtd) whom I interviewed in his own home at Ijebu Mushin, Ogun State. General Ogundeko was Major General Charles Ndiomu’s boss in the Army Education Corps and was the first Director General of NIPSS, Kuru.

To Captain Sam Ehiede who accepted my interactive session in his family house at Benin and who offered as much assistance as he could within the limits of his time. Captain Ehiede joined the Army the same day with Charles Ndiomu, but withdrew his service after the expiration of the initial terms in the Education Corps. I am immensely grateful to him. I thank Professor Eugene Arene, mni, former Senior Research Fellow and Head of Science and Technology Unit of the Research Department, NIPSS, Kuru. Professor Arene was originally billed to anchor this project with me, as directed by Major General Charles Ndiomu, but his sudden retirement from NIPSS, Kuru, affected our collaborative efforts. Calm, collected, friendly but firm, Professor Eugene Arene bent over backwards to help.

I owe so much to the timely intervention of Brigadier General John Yeri who provided some support that enabled me embark on interview sessions with General Ndiomu’s relations and friends in different states. Barrister Joel I. Abolarin worked with Major General Charles Ndiomu for five years in NIPSS, Kuru and remained his confidant. First, Barrister Abolarin is a friend with whom I had a good working relationship. Second, his lucid arguments helped me to gain greater insight into issues concerning Charles. I am grateful to Professor (Emeritus) Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa and Opubo E. Daminabo for their various inputs.

I cannot overlook the important role played by members of Charles family. Mrs. Grace Ndiomu (Charles’ widow) was great. She was ever ready to answer my phone calls to supply me the particular information I required. Next was Mrs. Ebizi Rosemary Brown (Charles’ first daughter) who buzzed my line incessantly and paid me three visits, prodding me to accomplish this assignment. Mrs. Brown rummaged through her father’s files and documents and brought out some of the relevant ones to me. Professor Nelson Brambaifa (Charles’ nephew) was great. He was the initial linkman between Mrs. Ebizi Brown and myself and he never got tired of answering questions relating to this project. Mr. Ebibomo Omemu (Charles’ relation), provided me many facts relating to the traditional settings of the Odoni Kingdom.

The contributions by Lieutenant General Jerry Useni, mni, and Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Mohammed Fika, mni (course mates of General Charles Ndiomu in 1981 at NIPSS, Kuru); Major General (Dr.) S.K. Oni and Colonel Eddy Vincent (worked under Charles as younger officers); Elder Aham Okolie, and Senator John K. Brambaifa (Charles’ student and pupil respectively, at Ibusa (Delta State) and Agbere (Bayelsa State) were invaluable. It is a great privilege to have the benefit of their vast knowledge and experience. May Dr. Ibrahim Braimah’s soul continue to rest in peace. Some of the notes he took relating to this project were useful to me. I also wish to thank Julie Sanda, and Dr. Istifanus Zabadi, of the National Defence College, Abuja for their encouragement.

A big hug to my daughters, Damiete Elaine and Datokini Afonyaa. They helped me to proof-read some aspects of the manuscript. To my wife Monima, for her moral support which is much appreciated.

Deinbo A. Briggs, mni

February, 2012

CHAPTER 1

THE GENEALOGY

Paternal Lineage

Charles Bebeye Ndiomu hailed from Gbekibor Quarters of Odoni town in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. One local tradition states that the name Odoni derives from the son of Kulma of Otunwa town in Ogbein clan. He, Odoni, (Kulma’s son), migrated first from Otunwa to Sagbagrigha town in Kolokuma Kingdom and later moved to found Odoni in a location called Eweri. This is along the River Nun, north of Kolokuma, located between Odi and the present site of Odoni. Odoni is therefore traced to Orubiri Compound in Otunwa.

Charles’ father’s native name was Ndiomu and his English name was Glasgow. His grandfather’s name was Ekussah, and Ekussah was born by Adokwu. Adokwu gave birth not only to Ekussah but also to Okuoru who gave birth to Okogba and Emeseri. Apart from Ndiomu, Ekussah also gave birth to Omemu (son), who was of the same mother with Ndiomu. Onyumuru was Ekussah’s daughter who also was of the same mother with Omemu and Ndiomu. Ekussah also had Orie and Annah (both daughters) who were of a different mother. All the children and descendants of Adokwu essentially constitute Adokwu-Ware Compound in Gbekibor Quarters.

The paternal lineage of Ndiomu Ekussah Adokwu can therefore, be traced to Odoni, the founder of Odoni town as illustrated in the family tree on the next page:

Family%20Tree-2_edited.jpg

Charles’ Father

Chief Glasgow Ndiomu Ekussah was a Prince. The system of becoming the Amananaowei (Paramount King) of Odoni was unique, especially, in the 1920s and 1930s. First of all, an adult male must belong to a Quarter in Odoni and then grow in stature and wealth and become a Chief in that Quarter. It was the oldest amongst the Chiefs that occupied the Amananaowei stool and serve as the King of Odoni. Those who hailed from Odoni were quite conscious of that royalty right from the outset. Charles and his siblings looked up to the time Chief Ndiomu Ekussah would become the Amananowei but unfortunately, he never lived long enough to be the oldest and be installed. He was a blue-blooded gentleman, a Chief, and a leader in the town. For instance, white men who were visitors, like the District or Divisional Officer and others, would call at Chief Ndiomu Ekussah’s place as part of their itinerary. Although they would visit the Amananaowei quite alright, yet they would stop-by at Chief Ekussah’s, revealing how popular he was at that time. Perhaps, one would argue that in the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is the King. What used to be referred to as a Quarter in Odoni has since 2006 been upgraded to the status of a town with its own Amananaowei. Thus, Gbekibor Quarter is now Gbekibor town, having the ‘Oduo’ (Amananaowei) of Gbekibor; Opu-Odoni Quarter is now Opu-Odoni town, having The Oluo (Amananowei) of Opu-Odoni; while Tamu-Odoni Quarter is now Tamu-Odoni town, having The Odiagruawari (Amananaowei) of Tamu-Odoni. Those three towns grouped together form the present Odoni Kingdom with a King known as ‘The Abubu’ of Odoni Kingdom. He is the Paramount Ruler, and the Amananaoweis comprising Oduo, Oluo and Odiagruawari are under him.

Maternal Lineage

Charles’ mother was Miss Metoru Okah, an Isoko lady who married Chief Ndiomu Ekussah. Her baptismal name was Mary. She had a younger brother called Clark, who was of the same parents with her.

Okah, the father of Mrs. Metoru Ndiomu was the son of Efuoge, interpreted in Ijaw language as ‘Beseri pere ama’ meaning the ‘wealthy ones of our time’. Efuoge was the son of Abebe, and Abebe was the son of Urezu who traced his roots to Uzoro, an Isoko town.

The name of Okah’s mother was Madam Ochaho, while Metoru mother’s name was Atase. Atase’s father was Newuka and her mother was Ogbehovie. Charles Ndiomus’ maternal lineage can thus be illustrated in a tree diagram as follows:

Family%20Tree-1_edited2.jpg

Charles contended that his mother Mrs. Metoru Mary Ndiomu Ekussah was his heroine. Like many, she came probably before her time. The pitch darkness and pains of those years never for once beclouded her clear vision for herself and her children. The view and hope for light at the end of the tunnel was fueled by her personal relationship with an intense faith in God Almighty. Like a baby clings to the mother, Mrs. Metoru Ndiomu Ekussah trusted in the Almighty God to the end, and God, in the fullness of His time, delivered miracles to His stead, even after Mrs. Metoru Ndiomu’s death. Charles further remarked, quoting the Bible as a true Christian that "God owns and controls the heavens