PHILIP EFIONG'S LEGACY
General Philip Efiong,
Akangkang Ibiono Ibom
(November 18 1925-November 6 2003) Ikot Akpan Obong in Utit Obio Clan of Ibiono L.G.A of Akwa Ibom State.
It was unfortunate that Nigeria did not recognise the effort Efiong made to find peace.
History would recall the role he played at a critical time in Africa bloodiest civil war (Biafra and Nigeria).
General Efiong was a brave soldier whom any respectable Nigeria-Biafra historical record would remain incomplete without his name.
We must all keep his memory alive.
He was a man of integrity who never lost sight of what he fought for.
According to Etubong Bassey "Efiong was a constant reminder to the non-igbo east that whether we like it or not our destiny is tied up with that of the igbos".
Nigeria succeeded in deceiving some non igbos that Biafra will en slave us if we secede,
After the war,
They came up with the policy of 3Rs of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation which was not true but only deceived the former eastern region.
The killings of our people was carefully planned by Nigerians, that was why the Government of Nigeria never condemned it.
Our people were slaughtered like animals,
Homes and property burned down,
Our women raped,
Pregnant women and unborn babies killed and the international bodies remained silent.
Etubong Bassey added "Efiong drew our attention to the fact that whether we support Biafra or not,
The community of guilt in Eastern Nigeria is assured and that if we do not take strong counter prevailing action in concept with the Igbos we are doomed to supporting either North or West in unending Nigeria crises".