In moments of political uncertainty, societies reveal both their strengths and their weaknesses. For Ndi Igbo, these last few years have been nothing short of a prolonged station of the cross—marked by trials, missteps, betrayals, and painful misunderstandings. In the midst of these hardships, one would expect sobriety, introspection, and strategic unity. Instead, a disturbing trend has emerged: the reckless trolling and demonization of respected Igbo voices, the latest victim being Lady Bianca Ojukwu.
It is necessary, therefore, to address this dangerous development without equivocation.
Recently, faceless social-media actors concocted wild narratives painting Lady Bianca Ojukwu as an accomplice to the tribulations of Ndi Igbo and particularly Nnamdi Kanu. Despite the verifiable fact that she was in Zanzibar on an official government assignment, these trolls fabricated a parallel reality transporting her to the United States to “justify genocide.” This is not satire. It is not harmless digital banter. It is pure, unfiltered malice.
These lies inflict deep and lasting harm.
First, they demoralize those who should lead the political solution. Negotiation requires wisdom, stature, and credibility. When a revered figure like Lady Bianca is dragged through the mud, those watching from the sidelines conclude that stepping forward is dangerous.
Second, such defamatory outbursts poison the trust needed for dialogue and reconciliation. No nation or group survives without trusted intermediaries. When we destroy our own bridges, we leave ourselves stranded.
Third, reckless trolling discourages influential Igbo voices from speaking courageously. The fear of mob attacks silences reasoned positions and pushes moderates away from public engagement.
Fourth, and perhaps most wounding, these attacks fracture Igbo unity at a time when unity is most essential. No political solution, no matter how well-designed, can succeed in a climate where leaders are demonized by the very people they seek to uplift.
The truth is simple: we cannot insult our way into victory. Emotional eruptions, conspiracy theories, and unverified accusations do not serve the Igbo cause. What we need now is emotional intelligence—the calm, strategic, optimized engagement that produces real outcomes.
Bianca Ojukwu is not just another public figure. She is, by every measure, a doyen of our political heritage, the widow of our eternal leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi, whose memory we all revere. To disrespect her is to smear the legacy of Ikemba himself. No serious nation treats its symbolic pillars with such venom.
But beyond condemnation, Ndi Igbo must make clear choices if we are to reinvent ourselves and chart a sustainable future:
1. Choose unity over fragmentation. Disagreement is natural, but disunity is fatal.
2. Choose verification over virality. Let truth—not emotion—guide our discourse.
3. Choose leadership over lynch mobs. Protect those who serve the collective interest.
4. Choose strategic political engagement over digital warfare. Real solutions demand real-world action.
5. Choose dignity. A people who honour their icons preserve their identity.
Our journey may be long, but if we embrace wisdom and reject destructive tendencies, this station of the cross will lead not to despair, but to rebirth.
The Dangerous Trolling of Lady Bianca Ojukwu: A Call for Igbo Reinvention By Dr. Clem Aguiyi
Leave a Reply