Today, I want to share a story that touches the heart of every patriotic Nigerian — a story of betrayal, integrity, and the resilience of a man who built his dream from nothing but received nothing but disrespect in return.

This is the story of Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a man whose generosity and patriotism stand as a testament to his unwavering love for Nigeria, even when it’s apparent that his efforts have been exploited.

For over two decades, Dr. Aniebonam dedicated his life to nurturing and registering the New Nigeria  People Party, NNPP, with the purest intentions of fostering a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or background, can find a platform to voice their aspirations.

Aniebonam, without seeking financial gain or personal reward, handed over his dear creation to a man he believed shared a genuine vision for Nigeria’s progress — Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In 2022, when Kwankwaso and his team approached him from the Northern part of Nigeria to Dr Boniface village in Umuawulu (Anambra State) to meet him. They were on their knees, led by  Buba Galadima to the Eastern part of Nigeria, claiming a desire to contest the presidency under the NNPP banner.

Dr. Aniebonam saw a chance for Nigeria to move forward. With an open heart, he handed the party’s symbol and platform to Kwankwaso, trusting that this leader would honor their agreement and the vision of the party’s founding ideals.

He even facilitated the process, ignoring the internal crises brewing within the party, because his only aim was to see Nigeria’s democracy flourish.

But what did he receive in return? Instead of gratitude, he encountered betrayal. Kwankwaso, instead of upholding the spirit of fairness and respect, blatantly mutilated the party’s constitution, displayed a new logo on live television, and symbolically hijacked the party’s identity — all as an act of betrayal.

All this, even though Dr. Aniebonam didn’t demand a single kobo in return for his sacrifices. His only crime was to believe in the goodness of others and Nigeria’s potential.

This act of payback is not just a personal loss for Dr. Aniebonam, but a national one. Every Igbo man, every Nigerian who dreams of a truly united nation, should carefully understand the deeper implications.

Igbo efforts, like those of Dr. Aniebonam, have always been aimed at building a better, functional Nigeria. Yet, time and again, their sincere endeavours are manipulated, misappropriated, and turned against them, leaving them betrayed by those they once trusted, those they call brothers and sisters.

It’s heartbreaking to witness a patriot who dedicates his life to Nigeria’s progress be regarded as just another obstacle in the game of political power play.

The betrayal hints at a troubling pattern — that genuine efforts rooted in integrity serve as fuel for treachery and betrayal when they clash with personal ambitions. Sadly, this is the reality many Igbo and honest Nigerians face when they dare to stand for truth and progress.

This isn’t just about Dr. Aniebonam. It’s about Nigeria. It’s about whether our nation will continue to allow the few to hijack the collective progress of the many.

It’s a plea to all Nigerians, especially Igbo compatriots, to recognise and stand against such betrayals. Our unity and integrity are our greatest weapons.

Let us remember, Nigeria’s greatness is built on the sacrifices of patriots like Dr. Boniface Aniebonam — men who give their all without asking for material rewards, only expecting fairness and respect. May his story inspire us to build a Nigeria that honours truth, loyalty, and genuine patriotism, and rewards them

Nigeria must heal, justice must prevail, and loyalty to the nation’s founding ideals must be restored.

— A Heartfelt Reflection on Betrayal and Patriotism