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How Ojukwu ‘deliberately frustrated’ Nigeria’s last peace chance before Civil War — Gowon

Published

3 months ago

May 21, 2026

Biafra Civil War: Gowon says Igbo bank depositors were fully paid, defends Awolowo over £20 policy

Yakubu Gowon and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu

How Ojukwu ‘deliberately frustrated’ Nigeria’s last peace chance before Civil War — Gowon

ABUJA — Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has reopened one of the most painful chapters in Nigeria’s history, accusing late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, of frustrating repeated efforts to stop the country from sliding into civil war. The claim is contained in Gowon’s newly released 859-page autobiography, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” which offers a deeply personal account of the failed peace talks, political mistrust, and constitutional disputes that shattered negotiations between the federal military government and the Eastern Region before the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War. Gowon, now 92 years old, spoke extensively in the autobiography about the tensions that followed the January and July 1966 coups and the events that eventually pushed Nigeria into a 30-month war that claimed an estimated one to three million lives. The book was launched at a well-attended ceremony at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Ojukwu deliberately and effectively thwarted every effort we made to amicably resolve our national issues,” Gowon wrote in the memoir. The former military ruler said several attempts were made to reach a political settlement after the killings of Igbos in parts of Northern Nigeria triggered outrage, fear, and growing separatist pressure in the Eastern Region. According to him, the federal military government agreed to the January 1967 meeting in Aburi, Ghana, believing dialogue could still prevent the collapse of the federation. “We went to Aburi with open minds and with the sincere hope of finding a basis for national reconciliation,” Gowon wrote. The meeting, brokered by former Ghanaian leader Lt.-Gen. Joseph Arthur Ankrah, brought together Nigeria’s top military officers at a time the country was already under severe strain from coups, ethnic killings, and deepening distrust within the armed forces.

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But Gowon said the talks ran into trouble after both sides returned from Ghana with different interpretations of what had been agreed. In a separate interview on Arise TV, Gowon provided further details on the fundamental disagreement that derailed the accord, revealing that Ojukwu’s demand for regional control of military forces was a red line the federal government could not cross. “Although we said that the military would be zoned, you know, the control… he wanted, you know, those zones to be commanded by the governor. Say you have a military zone in the north, it would be commanded by the governor of the military in the north; the military zone in the east would be commanded by, you know, by him,” Gowon explained. “Of course, we did not agree with that one.” Gowon emphasized that the federal delegation never intended the summit to serve as a platform for constitutional restructuring or military devolution. “What was presented by Ojukwu as the Aburi Accord was, in reality, his own interpretation of our discussions,” he wrote.

The former leader also disclosed that he was unwell upon returning from the summit and unable to respond promptly to the terms Ojukwu had announced publicly, which he said led to confusion. “Unfortunately, I know people would not believe it, I was having a serious attack of a kind of fever or whatever it is, and I could not make a decision,” he noted. Gowon accused Ojukwu of acting unilaterally by announcing the accord’s outcome without mutual clarification. To address the ambiguity, Gowon said the federal government organized a follow-up meeting in Benin City with all regional governors — an effort Ojukwu ultimately snubbed, citing safety concerns. “We had to organise a meeting of all the governors. And he was invited to attend so that we can deal with the Accord. And we met at Nifo in Benin. And he did not turn up,” Gowon recounted. He expressed regret that the opportunity to salvage the accord was lost due to Ojukwu’s absence. “If he had come to that meeting, we could have resolved it.”

Beyond the diplomatic breakdown, Gowon’s autobiography contains explosive allegations that Ojukwu was secretly preparing for war even as peace talks progressed. The former head of state claimed that the Eastern Region’s arms build-up suffered a setback in October 1966 after a DC-4 aircraft carrying weapons crashed in the hills of Northern Cameroon. “It did not matter that his plan was to buy some more time to enable him to stockpile arms and ammunition. We were also mindful that he had cleverly planned to apply the brakes on our ability to deploy the numerical advantage of the existing firepower of the Nigerian Army,” Gowon wrote. In a dramatic revelation, Gowon’s autobiography alleges that France supported Ojukwu’s secessionist efforts in exchange for control of Biafra’s mineral deposits. The former head of state wrote that Ojukwu mortgaged the mineral wealth of Biafra to the Rothschild banking family for approximately $10 million (about N5 million at the time) to secure French-backed support for the rebel government. According to Gowon, as the war intensified, France provided the rebel government with enormous support through the former African territories it controlled, with the backing provided in exchange for what France hoped to gain from a successful Biafran breakaway. The true depth of the transaction only became known when the Nigerian Consulate in New York intercepted intelligence on a B-26 aircraft purchase routed through a South American country.

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Gowon further alleged that Ojukwu confirmed the arms stockpiling during a meeting in Enugu in May 1967 with a delegation of the National Conciliation Committee comprising Obafemi Awolowo, Samuel Aluko, Jereton Mariere, and J.I.C. Onyia. According to Gowon, Ojukwu declared during that meeting that the Eastern Region had attained “equality of arms,” which would allow it to negotiate Nigeria’s future from a position of strength. Gowon quoted Ojukwu as saying: “Quietly I built up. If you do not know it, I am proud, and my officers are proud, that here in the East we possess the biggest army in Black Africa. I am no longer speaking as an underdog; I am speaking from a position of power.” However, Gowon dismissed Ojukwu’s claim as exaggeration, insisting that federal forces still maintained a clear military advantage. “I did not believe Ojukwu’s play to the gallery; I only said to myself that we would see about that,” he wrote.

The memoir also sheds light on the early tensions between the two leaders, revealing that Ojukwu opposed Gowon’s emergence as Head of State after the July 1966 counter-coup. Gowon disclosed that Ojukwu preferred Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe, the most senior officer in the army hierarchy, to succeed the murdered Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. “Ojukwu refused my offer of friendship. By extension, he wilfully refused to recognise my leadership,” Gowon wrote. Despite Ojukwu’s refusal to recognise his authority, Gowon said he retained him as military governor of the Eastern Region in what he described as an altruistic decision. “My decision to retain Ojukwu in office was altogether altruistic though subsequent events made it seem a huge mistake,” he wrote. Gowon also revealed that he personally intervened to stop any move against Ojukwu, as some northern officers believed the Eastern governor was complicit in the January 15, 1966 coup that led to the assassination of key northern political and military leaders.

Gowon also defended the federal military government’s decision to create 12 states shortly before Biafra’s declaration, saying the move was aimed at addressing fears of domination among minority ethnic groups. According to him, several minority communities in the old Eastern Region wanted direct recognition from the federal government and feared being politically overshadowed. “The creation of states was intended to give all groups a sense of belonging within Nigeria,” he wrote. Gowon rejected claims that the federal government was eager for war, insisting that military confrontation became unavoidable only after the declaration of Biafra on May 30, 1967. The former military ruler also defended the ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ policy announced at the end of the Civil War in January 1970, saying reconciliation and reintegration were necessary to rebuild the country after years of bloodshed. “We fought to keep Nigeria one, not to destroy a people,” Gowon wrote. “We had to think about the future of the country beyond the bitterness of war,” he added. “We exhausted every peaceful avenue available to us. But Nigeria had to survive.”

Gowon’s claims have not gone unchallenged. The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, swiftly rejected the former head of state’s account, accusing him of rewriting history. The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Ikechukwu Oji, insisted that Gowon was the one who reneged on the Aburi Peace Accord. “The Aburi Peace Accord was signed and the specific terms and conditions were stated in a document that is available in the archive,” Oji said. “Unfortunately, after Gowon got home from Ghana, he was wrongly advised by some international bodies and locals not to implement the agreement that had been signed.” Similarly, a group called Rising Sun accused Gowon of distorting history, arguing that the demand for regional control of security forces was a legitimate push for justice and true federalism. “If Nigeria had followed the Aburi Accord in its true form, there would have been no war. There would have been no genocide,” the group’s statement read.

The Aburi meeting, held from January 4–5, 1967, was one of the last-ditch efforts to preserve Nigeria’s unity in the face of mounting ethnic tensions. The failure to implement the accord ultimately paved the way for the declaration of the Republic of Biafra and the onset of a brutal civil war. The book presentation attracted significant financial backing from Nigeria’s economic elite, with former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma donating three billion naira and ordering copies distributed to twenty university libraries. Industrialist Aliko Dangote contributed 500 million naira, while businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu purchased copies worth 25 million naira. Speaking at the launch, former President Goodluck Jonathan lamented that valuable chapters of West African history are routinely lost when key actors remain silent, while Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah described the volume as an important masterclass in selfless stewardship.

How Ojukwu ‘deliberately frustrated’ Nigeria’s last peace chance before Civil War — Gowon

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Armed Men Raze ADC Chieftain’s House, Beat Family Members in Rivers Attack

Published

32 minutes ago

August 19, 2026

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Armed Men Raze ADC Chieftain’s House, Beat Family Members in Rivers Attack

Thomas Isaiah recounts harrowing ordeal as political violence escalates in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

A family building belonging to a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Thomas Isaiah, has been set ablaze by unidentified armed men in Aluu community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The attack, which occurred hours after Isaiah hosted a youth sensitisation meeting at his compound, has raised fresh concerns about political violence in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections. Isaiah, who serves as Chief Whip and Alternate Leader of ADC in Aluu, alleged that the attack was politically motivated and that the assailants were sponsored by an opposition political party bent on frustrating the ADC’s activities in Ikwerre Local Government Area. The incident follows a pattern of escalating attacks on opposition figures in Rivers State, with observers condemning the development as a dangerous escalation of political intolerance that threatens the democratic process in the region.

Isaiah told Nigerian Tribune that the incident occurred after he held a brief youth sensitisation meeting at his compound in Aluu on the day of the attack. He stated that the meeting was peaceful, starting around 9:00 am and concluding by 12 noon, with all attendees returning to their homes without incident. Later that night, around midnight, Isaiah received a warning call from an anonymous person advising him to take cover and be careful of his movements. “Since this is a security issue, I had to leave my house to stay with my friend,” Isaiah recounted. While staying with his friend, Isaiah fell asleep. When he woke up after 2:00 am, he discovered about 19 missed calls on his phone. Upon returning the calls, he learned that armed men had invaded his compound and set the building ablaze, leaving him to grapple with the devastating news from a distance while his family endured the attack.

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Isaiah returned to his compound the following morning to confirm the extent of the damage. He discovered that his house had been completely burnt down, along with tenant apartments, leaving families displaced and without shelter. His certificates and all his personal documents were destroyed in the fire, representing years of personal history and professional achievements reduced to ashes. “My mother was beaten, my grandmother was beaten. Everyone in my compound was tortured,” Isaiah stated, describing the brutal assault on his family members. The physical violence meted out to his elderly relatives has drawn particular outrage, with critics condemning the attackers for targeting vulnerable family members in what appears to be an act of political intimidation designed to instill fear and silence opposition voices.

Some ADC members in the area alleged that the attack was carried out by thugs led by a man identified as Docko, who is said to serve as the Chief Security Officer of the local government. The allegations further claimed that Docko and members of the Organized Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC) assaulted Isaiah’s mother before setting fire to the family building. The alleged involvement of OSPAC, a community-based security outfit operating in parts of Rivers State, has raised questions about the limits of the group’s authority and the need for security agencies to establish the facts surrounding the incident. It is important to note that the allegations against the suspected OSPAC members have not yet been independently verified, and no conclusion should be drawn regarding responsibility until the appropriate authorities complete their investigation. This distinction is crucial to ensure that innocent parties are not wrongly accused and that justice is served based on concrete evidence rather than speculation.

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The attack on Isaiah’s residence comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Rivers State. Earlier in March 2026, suspected political thugs attacked the ADC secretariat in Ubima community and the convoy of former Minister of Transportation and ADC chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi. The ADC South-South Zone condemned those attacks as a dangerous escalation of political intimidation against opposition parties, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemning the incidents as an “assault on democracy” that should not be allowed to fester. In a separate incident, the ADC had raised the alarm over what it described as intimidation of opposition political parties, following a directive by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area banning all forms of public gatherings without prior approval from his office. The party argued that the directive posed a threat to constitutional democracy and political participation, effectively stifling legitimate political expression in the area and creating an environment conducive to further violence.

The Rivers State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest attack on Isaiah’s residence at the time of reporting. Efforts to obtain official reactions from the police command were unsuccessful as of filing this report, leaving residents and political stakeholders in a state of uncertainty about the security situation. The incident has generated concern among residents and political stakeholders, with many calling for increased police presence and proactive measures to prevent further violence. As the 2027 elections approach, stakeholders are urging all parties to eschew violence and embrace dialogue, warning that the current trajectory of political violence could have grave consequences for Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole. The attack on Isaiah’s residence serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of political tolerance in the region and the urgent need for security agencies to act decisively to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law.

Armed Men Raze ADC Chieftain’s House, Beat Family Members in Rivers Attack

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Lagos declares Thursday work-free for 2026 Isese Day celebration

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1 hour ago

August 19, 2026

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos declares Thursday work-free for 2026 Isese Day celebration

The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to allow residents, visitors and traditional worshippers participate in activities marking the 2026 Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day celebration.

The annual observance, which celebrates Yoruba indigenous culture, spirituality and heritage, is expected to attract more than three million participants, according to the state government.

The declaration was announced on Wednesday by Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as more than a public holiday, saying the celebration provides an opportunity to promote and preserve Yoruba traditions while showcasing Lagos as a destination for cultural tourism.

“Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” Aregbe said.

He said the celebration would allow Lagos residents and visitors to experience various aspects of indigenous culture through traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and cultural displays dedicated to the Òrìṣà.

The 2026 celebration is the culmination of a week-long programme of traditional activities being coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN).

Aregbe said the continued observance of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe demonstrates the resilience of Yoruba culture and its ability to remain relevant across generations.

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He estimated the global Yoruba population at more than 55 million and noted that Yoruba cultural and spiritual traditions have also survived among diaspora communities in countries such as Cuba, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.

“When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” he said.

The Lagos Government has designated Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as a work-free day since 2023, following a request from the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The policy has continued under the Sanwo-Olu administration as part of its stated commitment to promoting indigenous values, cultural preservation and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ development agenda.

Aregbe commended the governor for maintaining the annual declaration and recognised the contribution of traditional rulers and other custodians of Yoruba heritage.

He specifically acknowledged the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, royal fathers, White Cap Chiefs, Babaláwo, Ìyánífá, Olóòrìṣà and other cultural practitioners involved in preserving indigenous traditions.

The large-scale celebration is expected to feature activities across different parts of Lagos, with participants observing traditional rites and cultural programmes associated with Yoruba indigenous religion.

The state government urged participants to celebrate peacefully and respectfully, particularly given the expected turnout.

Aregbe said the celebration also reflects Lagos’ reputation as a diverse society where people from different cultural and religious backgrounds live and participate in public life.

“Three million voices rising in honour of tradition is not noise. It is history, faith and cultural pride in harmony,” he said.

He added that the celebration should not be viewed as an event reserved only for traditional worshippers.

“Whether you worship in a mosque, a church or a grove, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day belongs to you, because heritage has no denomination. Lagos remains the city where every heritage finds its place,” Aregbe said.

The August 20 work-free declaration means public servants and government institutions covered by the directive will not conduct normal official business on Thursday. Government activities are expected to resume on Friday, August 21.

The development comes as Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day continues to receive official recognition in parts of southwestern Nigeria, where traditional institutions and cultural organisations have advocated greater recognition of indigenous festivals and heritage.

Beyond its religious significance, supporters say the annual celebration provides an avenue to preserve indigenous knowledge, music, language, traditional arts and cultural practices while creating opportunities for cultural tourism.

For Lagos, the 2026 celebration is also expected to reinforce the state’s efforts to position its cultural heritage as part of its tourism offering.

With millions expected to participate, the state government has called on residents and visitors to observe the celebration peacefully and respect the different religious and cultural traditions represented in Lagos.

Lagos declares Thursday work-free for 2026 Isese Day celebration

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South African Consulate Denies Visa Restrictions on Nigerians

Published

1 hour ago

August 19, 2026

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South African Consulate Denies Visa Restrictions on Nigerians

Consul General confirms visa services continue as normal and introduces new digital travel system

The South African Consulate in Lagos has officially debunked reports that it has stopped issuing visas to Nigerians due to ongoing anti-migrant protests in South Africa. Consul General of South Africa, Prof. Bobby Moroe, made the clarification during a round-table organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) themed “South Africa’s Xenophobia in Comparative Perspective”. He assured that no Nigerian applicant who qualifies for a visa will be denied entry into the country, offering a firm rebuttal to widespread speculation that visa services had been suspended amid rising tensions.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Moroe emphasised that visa issuance remains ongoing despite heightened concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. He stated, “Visas continue to be issued in spite of the ongoing protests and Nigerians are still visiting the country for tourism and other legitimate purposes. We wish to make it clear again that Nigerians under these circumstances faced today will never be discriminated against. No basis will justify why your visa is rejected except that you, for one reason or another may not have qualified with the requirements of the visa.” The Consul General stressed that visa applications would be considered on their individual merits and in accordance with established immigration requirements, drawing a clear distinction between domestic protests and South Africa’s official visa policy, which remains unchanged and non-discriminatory toward Nigerian nationals.

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Prof. Moroe also announced the recent introduction of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), describing it as a digital system designed to simplify and accelerate travel authorisation for prospective visitors. The new system reduces documentation requirements and replaces aspects of the traditional visa application process, allowing travellers to apply through their mobile devices, which makes the process faster, safer and more convenient. However, it is important to note that Nigeria is not currently among the four countries covered by the initial ETA rollout, as the system remains a future expansion priority for South Africa, meaning Nigerian travellers will still follow the existing visa application procedure for now.

The reassurance comes amid data showing that visa applications from Nigerians have nearly doubled in recent months, reflecting sustained interest in travel to South Africa for business, tourism and education. Despite persistent safety concerns and the repatriation of over 1,400 Nigerians affected by previous xenophobic violence, Prof. Moroe insisted that “South Africa is open for business, South Africa is open for tourism, and South Africa is open for any other form of visit,” signalling that the country remains welcoming to legitimate travellers from Nigeria.

South African missions in Nigeria have confirmed that their visa sections in Lagos and Abuja remain accessible and are actively receiving applications. Key requirements for Nigerian applicants include a completed visa application form with two passport-size photographs, a valid Nigerian passport that must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your return date, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, which is mandatory for travellers from Nigeria and is the most commonly mishandled requirement—it must be presented as the original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), not a photocopy or photo. Applicants are also required to provide bank statements showing six months of financial history, along with proof of accommodation and return flight booking. Processing takes a minimum of 15 working days, so early application is strongly advised. The Consul General urged Nigerian travellers to familiarise themselves with South African laws, understand their rights, and know the locations of law enforcement agencies in case of emergencies, ensuring they are well-prepared for their stay.

The clarification comes against the backdrop of persistent xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced protests, hostility and attacks over claims surrounding unemployment and economic competition. Nigerians have been among the foreign nationals affected by previous episodes of xenophobic violence, making reports of any possible restriction on their entry into South Africa particularly sensitive. The Consul-General’s intervention aims to reassure the Nigerian public that no blanket restrictions have been imposed and that eligible travellers will continue to be granted travel authorisation, reinforcing the message that diplomatic ties remain strong and that South Africa values its relationship with Nigeria.