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Onoh Counters Gowon, Says Federal Govt Betrayed Aburi Accord

Published

2 months ago

May 22, 2026

Abdulsalami Reveals Why Ojukwu Rejected Gowon as Nigeria’s Leader

Yakubu Gowon and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu

Onoh Counters Gowon, Says Federal Govt Betrayed Aburi Accord

Josef Onoh, Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly and former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has strongly challenged recent comments by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, over the collapse of the historic Aburi Accord and the events that led to the Nigerian Civil War.

In a detailed statement made available to journalists, Onoh argued that the failure of the 1967 Aburi Accord was caused primarily by what he described as the Federal Government’s refusal to fully implement agreements reached in Ghana, rather than the alleged intransigence of the late Biafran leader, Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

The statement followed recent remarks credited to Gowon in his newly released memoir, My Life of Service and Allegiance, where the former military ruler reportedly accused Ojukwu of frustrating peace efforts and misrepresenting the agreements reached during the January 1967 talks in Aburi, Ghana.

However, Onoh insisted that available historical evidence contradicts that position.

Drawing from years of personal discussions with Ojukwu, who was his late brother-in-law, as well as interactions with late Biafran war commanders including Col. Joe Achuzie and former Biafran second-in-command, Maj. Gen. Philip Effiong, Onoh said his account reflects firsthand historical perspectives from key participants in the conflict.

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According to him, the Aburi meeting held between January 4 and 5, 1967, under the mediation of former Ghanaian leader Gen. Joseph Arthur Ankrah, produced clear resolutions aimed at preserving Nigeria’s unity amid worsening ethnic tensions and political instability after the 1966 coups.

He said the agreements included greater regional autonomy, decentralisation of military command, unanimous decision-making within the Supreme Military Council and commitments by all sides to avoid the use of force.

“The atmosphere was cordial, with both leaders actively participating. Upon his return, Ojukwu publicly broadcast the accords and adopted the position ‘On Aburi We Stand,’” Onoh stated.

According to him, opposition to the agreement emerged almost immediately after the Federal Government delegation returned to Lagos.

Onoh alleged that federal permanent secretaries and senior advisers opposed aspects of the accord because they believed the resolutions moved Nigeria toward a confederal arrangement that significantly weakened the central government.

He said the disagreement later resulted in the promulgation of Decree No. 8 of 1967, which the Eastern Region interpreted as a major departure from the original spirit of the Aburi Accord.

According to Onoh, the decree diluted understandings reached in Ghana, particularly on issues relating to military authority, emergency powers and regional autonomy.

“Ojukwu warned that non-implementation of the accord would leave the East with no option but self-help,” he said.

The former presidential spokesman further argued that several historical documents, eyewitness testimonies and declassified materials support claims that the Federal Military Government later retreated from key understandings reached during the talks.

He maintained that Ojukwu attended the peace meeting in good faith and remained committed to avoiding war, but growing distrust and the failure to reassure Eastern Nigerians after the anti-Igbo killings of 1966 ultimately deepened the crisis.

Onoh recalled Ojukwu expressing disappointment over what he perceived as betrayal by the Federal Government following the massacres of Easterners in parts of Northern Nigeria and disagreements over implementation of the accord.

He quoted Ojukwu as once referring to Gowon as “my friend Gowon turned bandit,” adding that similar sentiments were allegedly echoed years later by Maj. Gen. Philip Effiong.

The former Tinubu spokesman also noted that Ojukwu, an Oxford-trained historian and one of the most senior military officers of his era, later documented his interpretation of the crisis in his memoir, Because I Am Involved.

While acknowledging Gowon’s post-war “No Victor, No Vanquished” reconciliation policy, Onoh warned that renewed disputes over the Nigerian Civil War risk reopening painful national wounds more than 50 years later.

“A true statesman prioritises national healing over vindication, especially on wounds that are still healing slowly more than 50 years later,” he said.

Onoh urged Nigerians, historians and younger generations to rely on official recordings of the Aburi Accord, historical broadcasts, documentary evidence and balanced academic scholarship instead of one-sided narratives.

“History thrives on truth that unites, not narratives that divide. Let us learn from Aburi’s failure: genuine dialogue and faithful implementation matter far more than signed agreements in an atmosphere of mistrust,” he added.

Onoh Counters Gowon, Says Federal Govt Betrayed Aburi Accord

Related Topics:Aburi Accord civil war Ojukwu

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Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

Published

3 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

A promising young Nigerian’s dream of becoming a medical doctor has been tragically cut short after Nnani Adaobi Marian, a 23-year-old final-year student of Kharkiv National Medical University (KNMU), died from injuries sustained in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, just days before her graduation.

Marian died on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at a specialist hospital in Germany, where she had been receiving intensive medical treatment after suffering catastrophic injuries during a Russian aerial bombardment on June 29.

The Nigerian student had travelled to Kharkiv with her close friend, Fatima Huseynova, for their graduation ceremony after both had continued their studies remotely from Azerbaijan following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The two friends were reportedly on their way to a graduation photoshoot on June 29 when Russian forces launched a guided aerial bomb attack on Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirskyi district.

Huseynova was killed instantly in the explosion, while Marian sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Kharkiv before being transferred to Germany for advanced treatment.

Despite the efforts of medical teams in both Ukraine and Germany, Marian succumbed to her injuries nearly a week later.

The graduation ceremony was scheduled for June 30, making the tragedy all the more heartbreaking for her family, classmates and lecturers.

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In a statement confirming her death, Kharkiv National Medical University described Marian as one of its brightest and most dedicated students.

“As a result of enemy shelling, Nnani Adaobi Marian was seriously injured. Doctors fought for her life until the last moment, first in Kharkiv and later in Germany. Everyone sympathised, helped and hoped for her recovery, but unfortunately, despite the doctors’ efforts, they could not save her,” the university said.

The institution said Marian enrolled in the university in 2020 and distinguished herself through academic excellence, compassion and commitment to the medical profession.

According to the university, she participated in international medical training programmes at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and Biruni University in Türkiye in 2025, where she further developed her clinical skills and contributed to scientific research.

The university described her as “bright, sincere and kind-hearted,” noting that she was admired for her humility, strong work ethic and unwavering passion for helping others.

Family members disclosed that Marian suffered devastating injuries during the attack, including severe burns, multiple shrapnel wounds, significant eye injuries and the amputation of one leg.

She was reportedly treated for burns covering about 90 per cent of her body before doctors transferred her to Germany in a last effort to save her life.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the June 29 bombardment formed part of a wider wave of Russian attacks targeting the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

The attacks reportedly killed at least 14 civilians and injured 98 others, highlighting the continuing humanitarian consequences of the more than four-year Russia-Ukraine war.

Marian’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nigeria and within the international academic community, with tributes describing her as an exceptionally gifted student whose lifelong ambition of becoming a doctor was cruelly interrupted just days before graduation.

The tragedy has also renewed concerns about the safety and welfare of international students studying in conflict zones, as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

For many Nigerians following the war, Marian’s death has become a poignant reminder of the devastating human cost of armed conflict and the countless lives and aspirations that continue to be lost far from home.

Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

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ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

Published

4 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has officially commenced its 2026 recruitment exercise, opening applications for qualified Nigerians seeking employment in the Corps across the Officer, Marshal Inspectorate (MI) and Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) cadres.

The recruitment portal opened on Friday, July 3, 2026, and applications will remain open for four weeks through the official FRSC recruitment portal.

The Corps has emphasised that the recruitment exercise is completely free, warning applicants against paying money to individuals or organisations claiming to offer employment or recruitment assistance.

Prospective applicants are advised to carefully read the eligibility criteria and prepare all required documents before beginning the online registration process.

Who is eligible for the 2026 FRSC recruitment?

To qualify for the 2026 FRSC recruitment, applicants must satisfy the Corps’ general entry requirements.

Applicants must:

Be Nigerian citizens by birth.
Be medically, physically and psychologically fit.
Be of good character and free from any criminal conviction.
Not belong to any secret cult or fraternity.
Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
Meet the minimum height requirement of 1.65 metres for males and 1.58 metres for females.
Possess the minimum academic qualification required for the cadre they intend to apply for.

Applicants who fail to meet these requirements may be disqualified during screening.

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Cadres available in the 2026 FRSC recruitment

The Corps has opened recruitment into three major categories.

Officer Cadre

This category is designed for graduates and professionals with qualifications such as B.Sc., BA, HND, MBBS, LLB, B.Pharm, B.Eng. and other recognised degrees.

Applicants must possess a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate and be between 18 and 35 years of age.

Marshal Inspectorate (MI) Cadre

Candidates with ND, NCE, Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) and other recognised health-related qualifications are eligible.

Applicants must be 18 to 30 years old.

Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) Cadre

The Road Marshal Assistant category is open to applicants with WAEC, NECO or NABTEB qualifications.

Candidates are expected to possess between three and five O’Level credits, depending on the position, including English Language and Mathematics where required.

Drivers, riders and artisans—including mechanics, electricians, welders, plumbers, tailors and other skilled workers—may also apply provided they possess the relevant trade certificates and valid driver’s licence where applicable.

Heavy-duty truck drivers may be considered up to 40 years of age.

Documents required for FRSC recruitment

Before beginning the application, applicants should have the following documents ready:

National Identification Number (NIN)
Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
Local Government Certificate of Origin
Primary and secondary school certificates
Tertiary institution certificates (where applicable)
NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
Professional licences (where applicable)
Trade Test Certificate (for artisans)
Valid driver’s licence (for drivers)
Recent passport photograph
Valid email address
Active mobile phone number

Step-by-step guide to apply for 2026 FRSC recruitment

Step 1: Visit the official recruitment portal

Go to the official FRSC recruitment portal at:

https://recruitment.frsc.gov.ng

Applicants are advised to avoid unofficial websites and recruitment agents.

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Step 2: Create an account

Email address
Phone number
National Identification Number (NIN)

Create a secure password for your account.

Step 3: Verify your email

After registration, check your email inbox and click the activation link sent by the FRSC to verify your account.

Step 4: Complete the online application form

Log into the portal and provide accurate information, including:

Personal details
Educational qualifications
Employment history (where applicable)
Contact information
Next-of-kin details
Referee information

Applicants are advised to ensure all details correspond with their official documents.

Step 5: Upload required documents

Upload scanned copies of all requested credentials and a recent passport photograph.

Ensure the documents are clear, readable and meet the portal’s upload specifications.

Step 6: Review and submit your application

Carefully review every section of the application before submission.

Once satisfied, click the Submit button.

Step 7: Print your acknowledgement slip

Immediately print your completed application form and acknowledgement slip after submission.

The documents will be required during the Computer-Based Test (CBT), physical screening and credential verification for shortlisted candidates.

FRSC warns against recruitment fraud

The Federal Road Safety Corps has reiterated that the recruitment exercise is entirely free of charge.

Applicants have been advised not to pay money to anyone claiming to facilitate employment into the Corps.

The FRSC also urged candidates to use only their personal email addresses and telephone numbers throughout the recruitment process, as all official notifications—including CBT invitations, screening schedules and shortlisting updates—will be communicated through the contact details provided during registration.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the portal closes and regularly monitor the official recruitment portal for updates.

ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

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Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

Published

4 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

The controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC) has taken a new turn after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reportedly arrested the father of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, the man facing criminal charges over his alleged role as the council’s Director-General.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, described the arrest as unlawful, insisting that Nigerian law does not permit the arrest of relatives in place of criminal suspects.

Falana disclosed on Monday that police officers stormed the Adeniyi family residence at Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where they arrested Adeniyi’s father during a raid.

According to him, a family friend who had visited the residence on Monday morning was also taken into custody.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Falana questioned the legal basis for the operation, maintaining that the suspect had already undertaken to appear before the court.

“Police have now stormed the house of the parents of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso.

“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to show up in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.

Eyewitnesses in the area reportedly said the officers arrived in multiple vehicles before taking the elderly man away. Residents also claimed the operation caused panic within the neighbourhood, while Adeniyi’s elderly mother was left distressed by the incident.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued any official statement explaining the arrests.

The latest development adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC), an organisation the Presidency has maintained is not a legally recognised government agency.

Prince Adeniyi is currently facing criminal charges, including forgery, impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, and other related offences.

Federal authorities allege that he falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council using forged appointment letters and official documents to project the PFIPC as a legitimate federal institution.

However, Adeniyi has denied the allegations, insisting that his appointment was genuine and that he will defend himself before the court.

Falana has consistently argued that allegations against Adeniyi should be determined strictly through the judicial process. The senior lawyer recently maintained that the Presidency lacks constitutional powers to declare anyone guilty or innocent of criminal allegations, stressing that such decisions remain the exclusive responsibility of the courts.

He also warned against actions capable of intimidating parties connected to the case while proceedings remain before the court.

Beyond the criminal trial, the controversy has triggered broader questions about how the alleged council reportedly operated for months.

Falana has called for an independent investigation into claims that the organisation maintained offices within the Federal Secretariat, allegedly operated bank accounts, interacted with public institutions and even appeared in the 2026 Federal Budget, despite government officials insisting that the council never legally existed.

The senior lawyer has also urged authorities to identify any public officials who may have facilitated the activities of the alleged organisation.

On its part, the Presidency has distanced itself from the PFIPC, describing the organisation as fictitious while directing security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the police, to investigate everyone connected with the alleged scheme.

The criminal case against Adeniyi remains before the court, with no judicial determination yet made on the allegations.

The reported arrest of his father has, however, introduced a fresh legal and human rights dimension to a case that continues to generate national attention.