Amanze ChinonyeSenator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, has strongly criticized former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, for distorting the history of the Nigerian Civil War.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, Umeh accused Gowon of peddling falsehoods about the war, which he claims was targeted against the Igbo people.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“It is painful that even now, General Gowon would still find the courage to lie about the events of the Civil War, claiming it was not targeted against the Igbo. That’s a blatant distortion of history,” the Senator said.
“Perhaps, Gowon’s memory is failing him at 91, but some of us who worked closely with the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and interviewed him on several occasions know the truth. What Gowon is saying now is a grave misrepresentation,” Umeh argued.
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According to him, “Gowon’s refusal to honor the Aburi Accord lit the fuse for the Biafran War. The Eastern economy, which was once Africa’s fastest-growing, was ruined. Businesses were destroyed, and countless lives were lost.”
Aburi Accord Betrayal
Umeh revisited the Aburi Accord, an agreement reached between Gowon and Ojukwu in 1967 aimed at preventing full-scale war. According to Umeh, Ojukwu believed the accord would usher in a confederation allowing Nigeria’s regions to develop independently. However, Gowon allegedly betrayed the agreement, influenced by advisers who pushed him to abandon it.
Call for Apology
Umeh called on Gowon to offer a sincere public apology to the Igbo people for his role in the war, citing the need for national healing. “Nigeria is not united today. Even Gowon’s people in the Middle Belt are being slaughtered daily… What did he truly achieve with that war? His legacy is one of division and mistrust, especially between the Igbo and Yoruba,” Umeh stated.
The Senator wondered how retired General T.Y. Danjuma, who is still alive and was actively involved in the counter-coup, would react to Gowon’s “apparent denials.”
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
