The original founders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have issued a statement addressing General Yakubu Gowon, the leader of Nigeria’s former military junta who oversaw the country during the civil war. The statement is a response to Gowon's recent remarks regarding the events of that period, particularly in light of the ongoing discourse about Biafran self-determination and historical grievances.
In their statement, they accused Gowon of being the originator and catalyst of the unrest that resulted in the deaths of more than three million Biafrans. This accusation highlights the deep-seated animosity and unresolved issues stemming from the civil war, as well as the lasting impact it has had on the Biafran people. The founders of IPOB argue that Gowon's actions and decisions during the conflict significantly contributed to the suffering and loss of life experienced by the Biafran population, framing him as a key figure in the tragic narrative of that era.
In a recent interview commemorating his 90th birthday, General Yakubu Gowon attributed the attempts by the Southeast to secede from Nigeria as a key factor leading to the tragic events he oversaw during the civil war. This perspective reflects a viewpoint that seeks to shift the blame for the conflict onto the Biafrans themselves, suggesting that their desire for independence was a primary cause of the violence and turmoil. He stated that this bid for independence was a significant contributor to the massacre of over three million people from Eastern Nigeria between 1967 and 1970, thereby framing the Biafran struggle as a provocateur in the series of tragic events that followed.
Gowon’s comments reflect his perspective on the historical conflict and its devastating consequences for the region. His narrative has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly from Biafran leaders and groups who view his statements as an attempt to evade responsibility for the atrocities committed during the war. They argue that his characterization of the conflict oversimplifies the complex socio-political dynamics that led to the civil war and dismisses the legitimate grievances of the Biafran people.
Responding to Gowon’s interview, the original founder and vision bearer of the original IPOB, before it was hijacked, Dr. Emeka Emekesiri said, “I have always said that if there’s no secession, there wouldn’t be a breakout and there wouldn’t be a question of civil war because it got to the stage that the situation was getting pretty clear that a part of the country, the South-east wanted to secede.” This statement underscores the sentiment among many Biafrans who feel that their quest for autonomy and self-governance was a response to systemic neglect and oppression rather than an unfounded desire to break away from Nigeria.
Dr. Emekesiri continued, “I read General Gowon’s speech where he decided to hide the truth about the real cause of the war between Nigeria and Biafra. He is labouring in vain to wash and launder his image dainted by the atrocities he and his Nigerian soldiers committed against the Biafrans.” This assertion reflects a broader critique of historical narratives that downplay the suffering of the Biafran people and the scale of the humanitarian crisis during the civil war. The IPOB leadership accuses Gowon of attempting to rewrite history to suit his own narrative while ignoring the plight of those who suffered under his command.
Furthermore, Dr. Emekesiri pointed out, “He has told us that he was sick after the meeting at Aburi in Ghana and could not make an announcement of the Agreement reached between Nigeria and Biafra about confederation or regional autonomy so that every region would govern itself and develop at its own pace.” This refers to the Aburi Accord, which many believe held the potential for a peaceful resolution to the tensions between the Nigerian government and Biafran leadership. The failure to implement this agreement is viewed as a missed opportunity that contributed to the escalation of conflict and violence.
“Gowon said he did not prepare very well for the meeting and did not go with his secretary. He came back from Ghana and became sick because Odumegwu Ojukwu went to the meeting fully prepared and presented a superior argument on Regional Government. It is General Gowon’s failure to implement this agreement for confederation that caused the war,” Dr. Emekesiri asserted, emphasizing the importance of the agreement that could have fostered coexistence between the regions of Nigeria. His words highlight the role of leadership decisions in shaping the course of history and the lasting ramifications of those decisions on the affected populations.
“General Gowon, with due respect, I want to address you as an Elder. You are 90 and do not know when you will depart from this world to face your maker. We expect you to say the truth,” Dr. Emekesiri urged, calling on Gowon to acknowledge the historical facts and take responsibility for the consequences of his actions. This appeal for truth and accountability reflects a desire among many in the Biafran community for a more honest reckoning with the past, one that recognizes the suffering endured during the civil war and seeks to prevent similar injustices in the future.
“Confederation is not secession. The East accepted the Confederation Agreement but you turned around and violated the Agreement,” Dr. Emekesiri clarified, distinguishing between the concepts of confederation and secession. He argued that the Biafran quest was not about breaking away but rather about establishing a framework for governance that respects the autonomy of different regions. This distinction is critical in understanding the motivations behind the Biafran struggle and addressing the grievances that continue to resonate in contemporary Nigerian politics.
“Confederation is not secession but a union of self-governing regions just like we have in the UK with four nations in one country,” he elaborated, using the example of the United Kingdom to illustrate how different regions can coexist within a unified framework while maintaining their identities and governance structures. This analogy serves to underscore the potential for a peaceful and equitable arrangement in Nigeria, one that honors the diverse aspirations of its various regions.
“If Britain could become a Great Britain with four nations called Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales, Nigeria can also become a Great Nigeria with six nations created from the existing six geopolitical Regions. This is what the Nigerians want now,” Dr. Emekesiri stated, emphasizing the growing desire among various ethnic groups in Nigeria for a restructuring of the nation that reflects their unique identities and needs. His call for a reimagined Nigeria highlights the pressing need for dialogue and reform to address the historical injustices faced by marginalized communities.
“This is why MOBIN (Movement of Biafrans In Nigeria) submitted the Memorandum to the National Assembly to restructure Nigeria into six Regional Governments so that every region will govern itself and develop at its own pace,” he continued, outlining the specific steps being taken to advocate for a federal system that empowers local governance. The MOBIN initiative reflects a broader movement toward self-determination and autonomy for the Biafran people, seeking to ensure that their voices are heard in the national conversation about Nigeria's future.
Dr. Emekesiri concluded by referencing Gowon’s historical decisions, stating, “You confirmed what Ken Saro Wiwa said in his book that he and Chief Biriye and other Chiefs visited you and said they would not go with the Igbo people in the same Region. Therefore, you created Rivers State and Cross River State for them to stop Biafra.” This historical context reinforces the notion that political decisions were made to divide and conquer, exacerbating tensions among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups and creating divisions that persist to this day.
“We applaud your master stroke to divide the Eastern Region with the political weapon of state creation. Well, now Rivers State and Cross River State are in a different region called the South-South Region, which goes by the name of Niger Delta Region. They are also suffering injustice, maltreatment, and marginalization just like the South East,” he stated, highlighting the shared struggles faced by various regions in Nigeria as they seek justice and equity in the face of systemic discrimination and neglect. This acknowledgment of common ground is crucial in building solidarity among marginalized groups in their quest for recognition and rights within the Nigerian federation.
“They want to be free in their own land to control their resources,” Dr. Emekesiri emphasized, articulating a core demand of the Biafran and other regional movements: the right to self-determination and control over local resources. This demand is rooted in the desire for economic empowerment and autonomy, reflecting broader aspirations for justice and equitable development in Nigeria.
“For peace to reign in Nigeria, the country must be restructured to Regional Government,” he concluded, calling for a fundamental shift in the governance structure of Nigeria to promote peace, justice, and equity for all its citizens. This call to action encapsulates the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights among the Biafran people, as well as the urgent need for a national dialogue that
addresses the historical grievances and aspirations of diverse communities across Nigeria.