At 90, you should tell the truth about Biafra – Obidigbo slams Gowon over autobiography

Elder statesman and convener of the Igbochukwu Organisation, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, has criticised former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, over what he described as the omission of critical truths surrounding the Nigeria–Biafra civil war between 1967 and 1970.

Obidigbo expressed regret that Gowon, in his recently referenced account of the war, allegedly failed to present what he termed “fundamental truths” about the events that led to the conflict.

He argued that at 90 years of age, the former military leader ought to have taken steps to clarify contentious historical issues, similar to recent public reflections by other former leaders.

According to him, continued silence or selective narration of the war risks distorting historical facts and misinforming younger generations.

Obidigbo further claimed that the origins of the Biafra movement were more complex than commonly presented, insisting that external interests and diplomatic engagements played roles in the unfolding crisis.

He also revisited discussions around the Aburi Accord, suggesting that disagreements that followed the agreement significantly contributed to the escalation of tensions between the Eastern Region and the Federal Military Government.

The elder statesman maintained that Nigeria’s political leadership, past and present, must prioritise historical honesty in addressing sensitive national issues, especially those that shaped the country’s unity and post-war development.

He urged stakeholders, including former heads of state and elder statesmen, to contribute more openly to national reconciliation by clarifying disputed aspects of Nigeria’s civil war history.

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