Senator Victor Umeh has challenged former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), to publish a truthful account of the Nigerian Civil War and apologise to the Igbo people, accusing him of distorting history and betraying the Aburi Accord.

Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, made the call while speaking with journalists in Awka, Anambra State, in reaction to Gowon’s recent interview on Arise Television, during which the former military leader blamed the late Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, for the outbreak of the 30-month conflict.

Gowon also maintained that the war was not targeted at the Igbo people, a position Umeh strongly rejected, describing the former leader’s account as false and capable of reopening old wounds.

The senator urged Gowon to emulate former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, by documenting his version of events surrounding the war, insisting that Nigerians deserved an accurate account of the circumstances that led to the conflict.

According to Umeh, the war, which ended in 1970, left deep scars on the Igbo people, making it necessary for those who played key roles in the conflict to acknowledge their actions and contribute to genuine national reconciliation.

“We will not allow Gowon to lie or twist history. All that he said are false. At 91, I will not want to join issues with him, except, of course, if he is suffering from dementia. He has not done what he should be doing at this late stage of his life,” Umeh said.

He urged Gowon to use his remaining years to tell Nigerians the truth about the war and help heal the pain suffered by victims and their families.

“The war ended 51 years ago and we have moved on, but for him to come back at 91 years of age and begin to lie is unfortunate, and it means that he is not thinking about how to leave Nigeria in peace,” he said.

Umeh also questioned Gowon’s claim that the war was fought to preserve Nigeria’s unity, arguing that persistent violence and divisions across the country raised questions about the extent to which that objective had been achieved.

He further accused the former Head of State of contributing to political tensions and mistrust between the Igbo and Yoruba, alleging that decisions taken during his administration deepened divisions that continue to affect national cohesion.

The senator also accused Gowon of betraying the Aburi Accord reached with Ojukwu before the war, arguing that the failure to honour the agreement contributed to the outbreak of the conflict.

“What happened after Aburi was a complete betrayal, and the attempt now to rewrite history is an insult to the memory of those who died,” he said.

Umeh maintained that the consequences of the war could not be separated from the experiences of the Igbo people. He alleged that Igbo soldiers were targeted, businesses destroyed, and communities subjected to starvation and marginalisation during the conflict.

He also questioned Gowon’s account of events surrounding the January 1966 coup and the subsequent killing of then Head of State, Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

Umeh challenged Gowon to explain what he knew about the events and the roles played by other military officers. He specifically referenced retired General Theophilus Danjuma, whom he said was still alive and could provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding Ironsi’s arrest and assassination.

The senator urged Gowon to refrain from making statements he considered provocative and instead publish a detailed account of the war for Nigerians to examine and assess.

“If he wants to say the truth, let him go and write his own book, so that when he is no more, his book will be circulated and he will be judged. Ojukwu is no more to join issues with him,” Umeh said.

He added that an honest account of the conflict would help Nigerians understand the causes of the war, acknowledge the suffering of those affected and promote genuine reconciliation.

Umeh insisted that confronting the historical controversies surrounding the Civil War remained necessary for national healing, warning that attempts to present an account that disregarded the suffering of victims could deepen existing grievances.

Tension has heightened following the emergence of a viral video purportedly showing members of an Islamic volunteer group chanting lyrics calling for an AK-47 rifle to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The footage, which has sparked outrage and concern on social media, reportedly features members of the Agaji volunteer wing of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), popularly known as Izala.

The video, shared by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama, gained traction on social media, particularly X, on Sunday.

It shows a group of young men dressed in brown uniforms and blue berets, with one of them leading a chant containing violent references to obtaining an AK-47 rifle to attack people described as “infidels” in the two cities.

In one section of the chant, the singer calls for a rifle to enable an individual to travel to Enugu and attack Christians while they are worshipping in church.

“He should be given AK-47. He would then go to Enugu, the land of the infidels. On Sunday, when they are worshipping and clapping, he would then open fire, so that he can kill the infidels,” the lyrics state.

The chant subsequently references Jos, with another call for an AK-47 to attack people described as infidels.

“He asked to be given an AK-47 again, so that he can go to Jos and kill more infidels. That is the training,” the singer says.

The video has triggered widespread concern among Nigerians, with many calling on security agencies to investigate the footage, identify those involved and take appropriate action to prevent any potential threat to public safety.

The references to Enugu and Jos, alongside the explicit calls for armed attacks during Christian worship, have raised concerns about the safety of residents and worshippers in the affected cities.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the governments of Enugu and Plateau states, as well as the relevant security agencies, had yet to issue official statements on the video.

It remains unclear when and where the footage was recorded and whether the individuals featured in it have been identified by security authorities.

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Prof. Kamene Okonjo, matriarch of Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family, mother of Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo ll, traditional ruler of Ogwashi Uku community in Delta has passed on.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the matriarch, and mother of the Director- General, World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, died on Friday at the age of 96.

The late Kamene Okonjo was the beloved wife of late Obi (Prof.) Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku community, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary of the community on behalf of the royal family on Sunday.

According to the statement, the late Okonjo was an extraordinary woman, whose remarkable life was defined by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion, dignity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of humanity.

“An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Prof. Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.

“She was a woman of exceptional intellect, yet possessed a rare gentleness of spirit, humility and grace that endeared her to everyone privileged to know her.

“Her achievements transcended the boundaries of Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, earning her admiration and respect within academic and intellectual circles internationally.”

The statement added that the late Okonjo represented the very finest qualities of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.

“Beyond her considerable professional accomplishments, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a cherished pillar of the royal family.

“Her wisdom, kindness, quiet strength and exemplary character will remain an enduring inspiration to generations yet unborn.

“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived.

“At 96 years, Okonjo left behind an extraordinary legacy of scholarship, service, family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.

“We take comfort in our Christian faith and the assurance that she is resting peacefully with the Lord, haven completed her earthly journey with grace and distinction,” it said.

The statement said the entire Umu Obi Obahai family extended its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, her beloved children; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Onyema Okonjo and Chichi Okonjo.

The family also extended their condolences to their spouses, sons and daughters in law, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the entire extended Okonjo royal family.

It also enjoined the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the family in celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of their remarkable daughter, mother, scholar and matriarch, whose contributions to humanity would never be forgotten. (NAN)