Politics
Aburi was not a single’s tennis match between Gowon and Ojukwu – Professor ABC Nwosu
Former Minister of Health and eminent statesman, PROFESSOR A. B. C. NWOSU, in this interview responded to some of the issues raised by General Yakubu Gowon in his recent interview, on his roles in the Nigeria – Biafra War. He is of the view that there are critical issues that the former Head of State did not address, warning that “Nigeria will continue to be an unstable state until we restructure.”
You must have read General Yakubu Gowon’s interview; as a person close to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and final year undergraduate who was politically active, how did you feel at the time?
I felt sad. Very sad because I had expected that Gowon would reveal at least some of the things which have bothered me and Ndigbo from 1966 till now. Gowon’s interview was not only sad for me because of his self-serving half-truth but for the major things not said. I don’t think that Gowon believes that total deviation from the Aburi agreement was the cause of the civil war but everybody, and I mean everybody who was a “Biafran” at the time, doubted that it was. That’s why ‘On Aburi We Stand’ was the war cry from the East. If Aburi had been implemented there would have been no Nigeria – Biafra War. I thank the respected Journalist, Chuks Iloegbunam, for his masterful response to General Gowon published in the Vanguard.
For example, when General Gowon said that he didn’t call his Secretary to Government to the Aburi meeting whilst Ojukwu did, I said to myself that General Gowon has lost it because Aburi was not a single’s tennis match between him and his so-called friend, Ojukwu.
Why is Aburi critical for Nigeria?
Aburi was critical because every other discussion on what had happened namely, the January 15 coup, May 29 pogrom and the July 29 counter coup had failed to resolve the matter as the various delegations had feared for their lives and would not attend further meetings. Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s meeting with Ojukwu on May 5th and 6th, 1967 did not succeed in bringing the Eastern delegation to the meeting. As Gowon correctly said, the East could not attend any meeting in Nigeria because they feared for their lives. As Gowon also said, a British war plane as well as a Naval war ship were considered but rejected by the East because of the involvement of Britain in the conflict. So the acceptable venue was General Ankrah and his offer of Aburi in Ghana. It was not a meeting between Gowon and Ojukwu, that’s why I insist it was not a single’s tennis match between the two of them. It was a meeting between General Gowon, who came with the federal cabinet secretariat; General Hassan Usman Katsina and the Secretary to the Northern Government; Governor David Ejoor, who came with the Secretary of the Midwest Government; Governor Adeyinka Adebayo, who came with the Secretary of the Western Nigerian government and Governor Odumegwu Ojukwu, who came with Eastern Nigerian government. So, it was a full-fledged Nigerian meeting to avert a war and not a meeting between Gowon and Ojukwu.
One of the key unanimous decisions at Aburi was that the conflict would not be settled through a war. Therefore to say that we fought to live together is not true since all of them had agreed that fighting was not necessary and would not be used to settle the matter. In any case, the matter of dividing Nigeria into 12 states was neither tabled nor discussed at Aburi. What was discussed was devolution of powers from the centre to the federating units including coercive agencies of State like Police, Army etc. What was discussed with unanimity was in making appointments to “Super Permanent Secretaries”, Inspector General of Power, etc. This greatly irked the super permanent secretaries at the time, who submitted an anti-Aburu agreement memo.
What was required in order to keep good faith was a follow-up meeting by all those present at the original meeting where the original agreement was reached. The other members cannot implement their version of the agreement without consulting and getting the concurrence of the Eastern government that wore the shoes that were pinching them on all sides – refugees and rehabilitation, burial of so many dead bodies and fleeing citizens, etc. So, it was wrong to have implemented the civil servant-mutilated Aburi Agreement. If one checks the sequence of events leading to the Nigeria – Biafra war, the creation of 12 states on 5th May 1967, which was not part of Aburi, was done to take the wind off the sails of the urge for the creation of Biafra. This was clearly bad faith shown by the federal government. Unfortunately, this was the impetus that accelerated the declaration of Biafra on 30th May, 1967 because people of the East feared that the federal government could declare a state of emergency and invade the East. Biafra was not declared before the creation of the 12 states, which was not in the spirit of the Aburi agreement.
One of the major agreements of the Aburi was the repatriation of soldiers to their states of origin. The West continued to whine over this until the Nigeria – Biafra war, where they joined the fight against Biafra.
But Aburi will continue to hunt Nigeria in the form of RESTRUCTURING of the Nigerian polity along the intentions of the founding fathers of the republic, where there are no senior or junior Nigerians, and where the federating units are coordinate government, not this nonsense of sub-national government. Sub-national government implies that Tafawa Balewa was senior to Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Dr. Michael Okpara. To me that is arrant nonsense, and all these people using the term Sub-national government don’t know what a federation is.
You told me that you are worried about Gowon’s silence over January 15 coup in 1966 and the counter coup of July 1966, what are your worries?
I am worried about the January 15th coup because I know it was fully investigated by the special branch of the police under late Inspector General of Police MD Yusuf and the report up till now is not public, even though some people have managed to lay their hands on it. The report was said to have been submitted to the Chief of Army Staff under General Ironsi (which would be General Gowon) but Gowon has said nothing about it so far. I would have liked to know how many people were investigated; the statement that they made and in particular, whether it was an Igbo coup. I know for certain that the report indicated that Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna and Demola Ademoyiga were the central figures of the coup and that Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogu was involved towards the later part of their planning. There are rumors that others were involved but Nigerians would like to see what the report was like. It was also sad that General Gowon kept total silence on the counter coup of July 29 and how he became Supreme Commander.
That interview by Gowon was also totally silent on the pogrom and killing of civilians in the North and West of Nigeria. Easterners, especially Ndigbo, would wonder why he was silent because these were the bases of fears of insecurity by Easterners, especially Ndigbo, about their lives and property in their own country without being protected by their own government. Knowing the reason why people get killed and their properties seized when they venture out of their states of origin, is critical for stability in Nigeria.
Gowon stated that he gave specific instructions on the rules of engagement for the Nigerian Army for the war…(cuts in)
Really, and were these rules enforced? I never read of the tribunal and trials of those behind the Asaba Massacre for example. Meanwhile, “Asaba still mourns” and have erected a memorial to give their sons respectable rest. The other day Ogbomosho people wanted National Honours for their son and hero, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle. I wonder whether it was the same Brigadier Adekunle, the Black Scorpion, who ordered that anything moving should be shot, even the dogs, but I leave that for now. And the West still feels that Colonel Emma Nwaobosi should be publicly hanged for killing Governor Akintola and his wife whilst idolizing Chief Awolowo. It perplexes me. ,
Finally, on war crimes, I am still to come to terms with the fact that starvation of new born children, their mothers and toddlers could be a legitimate instrument of war. Is that part of the UN Convention? And yet nobody talks about these things, just wishing that those who lost their loved ones should just hide in the corner and shut their mouths. And Gowon kept quiet on this in the interview.
It is obvious, from what you said, that you expected more from Gowon’s interview…
Yes. As I would have expected from Ojukwu, if he ever gave an interview in the later part of his life. In three months it will be 55 years since the war ended and Nigerians are living together but the same problems that were to be solved by Aburi are still very much with us. We keep having conferences upon conferences on how to live in a more stable united country. We even had under Obasanjo a Truth and Reconciliation Commission under the renowned jurist, Chukwudifu Oputa with also renowned Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah as Secretary, but nobody was ready to talk. Nobody also had any regrets. Governor Usman Farouk, Governor of Northwest State when Nigeria was a 12 state structure and member of the investigative panel of MD Yusuf Panel for the January 15 coup, wrote his book titled, “There were Victors and There were Vanquished”. Some of us have copies. Nobody is still ready to talk and say exactly what happened. Even when these national conferences agree on issues like State Police, Devolution of Powers, Less funds for the Federal Government, more percentage on Derivation Principle, they don’t get implemented either by a president who throws the report into the trash bin nor by a president, who is supposed to be an apostle of true federalism and fiscal federalism. The consoling issue is that we shall all go the way of all mortals whether we like it or not. And Nigeria will continue to be an unstable state until we RESTRUCTURE.
OTUKPO – Former Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. David Olofu, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress senatorial flagbearer for Benue South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Olofu emerged as the consensus candidate of the party following primaries conducted across the nine local government areas of the district. His candidature was formally affirmed in Otukpo on Sunday.
Declaring the result, the ADC Returning Officer, Barr. Ogah Ekwu, said Dr. Olofu satisfied all constitutional requirements of the party and was unanimously endorsed across the zone.
“Dr. Olofu, having met all the requirements of the constitution of the party, is hereby returned as the sole candidate and duly elected ADC senatorial candidate for Benue South,” Ekwu stated.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Olofu described his emergence as a collective victory for the people of Benue South. He pledged to run an inclusive leadership that accommodates every interest and stakeholder in the district.
He stated that representation for the zone “shall no longer be a one-man show,” and announced plans to establish a “Benue South People’s Assembly” and a “Benue South People’s Council” to deepen consultation, unity, and collective decision-making.
The former commissioner said the protection of lives and communities would be his top priority if elected, noting that insecurity had continued to cripple the agricultural strength and economic potential of the district.
“As outlined in my blueprint, my first charge shall be the protection of our people. This will begin with restoring security to our communities and unlocking the full potential of our agricultural economy,” he said.
Dr. Olofu outlined his vision as building “a secure Benue South where lives and livelihoods are protected, a productive economy where agriculture and enterprise thrive, a strong educational system that prepares our children for the future, infrastructure that connects our communities and unlocks opportunities, and a government that is accountable, responsive, and people-centred.”
He assured party faithful that no bloc would be sidelined and stressed that unity, inclusion, and purposeful representation would define his senatorial ambition.
The declaration was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and members of the press.
Politics
Imo North chooses experience: Araraume’s primary election win and what it means, By Sufuyan Ojeifo
In politics, some victories are wins. Others are reaffirmations.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume’s decisive victory in the APC senatorial primary for Imo North, winning across all 54 wards, falls in the second category. At a time when political loyalties shift quickly, the outcome sent a message beyond party mechanics: some structures aren’t built for one election cycle. They’re built over decades through relationships, consistency, and a real grassroots presence.
For his supporters, the ticket was secondary. The vote reaffirmed a political force whose relevance has survived changing governments, shifting alliances, and repeated attempts to sideline him.
In Imo politics, Araraume has become rare: a politician whose staying power doesn’t depend solely on holding office. He has remained visible and active across Imo North, not as the campaign-only candidate who vanishes after elections. His machinery endures because it was built outside electoral convenience.
That durability rests on three pillars: deep grassroots networks, institutional experience, and strategic calculation.
Those foundations first brought him national prominence when he was elected to the Senate in 1999 under the PDP and re-elected in 2003. In the Senate, he chaired the Committee on Power and Steel, served as Vice Chairman of the Niger Delta and Culture and Tourism committees, and led the Southern Senators Forum. His tenure produced tangible projects, including the transmission line from Alaoji to Okigwe and the inclusion of Imo and Abia in the Niger Delta Development Commission.
His influence extended beyond the National Assembly. As a Commissioner at the Nigerian Communications Commission, he was part of the team that oversaw Nigeria’s telecoms liberalisation. Later, as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited under President Muhammadu Buhari, he reinforced his standing in national policy circles.
But his core base remains the grassroots. Across Imo North, Araraume has maintained a structure that has survived multiple party configurations. While many politicians rely on incumbency, his influence has repeatedly shown it can survive outside office.
That resilience was tested in 2007. After winning the PDP governorship primary, he was excluded from the ballot. He challenged it in court and won at the Supreme Court, an outcome that cemented his reputation as a politician who doesn’t yield easily. To many supporters, he became a symbol of endurance.
He has remained a recurring force since. His 2019 governorship run under APGA again forced opponents to recalibrate. Political observers have predicted his decline for years, yet each cycle returns him to the centre of the conversation.
Rumours that he had stepped down from the senatorial race collapsed when APC party members voted. For many in Imo North, his emergence felt less like an upset than the restoration of a familiar order.
Araraume’s style aids his longevity. He’s not a flamboyant populist. His approach is measured, strategic, and focused on timing and structure. Those who mistake his composure for weakness often underestimate a veteran tactician.
Beyond Imo State, his likely return to the National Assembly is seen as a boost for experienced legislative engagement. Supporters argue his years in national politics and his network position him to play a stabilising role as Nigeria’s governance landscape evolves.
For Imo North, the calculation is simpler: they see a familiar figure with the experience and connections to attract federal attention and development to the zone. That expectation explains why his influence has endured.
In a system where relevance often fades quickly, Araraume has remained. Others rise and vanish. He stays.
With this primary election win, Imo North has signalled that experience and structure still command respect in Nigerian politics. After decades in the arena, Araraume retains the rare ability to return to the centre of relevance when many assume the story is over.
■ Sufuyan Ojeifo is a journalist and publisher.
A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Samson Chukwu Nnamani has been suspended by the party.
The Advocate reports that his suspension, endorsed by all the members of the State Working Committee, SWC, was announced in a report dated May 22, 2026.
The development leaves former minister, Chief Uche Nnaji as the sole aspirant for the party’s ticket in Enugu State.
Nnamani, popularly known as Odera was accused of launching unwarranted attacks against party leaders, as well as other anti-party activities.
He was earlier disqualified from participating in the PDP primaries.
Nnamani is being accused of conduct considered detrimental to the unity, image and integrity of the party.
According to the report, “The disciplinary process leading to his suspension began with a formal petition dated 20th May 2026 written by Hon. Edeh Peter Chibuike, a former Councillor representing Ward 3 Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. In the petition addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, the petitioner accused Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani of engaging in actions capable of bringing the party into disrepute, hatred and public contempt contrary to the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).
“Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani allegedly made and widely circulated negative publications against fellow PDP governorship aspirant, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. The petitioner further alleged that the publications not only attacked Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji personally but also criticized the party for clearing him to contest on the platform of the PDP. The petitioner stated that the publications were circulated to notable party members including the South East Zonal Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Ahumibe Michael C., and Hon. Obiora Ugwu among others.
“The petition maintained that the actions of Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani contravened Sections 58(1)(b), (f) and (h) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended), which deal with acts capable of undermining the party, creating disaffection within the party and exposing the party to ridicule and hatred. The petitioner therefore urged the party leadership to suspend Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani and refer him to the appropriate disciplinary organs of the party for further sanctions.
“Following the receipt of the petition, the PDP Enugu State Chapter convened an Expanded Emergency State Working Committee meeting and formally invited Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani to appear before the committee to defend himself against the allegations contained in the petition.
“In a letter dated 21st May 2026 and signed by the State Secretary of the party, Hon. Chukwunonye Okereke, Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani was invited to attend the emergency meeting scheduled for Friday, 22nd May 2026 at the residence of the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Vitus Okechi, located at Okechi Estate opposite ANAMCO, Emene, Enugu.
“The invitation letter stated clearly that the purpose of the meeting was to give him the opportunity to respond to the allegations leveled against him by Hon. Peter Chibuike Edeh. A copy of the petition was attached to the invitation letter for his attention and response.
“However, during the meeting held on 22nd May 2026, the Expanded Emergency State Working Committee noted that Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani failed to honour the invitation despite evidence showing that the letter had been successfully delivered to him through a courier service company.
“After deliberations and preliminary hearing on the matter, the committee resolved that the publications and actions of Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani were made in bad faith and were intended to portray the PDP negatively before the public while creating internal division within the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.
“The committee further held that his refusal to appear before the party to defend himself amounted to acceptance of the allegations contained in the petition and demonstrated disregard for the authority and disciplinary structures of the party.
Consequently, the Expanded State Working Committee resolved as follows:
“That the publications made and circulated by Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani against fellow governorship aspirant, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, were capable of bringing the party into hatred, contempt and disrepute.
“That his conduct contravened Sections 58(1)(a), (b), (f) and (h) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended). 3. That his refusal to honour the invitation extended to him by the party despite confirmed proof of delivery was condemnable and amounted to an admission of the allegations against him.
“That in line with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended), Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani be suspended from the party for a period of one month with effect from 22nd May 2026.
“That he be referred to the Disciplinary Committee of the party for further investigation and necessary disciplinary measures in accordance with Sections 57(4) and 57(5) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).
“Following the resolution, the PDP Enugu State Chapter inaugurated a seven-man disciplinary committee headed by Barr. Emeka Abah to further investigate the allegations against Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani and recommend additional disciplinary actions where necessary. The party leadership emphasized that the decision was taken in the interest of party discipline, unity, internal democracy and the protection of the integrity of the PDP in Enugu State as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“The suspension of Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani has since generated political reactions within the state, with many party faithful viewing the action a strong signal by the PDP leadership that acts capable of causing division, disunity and public embarrassment within the party would not be tolerated irrespective of the status of those involved.”
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