Month: June 2025

IPOB Slams Gowon Over Civil War Remarks, Accuses Him of Historical Distortion

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has condemned former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, over his recent comments on the Nigerian Civil War, describing them as a “provocative, insensitive, and shameless” attempt to rewrite history and whitewash alleged atrocities committed during the conflict.

Gowon, speaking during the fifth Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Diocese of Abuja at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja, reportedly stated that the Nigerian Civil War, fought between 1967 and 1970, was not motivated by hatred but was a necessary step to preserve the unity of the country. He also stressed the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and national unity across ethnic and religious lines.

Reacting in a press statement issued on Monday, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, rejected Gowon’s narrative, asserting that it distorts historical facts and dishonors the memory of the millions of Biafrans who lost their lives. Powerful described the former Head of State’s comments as a deliberate insult to victims of what IPOB terms a premeditated genocidal campaign against the Biafran people.

According to the statement, IPOB accused Gowon of overseeing mass atrocities during the war, including widespread starvation, aerial bombardments, and mass executions. The group likened Gowon’s legacy to that of Adolf Hitler, claiming over five million Biafrans were killed under his leadership.

IPOB also raised several questions regarding Gowon’s role in the events leading up to the war, particularly his alleged failure to honor the Aburi Accord reached with Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. The group questioned Gowon’s motives during the pre-war negotiations and accused him of submitting Nigeria’s sovereignty to foreign influence.

The group criticized Gowon’s characterization of the January 1966 coup as an “Igbo plot,” arguing that historical evidence contradicts this view. They also blamed him for dismantling the regional structure of government in favor of a centralized system, which they say was designed to exploit the natural resources of the Biafran region.

IPOB further accused Gowon of using periodic public speeches to provoke rather than heal, stating that his refusal to acknowledge the alleged genocide demonstrates a lack of remorse. The group maintained that Nigeria remains a colonial construct that suppresses its diverse ethnic nationalities under the guise of unity.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Biafran cause, IPOB called on all Biafrans at home and abroad to reject what it termed Gowon’s “revisionist narrative.” The group insisted that Nigeria’s unity is a myth sustained by coercion and exploitation, and that the time for truth, justice, and self-determination is now.

“I pity Tinubu. 22 Govs Endorsed Jonathan Yet Lose Re-election” – Ali Ndume

The senator for Borno South, Ali Ndume, has reminded President Bola Tinubu that former President Goodluck Jonathan lost his bid for reelection to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 despite receiving the support of 22 governors from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ndume issued the reminder on Sunday, while featuring on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

The lawmaker insisted that he is not part of those who have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Last month, 22 governors elected on the platform of the APC, unanimously adopted Tinubu as their candidate for the 2027 election.

Ndume claimed to have stormed out of the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, after the governors endorsed the president for re-election.

“I was there but that was not why I was there. I was there for a summit and when I realised that it was not a summit and voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left, and that does not mean I am not an APC member.

“The majority had its way but few of us felt that was not right,” Ndume said.

He added: “It happened before, not once, not twice. It happened during Jonathan. That does not mean anything.

“Politicians are decamping but the people who are the voters are not decamping.

“Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully. A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted but we are not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President.”