A major actor in the 1967-70 civil war between Nigeria and Biafra Gen.Alani Akinrinade(rtd) took a cursory look at what Nigeria has become 39 years after its end and declared "I regret fighting in that war"
Gen Akinrinade who was speaking today at the New Nigeria Dialogue facilitated by Dr Tunde Bakare's International Centre for Reconstruction and Development at the Sheraton Hotel,Lagos declared "if I knew this was what fighting the war would produce,I would not have participated in fighting "

As reported by Yinka Odumakin in naijapolitic@yahoogroup.com

Regreting is ok. But i believe the best thing to do is to apologize to the 'nation' he fought against for no just cause. Regret of this nature is inevitable when those who cant see tomorrow take up arms against those who have seen the DEAD END of the future- today.

The truth is that most of the enthusiastic anti-Biafran elements on the Nigerian side of the war never really understood what they were fighting for. Most were driven by anti-Igbo sentiments. Others were simply decieved. The unfortunate thing is that some of the deceived ones are still blinded by that deceit (some N.deltans for example).  If not for the "education" I have received from nairaland, I still wouldn't have been able to understand why the Yoruba, for instance, fought Biafra. We were supposed to be all "southerners", right? At least I did my NYSC at the heart of Yorubaland, and while at it, I never knew what I know now. Bottomline is that the truth will continue to hound all who fought Biafra until they expiate.
I salute the man's courage though. It takes courage to stare truth in the face. Most Nigerians are cowards.

NATION

Nigeria risks disintegration, says Akinrinade

By Olayinka Oyebode, Assistant Editor and Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

FORMER Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-Gen Alani Akin-rinade (rtd), yesterday regretted his role in the 1966 civil war.

He described the sacrifice as a waste of time.

Lt-Gen. Akinrinade said the post-civil war Nigeria was not a country of his dream.

The former Minister of Agriculture warned that the country risked imminent disintegration "unless true federalism is practised."

The retired officer joined other stakeholders to condemn corrupt practices in the country.

It was at the "New Nigeria Dialogue" organised as part of the activities marking the 55th birthday of the founder of Latter-Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos.

The ceremony was organised by the International Centre for Reconstruction and Development, a Non governmental Organisation (NGO).

Speakers, including Prof. Ropo Sekoni, Mr. Alfred Ilere, Chief Fred Agbe-yegbe and Mr. Tony Nnadi spoke on the theme: "The Nigerian Federation: Fundamental Flaws and Creative Reforms."

The event, which was chaired by the former governor of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), was witnessed by former Governor Bisi Akande of Osun State, Dr Amos Akingba, Hon. Wale Oshun, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Mr. Tokunbo Ajasin, Mr. Bisi Adegbuyi, Pa Adedapo Adeniran, Mr. Sam Ayedogbon, Mr. George Eke, Shettima Yerima and Mr. Yinka Odumakin.

Lt-Gen Akinrinade and other speakers rejected the 1999 Constitution, saying it was foisted on the country by the military.

To avert the collapse of the fledging federation, he canvassed restructuring of the country along the terms of the component units and a constitution that will promote true federalism.

The former minister said: "We must do constitutionally in Nigeria what Rawlings did in Ghana."

Reflecting on the journey from independence, Bakare agreed that the prediction about an imminent break-up of the country might be fulfilled "if urgent steps are not taken to address the grievances of the ethnic nationalities. "

He said Nigeria must learn from the disintegration of Soviet Union and Yugoslavia because they could not meet the expectation of the units.

Akande peeped into the future, saying perilous days were around the corner owing to the collapse of schools and health institutions.

Sekoni traced the tragedy of the nation’s federalism to the post-1966 period when the military foisted on the country a centralised system of administration.

Quoting the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he said: "A multi-ethnic country can only realise its potentials when it embraces true federalism."

I stil don't get the reason for biafra either or why the Igbo people should want to have an autonomous state considering the fact that nigeria was in shambles, so imagine what would happen when Biafra was established. Even if igbo's are of similar ethnicity, there would still be another form of dissent if biafra was established- how much division must we go on b4 we stop.

I never lived during the war, and I have only gotten a secondhand account of what happened. However, as someone who strongly believes in nigeria's unity despite the odds- i would have, if alive and capable during that period, fought for one nigeria.

what do you mean anti-Igbo sentiments? There was no anti-Igbo sentiments. it was a new nation, they all assume they could build nigeria. But they were all wrong. Nigeria is a failure where compared to other countries.

Onlytruth:

The truth is that most of the enthusiastic anti-Biafran elements on the Nigerian side of the war never really understood what they were fighting for. Most were driven by anti-Igbo sentiments. Others were simply decieved. The unfortunate thing is that some of the deceived ones are still blinded by that deceit (some N.deltans for example). If not for the "education" I have received from nairaland, I still wouldn't have been able to understand why the Yoruba, for instance, fought Biafra. We were supposed to be all "southerners", right? At least I did my NYSC at the heart of Yorubaland, and while at it, I never knew what I know now. Bottomline is that the truth will continue to hound all who fought Biafra until they expiate.
I salute the man's courage though. It takes courage to stare truth in the face. Most Nigerians are cowards.

You are absolutely right. Most people who fought the war didnt even know what they were fighting for. This confession should be a very good ground for " Us to continue the struggle for a seperate home land" from the anti-Igbo(biafra) elements currently lurging us into a force useless union that is cursed from the outset.

chosen04:

You are absolutely right. Most people who fought the war didnt even know what they were fighting for. This confession should be a very good ground for " Us to continue the struggle for a seperate home land" from the anti-Igbo(biafra) elements currently lurging us into a force useless union that is cursed from the outset.

You always resent whatever is not Igbo yet you complain of "anti-igbo" sentiments.

Make the akinriade go siddon for gutter!

Those who kill innocent igbos are beginning to regret,the blood of the innocent igbos killed, want justice and Nigeria will not know peace until those who conspire and fought the igbo nation apologizes.i am sure they don't sleep very well at night,maybe that's why gowon just over night become a born-again Christan.check all those who participate in the biafra war they all have turn against each in the name coup plotting.

After the old fool helped ground his "one" Nigeria to a halt, he is shamelessly denouncing it.

Apart from the genocide he took part in, what did he do as as a minister?

Nigeria, what an unworkable nation?

"Animal talk don start again!" (Apology to Baba 70).

Why is he regretting? One Nigeria we want, one Nigeria we shall all have! Phew!! NONSENSE!!!

We all know that the military of which Lt-Gen Akinrinade is a product of, messed up this lifeless entity called Nigeria.

SEFAGO:

I stil don't get the reason for biafra either or why the Igbo people should want to have an autonomous state considering the fact that nigeria was in shambles, so imagine what would happen when Biafra was established. Even if igbo's are of similar ethnicity, there would still be another form of dissent if biafra was established- how much division must we go on b4 we stop.

I never lived during the war, and I have only gotten a secondhand account of what happened. However, as someone who strongly believes in nigeria's unity despite the odds- i would have, if alive and capable during that period, fought for one nigeria.

I'll try to explain in an unbiased manner as possible.
Igbos never wanted separation in the first place. The idea of seperating from Nigeria was first termed araba by the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani people. Unfortunately, this became the war cry of northerners as they masscred, raped, and executed almost 1 million Igbos for the simple excuse that many of the original coup plotters happened to be Igbos.
Igbos mostly belived in ONE NIGERIA, if not for anything, but for the fact that they felt at home in Sokoto, Ibadan, and Jos, just like they felt at home in Enugu.
The eastern Nigeria region decided to seperate after attempts to follow the Aburi accord failed, and as a mechanism to halt complete externination of the Igbo race. What tribe or group of people would sit idle while it's been dessimated? They called themselves Biafra, a term suggested by an Ijawman.
So, please try to understand true history before taking an informed position.

naijaking1:

I'll try to explain in an unbiased manner as possible.
Igbos never wanted separation in the first place. The idea of seperating from Nigeria was first termed araba by the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani people. Unfortunately, this became the war cry of northerners as they masscred, raped, and executed almost 1 million Igbos for the simple excuse that many of the original coup plotters happened to be Igbos.
Igbos mostly belived in ONE NIGERIA, if not for anything, but for the fact that they felt at home in Sokoto, Ibadan, and Jos, just like they felt at home in Enugu.
The eastern Nigeria region decided to seperate after attempts to follow the Aburi accord failed, and as a mechanism to halt complete externination of the Igbo race. What tribe or group of people would sit idle while it's been dessimated? They called themselves Biafra, a term suggested by an Ijawman.
So, please try to understand true history before taking an informed position.

Good response. However, it will not be easy trying to respond to or correct a lot of stiff mindsets people have lived with all their lives based on lies and hate.

Well done though for stating the facts for all to see.

mekusxxx:


Lt-Gen. Akinrinade said the post-civil war Nigeria was not a country of his dream.
The former Minister of Agriculture warned that the country risked imminent disintegration "unless true federalism is practised."

was witnessed by former Governor Bisi Akande of Osun State, Dr Amos Akingba, Hon. Wale Oshun, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Mr. Tokunbo Ajasin, Mr. Bisi Adegbuyi, Pa Adedapo Adeniran, Mr. Sam Ayedogbon, Mr. George Eke, Shettima Yerima and Mr. Yinka Odumakin.

Lt-Gen Akinrinade and other speakers rejected the 1999 Constitution, saying it was foisted on the country by the military.

Paraphrased: This country of my nightmare must disintegrate unless it is restructured to reflect reality.

This confession is only a trickle, I expect a floodgate from other Yoruba civil war players soon. Truth is indomitable and immutable! Hate is not enough reasons to go to war, because you could be fighting against your own interest. A word is enough for the wise.

Onlytruth:

Paraphrased: This country of my nightmare must disintegrate unless it is restructured to reflect reality.

This confession is only a[b] trickle[/b], I expect a floodgate from other Yoruba civil war players soon. Truth is indomitable and immutable! Hate is not enough reasons to go to war, because you could be fighting against your own interest. A word is enough for the wise.

I was just going to say the same. Not just Yorubas, but the Tivs, and Angas like Gowon on whose back the war was fought, only to be reduced to second class citizens in their own home states of Plateau/Nassarawa/and Benue. Let them dare try displaying their christian religion outside "designated areas" of the north and see what happens to them. In the east, people like Ken Saro Wiwa would rest in peace, because he made amends of his foolishness just before "they" took him out.

naijaking1:

I was just going to say the same. Not just Yorubas, but the Tivs, and Angas like Gowon on whose back the war was fought, only to be reduced to second class citizens in their own home states of Plateau/Nassarawa/and Benue. Let them dare try displaying their christian religion outside "designated areas" of the north and see what happens to them. In the east, people like Ken Saro Wiwa would rest in peace, because he made amends of his foolishness just before "they" took him out.

You are right about that. I however think that a Yoruba floodgate may precipitate others including from the northern minorities. It may also happen the other way round, who knows? But it will surely happen.

First the Ijaw, now the Yoruba?  Next will be the Hausa and then the British, that will be the final. 



It will happen!

ezeagu:

First the Ijaw, now the Yoruba? Next will be the Hausa and then the British, that will be the final.
It will happen!

That's a good one.

I beg, don't waste time responding to jona's cut/paste non-sense. He doesn't need to be legitimized by your response, until he learns to write and speak his own opinion.

Regret?
Not just regret, he should do more than that.
I am waiting for Enahoro to come out with his own version of regret, maybe old age had made him forget his big speech to the BBC in those day that starvation is legitimate weapons of war and they will use it to the full if it works and so they did. Today Enahoro is wandering about looking for true federalism (whatever that means?

I had to applaud the courage shown by Alain Akinrinade in publicly expressing his regrets for fighting the war against the Biafra. I would also pray to the evil spirits that are numerously abounded in Nigeria to continue the merciless flogging of those morons that would get twisted out of human form when Biafra is mentioned.

Poor Akinrinade used to be a very fine officer but equally lacked the intellect found among few people of his stock such Wole Soyinka who vehemently kicked against the war foisted on Biafra, Lt Col Ayo Ariyo who had rather resigned his commission into Nigerian army than fight against Biafrans and Ijebu Ode cocoa farmers, yes peasant farmers who staged courageous opposition to Gowon’s war against Biafra.

Nigeria will never see progress because it is the amalgamation of evil incarnates

Eziachi:

Regret?
Not just regret, he should do more than that.
I am waiting for Enahoro to come out with his own version of regret, maybe old age had made him forget his big speech to the BBC in those day that starvation is legitimate weapons of war and they will use it to the full if it works and so they did. Today Enahoro is wandering about looking for true federalism (whatever that means?

Don't forget David Ejoor who was more deeply trusted by Ironsi than Igbo officers, Chief Clark, Diette-Spiff, and others who are now asking for the same provision contained in Aburi accord they had myopically sabotaged. Resource control then is equals to resource control now.

The souls of Igbos, Ijaws, Ibibios, Ogonis, Efiks lost to araba simply because they happened to come from eastern Nigeria, and the ones lost defending and trying to prevent the rest of us from been wiped off the face of the earth will not rest until these people make amends.

too late in the day

Lool. I guess people here just come abd read headlines.This man is just saying he regrets fighting for Nigeria to be one, and is not issuing an apology for fighting against biafra or to Igbo people for their losses.In his own view Nigeria did not work out, that is his regret.How come you people know how to twist words so easily? Never read articles and jump to conclusion? People did what they thought was right at the point in time.We should not forget that when Nigeria was initially called for, Igbo's and Northerner's made it happen.So Yoruba's have nothing to apologise for.You got your wish, why the crying? Also, OnlyLies jump to conclusion here is sickening.One man's opinion is just that, an opinion.You need to get a life because your comments are veru ridiculous and daft.

It's a bit worrying that some people would distort simple English to fit whatever they want to hear. It's a sign of some sort of persistent delusional world view. The man never showed regret for being anti-Biafra or apologized for fighting the rebels. Rather, he said Nigeria turned out badly so multiple countries consisting of multiple ethnic groups might have been better since one unified Nigeria produced nothing to be proud of, in his opinion. Thus, he thinks the most important action of his life was a waste. Anyway, there could have been different countries after 1957, but that was nipped in the bud by a handful of people as passionate about one Nigeria back then as Akinrinade was in 1967. I wonder whether any of those people apologized either.

What a dumb man, you fought a war to make Nigeria one and you regret 40 years? Okay Hausa forced you to fight Igbo and you went along.

Gold-mind:

Nigeria, what an unworkable nation?

Allahu Akbar

You all need to listen to what Physics just said.

Akinrinade is proud of pounding Biafra but regrets that the objective of their victory and the will to keep Nigeria one has not materialized.

Phase one was to deal with and defeat Biafra. That materialized and he's proud of that!

Phase two was keeping Nigeria together and unified for progress and pride. That did not materialize.

His regret is that without success in phase two, phase one was a waste of time and resource and life.

By all means Biafra had to be dealt with! Ojukwu with his suicidal stubborness and ineptitude dragged innocent igbos to their death and when it was his turn to face bullets he escaped. Coward!

Negro_Ntns:

You all need to listen to what Physics just said.

Akinrinade is proud of pounding Biafra but regrets that the objective of their victory and the will to keep Nigeria one has not materialized.

Phase one was to deal with and defeat Biafra. That materialized and he's proud of that!

Phase two was keeping Nigeria together and unified for progress and pride. That did not materialize.

His regret is that without success in phase two, phase one was a waste of time and resource and life.

By all means Biafra had to be dealt with! Ojukwu with his suicidal stubborness and ineptitude dragged innocent igbos to their death and when it was his turn to face bullets he escaped. Coward!

TewMuch:

Lool. I guess people here just come abd read headlines.This man is just saying he regrets fighting for Nigeria to be one, and is not issuing an apology for fighting against biafra or to Igbo people for their losses.In his own view Nigeria did not work out, that is his regret.How come you people know how to twist words so easily? Never read articles and jump to conclusion? People did what they thought was right at the point in time.We should not forget that when Nigeria was initially called for, Igbo's and Northerner's made it happen.So Yoruba's have nothing to apologise for.You got your wish, why the crying? Also, OnlyLies jump to conclusion here is sickening.One man's opinion is just that, an opinion.You need to get a life because your comments are veru ridiculous and daft.

PhysicsMHD:

It's a bit worrying that some people would distort simple English to fit whatever they want to hear. It's a sign of some sort of persistent delusional world view. The man never showed regret for being anti-Biafra or apologized for fighting the rebels. Rather, he said Nigeria turned out badly so multiple countries consisting of multiple ethnic groups might have been better since one unified Nigeria produced nothing to be proud of, in his opinion. Thus, he thinks the most important action of his life was a waste. Anyway, there could have been different countries after 1957, but that was nipped in the bud by a handful of people as passionate about one Nigeria back then as Akinrinade was in 1967. I wonder whether any of those people apologized either.

Negro_Ntns:

You all need to listen to what Physics just said.

Akinrinade is proud of pounding Biafra but regrets that the objective of their victory and the will to keep Nigeria one has not materialized.

Phase one was to deal with and defeat Biafra. That materialized and he's proud of that!

Phase two was keeping Nigeria together and unified for progress and pride. That did not materialize.

His regret is that without success in phase two, phase one was a waste of time and resource and life.

By all means Biafra had to be dealt with! Ojukwu with his suicidal stubborness and ineptitude dragged innocent igbos to their death and when it was his turn to face bullets he escaped. Coward!

coogar:

twisters

Hmmmmmmm. Interesting!!!