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What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu - Politics (2) - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralPoliticsWhat Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu (3527 Views)

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Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Ofunaofu: 6:02am On May 13, 2023
MetaPhysical:
Ojukwu declared Biafra in May 67. Biafra invaded midwest in September and declared it a Republic and installed new Governor Okonkwo. From when they crossed Niger into Asaba and entered Benin they met zero opposition from Federal forces. Absence of Federal troops was by design. Gowon was ok with Ojukwu keeping his Biafra. Infact, Northerners were putting plans in place to vacate their soldiers from Southern barracks and return them North. The coup of Jan 66 caught them off guard and they were ready to take their losses and return home, afterall they had exacted their pound of flesh from Ibos, the score was even.

The invasion and declaration of minority regions in East and midwest changed course of the conflict.

Biafra captured Benin on September 19th without any opposition, but by next day, on 20th, Gowon dispatched troops to free all captured territories. This is where exchange of fire with Federal troops started. Infact, by next day Biafran soldiers were already in Ore, advancing West. Federal soldiers neutralized them there, then pushed Eastward forcing Biafrans to retreat.

In a nutshell, invasion of non-Ibo territories gave Gowon a resolve to launch an offensive against Biafra. If Ojukwu had not strayed, greedily, claiming non-ibo lands 2million biafrans would not have perished, and there would be a internationally recognized sovereingty today called Republic of Biafra, with a seat in UN.
This is your personal account or your assumptions
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Bridget95(f): 6:14am On May 13, 2023
LegendHero:
This is the same mistake Ojukwu made.

No war is fought in isolation. He thought he could do it alone and he paid for his miscalculations.

If you’re allowed to command Biafra with this your mentality, you will send more Ibo to the slaughter house than Ojukwu.

How can the international community stay neutral when you confessed yourself that Ojukwu would have been able to use crude for negotiation? The federal government outsmarted him and a true General should factor all in his calculation.

War is not like boxing match. Most wars always have outside interference, if you fail to plan for external factors, then you’re just committing mass suicide. If Nigeria go to war today, external forces will still be involved.
You are smart.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by afroedo: 6:20am On May 13, 2023
very true, he would have remain in ibo,without trying to conquer other land ...
MetaPhysical:
Ojukwu declared Biafra in May 67. Biafra invaded midwest in September and declared it a Republic and installed new Governor Okonkwo. From when they crossed Niger into Asaba and entered Benin they met zero opposition from Federal forces. Absence of Federal troops was by design. Gowon was ok with Ojukwu keeping his Biafra. Infact, Northerners were putting plans in place to vacate their soldiers from Southern barracks and return them North. The coup of Jan 66 caught them off guard and they were ready to take their losses and return home, afterall they had exacted their pound of flesh from Ibos, the score was even.

The invasion and declaration of minority regions in East and midwest changed course of the conflict.

Biafra captured Benin on September 19th without any opposition, but by next day, on 20th, Gowon dispatched troops to free all captured territories. This is where exchange of fire with Federal troops started. Infact, by next day Biafran soldiers were already in Ore, advancing West. Federal soldiers neutralized them there, then pushed Eastward forcing Biafrans to retreat.

In a nutshell, invasion of non-Ibo territories gave Gowon a resolve to launch an offensive against Biafra. If Ojukwu had not strayed, greedily, claiming non-ibo lands 2million biafrans would not have perished, and there would be a internationally recognized sovereingty today called Republic of Biafra, with a seat in UN.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Nobody: 6:21am On May 13, 2023
Ofunaofu:
What could he have done, watch as his people are being massacred on a daily
He could have retaliated without taking the entire country to war, or better yet negotiate with the government to bring the offenders to justice.

Knowing what we know now, that war was the biggest mistake ever made in Nigeria. That war still divides us till date.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by baretalk: 6:21am On May 13, 2023
Go open Biafra land and post this useless topic. Seun, mynd, no secession, remove this mischievous topic. Ojukwu led you zombies to the slaughter, he is a bad leader to igbos.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by baretalk: 6:23am On May 13, 2023
Fervency6:
Every great nation ,once fought a war
Start another one, idiot. 3million biafran zombies that perished never do you abi...the same reason all your children are growing up to be children of hate, seems you want to destroy the future of your generations unborn.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Ofunaofu: 6:46am On May 13, 2023
Ajagunakin:
He could have retaliated without taking the entire country to war, or better yet negotiate with the government to bring the offenders to justice.

Knowing what we know now, that war was the biggest mistake ever made in Nigeria. That war still divides us till date.
And what was the purpose of the Aburi Accord

Didn't he and Gowon have an agreement only for Gowon to return to Nigeria and renegade on the agreement
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by tamdun: 7:01am On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
Ojukwu was in Enugu, Gowon was in Lagos

Gowon was trying to invade Enugu, but Ojukwu should not have invaded Lagos?


What sort of logic is that?

So Gowon is free to invade the East, but Ojukwu was not allowed to invade the West?

The reasoning of some Nigerians can be shocking
So what happened afterwards?
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by hakeemhakeem(m): 7:28am On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
Ojukwu was in Enugu, Gowon was in Lagos

Gowon was trying to invade Enugu, but Ojukwu should not have invaded Lagos?


What sort of logic is that?

So Gowon is free to invade the East, but Ojukwu was not allowed to invade the West?

The reasoning of some Nigerians can be shocking
Invaded West with what soldiers? he should have station his men at the boarders
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Akwamkpuruamu: 7:30am On May 13, 2023
baralatie:
The simple truth is ojukwu mistake was to go to war!
It is the most unfortunate decision as an officer to make
He could have kept quiet while northern rabid soldiers keep slaughtering his kinsmen right
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by NigerianAngelo(m):
1. Agriculture. Even Hitler had food for Germans throughout the war till the last day.
Ojukwu didn't plant, didn't harness. He should have known food is the first bullet.

2. Lack of cooperation with Cameroon. Your only neighbour, you couldn't cooperate with. This enabled encirclement and starvation from May 1968 (1 yr).

3. Lack of LG Chairmen. They would have coordinated Biafra at grassroot level and given it a lot of legitimacy, man power coordination and civil strenght at grassroot level it needed.

4. Low military numbers. At peak of war, Biafra had just 90k soldiers, for a country arguably with 12M+ pop. By contrast, by the end of WWII Germany had mobilised 14M soldiers out of 70M citizens, and US 16M out of about 200M+.
Biafra should have mobilised 500k+ soldiers, trained them, and foreign aid groups plus local efforts could have armed them instead of just civilian food relief efforts. The Biafra could have stood and larger territories (Rivers, Delta, Cross River) never allowed under foreign occupations.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by AwkaFinest: 7:49am On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
The mistake you make is thinking that Ojukwu wanted war, that was the last thing Ojukwu wanted, but that was the only option he was forced into

What many Nigerians dont seem to understand is that Nigeria was once made up of 4 Regions that controlled their resources, and were not dependent on the federal government the way most of the 36 states of Nigeria are today

The Regions controlled their resources during the Ojukwus time m, thats why Gowon, despite claiming to me military ruler of Nigeria, had to meet Ojukwu who was military Governor of the Eastern Region, in Aburi, Ghana, for talks

Ojukwu went to Aburi to find peace, he signed a peace agreement with Gowon at Aburi, only for Gowon to return to Nigeria and break the agreement, causing war

Ojukwu was controlling the Eastern Region and its resources, which included oil

Had the international community stayed neutral, Ojukwu would have been able to sell oil and finance the war appropriately

The international community was the only reason Nigeria won
The bolded is a lie. As at that time Aguyi Ironsi had already changed the system to a system where everything comes to the center.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Obaaderemi2: 7:55am On May 13, 2023
Fervency6:
We all know about the Biafra war, but not everyone can specifically tell what strategy could have won the war for Biafra.


Let's learn......
Patience. That's the strategy that could have won the war. Another strategy would have been to never eye yorubaland.

Patience: He went to war 5 years earlier than was necessary. The Ibos should have stealthily built up their economy and an armament industry which could sustain itself before launching that war. It was a good thing Ojukwu was governor of the Eastern region. But he wasn't patient. The economy of the East could not sustain them during the war and they didn't have enough weapons.

2: He should have limited his Biafra influence or prospective sphere of influence to his region without trying to harness places in niger Delta and South West.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Obaaderemi2: 8:03am On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
The mistake you make is thinking that Ojukwu wanted war, that was the last thing Ojukwu wanted, but that was the only option he was forced into

What many Nigerians dont seem to understand is that Nigeria was once made up of 4 Regions that controlled their resources, and were not dependent on the federal government the way most of the 36 states of Nigeria are today

The Regions controlled their resources during the Ojukwus time m, thats why Gowon, despite claiming to me military ruler of Nigeria, had to meet Ojukwu who was military Governor of the Eastern Region, in Aburi, Ghana, for talks

Ojukwu went to Aburi to find peace, he signed a peace agreement with Gowon at Aburi, only for Gowon to return to Nigeria and break the agreement, causing war

Ojukwu was controlling the Eastern Region and its resources, which included oil

Had the international community stayed neutral, Ojukwu would have been able to sell oil and finance the war appropriately

The international community was the only reason Nigeria won
Are you sure you know about the Biafra war and what led to it? You put up a lie there. Nigeria had a unitary system by 1966 when your father Ironsi took over. The Aburi meeting had as one of the points of consideration a demand for confederation by Ojukwu. Why do you think the war broke out if Ojukwu already was controlling the resources of the Eastern region de facto et de jure?
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by gidgiddy: 9:36am On May 13, 2023
AwkaFinest:
The bolded is a lie. As at that time Aguyi Ironsi had already changed the system to a system where everything comes to the center.
Well that's a lie Nigerians have been told for a long time, Ironsi never tampered with resource control nor introduced unitary rule

It was Gowon who came in after Ironsi and later abolished all 4 Region with Decree 14, then removed resource control with Decree 15
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by gidgiddy: 9:37am On May 13, 2023
Obaaderemi2:
Are you sure you know about the Biafra war and what led to it? You put up a lie there. Nigeria had a unitary system by 1966 when your father Ironsi took over. The Aburi meeting had as one of the points of consideration a demand for confederation by Ojukwu. Why do you think the war broke out if Ojukwu already was controlling the resources of the Eastern region de facto et de jure?
Well that's a lie Nigerians have been told for a long time, Ironsi never tampered with resource control nor introduced unitary rule

It was Gowon who came in after Ironsi and later abolished all 4 Region with Decree 14, then removed resource control with Decree 15
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by huptin(m): 9:38am On May 13, 2023
maintenant:
He lost the war purely on the basis of unpreparedness...

He could have built an overwhelming dose of armament before making the declaration for secession.

Something as short as six months could have enabled him to train enough men in the art of soldiery.

Most of the troops were conscripts who had zero training in warfare.

He was also not exactly swift to get a foreign backer...
How plausible is this? What if Gowon removesd him as the governor of the east and Post him elsewhere?
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by AwkaFinest: 9:47am On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
Well that's a lie Nigerians have been told for a long time, Ironsi never tampered with resource control nor introduced unitary rule

It was Gowon who came in after Ironsi and later abolished all 4 Region with Decree 14, then removed resource control with Decree 15
You think you are replying a toddler.
Keep lying to yourself






Of all the decrees enacted in Nigeria, none is more controversial than Decree No 34 of 1966. It was promulgated on May 24, 1966 by then Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi (1924-1966) . It was called Unification Decree while some critics at that time labelled it the De-unification Decree.

It was the decree that started the death of regionalism – an issue which is still generating controversy till now. Although the next head of State General Yakubu Gowon repealed the Decree 34 on August 31, 1966 through Decree 9, a large portion of the Decree is still effective till today.

General Gowon further compounded it by promulgating Decree 14 of 1967 which broke Nigeria into 12 states and provided for military governors for each state. With Decrees 34, 8 and 14 regionalism was finally buried.


On assumption of power, General Aguiyi-Ironsi promulgated the Constitution (Suspension and Modification) Decree 1966. Decree No 1 dated January 17, 1966 but not published in the Official Gazette until March 4, 1966. He then issued Public Order Decree No 33 dated May 24 1966 which dissolved eighty-one political associations and twenty-six tribal and cultural associations.

At the early stage of his tenure, he appointed a three-man advisory team made up of Chief Francis Nwokedi, a Permanent Secretary, Dr. Pius Charles Nwabafor Okigbo (1924-2000) and Colonel Patrick Anwunah, who later became Chairman and Head of the Orientation Committee at that time.

He replaced the then Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Taslim Olawale Elias (1914-1991) with Chief Gabriel Chike Michael Onyiuke (SAN), former Director, Public Prosecution, Eastern Nigeria (1960-1965) from Nimo in the present Anambra state.

In a speech to the nation on January 28 1966, he denounced the evils of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa regime and outlined necessary reforms. ”All Nigerians”, he declared,” want an end to regionalism. Tribal loyalties and activities which promote tribal consciousness and sectional interests must give way to the urgent task of national reconstruction. The Federal Military Government will preserve Nigeria as one strong nation.” He then went on to promise “administrative reforms” and referred specifically to several matters in which regional as well as personal interests were known to have had decisive influence. These were official appointments, public investments, and the universities. He promised that in the public services, efficiency and merit will be the criteria for advancement”. That industrial development would be “coordinated to avoid wasteful duplication of industrial projects”, and that the universities would be “re-orientated to serve the genuine interest of our people.”

Immediately after the speech two Governors kicked against the proposal. They were, Major General David Akpode Ejoor (83) from Ovu in the present Delta State, then serving as the Military Governor of the Mid-Western region and Major General Hassan Usman Katsina(1933-1995), who was then serving as Governor of the Northern region.

Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (1933-2011), Military Governor of Eastern Region welcomed the decree while Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi (1926-1966), Military Governor of Western Region never commented on the promulgation of the decree.

Lt-Col Ejoor was reported as saying that the ’National Government’ set up by the army was the prelude to ‘the reintroduction of a unitary form of government’ and insisted that it would create future problems. Shortly afterwards, the Supreme Military Council announced that a senior government official, Mr. Nwokedi, had been asked to consider and to report to the Supreme Military Council on the establishment of ‘an administrative machinery for a united Nigeria’ and the ‘unification of the Public Services and Judicial Services.’


In his own speech on February 19 at the Kaduna Airport, the Governor of Northern region, Lt-Col. Hassan Katsina said he was not aware as a member of the then Supreme Military Council of the modalities for the proposed National Government. ”I am afraid the egg is about to be broken”.

On February 21 1966, General Aguiyi-Ironsi again addressed the nation on the issue. He said: “On the question of the political future of the country, the experiences and mistakes of the previous governments in the Federation have clearly indicated that far-reaching constitutional reforms are badly needed for peaceful and orderly progress towards the realization of our objectives. I have already touched on some of the major issues involved in recent broadcast to the nation. It has become apparent to all Nigerians that rigid adherence to ‘regionalism’, was the bane of the last regime and one of the main factors which contributed to its downfall. No doubt, the country would welcome a clean break with the deficiencies of the system of government to which the country has been subjected in the recent past. A solution suitable to our national needs must be found. The existing boundaries of governmental control will need to be re-adjusted to make for less cumbersome administration.’

As a follow-up on May 25, General Aguiyi-Ironsi promulgated the Constitution (Suspension and Modification)(No. 5) Decree 1966. Decree No. 34 (the ‘Unification Decree’).

After the promulgation, the country was thrown into turmoil which led to demonstration particularly in many parts of Northern Nigeria at that time. On his return to Kaduna on May 27, Col. Hassan Katsina was besieged with demands for an explanation. It was feared that in a unified service, Northerners would be at a disadvantage. It was no consolation that the Decree provided for the delegation of appointments and promotions, except the most senior, to Provincial Civil Service Commissions.

With its authority challenged and shown to be weak, at least in large parts of the North, the National Military Government had little option but to proffer its assurances and to explain its actions. The Supreme Military Council met on 7 and 8 June 1966 and issued the following statement:

“The public must not be led to confuse the Military Government with government by a civilian regime under a constitution approved by the people. Nobody will expect the present Military Government to cease to function until new constitution has been approved or to be compelled to operate the old system of government with its obvious weakness. It cannot be too seriously emphasized that the Military Government while in office can only run the government as a military government under a unified command. It cannot afford to run five separate governments and separate services as if it were a civilian regime. Final decisions on the territorial structure of the country and the public services will be matters for the Constituent Assembly and the referendum.”


The Supreme Military Council also decided that General Aguiyi-Ironsi should invite traditional rulers from all parts of the country to a meeting to be held in Lagos as soon as possible and that the Military Governors would immediately summon similar meetings in their own Regions. This was presumably an attempt to improve the channels of communications. There had in fact already been a meeting of Northern Emirs and Chiefs in Kaduna on 4 of June and the Military Governor had been given a list of grievances and recommendations to take to Lagos. The Emirs and Chiefs met again on June 16 to receive General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s reply.
Sadly on 29 July 1966, General Aguiyi-Ironsi and the Military Governor of Western Region, Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi were murdered in Ibadan during a meeting with the traditional rulers from all parts of the country.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by gidgiddy: 9:57am On May 13, 2023
AwkaFinest:
You think you are replying a toddler.
Keep lying to yourself
Google Decree 14 and Decree 15 if you want to learn about how Gowon abollished the 4 Regions, created states, took away resource control and introduced unitary rule

If you cant Google then continue believing the age old lie that it was Ironsi who introduced unitary rule
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Nobody: 9:58am On May 13, 2023
Ofunaofu:
And what was the purpose of the Aburi Accord

Didn't he and Gowon have an agreement only for Gowon to return to Nigeria and renegade on the agreement
What part of the aburi accord is in the constitution? Why did he attack Isaac Adaka Boro, and try to deceive his colleagues with a sham aburi accord? You peoples 2face nature will continue to catch up with you, no be today e start.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by kettykings: 10:00am On May 13, 2023
paramakina202:
Lack of adequate weapons and international support was the major cause Biafra lost the war. Imagine where Ukraine would be today without the support of EU, UN, NATO and US
I quite agree with this but even at that the biafrans without world support held their hold on the battle filed,almost all Nigerian heads of state aside gowon is nursing either physical or mental injury from the war till date, biafrans finished the 2nd division 3 times and reduced the 3rd armoured division from 33,000 to less than 300 . This is where biafrans differ from Ukraine, Ukraine with all the world support cannot dream thatvon Russia.

Biafrans invented the ogbunigwe which the world has turned to javelin against Russia.
Biafrans built airports, refineries, bunkers without world support, something that is taking Nigeria their whole life history to build.

Nigeria only won the war through starvation , blockade and sabotage of farm lands which makes Nigeria military and government of that era nothing short of an inept ,over supported terrorist organizations.

How would the world react today if Russia instead of fighting professionally resort to destroying the grain farms, food storage, medical imports, hospitals, schools of Ukraine.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by AwkaFinest: 10:08am On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
Well that's a lie Nigerians have been told for a long time, Ironsi never tampered with resource control nor introduced unitary rule

It was Gowon who came in after Ironsi and later abolished all 4 Region with Decree 14, then removed resource control with Decree 15
Ironsi's broadcast to the nation - May 24, 1966.


"The Regions are Abolished': Ironsi's Broadcast to the Nation banning
Political Parties and introducing Decree No. 34, 24 May 1966.



Fellow Nigerians:
During the past two weeks I presided over meetings of the Supreme
Military council and the Central Executive Council at which many
important state matters were considered. . .
It is now three months since the Government of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria was handed over to the Armed Forces. Now that peace has
been restored in the troubled areas it is time that the Military
Government indicates clearly what it proposes to accomplish before
relinquishing power. The removal of one of the obstacles on the way
is provided for in the Constitution (Suspension and Modification)
Decree (No. 5) 1966 which was promulgated by me today and comes into
effect at once.
The provisions of the Decree are intended to remove the last
vestiges of the intense regionalism of the recent past, and to
produce that cohesion in the governmental structure which is so
necessary in achieving, and maintaining the paramount objective of
the National Military government, and indeed of every true Nigerian,
namely, national unity.
The highlights of this Decree are as follows:
The former regions are abolished, and Nigeria grouped into a number
of territorial areas called provinces. . . .
Nigeria ceases to be what has been described as a federation. It
now becomes simply the Republic of Nigeria.
The former Federal Military government and the Central Executive
Council become respectively the National Military Government and the
executive Council. All the Military Governors are members of the
Executive Council.
A Military Governor is assigned to a group of provinces over which
and subject to the direction and control of the Head of the National
Military Government, he shall exercise executive power. In order to
avoid any major dislocation of the present administrative machinery,
the grouping of the provinces has been made to coincide with the
former regional boundaries. This is entirely a transitional measure
and must be understood as such. The present grouping of the
provinces is without prejudice to the Constitutional and
Administrative arrangements to be embodied in the New Constitution in
accordance with the wishes of the people of Nigeria.
The National Military Government assumes the exercise of all
legislative powers throughout the Republic subject to such
delegations to Military Governors as are considered necessary for
purposes of efficient administration.
The public services of the former federation and regions become
unified into one national public service under a National Public
Service Commission. There is a provincial Service Commission for
each group of provinces to which is delegated functions in respect of
public officers below a given rank. This rather drastic change will
probably involve a reconstitution of the existing commissions, and
the National Military Government reserves the right to do so in the
manner stipulated in the Decree. Until this is done, the present
Commissioners continue to act in their posts. Every civil servant is
now called upon to see his function in any part of Nigeria in which
he is serving in the context of the whole country. The orientation
should now be towards national unity and progress. I expect all
civil servants to co-operate and to consult at all levels, vertically
and horizontally, between groups of Provinces and between Provinces
and the Centre.
People are aware that Study Groups have been set up to look into
various aspects of governmental activity. One of them is concerned
with problem relating to the Constitution. This Decree is without
prejudice to their activities and their reports will be given proper
consideration by the National Military Government in formulating the
proposals for the future civilian government.
In my nation-wide radio broadcast of January 28, 1966, I said, among
other things: "We cannot afford to continue with sterile political
strife and mutual recriminations. I have therefore ordered that
there shall be no display in party flags or symbols, and no shouting
of political slogans.'
On March 3, I caused a press release to be issued calling attention
to the fact that political meetings were, in spite of my order, being
held in certain parts of the country, and warned the public and the
press to cooperate with the Federal Military Government in its tasks
of national reconstruction.
In spite of these warnings, political party activities still
continue, either directly, or through various tribal societies and
organizations. The National Military Government owes it as a duty to
the people of this country to remove the ills which infested the
former regime, to restore the faith of our people in their to remove
the ills which infested the former regime, to restore the faith of
our people in their fatherland and its institutions, so that when the
time comes for the civilian government to return, a healthy body
politic would have emerged, and last vestiges of bitter factionalism
removed.
The National Military Government having committed itself to this
task is firmly resolved to conclude it, and will not be diverted from,
or obstructed in, the fulfillment of this objective by the
activities or political manoeuvres of any society, party, union or
association. Part of our task is the removal of politics based on
tribal affiliations which, as everybody knows, have manifested
political intrigues, or have been used as bases for party-political
propaganda. This leads me to the removal of the second obstacle on
the way for which provision has been made in the Public Order Decree
1966, which I have signed today and which comes into operation
forthwith, dissolving all organizations of the type scheduled therein,
and banning any manifestations of their political purpose. These
organizations have been dissolved and will be buried along with the
tribal, sectional and regional bitterness which they engendered.
Certain types of associations and organizations are unaffected and
will remain so, only for as long as they do not engage in any
political activity. It is the cardinal aim of my Government to foster
the growth of town development unions, membership of which should be
open to all inhabitants of the particular town irrespective of their
tribal origin. This does not mean for instance that Efiks residing
outside Calabar should not contribute towards the development of
Calabar development union but it does mean that a Tiv or Hausa
residing in Calabar should be eligible for membership and should be
allowed to participate fully in the development of that town.
This Decree also prohibits the formation of new political parties.
I must emphasize however that the ban on formation of new political
parties is of limited duration and is designed to enable this
corrective government to get on with its task especially at this
initial stage. At the appropriate time provisions will be made
outlining the procedure for the formation of new political
associations.]
I want however to leave no doubt in the mind of anybody, that the
provisions of this decree will certainly be enforced. This is a
Military Regime and soldiers do not allow themselves to be diverted
from or obstructed in the fulfillment of their objectives. With us
the objectives will be pursued with supreme determination and vigor.
In this we need not only the cooperation but the discipline of every
Nigerian.
I wish to make it clear that the prohibition of the formation of new
political associations has no sinister motive. The limitation period
until the 17th of January 1969 may be reduced if the Military
Government accomplishes its aims before then. Our determination is
that until the two decrees I have signed today are abrogated, every
individual should be preoccupied with the task of national
reconstruction, not as ex-politician, but simply as a Nigerian with
faith in his country's destiny.
Malicious rumours designed to mar our national reconstruction
continue to be carried about by certain individuals in spite of my
repeated warnings. Cases of impersonation of officers of the Armed
Forces are still reported. I have to warn again those who indulge in
these criminal acts to discipline themselves forthwith and not to
provoke us into taking very drastic measures which may otherwise
become necessary.
In pursuance of its policy for achieving national unity, my
Government is setting up a body to review all the existing Government-
sponsored newspapers in the context of national unity. This body
will also recommend the most effective organization for running the
Information, Broadcasting and Television Services in the country and
the financial implications involved.
I must not end this broadcast without pointing out a recent
development which, if not checked, will adversely affect the morale
of the Civil Service and thereby hamper our national reconstruction.
By this I mean the unnecessary criticism recently being leveled
against the Civil Service by certain sections of the Press. It is
common knowledge that civil servants are expected to tender advice to
Ministers but it was not obligatory on the part of the former
Ministers to accept advise so tendered. It will therefore be wrong
to blame civil servants for mistakes made by their Ministers who in
many cases did not accept the advice given to them by these officers.

I have to make it abundantly clear to everyone that my Government
will continue to use the services of the present civil servants.
However, my government believes in maintaining the highest standard
of efficiency in the Civil Service and will not hesitate to do away
with anyone found guilty of inefficiency, nepotism, tribalism and
corruption.
I therefore wish to appeal to all newspaper editors and columnists
to look for a more profitable pastime and desist from criticising
civil servants unnecessarily especially as they realize that because
of the tradition of their calling, civil servants are barred from
defending themselves on the pages of newspapers. Such attacks will
certainly not help the Military Government and is sure eventually to
demoralizes members of the Public Service who are rendering such
noble service to this nation under difficult conditions. If any
member of the public has any genuine case against any civil servant,
he or she should make a report to the appropriate quarters.
We are determined to accomplish the main tasks we have set ourselves.
The various problems involved are being studied by the various
working parties which I have set up. Whilst these studies are in
progress my Government cannot remain at a standstill and must
therefore forge ahead in the meantime. As a corrective regime we
must ensure that the fatal maladies of the past are cured before we
relinquish power. We propose as a last act to give the country an
accurate count as well as a Constitution which will guarantee unity,
freedom, and true democracy to all Nigerians everywhere.
Investigations are proceeding in respect of ex-politicians of the
former regime. Any of them found guilty will be dealt with according
to Law irrespective of their position in the community. My
Government will then consider utilizing the services of those who
have not been found wanting and who are prepared to serve in the
context of national unity.
Nigerians must understand and respect one another in the new
national spirit. Those ex-politicians in different camps who
previously regarded one another as enemies should now forget the past
and work together for the common good.
With the dissolution of political parties and tribal unions I want
all Nigerians everywhere in Nigeria to regard one another not as
strangers but as Nigerians with common nationalists irrespective of
their tribe or place of origin. From henceforth no reference to
tribe or place of origin will appear in any official document. . .
Finally, I appeal to all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to
cooperate with the Military Government in the difficult task of
national reconstruction.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by AwkaFinest: 10:14am On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
Google Decree 14 and Decree 15 if you want to learn about how Gowon abollished the 4 Regions, created states, took away resource control and introduced unitary rule

If you cant Google then continue believing the age old lie that it was Ironsi who introduced unitary rule
Yes, Gowon created the states, but it was Ironsi that abolished the regions and created the system of government we suffer today, where states which were in regions then were stripped off their power to control resources within their domain.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Ofunaofu: 10:16am On May 13, 2023
Ajagunakin:
What part of the aburi accord is in the constitution? Why did he attack Isaac Adaka Boro, and try to deceive his colleagues with a sham aburi accord? You peoples 2face nature will continue to catch up with you, no be today e start.
How hold are you

You registered a Monika yesterday to banter words with me
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Nobody: 10:35am On May 13, 2023
Ofunaofu:
How hold are you

You registered a Monika yesterday to banter words with me
You sound incoherent and pained. Ignore if you don’t have the capacity to address the contents of post.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Ofunaofu: 10:44am On May 13, 2023
Ajagunakin:
You sound incoherent and pained. Ignore if you don’t have the capacity to address the contents of post.
The sole purpose of creating an account as resent as yesterday is just for banters. You are a fuuuul
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Christistruth02: 10:49am On May 13, 2023
Fervency6:
I believe ojukwu's loss was more of strategic-deficiency rather than military deficiency.
Ojukwu might be book smart but militarily unsmart .
.. Even our forefathers who were Stark illiterates knew you didn't even contemplate war without first Securing your Peoples food supply with even back up sources of food supply just in case your enemies attacked your food supply

It was a shocking oversight which proved that Ojukwu didn't really care about the welfare of the People he claimed he was fighting for

What is the point of fighting a War if your People have no food to eat?

Starvation would finish them anyway so you might as well just surrender under the best terms you can get
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by gidgiddy: 10:53am On May 13, 2023
AwkaFinest:
Yes, Gowon created the states, but it was Ironsi that abolished the regions and created the system of government we suffer today, where states which were in regions then were stripped off their power to control resources within their domain.
Thats one of the lies that has been told against Ironsi for many years. At no time did Ironsi tamper with resource control throughout his 6 months in office. All 4 Regions controlled their resources, the only thing they did not have is democracy

It was Gowon that came in after Ironsi then used Decree 14 to abolish all 4 Regions and create 12 new states

Then immediately followed it up with Decree 15 which removed resource control


Use Google to confirm
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by paramakina202:
kettykings:
How would the world react today if Russia instead of fighting professionally resort to destroying the grain farms, food storage, medical imports, hospitals, schools of Ukraine.
Biafra fought hard even with bare hands our bravery in that war was legendary but in war if you are ill prepared for it you will be crushed and consequences of losing a war is very costly.

The Ukrainians are fighting a war of attrition with mighty Russia and still holding ground with the help of their allies.
Because of staunch NATO support for Ukraine,Russia have not even been able to win air superiority over Ukraine air space it is still been contested till today so there is no way Russia can even impose total blockage on land or air over Ukraine when all their neigbours are on their side unlike Biafra who was surrounded by enemy countries making it possible for Nigeria to achieve economic blockage .
Nations do not go to war to prove a point they go to war to win because the price of losing is costly.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by Obaaderemi2: 1:17pm On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
Well that's a lie Nigerians have been told for a long time, Ironsi never tampered with resource control nor introduced unitary rule

It was Gowon who came in after Ironsi and later abolished all 4 Region with Decree 14, then removed resource control with Decree 15
You are wrong. Go and read about ironsi's decree 1 of 1966 and decree 34. Ironsi took away regionalism in Nigeria.
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by gidgiddy: 1:23pm On May 13, 2023
Obaaderemi2:
You are wrong. Go and read about ironsi's decree 1 of 1966 and decree 34. Ironsi took away regionalism in Nigeria.
Well your going to have to explain how that is possible when Nigeria had 4 Regions that were controlling their resources the day Ironsi died
Re: What Single Strategy Could Have Won The War For Ojukwu by AwkaFinest: 3:31pm On May 13, 2023
gidgiddy:
Thats one of the lies that has been told against Ironsi for many years. At no time did Ironsi tamper with resource control throughout his 6 months in office. All 4 Regions controlled their resources, the only thing they did not have is democracy

It was Gowon that came in after Ironsi then used Decree 14 to abolish all 4 Regions and create 12 new states

Then immediately followed it up with Decree 15 which removed resource control


Use Google to confirm
Even with a broadcast made by Ironsi?
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