₦airaland Forum

Arda1000:
so as a leader Ojukwu would have been dining and dancing while his people are been massacred?

T9ksy:
The bolded portion above is the main reason why Ojukwu went to war. He , Ojukwu wants to go back to pre-jan 1966 status quo whilst Gowon and his Northern elite backers prefers the new unification regime as proposed and decreed by the late Ironsi.

FxMasterz:
I meant pogroms and not programs. Sorry for the typo. I was referring to the massacre in the north which was an aftermath of the Igbo coup of January 1966.

EmekaA125:
6 million Igbos that in the Nigeria-Biafra civil war and it's always easy for a mouth that lost nothing to say "move on let's allow old wounds heal". Hypocrites!!!

DaddyCoool:
Igbo coup whose aim, from writings of the coupists themselves, was to free a Yoruba man from Calaba prison and make him Prime minister, and one of the coupists was a guy named
Ademulegun, who wrote a book named "why WE struck" NOT "why Igbos struck"!! Weh done

GothamCities:
The Biafran War: Who Was the Aggressor?

The Biafran War, or the Nigerian Civil War, is a deeply emotional subject for many Nigerians, especially the Igbos who bore most of the brunts of the casualties. The scars of that conflict still run deep, and figures like General Yakubu Gowon, who led the federal government during that time, are often seen in a negative light. However, to fully grasp the complexities of the war, we must understand the events that led up to it, including the raids that sparked the conflict. At its core, the war was a tragic consequence of circumstances that forced Gowon to defend the integrity of the Nigerian state.

The Constitutional Duty of Yakubu Gowon

As head of state, Yakubu Gowon was bound by the Nigerian constitution to defend the unity and territorial integrity of the nation. When Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu declared the southeastern region as the independent Republic of Biafra in May 1967, it created a constitutional crisis. Gowon, faced with a potential disintegration of Nigeria, was left with little choice but to act. His decision to go to war was not one of personal ambition but a constitutional necessity. Allowing Biafra to secede would have set a dangerous precedent for other regions to follow, leading to the eventual breakup of Nigeria into weaker nations.

While the war was a catastrophe that led to immense loss of life, it is crucial to see Gowon’s actions in the context of his constitutional duty. He was not merely defending the northern part of Nigeria but fighting to preserve the nation as a whole.

Timeline of the Biafran War

1. May 1967 – Declaration of Biafra: The war’s origins lie in the political tensions that followed the first military coup in 1966, which saw the assassination of several northern leaders. This led to a counter-coup, which heightened ethnic tensions, especially between the north and the southeast. After a series of failed peace negotiations, Ojukwu declared the southeastern region an independent state, the Republic of Biafra, on May 30, 1967.

2. July 1967 – Raids and Biafran Aggression: In response to the declaration of Biafra, hostilities escalated. Biafran forces began to conduct raids into Nigerian territories, pushing into the Midwest region. On July 6, 1967, Biafran troops, under Ojukwu's command, launched a full-scale invasion of Nigeria by crossing the River Niger and capturing several towns, including Benin and Ore. These actions forced the hand of the federal government, making it clear that Gowon could not sit idly by while Biafran forces took over parts of the country.

3. July 1967 – Federal Response: Gowon ordered the Nigerian army to retaliate, marking the official beginning of the civil war. The federal forces counter-attacked to reclaim the captured territories, pushing back the Biafran troops. The war quickly escalated as both sides engaged in full-scale combat.

4. October 1967 – Recapture of the Midwest: By October 1967, the Nigerian military successfully recaptured the Midwest region, including key cities like Benin and Asaba. This marked a significant turning point in the war, with the Nigerian government now on the offensive.

5. [/b]1968-1969 – Blockades and Starvation[/b]: One of the most tragic elements of the war was the blockade imposed by the Nigerian government on Biafra. This strategy aimed to cut off supplies to the secessionist state, leading to widespread famine and starvation in Biafra. By 1968, pictures of starving Biafran children had captured global attention, but the war raged on.

6. January 1970 – End of the War: The war came to an official end on January 15, 1970, when Ojukwu fled to Ivory Coast and Biafran forces surrendered to the federal government. General Philip Effiong, who took over from Ojukwu, formally surrendered to Gowon, bringing the conflict to a close. In his post-war speech, Gowon declared that there was "no victor, no vanquished," emphasizing the need for reconciliation and rebuilding.

The Historical Aggressor: Setting the Record Straight

While many perceive Gowon as the aggressor due to his role in the conflict, it is important to set the historical record straight. Biafran forces, under Ojukwu’s leadership, initiated the military hostilities by launching raids and seizing key Nigerian territories. This left Gowon with no choice but to respond militarily to defend the nation’s sovereignty. As a head of state, his primary duty was to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, which had been violated by the Biafran military incursions.

The Past is Now Bygone. We Must embracing Unity

The war left deep wounds, particularly for the Igbos, who lost thousands of lives during the conflict. It is understandable that these memories remain painful. However, holding on to these grievances prevents the healing process that Nigeria desperately needs. The war is a part of our collective history, but it must not be the defining feature of our future.

The Igbos remain a vital part of Nigeria’s fabric, contributing immensely to its economy, culture, and politics. Letting go of past wounds and embracing a united Nigeria is the path forward, not just for Igbos but for all Nigerians. Only through unity can we achieve the collective prosperity we all desire.

The Benefits of a United Nigeria

A fragmented Nigeria would be far weaker, both economically and geopolitically. The benefits of remaining united as a nation far outweigh the prospects of smaller breakaway states.

1. Economic Power: Nigeria’s vast natural resources, including its oil reserves, agricultural potential, and human capital, make it a key player on the global stage. A united Nigeria is better equipped to harness these resources for the benefit of all its citizens.

2. International Influence: As the largest country in Africa by population, Nigeria commands respect and influence in international diplomacy, trade, and politics. A divided Nigeria would lose much of this influence, leaving the breakaway nations weaker on the global stage.

3. Security: Unity brings strength in numbers. A united Nigeria is better positioned to defend itself from internal and external threats. Divided, the smaller states would be more vulnerable to exploitation, violence, and instability.

4. Cultural Strength: Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. The richness of our cultural heritage, from the Igbos to the Yorubas, Hausas, and other ethnic groups, creates a unique national identity. Unity allows us to celebrate and benefit from this diversity.

Fighting the Real Enemy: Corruption and Bad Leadership

The real enemy we face today is not each other—it is the systemic corruption and bad leadership that have stifled Nigeria’s development for decades. Corruption is what has held us back from reaching our full potential, depriving us of the basic infrastructure, services, and opportunities we deserve as a nation.

Instead of being divided by the memories of the Biafran War, we must unite to tackle the corruption that continues to rob us of our future. Together, we can demand better leadership and accountability from those in power.

Together, we can build a Nigeria that serves all its people, not just the privileged few.

A Call for Unity

To my Igbo brothers and sisters, I understand the pain that history has brought upon you. But I also see the immense potential that you hold as part of this great nation. Together, as Nigerians, we can create a future where everyone thrives, where our children will not have to relive the horrors of the past.

Let us come together to build a Nigeria that is united, strong, and prosperous. Let us fight the right battles—the battle against corruption, against poverty, and against bad leadership. Only by standing united can we create the Nigeria we all dream of.

It’s time to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities of a united Nigeria, where our collective strength can propel us to heights we cannot reach alone.

Dalohad:
When Nigeria is ready for TRUE UNITY. They know what to do assuage the Ibos.

Till then, let us keep pointing fingers, speaking big grammar and penning idealistic litanies that are verbose at best.

GothamCities:
It's generally believed to be an Igbo coup because of the Igbo colouration. The Ibos were the mastermind and also constituted the coup majorly.

Nonetheless, we need to forget the past and forge the future together in unity.

DaddyCoool:
Igbo coup whose aim, from writings of the coupists themselves, was to free a Yoruba man from Calaba prison and make him Prime minister, and one of the coupists was a guy named
Ademulegun, who wrote a book named "why WE struck" NOT "why Igbos struck"!! Weh done

T9ksy:
This is how you duplicitous folks go about dishing out falsehoods as fact, if not challenged and exposed for the shameless liars you all are..

Firstly, Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun did not write no flippin book as he was shot dead in his bed alongside his pregnant wife in the Jan 15th, igbo-led coup by Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu.

Secondly, it was Major Ademoyega who wrote the book you screenshot on here.

Thirdly, there was no attempt to free Awo from calabar prison on the night in question. That was just the line, Major Ifejunna spinned on to the gullible Major Ademoyega - a well- known Awoist, to get him to join their diabolical coup plot.

DaddyCoool:
You are talking like an IDI0T (note: I said you are talking like an idiot, NOT that you are one). A RABBID IDIOT at that.
I often wonder why you folks can't make your point known without being offensive and insultive. It doesn't in any way add value or authenticate whatever point you are trying to expouse.

Firstly, it is obvious the name was a typo because the screenshot has the correct name
So, you didn't bother to check the screenshot you uploaded before typing the rubbish, you posted? What's the hurry?



Secondly, once again talking like an idiot about something you haven't read a book about. Here's a verbatim quote from Ademoyega (you can't know better than him)
There was no decision at our meetings to single out any ethnic group for elimination. Our intentions were honourable, our views were national and our goals were idealistic. Even those earmarked for arrest, four were northerners, two were Westerners and two were Easterners.
It's interesting that you guys are always quick to use Ademoyega's book , "why we struck" to buttress your half-baked theory that the first coup in Nigeria was not tribally orientated. Well, subsequent police investigation into the coup shows that , although, the copuists started their planings in August '65, Ademoyega was recruited late in October by Nzeogwu who himself was co-opted into the coup plot in early October.



In essence, Ademoyega's book will only contain what he was told by the original coupists, namely Majors Ifeajuna, Okafor and Capt Oji.

Ref=====>SPECIAL BRANCH REPORT: "Military Rebellion of 15th January 1966



Thirdly, a second-highest ranking Igbo officer, Lt. Col. Arthur Unegbe, was killed in the coup. Ironsi was also marked down but they botched it.
Was Lt. Col Unegbe truly the second highest ranking igbo officer in January 1966?
Who botched Ironsi's assassination? Maimalari's assassination too was botched by Major Okafor, but Ifeajunna insisted that his former brigade commander must be killed if the coup is to succeed, and he did went looking for maimalari whom he shot dead in cild blood when he eventually found him. Who went looking for Ironsi? No one did.



Fourthly, it was an Igbo that quelled the coup. After Nzeogwu realized the coup failed in the South and declared martial law in the North, the only reason he failed and later arrested and jailed, was because Ojukwu refused to cooperate with him.
Ojukwu was in on the coup too. Same as Ironsi and Fajuyi. Slimy zik had foreknowledge of the coup hence his absence from the country at the last minute and his long vacation in the Caribbean afterwards.

Fifth, you are really talking like an idiot when you talk about releasing Awolowo. THE COUP FAILED!
Ostensibly, the coup failed but who was/were detailed to lift Awo up from Calabar prison and what happened to him/them? The truth is, no activity was scheduled for Calabar that day



Sixth, go read Ademoyega's book. Impossible to fool him. Besides he'd have still been around after the coup
And why not? Ojukwu managed to fool millions of biafraudians into an early grave, didn't he? Why should Ademoyega be any different to igbo mischevious coupists like ifeajunna?




Seventh, Nzeogwu was surprised because he had expected a radio broadcast of the rebels from Lagos. He is said to have "gone wild" when he learnt that Emmanuel Ifeajuna in Lagos had not succeeded in neutralizing Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi who was the Commander of the Army. Therefore, Nzeogwu hurriedly drafted a speech which was broadcast on Radio Kaduna sometime around 12 a.m. and in which he declared martial law over the Northern Provinces of Nigeria. But Ojukwu ignored the declaration and ordered his arrest.
Tell that to the marines!



Eight, try to learn to stop talking like a RABBID IDIOT!

T9ksy:
That's just your opinion . Counts for nothing
often wonder why you folks can't make your point known without being offensive and insultive. It doesn't in any way add value or authenticate whatever point you are trying to expouse.

So, you didn't bother to check the screenshot you uploaded before typing the rubbish, you posted? What's the hurry?

It's interesting that you guys are always quick to use Ademoyega's book , "why we struck" to buttress your half-baked theory that the first coup in Nigeria was not tribally orientated. Well, subsequent police investigation into the coup shows that , although, the copuists started their planings in August '65, Ademoyega was recruited late in October by Nzeogwu who himself was co-opted into the coup plot in early October.

Was Lt. Col Unegbe truly the second highest ranking igbo officer in January 1966?
Who botched Ironsi's assassination? Maimalari's assassination too was botched by Major Okafor, but Ifeajunna insisted that his former brigade commander must be killed if the coup is to succeed, and he did went looking for maimalari whom he shot dead in cild blood when he eventually found him. Who went looking for Ironsi? No one did.

Ojukwu was in on the coup too. Same as Ironsi and Fajuyi. Slimy zik had foreknowledge of the coup hence his absence from the country at the last minute and his long vacation in the Caribbean afterwards.

Ostensibly, the coup failed but who was/were detailed to lift Awo up from Calabar prison and what happened to him/them? The truth is, no activity was scheduled for Calabar that day

And why not? Ojukwu managed to fool millions of biafraudians into an early grave, didn't he? Why should Ademoyega be any different to igbo mischevious coupists like ifeajunna?

Tell that to the marines!

DaddyCoool:
I also support a united Nigeria, but you are telling a total lie in claiming the FG was not the aggressor.
FG reneged on Aburi that was painstakingly crafted and which they willingly signed. Also, FG forces were the first to actually attack (see below)

Odingo1:
Ask yourself why did Gowon refuse to honor Aburi peace accord

Arda1000:
so as a leader Ojukwu would have been dining and dancing while his people are been massacred?

GothamCities:
That still makes Igbos the aggressors. What happened to diplomatic efforts?

stuffs2002:
E be like say you no know Igbos ooo

Igbos will never accept they were at fault and the cause of all the bloodshed. Igbos would always claim victims even if killed an entire village.

After the bloody ethnic cleansing carried out by the Igbo officers of the January 1966 coup. Many Igbos still tried to convince people that the Igbos were the victims of that bloody and tribal coup

GothamCities:
Lol.

We should all forget the past and unite together to move the country forward.

stuffs2002:
IIGB0S are the ones refusing to integrate into the rest of the country.

stuffs2002:
Someone gave you facts with dates but you stubbornly stuck to the lies that radio biafra have been brainwashing you with

GothamCities:
You're right.

Ojukwu was given a state burial as a way to let them know that the past is past. His wife has been given ambassadorial appointments and is now even a Minister to show that the Nigerian state is welcoming them with open arms.

My message of unity is essentially to them. I pray they listen.

stuffs2002:
Showing care to IIGB0S is like showing care to a snake. They are not capable of love. A snake is created to hate and hate only. I will strike you at it's first opportunity

GothamCities:
Let us not make this a general conclusion. They lost a lot of loved ones, their bitterness is understandable. Anyone who has lost a loved one would be bitter and become the enemy of the person who caused the loss. It doesn't even matter whether the person was guilty or not. As long as he caused the loss of that loved one, he instantly becomes an enemy. That's the situation with the Igbos. Let's embrace them in love. Love can conquer hate.

FxMasterz:
No one massacred anyone. The igbos staged a coup. The north then retaliated with the massacre. It all started from the coup.

GothamCities:
There's no region that didn't lose something. We can all move on. We need progress more that we need our grievances.

GothamCities:
You're right.

Ojukwu was given a state burial as a way to let them know that the past is past. His wife has been given ambassadorial appointments and is now even a Minister to show that the Nigerian state is welcoming them with open arms.

My message of unity is essentially to them. I pray they listen.

stuffs2002:
What about the northerners that were massacred in the south east? Many Fulani settlements were killed and wiped out in a genocidal manner in all parts of South east

EmekaA125:
It's always easy to say move on from a mouth that lost nothing.

EmekaA125:
It's always easy to say move on from a mouth that lost nothing.

EmekaA125:
I wonder what you intend to achieve by spreading falsehood? It's a pity.