The Ndigbo Media Forum has dismissed claims by former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, that late Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu frustrated efforts to stop the 1967 Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Rev. Paul Eze, the group described Gowon’s remarks as historically inaccurate and harmful to national healing.
According to the forum, Ojukwu’s actions were driven by the need to protect Igbo people following the 1966 anti-Igbo killings in Northern Nigeria, which reportedly claimed thousands of lives and forced many to flee to the Eastern Region.
The group also explained the collapse of the Aburi Accord reached in Ghana in January 1967, alleging that while Ojukwu respected the agreement, the Federal Government failed to fully implement it through Decree No. 8.
The forum maintained that Ojukwu consulted traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders before declaring the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967, insisting the move reflected the will of the people.
Rejecting Gowon’s claim that Ojukwu frustrated peace efforts, the group argued that historical records showed negotiations broke down because the Federal Government failed to honour agreements reached at Aburi.
The statement further criticised attempts to reopen old wounds through civil war narratives, urging leaders to prioritise reconciliation over blame.
The forum also alleged that the Federal Government did not fully implement its post-war policy of “Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reconciliation” in the South-East.
It urged Gowon to promote truth and reconciliation in preserving his legacy rather than reviving divisive narratives.
Tags: #Ndigbo #YakubuGowon #Ojukwu #CivilWar #Biafra #NigeriaHistory #AburiAccord #SouthEastNigeria
