1967 War: I Said Why Is He Shying Away From The Truth, Gowon Should Open Up And Say The Truth-Ezeji

The Chief Executive Officer of the Gulf of Guinea Risk and Resilience Institute, Joachim Ezeji, has urged former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to break his silence and speak truthfully about the events that led to the Nigerian Civil War, particularly the controversial Aburi Accord of 1967. Ezeji made this call during an interview on Signature TV, where he expressed disappointment that the retired general continues to avoid providing full clarity on the circumstances surrounding the historic Aburi meeting, which was originally intended to prevent the devastating conflict that later consumed the nation.

Ezeji questioned why Gowon, decades after the war, has still not offered a comprehensive account of what transpired in Aburi. Referring to a recent statement credited to the former military leader, Ezeji said, “I read that thing and I said, why is he still shying away from the truth? Gowon should open up and say the truth. What happened in Aburi? Was that war necessary?” His remarks reflect the growing demand among Nigerians, especially historians and younger citizens, for more transparency regarding one of the most painful chapters in the country’s history.

The Aburi Accord, held in January 1967 in Aburi, Ghana, was a crucial meeting that brought together federal and regional leaders to negotiate peace and national unity amid escalating tensions between the Federal Military Government and the Eastern Region, led by then-Military Governor Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. While the agreement initially appeared to offer hope for reconciliation, deep disagreements later emerged over its interpretation and implementation. Those disputes eventually triggered the civil war that lasted from 1967 to 1970, resulting in widespread destruction and the loss of millions of lives.

Ezeji argued that opening up about what truly transpired in Aburi would not only promote historical truth but also help the country heal from the lingering wounds of the conflict. He emphasised that honesty and reflection from surviving actors of that era are vital for national unity and for preventing similar tragedies in the future. “The younger generation deserves to know the truth so that such costly mistakes are not repeated,” he said.

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