A United States-based group, Rising Sun, has strongly criticized former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), over his recent statements regarding the failure of the 1967 Aburi Accord, accusing him of distorting historical facts.
In a statement jointly signed by Chief Maxwell Dede and Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa, President and Secretary respectively, the group condemned Gowon's claim that the Aburi Accord failed because Biafra leader, late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, wanted regional governors to control the military.
"His claim that the breakdown occurred because General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu wanted regional governors to control the military is both laughable and dishonest," the statement read.
The Aburi Accord Controversy
According to Rising Sun, the demand by regional leaders to control security forces in their territories was made in good faith to promote justice and true federalism. The group argued that if Nigeria had implemented the Aburi Accord as originally agreed, the subsequent civil war, genocide, and famine could have been avoided.
"If Nigeria had followed the Aburi Accord in its true form, there would have been no war. There would have been no genocide. There would have been no famine used as a weapon of war," the statement emphasized.
The group detailed that the Aburi Accord, held on January 4-5, 1967 in Ghana, was a last attempt to salvage Nigeria following the military coups of 1966 and the subsequent killing of thousands of Easterners across Northern Nigeria.
Key Points of Contention
Rising Sun outlined what they described as the true resolutions of the Aburi meeting, including:
Reaffirmation of regional sovereignty
Establishment of a loose federation with strong regions
Joint control of armed forces rather than central command
Regional and consensual appointments to the Nigerian Military Council
The group claimed that Gowon's repudiation of the accord upon returning to Lagos was due to pressure from the British High Commission and Northern oligarchy, who feared a return to autonomous regions.
"By confessing that the dispute at Aburi was over control of the military and not over oil or so-called secession, Gowon has inadvertently vindicated Ojukwu and all Biafrans," the statement added.
British Influence Allegations
Rising Sun also pointed to alleged British involvement, claiming that the British government, through High Commissioner Sir David Hunt, instructed Gowon to reject the accord to ensure power remained with the Northern establishment and to protect British corporate interests, including Shell BP.
The group concluded that millions of Nigerians are still living with the consequences of the Aburi Accord's betrayal, which they say has led to insecurity, economic collapse, and a unitary state masquerading as a federation.
"We call on all truth-seeking historians, scholars, and lovers of justice to revisit the original tapes and documents of the Aburi Accord, many of which are publicly available, to expose Gowon's lies," the statement urged.
As of the time of this report, there has been no response from General Gowon regarding these allegations.
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