Umeh Slams Gowon Over Civil War Remarks, Demands Apology to Igbos

Last updated: Jun 21, 2025. 9:03 am

By Praise Ben

4 Min Read

Umeh Slams Gowon Over Civil War Remarks

Umeh Slams Gowon Over Civil War Remarks.
Says Gowon betrayed Aburi Accord, sparked Igbo-targeted war.
Demands public apology and honest account from Gowon.

Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, has accused former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, of misrepresenting key facts about the Nigerian Civil War. Umeh’s response follows Gowon’s recent interview on ARISE Television, where the retired general dismissed claims that the 1966 coup and subsequent civil war targeted the Igbo people.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking to journalists in Awka, Umeh condemned Gowon for what he described as a false narrative. He said it was unacceptable for the former leader to distort history and deny the role he played in the betrayal of the Aburi Accord — an agreement reached in 1967 between Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Gowon in Ghana to avert war.

“It’s unfortunate that at 91, General Gowon would still peddle lies against the Igbo people,” Umeh stated. “He should apologise for his role in a war that led to the deaths of millions and the destruction of Igbo-owned businesses across Nigeria.”

He further challenged Gowon to name top-ranking military officers from the North or West who were killed in the counter coup, arguing that the bloodshed primarily affected Igbo officers and civilians. Umeh also faulted Gowon’s account of the Aburi Accord, describing it as the “greatest travesty” that led directly to the civil war.

According to Umeh, Ojukwu had told him during their years of working together that both sides had agreed on a confederation structure during the Aburi meeting. “Gowon promised to implement it but reneged after returning to Nigeria,” he said.

Umeh accused Gowon of fuelling division between the Igbo and Yoruba and claimed the unity Gowon said he fought for has not been achieved. He added that Nigeria continues to suffer the consequences of Gowon’s leadership decisions.

“President Tinubu recently visited Benue where killings continue, which means Gowon’s so-called war for unity failed,” he said. “Truth is an open wound. Gowon must give an honest account of what happened under his leadership.”

Umeh also criticised Gowon for only speaking up now that Ojukwu is dead, suggesting that it is cowardly and disrespectful to revise history when one of the principal actors is no longer alive.