Apologize Now!’ – Senator Umeh Blasts Yakubu Gowon Over Historical Falsehood

Umeh criticized Gowon for allegedly spreading falsehoods, particularly his claim that the 1966 coup wasn’t directed against the Igbo. Speaking to journalists in Awka, Umeh expressed dismay that someone of Gowon’s age would, in his words, “fabricate lies” against an entire ethnic group.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

He emphasized that the 30-month civil war, which led to the deaths of millions and devastated the thriving Eastern Region—once considered the fastest-growing economy in Africa—was the result of broken promises, especially Gowon’s refusal to honor the Aburi Accord.

Umeh accused Gowon of launching a war aimed at annihilating the Igbo population and demanded that the 91-year-old statesman apologize for his role in the conflict. He also challenged Gowon to name military officers from his own region who were killed in the counter-coup, pointing out that the purge was largely targeted at Igbos in the armed forces.

“I watched Gowon’s interview and felt deep disappointment. Igbos paid a heavy price for that coup. General Babangida, during his recent book launch, clarified that the 1966 coup wasn’t an ‘Igbo coup’—he listed Yoruba and Northern officers involved. That was a relief. Gowon should write his own book so Nigerians can judge for themselves.”

He added, “Maybe at 91, he has forgotten the details, but those of us who worked closely with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and interviewed him on the war know Gowon’s account is false.”

Umeh further described as “unfortunate” Gowon’s claims that the war wasn’t targeted at Igbos and that he only learned of the Ironsi assassination and Abeokuta unrest second-hand before eventually becoming Head of State after the counter-coup.

He said the Igbo suffered both human and economic losses, as their people were killed and their businesses destroyed nationwide. Umeh also condemned Gowon’s handling of the Aburi Accord, which he described as the most significant betrayal. According to him, Ojukwu consistently maintained that the accord agreed on a confederation of regions, allowing each region to develop independently.