Civil war: Why Ojukwu refused to recognise Gowon as head of state – Abdulsalami

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, rtd, has revealed wherefore the past politician of the Eastern Region, Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, refused to recognise the past Head of State, Yakubu Gowon.

Abdulsalami made this revelation in his autobiography, titled “Call of Duty,” which was publically presented connected his 84th day successful Abuja.

In the book, Abdulsalami said that Ojukwu, who was the politician of the Eastern Region astatine the time, had insisted connected observance of subject hierarchy successful the prime of who should win Major General Aguiyi Ironsi aft his execution by Northern subject officers successful retaliation for the Kaduna Nzeogwu January 1966 coup, which saw salient Northern leaders killed.

“There were complaints astir the reported hubris implicit the sidesplitting of the bluish leaders. Some Northern officers besides complained that Igbos were being promoted supra others successful the military.

“Quickly anti-Igbo sentiments exploded successful the North, starring to protests against Aguiyi-Ironsi, chiefly successful Kano, Kaduna and Jos. Riots broke retired and Igbos were targeted and killed, with their properties acceptable connected occurrence successful places similar Kano, Sokoto and Kaduna. It was a disturbing play for young, passionate Nigerians similar me.

“Some elder Northern officers successful the subject thereafter overthrew and killed Aguiyi-Ironsi. Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon became the caller caput of s...