Why I Hold Gowon Responsible for the Collapse of the Aburi Accord

On Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, I reflected on the Aburi Accord reached in Ghana between the Federal Government and the Eastern Region. My understanding is that the agreement proposed a looser, confederal arrangement in which the regions would control most of their affairs, while the centre handled defence, foreign affairs and central banking. I believe General Yakubu Gowon’s failure to implement the accord after returning to Nigeria was the immediate trigger for the Nigerian Civil War. Although the history and interpretation of Aburi remain contested, I do not believe Gowon acted sincerely in the aftermath of the meeting. In my view, Gowon stood at a defining moment in Nigeria’s history. I believe he should acknowledge his role and apologise to the nation, because Nigeria might have taken a very different path if the agreement had been honoured.

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