Nigerian Senator Victor Umeh has demanded that former Military Head of State Yakubu Gowon write a book detailing his role in the 1967 civil war and apologize to the Igbo people for his actions.
Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, made this demand in an interview with Arise News on Wednesday.
Umeh emphasized that Gowon owes Nigerians a detailed account of the war, including the events leading up to it, its execution, and its aftermath. He criticized Gowon for avoiding discussions on his role in the war and urged him to take responsibility.
The senator also insisted that Gowon must apologize for the war’s impact on the Igbo people, particularly for the massacre of Igbo people during the conflict. Umeh stressed the need for national reconciliation, highlighting that the Igbo people have been held in contempt by successive administrations in Nigeria, starting from Gowon.
Umeh’s demands come in light of recent revelations by former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, who reaffirmed that the 1966 coup was not an Igbo-led coup but a “revolutionary movement” by young officers.
Regarding Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s demand for N10 trillion in compensation, Umeh emphasized that what matters most is equal treatment for the Igbo people.
He urged the government to change its attitude toward the Igbo people, reintegrate them fully into the Nigerian project, and cast away suspicions that the Igbo people organized the coup.
