Ikemba: ‘On Aburi We Stand’

SIR: It is a significant and fitting metaphor that the death of Ikemba Odumegwu-Ojukwu has raised such a euphoria of National adoration.

As a former Biafran soldier (BA338411), I feel proud that General Gowon’s declaration of National Reconciliation in 1970, has finally been enacted. Ikemba has achieved an extraordinary feat, as perhaps the only Nigerian non state actor, to receive a state funeral. Ikemba’s lasting contribution to motherland was his declaration in Aburi Ghana, that to manage Nigeria’s diversity, we need to creatively provide enough political space to grow Nigeria as a strong and united Nation. No one will doubt that we must stand on Aburi, if we must confront the divisive forces in Nigeria.

So yes, I suggest we go back to ‘Aburi’. Aburi is a town in Ghana, north east of Accra. But in 1967, it became a metaphor for Ojukwu’s solution to prevent the brewing political unrest and war in Nigeria.

Aburi hosted the peace meeting between the Federal Military Government (led by Col. Yakubu Gowon) and Eastern Nigeria leaders (led by Col. Emeka Ojukwu). It held on 4th and 5th January, 1967 and was chaired by Ghana’s Leader, General J.A. Ankrah. Ojukwu’s memo was to form the bedrock for the “Aburi Accord”. A type of loose federalism (call it Confederation), was agreed with devolved power to the Regions. It is deeply regretted that the Aburi Agreements were not followed and led to the unfortunate Civil war, with over one million dead. No other event has equalled the terrible magnitude of Nigeria’s loss and pain in the Civil war.

Resource Control agitation, 13% derivation, Niger Delta militancy, MOSOP, MASSOB, OPC, IYC, Islamic Bank, Boko Haram terrorism, 3rd Term, Rotation, continuing cries of marginalization, Revenue Allocation review agitation now coming from the North, development and economic challenges, the emerging capital allocation wahala, etc show that we must very quickly restructure Nigeria.

So going back to Aburi is important. No visas, no tickets, no foreign trips at all. We don’t need to go to Ghana. All we need is frank talk. I support an inclusive National Conference, sovereign or unsovereign. It may even be driven by the National Assembly. But we must talk. It is a fitting epitaph that the man who “rebelled” against motherland, now provides in death, a good opportunity for a strong united Nigeria.

Olisa Agbakoba,

Legal practitioner, Lagos.

still in need of some information? search this site:

LOVE THE ARTICLE ABOVE?
Receive Updates: subscribe to Imo Herald in a reader or sign up for Free Email Updates