Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has called on former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, to write his own book and document his firsthand account of the 1966 coup, which has been misleadingly labeled an “Igbo coup.”
Abaribe made the call on Thursday while addressing a press conference ahead of his 70th birthday celebration this weekend. He was responding to questions regarding the controversy sparked by former Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida’s recently launched book.
Senator Abaribe expressed surprise that Justice Binta Nyako, who had previously recused herself from the case, had resumed jurisdiction over IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu‘s trial.
He renewed his call for a political solution to Kanu’s case, arguing that his release would restore peace in the South East region.
Abaribe also criticized some claims made in Babangida’s book, particularly those attempting to exonerate him from controversial decisions made under his leadership.
“Throughout Nigeria’s history, whenever anything happens, they always use the Igbo head to break the coconut,” Abaribe lamented.
He underlined the importance of a just and united Nigeria in which all ethnic groups are treated equitably and urged General Gowon to present a more truthful historical account of the events preceding and during the Nigerian Civil War.
“We are still waiting for General Gowon’s book because he was a central figure in the events of that time. He has crucial information that Nigerians need,” Abaribe stated.
As part of his 70th birthday celebrations, Abaribe stated that he would launch his own book on Saturday at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Umuahia.
Abaribe chastised the federal government for its persistent marginalization of the Southeast, claiming that the region has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth yet is being overlooked.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to redress these inequities and guarantee the South East has a fair say in national administration.
Despite these concerns, Abaribe commended governors Alex Otti (Abia), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Charles Soludo (Anambra) for their impressive developmental strides.
He particularly praised Otti for his transformative leadership in Abia State, noting that the impact of his governance is already visible across the state.
“Governor Otti is doing extremely well for Abia. He understands the essence of governance, and you can see the results—especially in Aba. My advice to him is simple: keep doing what you’re doing.”
He stressed that good governance is not rocket science but rather a matter of focused and competent leadership.
He expressed optimism about Abia’s future, predicting brighter days ahead under Otti’s leadership.
