Elder statesman and president of the Osisioma Foundation, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, has highlighted the role of foreign powers, particularly Britain and certain corporate interests, in Nigeria’s civil war (1967–1970).

In a statement on Thursday, Obidigbo called on former Head of State, Retired General Yakubu Gowon, to use his remaining years to share the truth about the war and promote national healing.

The statement, issued by the Osisioma Foundation, responded to Gowon’s recent public comments about the failed Aburi Accord and the civil war, which Obidigbo described as inconsistent. He stressed the need for clarity on historical events to help promote national reconciliation.

Obidigbo noted that the collapse of the Aburi Accord, a key peace agreement, was influenced by external forces.

READ ALSO:Why Aburi Accord Collapsed – Gowon

“Though Gowon may not have wanted the war, forces beyond him, particularly British and Fulani interests, compelled him to plunge the country into conflict,” he stated.

He also revealed that Britain and Shell Petroleum had made secret offers to Lt. Colonel Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the then-leader of the Eastern Region, to secede from Nigeria.

“Britain assured Ojukwu that they would talk Nigeria out of any plan to fight Biafra if Ojukwu agreed to secede. They even promised to pay him the huge arrears of royalties from Shell in case of any eventuality,” Obidigbo disclosed.

He stressed the importance of historical accountability, saying, “At his age, Gowon should be telling Nigerians the truth and nothing but the truth about the war. Until he makes these facts known through public confession, his soul may not experience peace.”

READ ALSO:Biafra Civil War: You’re A Genocidist – IPOB Fires Back At Gowon

Drawing parallels with contemporary global issues, Obidigbo stated, “It is ironic that the same British that caused total genocide and blockade against Biafra are now crying out that Israel is visiting genocide on Palestinians.”

He urged Gowon to document his experiences honestly, following the example of former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, who recently released his autobiography.

“Instead of reopening old wounds, Gowon should use his remaining days to contribute to a truthful historical record that fosters national unity,” Obidigbo advised.

The elder statesman called for national reconciliation, urging leaders to prioritize peace and unity.

“Nigerians need to hear the truth about what transpired so that we can heal and move forward as a nation,” he said.

Mixed reactions have trailed Thursday’s renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan, with the institution’s alumni largely calling for a review.

The respondents expressed their diverse views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, with members of the alumni frowning at the change of name.

Recall that Gov. Seyi Makinde announced the institution’s renaming after the late ex-governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, during the deceased’s commendation service in Ibadan.

Mr Yomi Akande, an alumnus and the institute’s Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) leader, said many other alumni had been expressing dissatisfaction since the announcement.

“As an alumnus of The Polytechnic Ibadan, the name of the institution is a force to reckon with anywhere in the world.

“So, taking away that name is somehow because of the prestige that comes with it.

“The governor needed to have considered other factors before making such a pronouncement.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Oyo Ex-governor, Olunloyo, Is Dead

“The name of the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo is good, but what many people are against is the changing of the name, The Polytechnic Ibadan.

“It is not that the change of name will bring new development to the school,” he said.

Another alumnus, Mr Olaoluwa Olabode, said that the renaming would affect both past and current students negatively.

According to him, he doesn’t see the move bringing any improvement to the educational institution, alleging that it was done with a political undertone.

“What benefits would the change of name bring to the school?” Olabode queried.

In his opinion, another alumnus, Mr Sanmi Olatunde, said perhaps the government should have renamed a particular building in the school instead of the institution’s name.

READ ALSO: Trade Volume Between Vietnam, Nigeria Surpasses $1bn – Envoy

“This is the only polytechnic we have in Ibadan; it is not right that the name of the institution is changed,” Olatunde said.

Calling for a review, an Ibadan indigene and alumnus, Mr Tayo Olaleye, described the institution as the pride of the ancient city of Ibadan that should not be tampered with.

According to him, it is not acceptable for the name to be changed at will.

Furthermore, Olaleye said the renaming would affect the students in easily securing favour and job opportunities with the alumni.

“This is a prestigious institution whose name has been resounding in many spheres for decades, at home and abroad, so we do not welcome the sudden renaming,” Olaleye said.

Meanwhile, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola, Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Oyo State Chapter, said the renaming would not affect the institution’s reputation.

According to him, the institution’s reputation will stand provided its management maintains its standard.

He also urged the students not to allow the matter to lead to any form of protest.

READ ALSO: Olunloyo: Goodnight, Voltaire

However, he noted that the decision could still be reversed with genuine arguments from alumni and other stakeholders of the institution.

“We believe that Gov. Seyi Makinde is a listening governor; with the right approach, I believe the decision can still be reversed,” he said.

However, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Moshood Olaleke, hailed Makinde for honouring Olunloyo with the gesture.

Olaleke said no honour would be too great for Olunloyo, whom he referred to as a great mathematician.

He described the three months Olunloyo spent as the executive governor of the old Oyo State before the military took over as remarkable.

According to him, Olunloyo had already put in place a solid structure for good governance before the coup that terminated his tenure.

He said that Makinde should be commended for recognising the positive contributions of the late technocrat to the state.

Recall that Olunloyo died on April 6, a few days before April 14, when he would have turned 90 years old.
(NAN)

A Chinese court on Thursday sentenced Zhang Zulin, former vice governor of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, to life imprisonment for accepting bribes.

According to the verdict of the Intermediate People’s Court of Chongqing Municipality, Zhang will deprived of his political rights for life; his personal property will be confiscated, and his illegal gains from bribery will be recovered and turned over to the state treasury.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Gospel Singer Sentenced To Death For Killing Girlfriend

The court found that Zhang had taken advantage of his positions in Yunnan between 2001 and 2023 to assist individuals and organisations in matters related to real estate development, project contracting, project approval, and obtaining loans.

The court stated that he accepted money and valuables worth more than 122 million yuan (approximately $ 17.03 million) in return.

Zhang’s case was presented to the court in an open trial on April 10.