News
Veteran Journalist Blasts Gowon Over Posthumous Claims Against Ojukwu in Civil War Memoir
A veteran journalist and former Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu, Abuchi Anueyiagu, has criticised former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, over comments contained in his memoir on the Nigeria/Biafra civil war, accusing him of waiting until the death of Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, before presenting what he described as a distorted account of the Aburi Accord.
Anueyiagu, who is also a public affairs analyst, alleged that Gowon remained silent while Ojukwu was alive and only chose to publish his version of events years after the former Biafran leader’s death, when he could no longer respond.
In a strongly worded statement, the veteran journalist accused Gowon of being “recalcitrant and unremorseful” over the prosecution of the civil war and the killings of Igbo people during the conflict, particularly referencing the massacre of Igbo males in Asaba during the war.
According to him, Ojukwu had, during his lifetime, publicly narrated what transpired at the Aburi meeting in Ghana between himself and Gowon, explaining that both leaders’ secretaries jointly drafted the Aburi Agreement, which was subsequently accepted by the parties and announced by the then Ghanaian Head of State, General Akufo, who brokered the peace accord.
Anueyiagu argued that Gowon never refuted Ojukwu’s claims while the former Biafran leader was alive, insisting that his silence at the time amounted to acceptance of the account as factual.
He therefore questioned why the former military ruler allegedly “made a volte face” in his recently published memoir, more than 15 years after Ojukwu’s death.
“It is a bizarre shame, wickedness and cruelty for Gowon to wait until Ojukwu’s death before spreading what many consider falsehoods in his so-called biography,” Anueyiagu stated.
He described the development as “a cowardly act of lying,” insisting that historical accounts of the civil war must be truthful, balanced and sensitive to the memories of victims and survivors of the conflict.
The comments have further reignited debates surrounding the Nigeria/Biafra civil war, the implementation of the Aburi Accord, and unresolved grievances linked to the 1967–1970 conflict.
Former governor of Anambra State and presidential aspirant under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pushed back against suggestions that he is avoiding former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the remarks on Friday in Cape Town, South Africa, on the sidelines of the Spier Dialogue 2026, a pan-African governance forum.
“There are very few human beings who are as close as I am to Atiku. So I can’t be running from him. This man is my very respected leader and elder brother.
“I don’t run from him. Never. It has nothing to do with running from anybody. I’ve never run from anybody. I just believe that I do things differently,” he said.
The remarks come against the backdrop of a bruising few months in their political relationship.
Obi formally joined the ADC on January 1, 2026, with Atiku welcoming him and describing the development as a landmark moment in Nigerian political coalition-building.
The alliance, however, did not hold. On his way out, Obi said his decision to leave was not due to personal issues with Atiku or party chairman David Mark, but was driven by unresolved internal conflicts and recurring legal disputes that had distracted the party from national issues.
He and Kwankwaso subsequently defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, demanding an end to litigation-driven politics.
…Mbah administration moves to boost transparency, accelerate C-of-O processing
The Enugu State Government has launched a fully digitized land transaction and documentation system for the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) as part of Governor Peter Mbah’s ongoing reforms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, efficiency, and investor confidence in the state’s land administration sector.
The digital transformation initiative, officially unveiled during the commissioning of the corporation’s digitized office operations and workflow system in Enugu, is expected to revolutionize land documentation, payment processing, records management, and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O), while eliminating delays and irregularities associated with manual procedures.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mbah said the initiative aligned with the administration’s broader vision of building a modern, technology-driven public service architecture capable of supporting investment and sustainable urban development.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, stressed that the digitization project reflects one of the administration’s core governance philosophies focused on transparency, traceability, accountability, and seamless service delivery.
According to him, the state government recognizes that for Enugu to emerge as a preferred investment destination, investors and property owners must have confidence in the integrity and reliability of government processes.
“What we are doing today is a reminder that the governance principles set out by our administration are demonstrable. Technology is one of the key enablers to ensure accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery,” he stated.
He noted that the digital platform would enable residents and investors to verify property documents electronically, conduct land searches seamlessly, and confidently use property documents as collateral for financial transactions.
The governor further commended staff of the Housing Development Corporation for embracing reforms and aligning with the administration’s transformation agenda, describing the initiative as “a change in the culture of how government business is done.”
Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie, described the digitization exercise as an offshoot of Governor Mbah’s campaign promise to modernize land administration in line with Sustainable Development Goal 15, which promotes sustainable land use and resource management.
He recalled that shortly after assuming office, the governor signed the Enugu State Geographic Information Systems (ENGIS) Law to provide legal backing for the digitization of the state’s land administration framework.
“What we are witnessing today is a continuation of that vision. The Housing Development Corporation, being a commercial arm of government, is aligning with the digital standards already being implemented across the state,” he said.
Okorie explained that the new digital process would guarantee document security, eliminate cases of missing files, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen stakeholder confidence in the housing sector.
He added that the reform would also boost internally generated revenue and support ongoing efforts to bridge the housing deficit through increased private sector participation and estate development.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, Nnaemeka Ani, described the initiative as further evidence of Governor Mbah’s commitment to e-governance and digital transformation.
According to him, the Housing Development Corporation can now process land documentation digitally, receive payments electronically, and integrate seamlessly with the state’s Geographic Information Systems platform.
“Today, Enugu State is fast becoming the centre of e-governance in Nigeria because we have a digital governor. What we are seeing here today is part of the governor’s deliberate effort to transform how government works for the benefit of the people,” he added.
A major highlight of the project was the role played by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue, Adenike Okebu, whose office coordinated the transition process and implementation framework for the digital migration.
Okebu, credited with driving extensive digital and financial audits across the corporation to ensure transparency, accountability, and operational readiness before deployment of the system, praised the governor for supporting the digital infrastructure that made the transition possible.
She stated that the audit process laid the foundation for the seamless migration from manual to digital operations, assuring that available properties can now be accessed through the online portal.
In her remarks, the Director of Administration of the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Precious Nnaji, described the commissioning as a historic milestone in the corporation’s modernization and institutional reform drive.
She said the digitized workflow system would significantly improve communication, data security, document processing, operational coordination, and productivity across departments, while positioning the corporation to meet the growing housing needs of the state.
“This initiative is not merely about computers and technology; it is about creating a smarter, faster, and more responsive corporation capable of meeting the housing and administrative needs of Enugu State,” she said.
Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into the alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the circulation of a handwritten document said to contain the proposed structure of a replacement government if the plot had succeeded.
The document, reportedly recovered from a notebook compilation examined by Pointblanknews.com, allegedly outlined strategic appointments and key offices expected to form the framework of a new regime after the planned overthrow of the Tinubu administration.
Among the positions listed in the handwritten notes were “Leader of New Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief,” “Vice President or Prime Minister as second in command,” Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), National Security Adviser (NSA), as well as top anti-corruption and security positions tied to the EFCC and DSS.Nigerian market analysis
The alleged plotters were also said to have proposed the establishment of a “National Patriotic Ruling Council” (NPRC), reportedly modelled after the defunct Armed Forces Ruling Council that functioned as the supreme decision-making body during Nigeria’s military era.
The documents further revealed plans for the creation of new agencies and institutions, including the National Religion Regulatory Agency (NRRA), National Infrastructure Development Maintenance Agency (NIDMA), and the Nigerian Internal Security Committee (NISC).
Other policy proposals allegedly contained in the notes included the formation of a committee to review the final removal of petroleum subsidy and another committee to examine salaries and welfare packages for members of the armed forces and other security agencies.
The alleged conspirators were also said to have proposed a major restructuring of the armed forces into six command zones, with three General Officers Commanding (GOCs) assigned to each zone. The plans reportedly included a merger of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to the handwritten notes, key offices in the proposed administration were to be allocated based on the federal character principle. The Vice President position was allegedly zoned to the South East; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Minister of Defence to the South West; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Chief of Defence Staff to the South South; the National Security Adviser to the North West; the EFCC Chairman to the North East; while the Director-General of the DSS and Inspector-General of Police were to come from the North Central.
Although portions of the document reportedly remain difficult to decipher, security sources believe the notes may have formed part of the operational framework of the alleged conspirators.
The revelations add a fresh dimension to the ongoing treason and terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Federal Government had in January 2026 announced that security agencies uncovered an alleged plan by a network of serving and retired military officers, alongside civilians, to topple the government of President Tinubu. Investigations later led to the arrest and detention of several suspects, while others were declared wanted.
Those currently facing charges include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani. Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was also named in court documents as allegedly linked to the plot and remains at large, according to prosecutors.
Court filings accused the defendants of conspiring to “levy war against the state” and attempting to destabilise the democratically elected government through unconstitutional means. The charges include treason, terrorism, conspiracy and alleged terrorism financing.
The case is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most serious alleged coup attempt since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.Nigerian market analysis
During recent proceedings, the Federal High Court ordered an accelerated hearing of the matter, while journalists were reportedly barred from covering the trial due to security concerns. Witnesses from the Nigerian Army and intelligence services have already begun testifying on how the alleged plot was uncovered.
One of the prosecution witnesses told the court that intelligence reports first alerted military authorities to suspicious meetings and covert communications involving some of the accused persons. Investigators also alleged that encrypted messaging platforms and secret coordination channels were used during the planning stages.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges during their arraignment and remain in DSS custody pending the determination of their bail applications and continuation of the trial.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu.
Enekweizu said the committee was approved by the National Leader of the party following recommendations by the National Working Committee as part of preparations for the forthcoming primaries.
He stated, “The committee is mandated to review, scrutinise, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee, and to take appropriate decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants.
“This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism.”
The NDC named Moses Cleopas as chairman of the committee, while Enekweizu will serve as secretary.
The party stated that only aspirants who successfully pass through the screening process and obtain clearance from the National Selection Committee would be eligible to purchase nomination forms.
Enekweizu added that the arrangement was designed to encourage consensus-building among aspirants and strengthen unity within the party.
According to him, where consensus arrangements fail, direct primaries would be conducted between May 28 and May 30 in line with the party’s electoral guidelines.
The statement added, “This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism.”
The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has denied allegations that it barred presidential aspirants from obtaining nomination forms ahead of the party’s presidential primary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the faction’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, described the claims as false, insisting that all interested aspirants remain free to purchase and submit their forms within the approved timeframe.
“We state clearly that the Interim National Working Committee is not aware of any hindrance by the party through its officials to prevent anybody from purchasing the forms,” the statement said.
Ememobong explained that the party recently extended the deadline for the purchase and submission of forms following appeals from party members.
“By the amended timetable, the last date for purchase and return of completed forms is Friday, 22nd May 2026, and the special screening for those yet to be screened is on Saturday, 23rd May 2026,” he said.
“To this end, we urge the public to discountenance any story alleging that the party is preventing people from purchasing forms,” Ememobong stated.
“We reiterate that our forms are still available during the period specified in the amended timetable, and all Nigerians seeking to genuinely contest on our platform are free to obtain, fill, and return their forms.”
The clarification comes days after the Turaki-led PDP announced plans to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant.
However, the faction later waived the screening requirement for Jonathan, with former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu saying the former president did not need to undergo screening because of his status as a former leader of the country.
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