Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku has shared a remarkable account of how his home became a rare neutral ground during the Nigerian Civil War.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Anyaoku revealed that both Nigerian and Biafran delegates, despite being on opposing sides of the conflict, would independently visit his home during the crisis.
“At the time, the interesting thing was that the Nigerian delegates and the Biafran delegates would come to my house independently because my wife is a Yoruba lady and we had friends across Nigeria and Biafra, and delegates would independently come to my house,” Anyaoku disclosed.
During the civil war, Anyaoku was based in London, serving within the Commonwealth Secretariat, while Nigeria and Biafra engaged in diplomatic negotiations in various international forums. His unique personal and professional background allowed him to maintain relationships on both sides of the divide.
His Yoruba wife and broad network of friends across ethnic lines made his home a symbol of neutrality and trust, at a time when suspicion and hostility were rampant. This unusual role, as a silent host to both camps, placed him in a delicate but influential position during one of Nigeria’s most fractured periods.
Anyaoku’s account offers a rare glimpse into the human side of diplomacy during wartime and the subtle acts of bridge-building that occurred behind the scenes. His story underscores the power of personal integrity, ethnic inclusivity, and quiet diplomacy in moments of deep national crisis.
Now an elder statesman, Anyaoku’s reflections continue to serve as a reminder of the importance of unity, mutual respect and the enduring potential for dialogue even in times of conflict.
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