Former diplomat and political commentator, Ambassador Joe Keshi has offered a critical perspective on General Yakubu Gowon’s recent explanation regarding the Nigerian Civil War, arguing that the creation of states in 1967 was a deliberate strategy to fracture the Eastern Region and undermine the secessionist movement.
In an interview on Arise TV from 2:38, Keshi responded to Gowon’s remarks that the war was not targeted at the Igbo people, but aimed at keeping Nigeria united. However, Keshi pointed to historical records and narratives published at the time, including reports in the Daily Times, that suggest otherwise.
“Let me cite an example like the creation of states,” Keshi said during the interview. “When he created the 12 states, one of the reasons that was given at that time that was probably recorded particularly in the Daily Times of those days was the fact that it was part of the strategy to break the backbone of the rebellion that was coming up. And the idea was that when you carve out the states, you invariably break up, you know, the Eastern Region.”
Keshi’s comments highlight a long-standing debate about the true intent behind the restructuring of Nigeria during the civil war. While Gowon has maintained that the move was in the national interest, Keshi’s analysis suggests it was a calculated political tactic aimed at weakening the Biafran cause by dividing its support base.
The remarks have reignited national conversations on the historical underpinnings of Nigeria’s political structure and the lingering impact of wartime decisions on present-day regional relations and national cohesion.
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