Retired Nigerian Army General and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, has explained why he chose to remain with federal forces during the Nigerian Civil War, citing his belief in national unity and his diverse background.
Nwachukwu spoke during an interview from 17:30 on The Legacy Series, where he reflected on personal decisions made at a time when Nigeria was deeply divided along regional and political lines. The programme, which captures testimonies from key historical figures, offered insight into the motivations that shaped loyalties during the war.
Explaining his stance, Nwachukwu said, “I didn’t believe in it. I didn’t believe in secession. I wanted one Nigeria because I can’t come in from my background, an Igbo father, Hausa-Fulani mother and I grew up in Lagos, so where else should I be? So I wanted one United Nigeria.” His remarks highlight how personal identity and upbringing influenced his decision not to align with the secessionist Biafran side.
The civil war, which erupted in 1967 following the declaration of Biafra, remains one of the most significant and tragic periods in Nigeria’s history. While many officers of Igbo origin joined Biafran forces under the leadership of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, others, like Nwachukwu, remained with the Nigerian military…Read_More…