In an interview with Edmund Obilo, Brigadier-General Godwin Alabi-Isama (rtd.), former Chief of Staff of the 3rd Marine Commando during the Nigerian Civil War, spoke about General Olusegun Obasanjo’s role in the conflict.
Alabi-Isama recalled that when Obasanjo took over command in May 1969, he had promised the war would end in 30 days, but it dragged on for six months under his watch. He criticized Obasanjo for failing to act decisively while lives were being lost.
The retired general further noted that despite receiving reinforcements, Obasanjo mismanaged resources and continued to shift blame.
In his words: “When Obasanjo came May 1969, the war was to last 30 days. He was there for 6 months. He didn’t tell us he didn’t know what to do. He was visiting there and visiting there and they were receiving him. They were partying there. 6 months and people were dying. In fact, there is a book now written that he got a supply of 8,000 men and 6,000 died. He was still blaming Gowon. He still needed more supplies.
