The accord proposed a looser federation with more autonomy for the regions, including the Eastern Region, which Ojukwu led. However, the implementation of the accord was met with resistance from the federal government, leading to further divisions and eventually the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967.
The Aburi
Accord remains a significant event in Nigerian history, as it highlights the
deep-seated regional tensions and the failed attempt to find a peaceful
resolution before the outbreak of the war.
Nigeria's
journey to independence was marked by regional disparities and ethnic tensions.
The country's diverse population, coupled with a centralized political system,
created fertile ground for conflict.
The 1966 military coup, which ousted the civilian government, further exacerbated these tensions. The coup, led by young army officers with Major Nzeogwu as the leader, was followed by a counter-coup. This court coup led to increased regional violence, distrust and animosity.
The court coup was marked with wanton killing of Igbo military officers and civilians across Northern Nigeria, Lagos, some Western states and the Middle belt.
The Eastern Region, under the leadership of Lt.-Col Ojukwu, felt brutalized and discriminated against by the Federal Government. Ojukwu had repeatedly demanded for the halting of the unnecessary killings going on in the country.
As killings and violence continued against millions of Igbos scattered across Nigeria, passing through hostile regions they made their way back to the Igbo heartland for safety. In this present situation, the people were no longer comfortable with the political arrangement that existed after independence.
To settle
this discord a neutral ground was sought for as Ojukwu had declined entreaties
to come to Lagos for talks with Lt-Col Gowon and the government. Thus the then
president of Ghana Gen J.A Ankrah offered a location, and invited both the Nigeria
government and the eastern region to Ghana to find a peaceful solution to the
quagmire.
Against this backdrop, the Aburi Accord was seen as a glimmer of hope. The meeting was attended by key figures from the Federal Government and the Eastern Region, who came together with the intention of reaching a compromise.
Ojukwu played
a significant role at this gathering and made profound suggestions that included
the Nigeria government halting the importation of arms. He was also accused of doing
the same which he however denied.
1.
Renounce the
use of force as a means of settling the Nigerian crisis.
2.
Reaffirm
their faith in discussions and negotiation as the only peaceful way of
resolving the Nigerian crisis.
3.
Agree to
exchange information on the quantity of arms and ammunition available in each
unit of the Army in each Region and in the unallocated stores, and to share out
such arms equitably to the various commands;
4.
Agree that
there should be no more importation of arms and ammunition until normalcy was
restored.
5. The accord proposed a looser federation, granting greater autonomy to the regions. This included increased control over regional resources and the power to make decisions on matters affecting the region.
The agreement also called for a review of the revenue allocation formula, which would ensure that the regions received a fairer share of the nation's wealth.
This proposal was generally accepted by the attendees at this accord with both parties appending their signature to it. Deliberations were then made with respect to the re-orgaization of the military after the coup which had resulted to disunity, lack of discpline and loss of public confidence.
Ojukwu also brought up the issue of recognition of Lt-Col Gowon as the Supreme Commander when the whereabouts of Major Gral Aguiyi Ironsi was yet to be ascertained. It was at this gathering that the death of Ironsi was officially declared by the Nigerian government.
On the issue of displaced Igbos and easterners generally the delegates accepted that the federal government will be responsible for raising and making funds available for resettlement.
Also Ojukwu pointed out the fact that it will be counter–productive to allow northerners and easterners to intermingle at the moment. He thus suggested separation of the civilian population for the time being until tensions were doused.
With the success of the meeting the two parties agreed that subsequent meetings will be held in Nigeria at a venue mutually agreed on. Thus the meeting was said to have been conducted in a peaceful and cordial atmosphere and ended in a communal feast with champagne and food served .
The Failure of the
Accord
Despite the optimism surrounding the Aburi Accord, its implementation was fraught with challenges. The Federal Government, under the leadership of Yakubu Gowon, was reluctant to fully implement the terms of the agreement.
This reluctance stemmed from various factors, including political considerations, military concerns, administrative advice and a desire to maintain a strong central government.
Ojukwu, on
the other hand, grew increasingly impatient with the Federal Government's
foot-dragging. He felt that the government was not sincere in its obligation to
the accord and that the Eastern Region's interests were being overlooked. As
tensions escalated, Ojukwu declared the independence of Biafra on May 30, 1967.
The
declaration of Biafra triggered a brutal civil war that lasted for nearly three
years. The war resulted in the deaths of millions of people, mostly civilians,
and caused widespread destruction and displacement. The conflict also had a
devastating impact on the Nigerian economy and society.
The Aburi Accord remains a significant event in Nigerian history, as it highlights the deep-seated regional tensions and the failed attempt to find a peaceful resolution. The accord's failure to prevent the civil war underscores the importance of dialogue, compromise, and understanding in resolving conflicts.
The Nigerian Civil War was a painful chapter in the nation's history. The war forced Nigerians to confront the challenges of diversity and to work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
However despite repeated efforts to glue the nation together, Nigeria has remained largely fractured with the regions yet to fully integrate into one cohesive nation.
The Aburi
Accord remains a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of ignoring the
grievances of marginalized groups. By learning from the mistakes of the past,
we can work towards a future free from conflict and division.