Former Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Abia Central District (APGA), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has urged former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to write his own book and document his firsthand account of the 1966 coup, which has been misleadingly labeled an “Igbo coup.”
Abaribe issued this challenge on Thursday while addressing a press conference ahead of his 70th birthday celebration this weekend. He was responding to questions regarding the controversy sparked by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida’s recently launched book.
Senator Abaribe also expressed shock that Justice Binta Nyako, despite previously recusing herself from the case, had resumed jurisdiction over the trial of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
He renewed his call for a political solution to Kanu’s case, arguing that his release would restore peace in the South East region.
Abaribe criticized some claims made in Babangida’s book, particularly those attempting to exonerate himself from controversial decisions made under his regime.
The former Deputy Governor of Abia State insisted that branding the 1966 coup as an “Igbo coup” was a deliberate attempt to blackmail the Igbo people.
“Throughout Nigeria’s history, whenever anything happens, they always use the Igbo head to break the coconut,” Abaribe lamented.
He emphasized the need for a just and united Nigeria, where all ethnic groups are treated fairly, and urged General Gowon to provide a more accurate historical account of the events leading to and during the Nigerian Civil War.
We are still waiting for General Gowon’s book because he was a central figure in the events of that time. He has crucial information that Nigerians need,” Abaribe stated.
As part of his 70th birthday celebrations, Abaribe announced that he would be launching his own book on Saturday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.
Abaribe criticized the Federal Government for its continued marginalization of the South East, arguing that the region has made immense contributions to Nigeria’s development but remains sidelined.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to address these injustices and ensure the South East gets its fair share in national governance.
Despite these concerns, Abaribe praised Governors Alex Otti (Abia), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Charles Soludo (Anambra) for their impressive developmental strides.
He particularly commended Governor Otti for his transformative leadership in Abia State, noting that the impact of his governance is already visible across the state.
“Governor Otti is doing extremely well for Abia. He understands the essence of governance, and you can see the results—especially in Aba. My advice to him is simple: keep doing what you’re doing.”
He emphasized that good governance is not rocket science but rather a matter of focused and competent leadership.
Abaribe expressed optimism about Abia’s future, predicting brighter days ahead under Otti’s leadership.
