Former Aide-de-Camp to the head of state of the defunct Biafra nation, Col. Lekam Offem Okoi (rtd) and Col. Afaha Assam Nsudoh (rtd), who commanded the Biafra sector of Onitsha during the three-year civil war, have strongly cautioned against moves by agitators that could trigger another war in Nigeria.
The two, who are in their mid-80s, recalled the horrific experiences of the 1967–1970 war in separate interviews over the weekend in Calabar and expressed their belief that such events should never occur in the country again.
“I advise agitators in NJ to take constitutional means, not actions that will lead to another crisis.”
“Crisis will not help us. I am not in any way praying for another war. We shouldn’t resort to self-destruction due to our own foolishness and greed.
“I will never support another war in Nigeria. The younger generation should ask us what war is. You must press your case constitutionally.”
Okoi, who later commanded the Special Division, an elite force created by the late head of state of Biafra, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, said there was nothing wrong with asking for the country’s restructuring, but that extra care must be applied in the process.
He called for patience and prayers. “I advise that people should be patient with the government.”
On his part, Col. Nsudoh, retired, said his major regret was having to fight against his brothers and friends in the army.
“The war abruptly tore apart friends, colleagues, and brothers, with whom we had grown accustomed to sharing everything and sleeping together before the war. We began to kill ourselves. That’s my greatest regret in life!
“My candid advice is that Nigerians should love and forgive themselves.
“I caution against all these people inciting and agitating for another war in Nigeria.” You don’t know what you are instigating. We should not encourage anything that could lead this country to war.
“I strongly oppose another war.” The renewed call for secession is entirely unnecessary. The Ibos should be part of Nigeria. The Ibos should not be marginalized. Giving the Ibos equal opportunities in Nigeria will be beneficial for the country.
