Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Dan Ulasi has sharply criticized the recent memoir published by former Head of State Yakubu Gowon. Speaking on Arise News, Ulasi characterized the book as filled with half-truths and selective memory regarding the Nigerian Civil War.
Ulasi specifically took issue with Gowon’s depiction of the Aburi Accord, suggesting the former leader failed to grasp the significance of the agreements he signed at the time. He further questioned the timing of the memoir’s release, noting that Gowon chose not to publicly address the claims made by the late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, while he was still alive. Ulasi described the book as an attempt to control the narrative without risk of contradiction.
In his memoir, Gowon explains his rise to power following the 1966 coups, claiming that northern military officers viewed Ojukwu as involved in the initial unrest. Gowon also defended his assumption of leadership over Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe, arguing that the political climate rendered Ogundipe ineffective for command. Furthermore, the former leader alleged that Ojukwu intentionally undermined his authority and rejected attempts at reconciliation during the lead-up to the conflict.
