How Murtala Mohammed’s Backing Of Coup Was Triggered by Appointment Of Igbo Man As NNPC GM – Clark

How Murtala Mohammed’s Backing Of Coup Was Triggered by Appointment Of Igbo Man As NNPC GM – Clark

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has asserted that one of the factors contributing to the overthrow of the government led by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was the appointment of Engr. Odoh, a Kalabari man from Rivers State, as the General Manager of the Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC), which later became the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

Clark, in his autobiography titled “Brutally Frank,” highlighted that certain key figures, including Colonel Shehu Yar’Adua and Brigadier Murtala Muhammed, were dissatisfied with the appointment. They viewed Odoh, despite being Kalabari, as an Igbo man, thereby labeling him a security threat to the nation.

During a council meeting where Odoh’s appointment was discussed, tension escalated when Murtala Muhammed vehemently opposed the decision, citing concerns about Odoh’s perceived past affiliations during the civil war. The conflict intensified as other officers shared their misgivings about Gowon’s administration.

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Clark explained that various military officers had reservations about Gowon’s governance. Despite his administration’s economic successes and positive initiatives, certain officers believed that Gowon’s policies, like the 3R policy (Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation) and the delay in transitioning to a civilian government, were questionable.

Yar’Adua and Babangida initiated discussions that eventually led to the planning and execution of the coup that overthrew Gowon’s government in July 1975. The coup plotters included Murtala Muhammed, Ibrahim Babangida, Joe Garba, Anthony Ochefu, Ibrahim Taiwo, and Abdullahi Mohammed.

Clark’s narrative also sheds light on the atmosphere of disloyalty and skepticism within Gowon’s cabinet, with some officers voicing discontent and opposition against the administration. He pointed out his disagreement with Murtala Muhammed over Gowon’s leadership, which escalated into a confrontation where Clark defended Gowon’s administration.

The autobiography highlights the intricate dynamics within the military and the political landscape during that period, leading up to the overthrow of General Yakubu Gowon’s government in 1975.