Black Days’ Of Nigeria: Obasanjo Recalls 1966 Coup, June 12 Crisis

Obasanjo made the remarks on Wednesday in Umuahia, Abia State, during the 60th memorial service held in honour of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was killed on July 29, 1966.

The former president urged Nigerians to reflect on the lessons from the country’s past political crises rather than remain trapped by the divisions and conflicts they created.

He renewed his call for the restoration of History as a subject in Nigerian schools, stressing that a nation that fails to understand its past risks repeating the mistakes of previous generations.

Obasanjo stated that Nigeria has experienced several difficult moments that must be remembered, not to reopen old wounds, but to draw valuable lessons that can promote peace, unity and national development.

He identified the January 15 coup, the July 29 counter-coup and the annulment of the June 12 election as major turning points that caused significant political and social challenges for the country.

According to him, many of these events were marked by exclusion, destruction and division, but they also provide opportunities for Nigerians to embrace inclusion, cooperation and collective progress.

Speaking about General Aguiyi-Ironsi, Obasanjo described the late military leader as a father figure who showed kindness and respect to younger officers during his service years.

He praised Aguiyi-Ironsi’s contributions to the Nigerian military, highlighting his participation in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo and his historic achievements as the first Nigerian to attain several senior military ranks, including Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Brigadier and Major-General.

The former president called on Nigerians to preserve the memories of leaders who made sacrifices for the nation and ensure that future generations learn from their experiences and contributions.