Video: Watch The Moment Obasanjo Hands Over Senior Secessionist Of the Defunct Biafra Republic To General Gowon.

Video: Watch The Moment Obasanjo Hands Over Senior Secessionist Of the Defunct Biafra Republic To General Gowon.

“I, Major-General Phillip Efiong, Officer Administering the Government of the Republic of Biafra, now wish to make the following declaration: That we affirm that we are loyal Nigerian citizens and accept the authority of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria. That we accept the existing administrative and political structure of the Federation of Nigeria. That any future constitutional arrangement will be worked out by representatives of the people of Nigeria. That the Republic of Biafra hereby ceases to exist.” with these few words, Major Philip Effiong surrendered the sovereignty of the Republic of Biafra to the Nigeria government under General Yakubu Gowon.

In July 1967, Igbos in the former Eastern Region declared the independent Republic of Biafra, leading to a brutal civil war that lasted until January 1970.

Philip Efiong was the first Vice President and the second President of the now-defunct Republic of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970

The ceremony was held at Dodan Barracks and was at the instance of Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo who was the commander of the marine commando.

See the throwback video of the historical event above.