January 15th—Armed Forces Remembrance Day—is a day to honour the men and women who paid the ultimate price for our nation. It is a day to reflect on their bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to Nigeria’s unity. Yet, this year, some prominent Nigerians chose to exploit the occasion to dig up the ghosts of the January 1966 coup, blaming an entire ethnic group for the coup, the ensuing civil war, and even Nigeria’s stunted development.
This is not only reckless but deeply unpatriotic. It is a betrayal of the ideals for which our fallen heroes fought and died—unity, peace, and progress. Instead of fostering a sense of togetherness, these narratives sow hatred, fan the flames of tribalism, and risk plunging the nation into unnecessary tension.
History tells us that the January 1966 coup was not an ethnic conspiracy but the action of a group of military officers responding to the political crises of the time. Historians, including Max Siollun, have debunked the idea that it was an ethnically motivated plot, highlighting the political and social factors that led to the coup. Blaming an entire ethnic group for the actions of a few is not only unfair but also dangerous, as it marginalizes millions of innocent Nigerians and perpetuates distrust and division.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day should be a time to:
Celebrate Unity: Honour the bravery and diversity of those who fought for Nigeria, regardless of their background.
Promote Healing: Reflect on our collective journey and how to build a future devoid of ethnic bitterness.
Inspire Progress: Focus on solutions to our current challenges rather than rehashing old wounds.
Leaders and prominent voices must rise above parochial sentiments. Nigeria needs solutions, not blame games. Those who hold influence should be agents of unity, inspiring hope and fostering collaboration across ethnic divides. The constant revisiting of divisive historical narratives achieves nothing but the entrenchment of animosity.
The civil war, a tragedy that claimed over a million lives, should serve as a grim reminder of the dangers of ethnic hatred. The National War Museum in Umuahia, Abia State, stands as a testament to that dark chapter in our history. Its exhibits remind us why “Never Again” must be more than a slogan—it must be our collective creed.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once condemned the scapegoating of the Igbo for Nigeria’s troubles, calling it “unfair and unjust.” The truth is that all ethnic groups have, at one time or another, felt aggrieved in the Nigerian project. Our task is to build bridges, not burn them; to create a nation where every Nigerian feels seen, valued, and included.
The future of Nigeria lies in embracing our diversity as a strength, not a weakness. True patriotism is in breaking barriers, fostering understanding, and working together to overcome our challenges. Our soldiers died for unity, not division. Let us honour them by rejecting the divisive rhetoric that undermines their sacrifice.
The time for blaming the past is over. The time for building the future is now.
God Save Nigeria!
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Image: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash