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Gowon’s Memoir: Reno Omokri Reveals Fresh Details On Ironsi, Biafra, Civil War
Former presidential aide and author, Reno Omokri, has highlighted what he described as significant revelations from former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography, My Life of Duty & Allegiance.
Gowon’s memoir, published in 2026, chronicles his military career, emergence as Head of State, the Nigerian Civil War, his 1975 overthrow and his subsequent life in exile. The book has generated considerable discussion because of its account of some of Nigeria’s most consequential historical events.
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In a lengthy review of the autobiography, Omokri described the book as “unexpectedly well written and captivating,” adding that he learnt a lot from it.
One of the issues he highlighted was Gowon’s account of his relationship with his predecessor, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.
According to Omokri, Gowon revealed that Ironsi attempted twice to remove him from his position as General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army.
Citing pages 193 and 295, Omokri said Ironsi first attempted to move Gowon to head the Air Force and later proposed sending him to the United Kingdom for a course.
However, Omokri cautioned against reaching definitive conclusions from Gowon’s account alone.
“Of course, without General Ironsi’s side of the story, we cannot draw concrete conclusions,” he wrote.
Omokri also drew attention to Gowon’s account of how he became Head of State following the July 1966 counter-coup.
He said the memoir suggested that Gowon was almost “elected” by officers and men gathered at Ikeja Barracks during the uncertain period that followed the counter-coup.
“On page 212, we learnt that Gowon was almost in a way ‘elected’ by the officers and men gathered at the Ikeja Barracks to be Head of State in the uncertain atmosphere that followed the July 29, 1966 countercoup,” Omokri wrote.
He further highlighted Gowon’s description of the early period of his administration, arguing that the former Head of State initially occupied the office without having complete control over the machinery of government.
“From page 217, we understand that he was initially in office but not in power,” Omokri said.
The review also focused on the role of Nigerians of Igbo origin who, according to Omokri’s reading of the memoir, remained among Gowon’s advisers during the crisis and Civil War.
He specifically mentioned Philip Asiodu, Edwin Ogbu and Ukpabi Asika.
“On page 282, we learn … that there were quite a number of Igbos, even during the crisis and later the Civil War, who were in Gowon’s kitchen cabinet, advising him,” he wrote.
Omokri also highlighted Gowon’s account of the political structure of his administration, saying the former Head of State described a system in which military and civilian authorities shared power.
“From page 302, we learn that General Gowon practised diarchy, a form of government in which the military shared power with civilians,” Omokri stated.
Another controversial issue raised in the review concerned an allegation in the memoir about foreign involvement in the Nigerian Civil War.
According to Omokri, Gowon alleged that the Rothschild family sponsored Biafra’s war against Nigeria after reaching an agreement with the then Biafran leader, Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Omokri, however, noted that Gowon did not provide much detail on the allegation. The claim is therefore presented here as an allegation attributed to Gowon in the memoir, rather than an independently established fact.
Omokri also said Gowon took issue with Chinua Achebe’s account of the Civil War, particularly the late author’s book, There Was a Country.
“On page 363, General Gowon, more or less, called Achebe a propagandist, especially with regard to his book, ‘There Was a Country’,” Omokri wrote.
The review further examined Gowon’s personal experiences following his overthrow in 1975.
Omokri said the memoir revealed that Gowon experienced financial difficulties after being removed from power and later lived in England, where he received assistance from Nigerians.
“On page 602, you almost feel sorry for him after his overthrow in Kampala, where he had to depend on donations from Presidents Idi Amin and Eyadéma because he was broke,” he wrote.
Omokri also highlighted Gowon’s account of his years at the University of Warwick, saying the former Head of State cooked for fellow Nigerian students and travelled on public buses.
“On page 620, he showed that he never lost that personal touch when he cooked food for fellow Nigerian students at the University of Warwick, who were shocked to see him riding public buses,” Omokri said.
Concluding his review, Omokri praised Gowon’s record-keeping and willingness to acknowledge mistakes.
“Altogether, this is a brilliant book, and I am impressed by General Gowon’s meticulous record-keeping, his purity of heart, and his willingness to admit mistakes,” he wrote.
“This book is a must-read for all those who want to understand post-colonial Nigeria,” Omokri added.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
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With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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