The Unimplemented Federal Character And The Abuse Of The Quota System Are the Genesis Of the Nigeria Crisis -By Nweke Daniel

Aburi Accord was a significant event in the history of Nigeria, unfortunately, it is not widely taught in Nigerian history, perhaps it may escalate and excavate what is intended to be buried. However, parents must teach their children some secrets since it is dangerous for the children to learn these secrets outside the home-abuse is inevitable. The Aburi conference took place on January 5, 1967, in Aburi, Ghana. It marked a crucial turning point in the Nigerian Civil War and the subsequent efforts to address the political tensions and grievances that had plagued the country at the time. The Accord aimed to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis by restructuring Nigeria’s federal system and addressing the concerns of the various regions.

What led to the Aburi Accord can be traced back to the contentious nature of Nigerian politics in the 1960s. Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960 but struggled to establish a stable and cohesive government. This was a result of our diversity. The country operated under a federal system, with power divided between the central government and the regions, which were largely based on ethnic lines. By 1966, Nigeria faced significant challenges, including political instability, ethnic rivalries, and economic disparities among the regions. The January 1966 military coup further exacerbated these issues, resulting in the deaths of several prominent political leaders, including the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

In response to the coup and the subsequent counter-coup by northern officers, General Yakubu Gowon emerged as the Head of State and leader of the Federal Military Government. However, the tensions between the central government and the Eastern Region, led by Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, continued to escalate. As a result of this, Ghana’s Head of State, General Joseph Ankrah, invited both Gowon and Ojukwu to Aburi for a peace conference to resolve their differences amicably. The Aburi Accord was the outcome of this conference, and it proposed a series of resolutions aimed at addressing Nigeria’s political and constitutional crisis.

The key provisions of the Aburi Accord included the establishment of a confederation, granting more autonomy to the regions, and the devolution of powers to the states. It also called for the withdrawal of troops from the various regions and the release of political detainees. While the Aburi Accord was seen as a potential solution to the crisis, the implementation of its provisions proved challenging due to divergent interpretations of the Accord’s resolutions by Gowon and Ojukwu which led to its unraveling.

Following the Aburi conference, the situation in Nigeria deteriorated further, with both sides accusing each other of violating the Accord. Ultimately, the Eastern Region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967, leading to the Nigerian Civil War.

The Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970, resulted in a significant loss of life and had devastating humanitarian consequences. The conflict was marked by intense fighting, economic blockade, and a humanitarian crisis characterized by famine and disease which arguably looked like genocide.

The war with the surrender of the Biafran forces in January 1970 and Nigeria was reunited under a centralized federal system. Despite the Aburi Accord’s failure to prevent the conflict, its significance lies in the fact that it represented an earnest attempt to address Nigeria’s political and constitutional challenges.

In the years that followed the war, Nigeria underwent various political and constitutional reforms aimed at fostering national unity, reducing regional tensions, and ensuring a more equitable distribution of power and resources. These efforts included the creation of states and the adoption of a new constitution. While the Aburi Accord did not bring about a lasting resolution, its legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, compromise, and effective governance in addressing complex political challenges.

It is unfortunate, however, that the war never ended. That the country we warred to keep was never kept, and the regional integration has caused us pain and it is calling for another accord. The federal character stated that “the government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or a few ethnic or other sectional groups in the government or any of its agencies” and, the quota system like the federal character that promotes representativeness of all regions of the country has been abuse thereby promoting incompetence in governance. The unimplemented federal character and the abuse of the quota system are the Genesis of our problems as a nation and until this is addressed the country may continue living in denial.

Aburi accord, although failed, remains a significant historical event in Nigeria’s quest for stability, national unity, and inclusive governance. The war thereafter shows that unity can be forced but the peaceful coexistence of the people determines the measures in which such an entity was United. What led to the Aburi conference in 1967 is still prevalent in 2023, then I would like to ask, is it not due to meet again to discuss our differences and existence as a country, or should we continue the tribal-blame game that will force us to meet in war? I would propose a meet at Aburi rather than a meet in war.