Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has explained the roots of the disagreement between former Eastern Region Governor, Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon.

The account is contained in Abubakar’s autobiography, Call of Duty, which was unveiled in Abuja as part of activities marking his 84th birthday.

According to the book, Ojukwu maintained that military seniority should have determined who succeeded Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi after his a$$assination by Northern military officers following the January 1966 coup led by Kaduna Nzeogwu.

Reflecting on the events of the period, Abubakar stated that many people in Northern Nigeria were aggrieved by the k!lling of prominent Northern leaders during the coup and believed that Igbo officers were being favoured in military promotions.

These concerns reportedly heightened anti-Igbo sentiments in parts of Northern Nigeria, triggering protests in cities including Kano, Kaduna and Jos. The unrest later escalated into riots during which many Igbos were reportedly k!lled and their properties destroyed.

Abubakar further recalled that senior Northern military officers subsequently overthrew and k!lled Aguiyi-Ironsi, paving the way for Gowon to become Head of State.

However, Ojukwu opposed Gowon’s emergence, arguing that Babafemi Ogundipe, who was then Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters, was the rightful successor based on established military hierarchy.