Had General Yakubu Gowon accepted and implemented the Aburi Accord, the trajectory of Nigeria’s history could have been profoundly different. The Nigerian Civil War, which claimed millions of lives and devastated countless communities, would have been averted. Instead of being a nation struggling with perennial instability, weak infrastructure, and underwhelming technological advancement, Nigeria could have been a leader in science, technology, and development—potentially rivaling countries like China and Taiwan today.
The crux of the problem in 1967 was not just political but also deeply rooted in ignorance and a lack of understanding. The provisions of the Aburi Accord were forward-thinking, yet those surrounding Gowon lacked the education and foresight to grasp the significance of what was agreed upon. Illiteracy, as often said, is a dangerous disease, and in this case, it robbed Nigeria of the opportunity to chart a progressive and inclusive future.
What Was the Aburi Accord?
The Aburi Accord, reached on January 4–5, 1967, in Ghana, was a historic attempt to resolve tensions between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra. It was not just a political agreement but a blueprint for a harmonious, decentralized Nigeria. Its key provisions included:
1. Confederation: Nigeria would transition into a confederation of semi-autonomous regions, allowing each region to manage its own affairs without excessive interference from the center.
2. Regional Autonomy: Regions would gain greater control over their internal governance, creating a balance that respected Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic realities.
3. Abolition of Federal Supremacy: The Federal Government would relinquish its power to make laws for the regions, thereby eliminating the over-centralization that continues to plague Nigeria today.
4. A Weak Central Government: The focus would shift to empowering regions while the central government handled only key national responsibilities, such as foreign policy and defense.
5. Constitutional Conference: A conference would be convened to revise Nigeria’s constitution in line with the principles of equity and true federalism.
Had these provisions been implemented, the fears of domination by any region would have been allayed. The equitable distribution of power and resources would have created an enabling environment for peace, unity, and unprecedented development.
The Missed Opportunity
Unfortunately, Gowon and his advisers bungled this historic opportunity. Whether due to ignorance, bad advice, or external pressure from foreign interests keen on maintaining a divided Nigeria, the accord was never implemented. Instead, it was discarded, paving the way for the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
The war resulted in an unimaginable loss of lives and property, devastated the Eastern Region, and deepened Nigeria’s ethnic and regional divisions. The resources that could have been channeled into education, healthcare, infrastructure, and industrialization were instead wasted on a destructive conflict. The “No Victor, No Vanquished” proclamation and the subsequent policies of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (the 3Rs) were nothing more than a bandage over a deep wound.
The Legacy of Failure
Almost fifty-eight years later, Nigeria is still grappling with the same issues that the Aburi Accord sought to address. The cries for restructuring echo louder today than ever before. The over-centralized federal system continues to stifle development, breed corruption, and fuel discontent among Nigeria’s diverse regions. The lessons of Aburi have not been learned, and the ghost of that missed opportunity still haunts the nation.
What Could Have Been
Had Gowon and his administration understood and implemented the Aburi Accord, Nigeria could have been a model of federalism and regional autonomy. The regions, empowered to govern themselves, would have thrived economically and culturally, fostering healthy competition and innovation. The billions wasted on war and post-war reconstruction could have been invested in industrialization, education, and scientific research, putting Nigeria on par with the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Imagine a Nigeria where no region feels marginalized, where every ethnic group sees itself as an equal stakeholder, and where the vast natural and human resources are fully harnessed for collective growth. That was the vision of the Aburi Accord—a vision squandered by shortsightedness and ignorance.
Conclusion
It is indeed shameful that, almost 58 years after Aburi, Nigeria is still stuck in debates over restructuring, debates that should have been resolved decades ago. Gowon’s failure to implement the accord was not just a political misstep but a monumental tragedy that has left Nigeria perpetually lagging. The lessons of Aburi remain clear: without justice, equity, and true federalism, Nigeria will continue to stumble in its quest for unity and development.
The Aburi Accord was not just a missed opportunity; it was a roadmap to greatness that Nigeria tragically ignored. The question remains: will the nation ever muster the courage and wisdom to retrace its steps, or will it continue to repeat the mistakes of the past?
By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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