Essential Ndubuisi
By David Okpokwasili
In one of his last interviews before he joined his ancestors, the ertswhile Chief of staff to the head of state of the defunct Biafra, Late Colonel Emmanuel Nwobosi stated that for Nigeria to move forward, her citizens must seek the truth behind the January 15, 1966 coup and stop describing it as an “Igbo Coup”.
This “truth” might therefore be found in his new book, “1966: The Dark Truth” published posthumously which was launched in Awka today as part of activities leading upto his journey to his final resting place tommorow, Friday January 15,2021, the fifty-fifth anniversary of the coup.
The book co-authored with a former police officer, US based author and book curator, Chukwudum Ikeazor, provides an original insider’s account to Nigeria’s first military coup and what has become Nigeria’s most controversial military coup for how it has been given different ethnic colourations.
His co-author, Mr Chukwudum Ikeazor represented by Reverend Father Emefiena Ezeani in his author’s note, explained that the the attempt by Colonel Nwobosi to document his participation in the plotting of the coup was to set the records straight about the coup.
Mr Ikeazor also revealed that substantial part from the book launch will be donated to wounded Biafran soldiers at Oji Rivers.
The traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka in his comments while describing the late Colonel Nwobosi as a quintessential man of integrity, regretted that corruption which was the major reason for the 1966 coup continues to pervade the Nigerian society.
The Late Colonel Nwobosi’s son, Emmanuel Junior, called the book his father’s posthomous testament and the fulfilment of his long lasting desire to tell his story.
Renowned Anambra-born author and columnist, Professor Okey Ndibe performed the unveiling of the book.
Professor Ndibe described the book as excellently and elegantly written memoir that must be read to proper educate the younger generation to be better informed about the facts of their history.
The Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Indigenous Artworks, Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Tony-One Week Muonagor was also present at the book launch.
