The Arewa Youth Progressive Alliance (AYPA) finds it necessary to respond to the recent statement by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) attacking Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) over his remarks on General Ibrahim Babangida’s book and the historical context of the 1966 coup.
MASSOB’s attempt to misrepresent and vilify FFK for his intellectual and factual contributions to Nigeria’s historical discourse is nothing but a desperate effort to silence inconvenient truths. FFK, a respected statesman, historian, and political commentator, has consistently defended the integrity of national history and ensured that Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, understand the past for what it is—not for what some wish it to be.
FFK's Position Is Factual, Not Hate Speech
MASSOB’s accusation that FFK is pushing an "unfounded, malicious trajectory against Ndigbo" is not only misleading but also a classic case of emotional manipulation. FFK merely pointed out the historical reality that the January 15, 1966 coup took on an "unmistakable ethnic coloration," as stated in Babangida’s book. Nowhere did he invent facts or distort history to target the Igbo people. He simply restated what has been widely documented: that the coup was led by Igbo officers, and that the majority of those killed were non-Igbo, particularly Northern leaders.
It is disingenuous for MASSOB to pretend that the coup had no ethnic implications when even General Babangida himself acknowledged its tribal undertones. If anyone disagrees with Babangida’s account, they should challenge him directly rather than attacking FFK for merely referencing it.
FFK Was Never Against The Igbo Nation
MASSOB’s claim that FFK "harbors an acute hatred for Ndigbo" is laughable and absurd. If anything, FFK has been one of the strongest voices in defense of the Southeast, often advocating for justice for Igbo people in Nigeria’s political landscape. His past support for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, his close friendships with Igbo political elites, and his defense of Igbo rights in several publications all contradict this baseless accusation.
It is ironic that MASSOB, which claims to champion Igbo interests, is now attacking one of the few non-Igbo voices who has repeatedly spoken up for them in Nigeria’s complex political space. It is clear that their anger is not about history but about the fact that FFK is speaking a truth they do not want to hear.
Misrepresenting History Won’t Change Facts
MASSOB argues that some Yoruba officers participated in the 1966 coup, as though that erases the overwhelming Igbo dominance in the mutiny. This is akin to saying that because some Hausas and Fulanis were involved in the Biafra war, it was not primarily a conflict between Nigeria and the breakaway Biafran state. The presence of a few non-Igbo officers does not negate the fact that Igbo officers planned, led, and executed the coup while sparing the lives of top Igbo politicians.
Furthermore, MASSOB’s reference to Awolowo’s supposed role in the coup is a well-worn narrative that has been debunked multiple times. The coup was never about installing Awolowo; it was about eliminating perceived enemies of a particular faction within the military. Awolowo himself never had prior knowledge of the coup and was only released later by General Yakubu Gowon.
Defending Babangida’s Account Is Not a Crime
FFK's analysis of Babangida’s book is based on historical records, not personal bias. MASSOB’s attempt to attack his credibility only exposes their fear of factual conversations about history. If MASSOB disagrees with Babangida’s account, they should challenge the General himself rather than launching unnecessary attacks on FFK.
Nigeria must move forward with a spirit of reconciliation and truth, not with revisionist history and baseless accusations. The Arewa Youth Progressive Alliance stands firmly in defense of FFK’s right to speak the truth and will not allow propaganda to overshadow historical realities.
Conclusion
FFK is not an enemy of the Igbo people—he is a fearless truth-teller who refuses to bend to political correctness. MASSOB should focus on genuine dialogue rather than promoting falsehoods to fit their narrative. Nigeria’s history cannot be rewritten by propaganda, and no amount of name-calling can change the truth.
Signed,
Mohammed Bello Doka, President
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