Obasanjo names 1966 coup, counter-coup, June 12 as Nigeria’s ‘black days’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has characterized the January 15, 1966 coup, the July 29, 1966 counter-coup, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as significant "black days" in Nigeria's history. He made these remarks during the 60th memorial service for Nigeria's first military Head of State, Gen. Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966.

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Nigeria has many black days, and because of these black days, we must remember history to learn the right lessons.

Obasanjo stressed the importance of learning from these painful historical events to promote unity and national development. He urged Nigerians to reflect on the country's defining tragedies, focusing on the lessons they offer rather than the divisions they created. "Most of these black days excluded, destroyed and separated us. But we can learn the right lessons and draw inspiration for inclusion, construction, cooperation and bringing our people together," he stated.

Furthermore, the former president renewed his call for the reinstatement of History as a subject in Nigerian schools. He warned that a nation that neglects its past risks repeating the mistakes of previous generations. Obasanjo also reflected on his relationship with Aguiyi-Ironsi, whom he described as a father figure who treated younger officers with care and respect. He commended Aguiyi-Ironsi's military career, including his service in the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo and his rise through the ranks to become Nigeria's first indigenous Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Brigadier, and Major-General.

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July 29 is one black day in the history of Nigeria. January 15 is another black day. The annulment of June 12 was also a black day. But the question is: what lessons do we learn from them?

Obasanjo encouraged Nigerians to preserve the memories of leaders who made sacrifices for the country, emphasizing that understanding the past is crucial for building a cohesive and progressive future.

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Most of these black days excluded, destroyed and separated us. But we can learn the right lessons and draw inspiration for inclusion, construction, cooperation and bringing our people together.