When the Eastern Region Defended Awolowo: A Forgotten Chapter of Solidarity

A Nobel laureate’s memoir recalls how Eastern Nigeria rose to Awolowo’s defense in his darkest hour. Dr. Michael Okpara provided vital financial and political support when leaders conspired to remove Chief Obafemi Awolowo from office. Okpara also welcomed dismissed loyalists from the University of Ife into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He arranged authentic election broadcasts to challenge state-sponsored fraud and even appointed Mrs. Hannah Awolowo as an honorary minister with full privileges. President Nnamdi Azikiwe further ensured Awolowo’s safety by insisting he remain imprisoned in the East under humane conditions. These acts of interregional unity formed the core of the United Progressive Grand Alliance’s resistance to ethnic domination. This episode reminds us that Nigeria’s history includes moments when justice and unity triumphed over division. Let us preserve these truths and resist any attempts to distort them.

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