We Need Leadership Reforms, Reconciliation As Restitution For Mistakes Of 1966 — AVM Ifemeje (rtd)

Air Vice Marshal John Chris Ifemeje (rtd), Dike Oha 1 of Uga Kingdom, is a seasoned military strategist and national security thinker whose career spans decades of distinguished service at the highest levels of Nigeria’s armed forces. Known for his commitment to discipline, institutional integrity, and accountable leadership, he represents a generation of senior officers shaped by both operational command and strategic governance. His career culminated in his appointment as Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Nigeria’s premier institution for training junior and senior operational-level officers and other military ranks in operational command and staff responsibilities. He mentored officers who later rose to become Service Chiefs and senior defense policymakers, embedding principles of professionalism, merit, and national unity.

Beyond command, AVM Ifemeje played key roles in civil-military relations and national security coordination at both state and federal levels, giving him rare insights into the nexus between leadership failure, governance, and national cohesion.

He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) degree and a Master of Science in Security Studies, is a member of the PSC Daggar, and is a Fellow of the Defense College in Bangladesh. He has received numerous military honors and awards. Some of his military appointments include Staff Officer Grade 2 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; Military Assistant to the AOP at the Air Force Headquarters; ADC/Military Assistant to the Military Administrator of Abia State; Acting Commander of NAF Station Jos; Member of the Plateau State Security Council and Executive Council; Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; Commander of NAF PMG Ikeja Lagos; Air Force Secretary HQ NAF; and Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

In this interview, AVM John Chris Ifemeje (rtd) argues that the coups of 1966 (January 15 and July 29) were not accidents of history but outcomes of leadership breakdown and institutional failure. Both civilian and military leaders must draw on decades of command and strategic experience to pursue leadership reforms as Nigeria’s only viable path to healing and renewal. He spoke with the Publisher of New Narrative, Mr. Kalu Okoronkwo. Excerpts follow:

It is always a pleasure speaking with you, General. Yesterday, you participated in the inaugural conference of the Forum for National Reconciliation and Restoration. Specifically, sir, what does national reconciliation mean to you, and why do you think Nigeria needs it now?

Nigeria has experienced numerous crises — religious, political, ethnic, among others — without adequately addressing their root causes. A divided nation cannot move forward. We cannot expect Nigeria to truly belong to the comity of nations when citizens distrust and resent one another, unable to agree on common national issues.

Many of these divisions stem from unresolved historical grievances, particularly events surrounding the January 15, 1966 coup. Some regions perceived the actions of those young military officers as ethnic betrayal. While mistakes were made, we cannot continue to live permanently in the past. What we need now is renewed understanding, trust, forgiveness, and belief in one another.

Unfortunately, that singular event triggered a chain reaction that led to the July 29, 1966, counter-coup, the widespread killing of Easterners, and eventually the civil war, during which between two and three million people died. Conflicts often escalate in this way, as we see similar patterns globally. When violence is unleashed, retaliation follows, and innocent people suffer endlessly.

If the January 1966 crisis had been properly managed, and if the leadership at that time had adhered strictly to the rule of law, pacified aggrieved parties, and acted responsibly, Nigeria might never have experienced a civil war. Sadly, leadership failures compounded the problem.

Today, we are still grappling with the same leadership deficiencies because we have never honestly examined where the cancer began. No country can grow when citizens lack patriotism while simultaneously denigrating their own nation abroad.

That is why we initiated the concept of National Reconciliation and Restoration: to heal old wounds and restore Nigeria to the promising path it was on before January 15, 1966. At that time, the regions were thriving. The East was a global agricultural powerhouse driven by palm oil, the West led in cocoa production and pioneered radio and television broadcasting in Africa, and the North built institutions like Ahmadu Bello University through proceeds from groundnut pyramids and agriculture.

Can we say the same today? Sadly, no. Restoration can only come through reconciliation. That is the purpose of this forum. When Dr. Okechukwu presented the idea to me, I immediately agreed because it aligned with what I had long been thinking. What we recently held was a planning conference to begin that journey.

Thank you, sir, for that detailed explanation. It suggests that Nigeria’s unity depends on resolving deep-rooted issues. Can you specify the cultural or structural challenges that must be addressed?

God created us without consulting us on where we would be born — North, South, East, or West — or what religion we would practice. Yet today, we use ethnicity and religion as weapons to destroy ourselves.

There is nothing inherently wrong with religion; the problem lies in how it is practiced. We must reject religious bigotry. If leadership choices are based on religion, then leadership itself has failed.

Culturally, mutual respect is essential. Wherever you reside, respect the culture of the host community. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” If I live in Ghana, I must respect Ghanaian culture; others living among my people must respect ours. Disrespect breeds suspicion, tension, and conflict.

All religions practiced in Nigeria — Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions — teach moral discipline and good values. The problem arises when religious leaders manipulate followers for economic gain, poisoning minds to build influence and wealth. This is not the teaching of Prophet Muhammad or Jesus Christ. People should never kill one another in the name of religion. These are the fundamental issues we must confront.

How will the Forum for National Reconciliation and Restoration practically influence governance, especially in engaging the government and shaping policy?

We have already begun engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders nationwide. The forum enjoys broad grassroots support. The next critical step is to engage political leaders, as they control policy implementation and resources.

Strong governance requires strong, independent institutions. You cannot claim to practice democracy when the arms of government are weak or are continuously interfered with. If the government embraces reconciliation, it can awaken the conscience of political leaders.

For example, the National Assembly should prioritize policies that benefit ordinary Nigerians. Before passing any laws, lawmakers must ask, “How will this affect the poor man on the street?” Governance must not be a burden to the masses.

Reconciliation leads to restoration. Citizens must be central to policy decisions, not an afterthought. Otherwise, our efforts become mere social media noise. When citizens are enlightened, they can identify and reject bad leadership.

Good leadership should never be based on religion, ethnicity, or sentiment. Whether Muslim-Muslim, Christian-Christian, or mixed tickets, what matters is competence, integrity, and results. In the 21st century, Nigeria must rise above tribal psychology.

In discussing reconciliation, we must also confront insecurity. As a senior military officer, how do you assess Nigeria’s current security architecture? What, in your opinion, is working, and what is broken?

Security is everyone’s responsibility, not just the military’s. Insurgency thrives when it gains local support, often by exploiting religion or grievances. Without local backing or political sponsorship, an insurgency collapses.

Our armed forces are well-trained and capable. The problem is not competence; it is leadership direction. In a democracy, soldiers act on political directives. They cannot move without clear authorisation, and body language from political leaders matters.

Intelligence gathering is another major challenge. This is not due to a lack of intelligence but rather how it is poorly utilized. Agencies like the DSS excel at intelligence collection; I have worked with them, and their information is often accurate. The failure lies in ignoring or delaying action. No war is won without intelligence. Too often, we adopt a fire-brigade approach, responding only after the damage has been done.

Border security is another weakness. Even technologically advanced countries fence and monitor their borders. Nigeria’s porous borders enable insurgents to retreat, regroup, and return. Solutions such as border fencing, surveillance drones, satellites, and controlled entry points are achievable.

We must also address morale. Soldiers observe how political leaders live. If leaders enjoy luxury while troops suffer hardship, motivation collapses. Soldiers must be properly paid, equipped, and respected. In countries like the United States, soldiers are publicly honored. We must do better in Nigeria.

Beyond security, does the military have other roles in national development?

Absolutely. In times of disaster, the military provides immediate relief. Retired officers can also contribute immensely to intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.

In countries like the Philippines, retired soldiers serve as community-based intelligence assets. Here, we retire trained personnel but leave them to their own devices, which is wasteful. They can still serve the nation.

The military can also contribute to agriculture and economic development. In Bangladesh, the military runs large-scale fisheries, mushroom farming, and exports agricultural products. Why can’t we convert ungoverned spaces like Sambisa Forest into agricultural zones? Security and development must go hand in hand.

Many believe the Igbo are losing relevance in national affairs. As an Igbo leader, what must be done?

The Igbo must learn to listen to informed leadership. Too many people speak confidently without accurate information and refuse guidance. We must organize politically and respect leadership. Governors responsible for security are insulted instead of supported, even when they possess critical intelligence. This attitude undermines progress.

Historically, the Igbo were organized and respected, especially during the First Republic under leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe. Today, disunity weakens us.

Youth disrespect for elders has grown, traditional institutions are compromised, and even religious institutions have lost moral authority. Religious leaders must preach responsibility, productivity, and truth, not encourage idleness or crime. Leadership is the key. Reconciliation will only succeed if people are included from the grassroots upward.

Since retiring from the military, you have been active in civic engagement. What inspired this transition?

I believe in objective analysis, not sentiment. Even during my service, I was deeply involved in civil-military relations and governance. I served as a military assistant to a governor, attended executive and Security Council meetings, and managed civil crises.

Military officers are not isolated from governance. Many of us have managed civil affairs at strategic levels. Retirement does not mean irrelevance. Society still benefits from our experience.

That is why I engage in politics, not for personal gain, but to contribute to building visionary leadership and solving societal problems.

You were recently honored with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Leadership Award. What does this recognition mean to you?

Sir Ahmadu Bello was a leader who championed equality for all, regardless of religion or ethnicity. I admire that model of leadership. The award reassures me that integrity and fairness are noticed, even when you are unaware. Throughout my service, I never favored tribe or religion. Merit always came first. Leadership must be just. Mentorship, fairness, and patriotism are values I tried to instill in those I trained. That recognition is deeply humbling.

Finally, what message would you leave for Nigerians on peace, unity, and shared destiny?

When Nigerians go abroad, they unite proudly as Nigerians. Why can’t we replicate that unity at home? Our national motto is “Peace and Progress.” Without peace, progress is impossible.

We must respect one another’s cultures and religions, uphold the rule of law, and reject injustice. Injustice breeds bitterness, and bitterness breeds conflict.

Nigeria is rich in resources, yet poverty persists because we are divided and disorganised. Unity will empower citizens to hold leaders accountable.

Let us embrace reconciliation, peace, and patriotism for the sake of our children and the future of this nation.