09/10/2026
Did you know that on the 8th January of 1970, there was an extraordinary meeting of the executive council of Biafra at Ogwa village near Owerri. It was in this meeting that the Biafran leader made it known to the members of the council that he will be going abroad “in search of peace”.
The Biafran army commander, Alex Madiebo, had earlier confirmed that things are looking really grim and that Owerri is likely to fall anytime soon. Everyone knew that the end was near. The team that will accompany the Biafran leader was announced in the meeting. They are:
Dr M.I. Okpara as political adviser
Mr. N.U Akpan, the chief press secretary.
A suggestion was put forward for the Biafran Army commander to join the delegation. It was accepted and the Biafran commander position was given to Patrick Amadi. The chief press secretary then prepared a message for the leader to record before he left. Some historic accounts suggest that this suggestion came from the chief justice of Biafra, Mr. Louis Mbanefo.
With the Biafran leader going away on a “peace mission” he suggested that there should be a 3 man team to lead the government of Biafra until his return but after discussions, the full powers of the government were vested on a man. His chief of general staff. The second in command. His name is Phillip Obong Asuquo Effiong.
On the night of 9th January 1970, the Biafran leader was at Uli airport talking to an expatriate friend. Philip Effiong had a moment with him. Both men moved away from earshot and had their final conversation as head of State and chief of general staff.
Here the Biafran leader gave the final briefing...
1. Biafran resistance was to try and hold the federal might for just 2 weeks.
2. The Uli airport is vital and the only remaining link to the outside world. It should be defended at all costs and kept open for his return.
Philip Effiong left before the flight took off. 3 days later, on the 12th of January 1970, at about 04:40 pm, a voice came on air at radio