…says false narratives exacerbated tensions and influenced public opinion during the civil war.
Former Nigeria’s President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the significant role disinformation played in the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970, iNews Times reports.
Obasanjo who spoke at the Sixth Edition of the Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium in Abuja, noted that disinformation, propaganda, and false narratives exacerbated tensions and influenced public opinion during the civil war.
According to Obasanjo, the same strategies are currently being employed by insurgents in North East Nigeria and other violent groups across the country.
He stressed the importance of studying history, particularly military history, to learn valuable lessons and build a more equitable future for all Nigerians.
The symposium aimed to highlight the importance of media and information operations in conflict resolution and nation-building.
Obasanjo commended the Army War College Nigeria for including the study of the Nigerian Civil War in its curriculum, which helps operational-level leaders apply lessons from past campaigns in operational planning.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the symposium as a vital platform for nurturing intellectual capacity within the military.
The Commandant of AWCN, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, said the symposium was designed to enhance the intellectual and leadership capacity of officers.
The guest lecturer, Prof. Christopher Ogbogbo, dissected the role of propaganda, media manipulation, and false narratives during the conflict, illustrating how misinformation shaped public perception and policy decisions during the civil war.
By understanding the past, participants hope to better manage the information space in today’s battles.
