Colonel Benjamin Adekunle Interview | "Black Scorpion" on Ojukwu & Political Ambition | October 1970

Colonel Benjamin Adekunle (1936-2014) during an interview conducted at the Nigerian High Commission in London in October 1970. The interview covered the recently ended Nigerian Civil War, his thoughts on whether the leader of the secession, the former Nigerian army colonel, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, would be allowed to return to the country, and whether he had any political ambitions. Transcript of interview: REPORTER: Colonel Ojukwu has been ordered to leave the Ivory Coast. Is this because of pressure from the Nigerian government? ADEKUNLE: The Nigerian government doesn't pressurise anyone. We are only using a persuasive way of doing things. I don't think the government pressurises the Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast is an independent country in her own right and we do comply with the charter of the OAU. REPORTER: Would you like to see Ojukwu back in Nigeria? ADEKUNLE: I must tell you one thing - Nigeria observes very much the fundamental human rights. If he wants to come under that, he's welcome. I don't think the Nigerian government will ever object to him coming, and I do sincerely say so. REPORTER: Would he face charges if he did return to Nigeria? ADEKUNLE: We shall leave that to time. No one has been charged so far to my knowledge. REPORTER: In your future plans have you any plans to be a leader of the Nigerian state? Politically? ADEKUNLE: That is too personal, I don't know. I wouldn't decide. REPORTER: Do you intend to stay in the army? ADEKUNLE: Of course I intend to, I've got eleven more years to do. REPORTER: At the moment you have no political ambition? ADEKUNLE: No political ambition, no. REPORTER: You are known as the Black Scorpion. Do you object to this? ADEKUNLE: It is just an ordinary (nick)name. My name is Benjamin Adekunle, that is all that I know. Note: "About Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle" http://adeyinkamakinde.blogspot.com/2...