Akanu Ibiam

Sir Francis Akanu Ibiam KCMG KBE (29 November 1906 – 1 July 1995) was a Nigerian medical missionary and statesman who served as Governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria from 1960 to 1966. In 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War, he renounced his British knighthood in protest of the United Kingdom's support for the federal government against Biafra. Quotes In the circumstance, Your Majesty, I no longer wish to wear the garb of the British Knighthood. British fair play, British justice, and the Englishman's word of honour which Biafra loved so much and cherished have become meaningless to Biafrans in general and to me in particular. "Igbo Land, Queen Elizabeth II & Akanu Ibiam", Omata Voices, 9 September 2022 It is simply staggering for a Christian country like Britain to help a Moslem country militarily to crush another Christian country like Biafra... Christian Britain has shamelessly let down Christian Biafra. I can't be a Queen's knight and watch the same kingdom be killing my people in Biafra. I love the Republic of Biafra very dearly and pray that, by grace of God, she may remain and continue to survive. Congratulations on the five years you have spent here. I thank the Principal, the Reverend Fathers, and the teachers for discharging their duty. However, I am sad that many of you may die before even attaining 40 years, simply because of carelessness, drugs, womanizing, and irresponsible behaviour. "Message From Akanu Ibiam", Aro News Online, 7 January 2026 References External links Category:Governors of Eastern Region, Nigeria Category:Nigerian statesmen