The Nigeria-Biafra War of 1967-70 re-echoed yesterday in the chambers of lower parliament in the country’s capital, Abuja.

“A mild drama yesterday ensued on the floor of the House of Representatives when the chamber moved to honour the late Brig.-Gen. Benjamin Adekunle as some lawmakers of Igbo extraction protested the move by the parliament to pay glowing tributes,” says a report this morning in The Guardian.

Adekunle, alias Black Scorpion, stands accused of committing monumental atrocities against the secessionists, leading to Biafra’s surrender to the Nigerian Army. Igbos, who formed the bulk of the Biafran population, have yet to forgive the man, who died in Lagos last Saturday, September 13, aged 78.

“Two members from Abia State, Arua Arunsi and Udo Oluchi Ibeji, sat down in protest when there was a call that all members should stand and observe a minute silence in honour of the late General,” reports The Guardian.

According to the report, “The House Leader, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, had in a motion officially informed the House of the death of Adekunle, eulogising his exploits during the war. The late Adekunle was from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, which incidentally is Akande-Adeola’s state.”

It says that Ibeji was heard shouting severally: “I don’t care if he (Adekunle) is dead or alive” before he was eventually called to order by Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal before the silence was observed.

•File photo shows the House of Reps in session.