Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that the January 1967 summit in Aburi, Ghana, could have prevented Nigeria's civil war if agreements had been successfully implemented.
The 90-year-old statesman, who led Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, made this revelation during a recent interview on Arise Television, where he reflected on the irreconcilable differences that ultimately led to the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in July 1967.
According to Gowon, a fundamental disagreement between himself and Eastern regional leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, significantly contributed to the 30-month conflict that devastated the nation.
"Ojukwu pushed for a form of regional autonomy that the federal side could not accept," Gowon explained, highlighting the core tension that ultimately led to armed conflict.
Legacy of Peace and Unity
Reflecting on his legacy, the former military leader expressed his desire to be remembered for his love for Nigeria and its people.
"I want to be remembered as someone who loves his country, Nigeria, who loves Nigerians, who prays, at least if I cannot fight, I pray for Nigeria to continue to be a country that all of us love. I know it is impossible for any country to be absolutely perfect," Gowon stated.
The Aburi Summit, convened in January 1967, was a last-ditch effort to resolve the political crisis that had engulfed Nigeria following the military coups of 1966. The meeting brought together military leaders from across Nigeria's regions but ultimately failed to prevent the secession of the Eastern Region as Biafra and the subsequent civil war.
Gowon's reflections come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of national unity and regional autonomy, offering valuable historical context for contemporary political discussions.
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