Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has stated that Nigeria is in a better position today than it was during the civil war and over five decades ago, despite the numerous challenges facing the nation.
Gowon, who led Nigeria during the 1967-1970 Biafran War, made this assertion during an exclusive interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, emphasizing the country's resilience and growth since the end of the conflict.
"Well, thriving...isn't Nigeria thriving today? Have we not gone beyond what we were 55 years ago?" Gowon asked during the interview. "Certainly, I did not mean that things will be absolutely perfect... but at least, we have survived as a country, improving at every stage to where we are."
Post-War Reconciliation Policy
The former military leader defended his post-war policy of "no victor, no vanquished," explaining that it was designed to promote unity and healing across the nation after the devastating conflict. According to him, this approach was crucial for national reconciliation.
Gowon further noted that many parts of the country, including the Eastern region that bore the brunt of the war's devastation, have witnessed significant progress over the years.
"There is great progress happening in the East. I certainly did not try to stop development. Things are improving as time goes on," he stated.
The 90-year-old elder statesman's comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with various socio-economic challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, and political tensions. However, his perspective offers a historical context to the nation's journey since independence.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, remains a significant voice in discussions about national unity and development, having overseen the country during one of its most turbulent periods.
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