Yakubu Gowon: Nigeria better than it was during civil war, 55 years ago
Yakubu Gowon speaks on Biafra civil war.
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has said the country is in a far better place today than it was during the civil war that took place over five decades ago.
Gowon made this assertion during an exclusive interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since the Biafran War, which he led between 1967 and 1970.
Despite the current economic, political, and security challenges facing the nation, the former military leader argued that Nigeria has recorded significant progress and has continued to grow. “Well, thriving…isn’t Nigeria thriving today? Have we not gone beyond what we were 55 years ago?” Gowon asked rhetorically.
He acknowledged that while Nigeria is not perfect, the country has defied odds and managed to sustain itself as a unified entity. “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,” he stated.
Gowon reiterated his commitment to national unity, referencing his post-war policy of “no victor, no vanquished,” which was intended to foster healing and reconciliation after the devastating civil conflict. He emphasized that all regions of the country, including the Southeast—which bore the brunt of the war—have witnessed growth and development since the end of the conflict.
“There is great progress happening in the East. I certainly did not try to stop development. Things are improving as time goes on,” he added.
As Nigeria marks 55 years since the end of the civil war, Gowon’s reflections serve as a reminder of the country’s resilience and the ongoing journey toward national unity and development.
