Nigeria Must Not Experience Another Civil War – Yakubu Gowon

• Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon warns against another civil war, urging Nigerians to prioritize unity and dialogue to prevent conflict
• Gowon reflects on the devastating effects of the 1967-1970 civil war, calling for leaders to focus on nation-building over sectional interests
• He encourages Nigerians to embrace peace, faith, and love as the foundation for sustainable development and national progress

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has warned against the possibility of another civil war in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Gowon emphasised the need for peace and unity across the country. He called on Nigerians to work together to prevent a repeat of the 1967-1970 civil war that caused immense suffering.

Gowon recalls civil war impacts

Gowon reflected on the devastating impact of the war, which claimed millions of lives and left deep scars on the nation, noting that no country should endure such a tragedy twice.

Read also

"How I stopped Abacha from executing Obasanjo": Gowon opens up

The elder statesman urged leaders at all levels to prioritize nation-building over personal or sectional interests.

The former Head of State, who led Nigeria during the civil war, expressed optimism about the country’s future despite its current challenges. He called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith, love for one another, and commitment to the country’s progress.

“Peace is the only way we can achieve sustainable development,” Gowon concluded.

"How I stopped Abacha from executing Obasanjo": Gowon opens up

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Yakubu Gowon, the former Nigeria's head of state, had explained how he intervened for former President Olusegun Obasanjo from being killed by late General Sani Abacha.

Abacha, in 1995 sentenced Obasanjo to death over an alleged plot to overthrow his government through the coup, even though the former pleaded not guilty.

But speaking on Saturday, November 30, at Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, Gowon explained that he wrote to Abacha to spare Obasanjo.

Source: Legit.ng