My story, by General Gowon

In this reflective interview, General Yakubu Gowon, former Nigerian military head of state, shares his perspective on the Nigerian Civil War, the efforts to keep the country united, and the lessons learned from his time in power.

On the Outbreak of the Civil War

General Gowon emphasizes that his commitment to Nigeria’s unity stems from his upbringing in Wusasa, a community where different ethnic groups and religious beliefs coexisted peacefully. The outbreak of the Civil War was a painful moment for him, but as head of state, he felt it was his duty to prevent the country from disintegrating. He notes that secession by the Southeast region was the catalyst for the war and that his military experience in the Congo prepared him for the challenges ahead, though he never expected to face such a crisis at home.

Could Anything Have Been Done Differently?

When asked whether he would have acted differently, Gowon is firm in his belief that he had no choice but to act decisively to prevent the breakup of Nigeria. He highlights the importance of keeping external powers from intervening in the conflict, which helped Nigeria handle its internal issues independently.

The Three Rs: Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, Reintegration

General Gowon explains that after the war, his goal was to reunite the country through the Three Rs: reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reintegration. He gave soldiers strict orders to assist the civilian population and not to engage in violence against women, children, or the elderly. His message to the Southeast today is clear: the Republic of Biafra no longer exists, and the war is over. He believes the country has been reintegrated, and people should move forward in unity.

Comparison to Abraham Lincoln

Gowon recounts how a journalist once compared him to Abraham Lincoln for his role in preserving Nigeria’s unity. While he did not initially see the parallel, after reading about the American Civil War, he acknowledged the similarity in the situations. Both leaders fought to keep their nations united, and Gowon sees the comparison as a compliment.

The Aburi Conference

Addressing the famous Aburi Conference, Gowon refutes the claim that he agreed to a confederation. He explains that Ojukwu came to the meeting with a pre-prepared memorandum and later made public statements that were not in line with their discussions. According to Gowon, this misrepresentation contributed to the growing tension between the federal government and the Eastern region, ultimately leading to Biafra’s declaration of secession.

Economic Management and Claims of Wealth

Gowon dismisses the claims that he left office with substantial wealth, insisting that his government managed Nigeria’s resources responsibly during the oil boom following the war. He recounts that he left office with only £83,000 and that his administration prioritized national development over personal gain. Gowon is proud of the various infrastructure projects initiated during his tenure, including the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the establishment of automobile plants across the country.

The 1975 Coup

Reflecting on his overthrow in 1975, Gowon reveals that he had been warned about a possible coup but chose not to act against two close associates, Joe Garba and Tony Ochefu, who were implicated. He was attending an Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Kampala when he received news of the coup. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Gowon accepted his fate and made a graceful exit, encouraging Nigerians to support the incoming government.

Faith in Prayer and Nigeria’s Future

General Gowon concludes by expressing his continued faith in Nigeria’s future. Through his initiative, Nigeria Prays, he advocates for prayer as a means of seeking peace and stability. He acknowledges the challenges Nigeria faces but remains hopeful, urging the current administration to ensure that the country is made better for every citizen.