There seems to be sense in the allegation by critics of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, that he has not been straight on the events of the 1967 – 1970 Civil War. Gowon, was the Head of State at the time. But some have argued that his disposition on the 30-month impasse has not provided adequate insight on the developments at the time.
The retired general, incidentally has not helped matters, given his occasional ambivalence on the issue. At times, he appears remorseful on the fratricidal engagement that saw the total devastation of the former Eastern Region, accounting for over a million deaths of defenceless civilians, including women and children. On such occasions, Gowon would lament the futility of the war, regretting its impacts on the Nigerian polity.
Such was his sentiment in 2002, when he reflected on the October 1967 massacre of defenceless youths of Asaba, Delta State. Gowon was then quoted to have rued; “It came to me as a shock when I came to know about the unfortunate happenings that happened to the sons and daughters of…(Asaba) domain. I felt very touched and honestly I referred to (the killings) and ask for forgiveness being the one who was in charge at that time…”
Many saw in Gowon’s remorseful posture as accounting for his “Nigeria Prays”, a project through which he encourages Nigerians to make atonement for their ugly past and seek the face of God for a greater future for the country.
Riding on the wings of this considered meekness, the former military ruler came across to some as embodying the true virtues of leadership.
But incidentally, 11 years after his Asaba homily and 43 years after the cessation of field hostilities, Gowon has turned full circle, justifying the needless war and explaining the Federal government’s odious action on the need to rein in alleged “rebels”, that had intended to dismember the country.
Gowon, who spoke at the American University (AUN) of Yola, said he was not fighting enemies, but rebels that were out to cause trouble and abuse constituted authorities charged with the constitutional responsibility to maintain peace and unity in the country.
“Nigeria’s integrity was threatened by the action of some rebels. I had no choice than to use the constitutional powers conferred on me as the Head of State and my oath of office to always defend the integrity and unity of the country at all times.
“I took that action in the best interest of my country Nigeria guided by the constitution of the country”, he claimed.
He added; “The 30-month civil war brought peace and unity in Nigeria that no country in the world can have”.
He however failed to provide clue on the nature of peace and unity brought about by the war. Analysts however insist that aside the ravenous years of the civil rule which the former Head of state was part of, no other incidence had worked against the progress of the nation as the civil war.
There have for instance, been questions of Gowon’s post-war agenda for the country. His Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (3Rs), programmes, which his administration pirated from the American Civil War Generals, have been considered abysmal failure. The National Youth Service Scheme, a major fall-out of the pronouncement, is for instance, currently endangered on account of the increasing regime of intolerance by misguided youths from the north against their southern counterparts. The Eastern parts of the country which bore the brunt of the war, still bear the scares due to official neglect by successive administrations in the land. Inter-ethnic suspicion has similarly been on the rise, ever since, thus posing huge question marks on Gowon’s post-war peace and unity hypothesis.
Oscar Onwudiwe, consummate lawyer and Vice President of Aka-Ikenga, pan Igbo intellectual platform, was shocked at Gowon’s sudden position on the war. “This is a different Gowon. We knew a Gowon that appeared as a good man; who visited Asaba, showed remorse for the atrocities committed against the people and asked for forgiveness. For him to suddenly turn around to justify the pogroms and attacks on defenceless civilians, shows that something is wrong somewhere”, he remark
JD:It is a pity Gowon has come to be referred to in this light given his acknowledged contribution to the growth of this country and one wonders what could have been responsible for the turn around of the old war horse.His recent statement justifying the pardon given to Alams by the Council of State of which he is a member raises the bar of the unanswerable question further.A big pity if you ask me for what comes to mind is,didnt we know “our Gowon” all along,or something has happened that has made a quick turnaround in his mind?I wish i could answer or have access to Madam Victoria to provide me one.
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