A former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has submitted that Nigeria has made considerable progress despite many challenges that have plagued its existence.
He submitted that 55 years after the civil war, Nigeria is not just surviving, but constantly improving.
Naijaonpoint reports he made the submission on Wednesday during an interview with Arise News.
Gowon also reflected on his post-war policy of “no victor, no vanquished,” defending its long-term impact on national unity and national progress.
“Well, thriving…isn’t Nigeria thriving today? Have we not gone beyond what we were 55 years ago?” he asked.
“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.”
Asked to reflect on how the region that faced the brunt of the civil war is faring, Gowon submitted that the eastern region has made visible strides in recovery and growth.
“There is great progress happening in the East. I certainly did not try to stop development. Things are improving as time goes on,” he said.
The former military leader also defended how his administration expended funds from the oil boom era, saying much of the funds generated during the oil boom were directed towards rebuilding and reintegrating affected areas.
“We ensured those resources were used for reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration, what we called the three Rs.
“We restored damaged schools, hospitals and infrastructure in the East and other affected parts of the country,” he said.
He also explained that the 1975 “cement scandal,” in which excessive cement orders allegedly overwhelmed Nigeria’s port capacity, was a majorly false and misinformed narrative.
“That was virtually before my overthrow. There was a global shortage of cement and a glut of shipping.
“We tried to secure cement from several countries but couldn’t. People assumed we ordered more than our ports could handle, but that was a false allegation.”
How I Want To Be Remembered
Gowon said he wants to be remembered as an individual who loves Nigeria and prays for the peace of the country.
“I want to be remembered as someone who loves his country, Nigeria, who loves Nigerians and who prays that if I cannot fight it, at least I can pray for Nigeria to continue to be a country that all of us would love,” he said.
Visa Ban
The elder statesman added that reports that the United States President, Donald Trump, might advocate visa bans for Nigerians may be a good development, as it will ensure people stay back at home and make the country better.
“Well, today I heard that Trump says that Nigeria might be one of those countries that they are going to deny visa.
“So it meant I cannot go to America anymore. Well, it means that I should try to make my country better than America so that I can stay in Nigeria,” Gowon submitted.