Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd) has urged Nigerians to do everything possible to avert another civil war.
The Nigerian Civil War which lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, is believed to have claimed two million lives and destroyed properties estimated at billions of dollars.
Gowon, who was Head of State during the war, said a repeat would affect Nigeria and the entire Black race negatively.
He stated this on Monday at a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. The event was organised by the Nzuko Umunna and Ndigbo Lagos in conjunction with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
The elder statesman said that platforms promoting dialogue and peaceful co-existence must be encouraged.
“We must do all in our power as responsible leaders and citizens of this great country and nation to create enabling platforms for dialogue and proffer ideas on how we can live together in peace and harmony for the good of all Nigerians and the black race as a whole, thus ensuring political, economic, security and development of the country.
“I urge all Nigerians to ensure that we avert another civil war in Nigeria,” Gowon said.
The Herald earlier reported eminent scholar, Prof. Pat Utomi as saying that a repeat of the war would break up the country.
The professor of political economy, who delivered a keynote address at the event, said, “We must address the issues that led to the Civil War. I can tell you that if the Biafran war is fought today, there will be no Nigeria because the international community now recognises self-determination.”
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