Nigeria Can’t Afford Another Civil War, Says Gowon

A former Head of State Yakubu Gowon has expressed concern over the crises across the nation, saying Nigeria cannot afford another civil disturbance. 

The Nigerian Civil War was between 1967 and 1970 and claimed millions of lives. But speaking at the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Plateau, Gowon who expressed worry over the state of insecurity, prayed that Nigeria will not experience another civil war.

“All the various crises that we are having in Nigeria are so disturbing. This is something that God knows we should not be having after our Civil War,” he said on Friday.

“I have said and I prayed to God that I hope Nigeria will not go through another period of crisis that we went through.”

“Let us pray to God that we are now beginning to see the end of all these crises. Pray to God so that God can touch the hearts of all those who are that way inclined to create problems,” Gowon, who was the guest speaker at the event, said.

“For Nigeria, pray to God, for God to touch their hearts, change them, reform them and make them contribute to peace and well-being of one another, of Nigerians.”

The maiden edition of the Plateau State Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival commenced at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area of the state and was graced by eminent Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the peace and unity of the nation.

Apart from Gowon, other eminent Nigerians who attended the programme included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former governors of Plateau comprising Joshua Dariye and Jonah Jang as well as Boni Haruna of Adamawa State.

Other personalities included Ambassador Mary Lar, Professor Jerry Gana, retired military officers, and government functionaries who joined Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the carols and praise festival.