Former President Goodluck Jonathan says the “no victor, no vanquished” declaration by Yakubu Gowon after the Nigerian civil war laid the foundation for healing across the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the public presentation of
Gowon’s autobiography, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”, Jonathan praised the
former military leader for his contributions to national unity, reconciliation
and youth development.
He described Gowon as a “living testimony” of leadership
during one of Nigeria’s most defining periods.
According to the former president, Gowon’s autobiography
provides deep insight into the challenges of nationhood, peace building,
reconciliation and statesmanship, especially during and after the Nigerian
civil war between 1967 and 1970.
“Today’s event is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is
the presentation of a living testimony,” Jonathan said.
“It reflects a leader who stood at the centre of some of the
defining moments in our national journey.”
He also commended Gowon for introducing policies that
transformed the country, particularly the establishment of the National Youth
Service Corps (NYSC).
Jonathan noted that the NYSC scheme was created to foster
unity among young Nigerians and bridge ethnic divisions across the country.
Recalling his personal experience, Jonathan said NYSC
teachers posted to his secondary school in 1973 contributed significantly to
his education at a time graduate teachers were scarce in many rural schools.
“The vision of the NYSC was great and it will continue to
remain great. The youth corps scheme was meant to unite our nation and help us
live as one Nigeria,” he said.
Jonathan also praised Alex Ekwueme for working alongside
Gowon on reforms that shaped the nation.
He noted the importance of preserving historical records
through memoirs, saying younger generations must hear directly from leaders who
witnessed critical moments in Nigeria’s history.
He said Gowon has continued to distinguish himself through
peace-building efforts and advocacy for national unity long after leaving
office.
Jonathan added that initiatives championed by the former
military ruler demonstrates that true leadership extended beyond political
power into service to humanity.
He described the autobiography as timely, especially at a
period when many nations across the world are grappling with insecurity,
division and political polarisation.
Jonathan urged contemporary leaders and younger Nigerians to
learn from the values of courage, vision, reconciliation and patriotism
highlighted in the book.
He further commended Gowon for documenting his experiences
for future generations and preserving an important part of Nigeria’s historical
record.
Lanre Adesuyi, group chief executive of Havilah Group,
publisher of the book, said Gowon has chosen to tell his story openly and
truthfully, without bitterness or judgement.
Adesuyi stressed the importance of telling one’s own truth
as in the case of Gowon in the book.
“While working on this book, one principle stood out
clearly: the importance of telling one’s own truth. And as we all know, truth
remains a defence,” Adesuyi said.
“Too often, history is left in the hands of outsiders or
shaped by incomplete recollections.
“There is an African proverb which says that until the lion
learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.
“ For too long, many of our national stories have been told
from only one perspective. That is why we must tell our own stories and
preserve our own memories.
“For over 30 years, I have remained committed to preserving
memories, mindful of the African saying that whenever an old man dies, a
library burns down. We thank God that General Gowon is still with us today to
share his experiences firsthand.”
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