By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has urged Nigerian leaders to be more responsible in creating an enabling environment of dialogue in order to avoid another civil war.
Gowon, who was a keynote speaker at an event to mark the end of the Nigerian civil war 50 years ago, made the remark via a video broadcast.
“I therefore urge us to always refer to this speech as a reference point for entrenching national reconciliation, peace and unity of the country.
“We must do all in our power as responsible leaders and citizens of this great country and nation to create enabling platforms to 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 this country.
“I urge all Nigerians to ensure that we avert another civil war in Nigeria,” Gowon implored.
In his opening remark President General of Ndigbo Lagos, Major General Obi Abel Umahi (rtd), noted that the civil war came and left survivors with huge and indelible scares.
“The Nigerian Civil War came and left in its wake, massive destruction of lives and properties, destabilized economy, mutual suspicion, hatred and resentment.
“Looking around us today, those who learn through history books, may have discovered that some of the causes of the civil war have persisted; we cannot afford to allow this continue.
“Every nation that desires never to repeat mistakes of the past, must expose its generation to its history; to do otherwise is suicidal.
“Therefore, every nation desirous of peace, justice, tranquility, and its attendant development, must learn to embark on a journey of genuine forgiveness, healing, justice and peace.
“It is against this background that Nzuko Umunna, Ndigbo Lagos, and other Pan nationalities, socio-cultural groups consisting of processionals both home and in diaspora, are organising the ‘Never Again’ conference.
” This is to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nigerian Civil War; its aim is to sensitise Nigerians to rise with a view to jointly move the country away from the edge of precipe,” he said
Gen. Umahi also called for a national reflection and encouraged citizens to build bridges amongst ethnic groups in the country.
In his keynote address, Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, noted that there were many ways Nigerians could say “Never Again” to war and its ills.
He noted that humanity tends to forget the lessons of such tragedy “too soon”
Highlighting the devastating impact of the civil war, which he said claimed about two and half million lives, Soyinka posed a rhetorical question: “Have we been heard?”
He posited that it is part of humanity to “call back history” from time to time, so as to serve as a “revision” and reminder about the ills of conflict.
“What matters for us now, is the attitude of a revisionist; we propose therefore, that the loss of two and a half million lives, provokes and awakens in us, a sober reflection,” he said.
In a welcome address by, Coordinator of Nzuko Umunna, Mr Joseph Odumuko, which was delivered by his Deputy, Prof. Chika Moore, he noted that 50 years after, there is now the need for a national reflection.
He said that this will herald a new chapter in the nation’s history.
“There is no gainsaying that war has never been the best of options in conflict resolution and in most cases has led to unfortunate loss of lives, properties and erosion of trust.
“The most critical thing for us to do this time as a people, is not to keep apportioning blames, or supressing sincere discussions about our past, but to ask ourselves if we are really making efforts towards ensuring healing.
“This can only be achieved by reintergrating all ethnic nationalities, by truly exhuming and implementing the deep intention of the 3Rs agenda of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reintergration,” he said.
Odumuko urged Nigerians to appreciate the nation’s diversity, and eschew hatred, discrimination, suspicion, marginalisation, bigotry, and parochialism, through emphasising more on the things that bind us.
In his Goodwill message, Prof. Banji Akintoye, said he was grateful to God Almighty that the civil war came to an end when it did.
“We are here together today, to assert that we will Never Again, manage the affairs of this country in a manner that will lead to war.
“In the spirit of Never Again, we can speedily, move the country into a state of law, order and peace, as well as mutual respect,” he said.
He urged that all activities meant to disrupt the unity and peace of the nation be stopped forthwith by its authors.
During the conference a minute silence was observed in honour of victims of the war.
The conference also had a five minutes video of a speech by former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. In addition to the video speech, Gen Gowon presented a paper titled ” Reminiscence Of The End of The Civil War”
In attendance at the conference were Chairman of the event, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Planning committee chairman Prof. Pat Utomi; Deputy leader of Nzuko Umunna, Prof. Chika Moore, Royal Fathers , as well as popular Nigerian Musician, Onyeka Onwenu.
Also in attendance were Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Rtd. Vice Admiral Alison Madueke, former Minister of Information, Mr Frank Nweke, Bisi Olatilo, Dr Alex Otti, Ify Melody as well as other notable Nigerian personalities.
It is exactly 50 years after the Nigeria Civil War which commenced in 1967 and ended in January 1970. As a think-tank Igbo group, Nzuko Umunna comprising Igbo professionals at home and in diaspora, in collaboration with a socio-cultural Igbo group under the umbrella of Ndigbo Lagos, organised the event on Monday, to reminisce on the civil war, and unanimously said “Never Again” to disunity and conflicts in Nigeria.
Nzuko Umunna and Ndigbo Lagos collaborated with other Civil Society Organisations.
The event was “Never Again” with a sub theme ‘Nigerian Civil War: 50 Years After.’ It held in Lagos.