Nigeria Is Better Than It Was During The Civil War, 55 Years Ago – Yakubu Gowon Claims

Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has stated that despite the numerous challenges the country faces, it is in a far better position today compared to the era of the civil war over five decades ago.

Gowon who led Nigeria during the 1967–1970 Biafran War, made this known during an exclusive interview with ARISE News on Wednesday.

He said Nigeria has continued to survive and grow since the war ended.

“Well, thriving…isn’t Nigeria thriving today? Have we not gone beyond what we were 55 years ago?” Gowon asked during the interview.

“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.”

Gowon defended his post-war policy of “no victor, no vanquished,” saying it was meant to promote unity and healing after the conflict.

He explained that many parts of the country, including the Eastern region that suffered heavily during the war have since seen progress.

“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.