Nigeria’s former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, has sent an important message to Nigerians. The former head of state while speaking on Sunday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, called on Nigerians not to write off the country, but be patriotic and pray against the problems confronting her.
General Gowon also stated that there was no need for misunderstanding between the Christians and Muslims in the country because Nigeria is blessed hence needs a peaceful atmosphere to fully utilize its potentials.
The former head of state that was on courtesy visit to the Region 8 Headquarters of the Redeemed Christians Church of God in Jos, said Nigeria is a blessed country loved by God, adding that the hand of God is on this nation, which is the reason why we are able to overcome a myriad of crises that bedevilled the country in the past.
“Every Nigerian, therefore, needs to pray because if there is peace between Christians and Muslims and peace among family members, Nigeria will definitely be a great country all of us will be proud of. It is necessary for every Nigerian to embrace peace,” Gowon said. “In the western part of this country, there is an understanding between Christians and Muslims, they are able to live together in peace and harmony, this is what I want Nigerians to emulate, so that we can achieve peace across the land.”
The former head of state further urged Nigerians to have mutual respect for the traditional religion so that the country can have peace to develop.
Gowon also tasked the church to give the youth the opportunity to grow in wisdom and character.
Gowon, who was the head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, took over power after a military coup d’état, but was overthrown in another. It was under his leadership that the Nigerian government repelled the Biafra secession during the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday.
Meanwhile, the former head of state has been making several peaceful calls lately, as it would be recalled that on October 23, 2014, Gowon also called on Nigerians to “Go On With One Nigeria”, while delivering the 13th convocation lecture in honor of the NDA Golden Jubilee organized at the NDA permanent site, Kaduna.
