Gowon wants Kanu to pursue dialogue, seek development for Ndigbo
The former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, has urged the leader of the banned Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to pursue dialogue with the various arms of government in order to address issues affecting the South- East rather than seeking disintegration that will only lead to loss of lives.
Gowon also advised the IPOB leader to seek better ways in engaging the federal government on developmental strides that has been said to have eluded the South- East by discussing and addressing issues that will aid development in the region.
Gowon stated this on Friday in Jos, during a lecture he delivered at the National Institute For Policy And Strategic Studies (NIPSS), with a theme titled ‘Unity In Diversity’, ‘Chatting a new way to collaborate.”
Gowon said, “My young friend Nnamdi Kanu was not born during the civil war which was declared ‘No Victor, No Vanquish’: it is sad to recall what happened at that time; the best way to seek redress is dialogue.
“Kanu should pursue healthy conversation on issues he is not comfortable with as it affects his people: this is the only way we can collaborate effectively and have things resolved amicably”.
The theme of the lecture which also connotes, ‘Responding to the current challenges of nation building in Nigeria”, also challenged the federal government to address the wanton killings by Fulani Herdsmen which has become embarrassing to the country.
He said one of the ways to finding solution to the problem of the bandit’s herdsmen is to find those supplying them arms as the Fulani’s in the past do not carry arms.
On the stability of the country, he lauded former President Goodluck Jonathan for handing over power to the present administration, adding that, it is disheartening when you read on the pages of newspaper how Jonathan aides are being harassed, saying if he had not handed over power, the country would have been in chaos by now.
“Look at what is happening in Zimbabwe, thank God the the new President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has said they will not harass Mugabe”, he added
Kingsley Chukwuka Jos
