Being concluding text of speech by former President Yakubu Gowon to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary on October 1, 1967.
“It is on record that the Federal Military Government
immediately accepted these proposals and implemented
them: but it is also well known that the Post Office
vans and postal orders which were sent to the East by
the Federal Government in the implementation of the
committee’s recommendations were seized in Enugu in
further defiance of the Federal Government.
“Ojukwu made no attempt whatsoever to reciprocate.
Instead not only were military provocations stepped up on the innocent villagers of the Benue/Plateau State who had been constantly terrorised by Ojukwu’s rebel forces but Ojukwu went as far as declaring total war on the rest of Nigeria and immediately proceeded with the bombing of defenceless civilians in various parts of the country. “In the circumstances, I had no choice but to order police action to arrest the situation and to preserve the territorial integrity of Nigeria as well as prevent Nigeria as well as prevent Ojukwu from subjugating and destroying the five million non-Ibos in the former Eastern Region of Nigeria, who had all along made clear their desire to remain Nigerians. “Fellow Nigerians, you all know what a marvellous job the Federal forces have been doing.
In the military campaign, so far, we have not lost a single battle. “Federal forces now control the whole of Ogoja Province in the South Eastern State and have also established effective and firm control over most of the Mid-West State. “Enugu is at present under siege and is expected to fall any time from now. “It is well known however, that Ojukwu has been putting out false propaganda about military victories which the rebel forces had never won.
Unfortunately Ojukwu’s propaganda is being re-echoed in the foreign press and radio, with tragic consequences for his rebel soldiers and innocent civilians who are constantly being pushed by the deceit to certain death at the hands of the superior Federal troops. Time “Only a few days ago, he announced that Opi and Nsukka had been recaptured at a time when Federal forces were not only in control of these areas but were in fact, converging on Enugu. “These are certainly not the actions of a man who has the best interest of his people at heart. “It is therefore foolhardy for the ordinary Ibos to continue this hopeless and suicidal struggle. “Now is the time for all those people whom Ojukwu has misled to abandon him and his collaborators, as it is utterly senseless to prolong the fighting and unnecessary suffering.
In the interest of the younger generation of the East Central State, I hope that my appeals will soon be heeded. “If they are not, the military campaign will continue until the three Eastern States are fully integrated with the rest of the Federation. “The government does not under-rate the task before it and I hope that I can continue to count on your whole-hearted support in this fight for the survival of our fatherland and in the work of national construction and reconciliation which lies ahead.
The Ibos, when they are returned to the fold, must be
given their rightful place and as a people who have
been misguided and misled by their leaders, the rest
of us have a duty to bind their wounds and give them
our right hand of fellowship.
Constitution
“After the cessation of hostilities, the new
constitution for Nigeria will be determined by the
representatives of all the states, who will also help
in deciding the precise form of governmental
institutions the system of revenue allocation and
arrangements for ensuring free and fair elections in
the future.
The Federal Government in consultation with the state
governments, will arrange for the re-settlement of
victims of the upheavals of 1966 and 1967.
“Committees have also been set-up to examine the
various problems of economic and social reconstruction
in the post-war period.
“It now remains for me to thank on your behalf, our
gallant fighting men of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Theirs is a noble role of defending the honour and
integrity of this country.
They have lived up to expectations and have proved their worth, loyalty and devotion to duty. “The nation salutes them and its gratitude has been clearly demonstrated by the Armed Forces’ Comfort Fund. “Fellow Nigerians we are now on the threshold of a new Nigeria. “Past attitude of mind dominated by the tribal approach to the solution of our problems will have no place in the new Nigeria.
Fortunately, in spite of Ojukwu’s wicked propaganda, religion has never been a cause of conflict in Nigeria and it is my fervent hope that all Catholics, Moslems and Protestants will continue to work and live together in harmony. “By the enthusiastic acceptance of the 12 states, the nation has recognised that all ethnic groups regardless of their religious beliefs, have a part to play in the rebuilding of Nigeria, both at the local and national levels. “The sacrifices will be heavy but the cause is worthy and just. “Long live the Federation of Nigeria.
