General Yakubu Gowon’s Address to Nigerians on October 1, 1967 (2)

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.