Former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, has praised former Head of State Yakubu Gowon for adopting the “no victor, no vanquished” policy after the Nigerian civil war, saying the approach played a major role in healing the divisions caused by the conflict.
Danjuma spoke on Tuesday during the public presentation of Gowon’s autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, published by Havilah Group.
Reflecting on Gowon’s leadership during the civil war era, Danjuma commended the former military ruler for preserving Nigeria’s unity at a critical moment in the nation’s history.
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He said, “As Nigeria’s Head of State during one of the most turbulent periods in our nation’s history, Gen. Gowon exhibited immense courage and sterling character in steering our beloved country from the brink of disintegration to a united, stable and strong nation.
“His well-recorded slogan of “no victor, no vanquished” after the civil war set the tone for his highly effective post-war policies, which helped to speedily heal the scars of the war and put Nigeria on the path to sustainable recovery.
“He will forever be remembered as a leader whose love for his country and fellow citizens was unwavering even in the most trying of times.”
The autobiography, which spans 859 pages and is divided into 36 chapters, chronicles Gowon’s life journey from his Angas roots in Plateau State to his military career, leadership during the civil war, removal from office in 1975, and his years in exile and academic pursuits abroad.