Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a grave warning, asserting that many of the foundational issues that plunged Nigeria into its devastating Civil War decades ago continue to fester within the nation. He emphatically stated that Nigeria cannot afford to experience another civil conflict and urged all efforts be made to prevent such a recurrence, regardless of any perceived justifications.
These significant remarks were made in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during the presentation of a critical historical document titled “Asaba Massacre.” The book, authored by Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze, the Isama Aje of Asaba, was unveiled at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, providing a solemn backdrop for the former leader’s call for national vigilance.
The Enduring Echoes of Conflict
Obasanjo highlighted his deep concern, noting that many of the unresolved issues that initially sparked the conflict remain active. “Some of the things that led to the civil war are still on,” he observed, questioning the longevity of these lingering problems within the national fabric.
He recalled a stark declaration by General Yakubu Gowon: “We will not survive a second civil war as a country.” Resonating with this sentiment, Obasanjo added, “I believe that we have fought one civil war too many already. So, to say that we will have a second civil war, God forbid.” He stressed the collective duty to condemn past atrocities and to exhaust all humanly possible measures to prevent their repetition, fostering a unified pledge of “never again.”
A Call for Remembrance and Prevention
The former president underscored the vital role of historical accounts, like the “Asaba Massacre” document, in preserving the nation’s past. He emphasized that understanding these painful episodes is essential for present and future generations to learn from mistakes and actively pursue a more united and peaceful future. “We pride ourselves that we preserve the past, we capture the present, and we inspire the future,” Obasanjo affirmed, stressing the importance of acknowledging and learning from historical truths.
Personal Reflections and Historical Gaps
As a participant in the Nigerian Civil War, Obasanjo candidly admitted his limited knowledge regarding the specific details of the Asaba Massacre. He confessed that he could not provide an exhaustive account because the region fell under the command of then-Colonel Murtala Muhammed during the conflict. Despite frequent inquiries about Muhammed’s involvement in the war and the Asaba operations, Obasanjo acknowledged his inability to comment extensively.
However, the former president committed to thoroughly reviewing the transcript and audiovisual materials presented by the author. This commitment underscores his belief in the pursuit of truth and understanding as crucial steps towards national healing and progress, signifying his readiness to delve deeper into this difficult chapter of Nigeria’s history.