Jonathan Eulogizes Gowon At 80

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday,
eulogizing former Head of State, General
Yakubu Gowon, made reference to his principle
of not crushing his enemies, as a strong point
that kept the nation one.
The President, while speaking at a service held
to commemorate Gowon's 80th birthday at the
National Christian Centre, Abuja, described
him as a great example of a genuine elder
statesman who accommodated, his enemies in
the interest of peace and unity of the country.
He also recalled Gowon's commitment to
Nigeria, during and after the civil war, with his
strategy of the three Rs, reconstruction,
rehabilitation and reconciliation.
"As a patriotic and head of government then
and was prosecuting the civil war, he did not
see the Biafran side as a thing that must be
crushed. He saw the war as a struggle of
Nigerians and his emphasis was 'how do we
keep Nigeria together.
"It was not 'we must crush them or we must
defeat them'. Of course, that was why the
slogan, 'To keep Nigeria one is a task that
must be done,' came up and of course, 'Go on
with one Nigeria'.
"That is, his commitment is to unite this
country, to keep Nigeria one. Not to win a war,
not to defeat an opponent, not to crush a
rebellion but how do we bring this nation as
indivisible body," Jonathan said.
Speaking of Gowon's effort to galvanise
Nigerians into prayer for unity and his
cooperation with succeeding administrations to
develop the country, the President said "He
hardly misses Council of State. If we call for
Council of State and Gowon is not there, it
must be for something inevitable" .
Congratulating Gowon for his birthday and
thanking God for keeping him young and active
at 80 years, the President thanked Beatrice,
Gowon"s wife for enabling the former head of
state to have his life.
In his response, Gowon thanked Nigerians for
the encomiums poured on him and advised
that they call on God in time of need and
never be disappointed.
He added that without the cooperation,
prayers and advice of Nigerians, he would
never have been able to achieve what he
achieved all through life.
In a tribute, the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto
Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, described
Gowon as "indeed a good man" and thanked
God for his life.
Bishop Kukah prayed that children misled by
Boko Haram would be touched and very soon,
peace would return to the country.
The Archbishop of Jos, Anglican Communion,
Ben Kwashi, in his sermon also referred to
Gowon as a complete gentlemen with amiable
disposition.
He observed that the former Head of State
supported by his wife, Victoria, meant well for
Nigeria and didhis best to make life easy for
Nigerians.
According to him, Gowon was a man with a
forgiving heart, he led with a sense of justice,
sincerity and honestly and never loses hope.
Bishop Kwashi recalled Gowon's mantra "To
keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done'"
during the civil war and his effort for national
integration at the end of the war.
In his remarks, the President of the Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo
Oritsejajor, noted that the gathering was to
celebrate Gowon's humility, Nigerianess and
what he has done for the country.
Among prominent personalities at the occasion
were Senate President David Mark, Governors
David Jang (Plateau) , Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo)
and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Dr. Alex
Ekwueme and wife, Beatrice ; Lt.Gen.
Theophilus Danjuma; General Oladipo Diya,
Brig-Gen. Jones Arogbofa (Chief of Staff to the
President) and ministers; Chief Emeka
Anyaoku, Obong Ufot Ekaette, Professor Jerry
Gana, Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Bishop
Nicholas Okoh, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Ooni
of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade; Chief Edwin
Clark, Obong Victor Attah, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, etc.