From KABIRU YUSUF, Abuja
VICE President Atiku Abubakar has described the former
head of state ever, General Yakubu Gowon as a pillar behind the survival of
Nigeria as a single, indivisible entity.
Alhaji Abubakar stated this in a letter to the retired
General congratulating him on his 70 birthday, explained that, the legacy of
unity left by the youngest Head of State would continue to be remembered by
all peace loving Nigerians.
The letter which was duly signed by Atiku Abubakar reads:
�But for your gentle mien and maturity in the midst of several upheavals,
Nigeria would not have survived the political turmoil of the mid 1960s and
the 30-month bloody civil war that followed.
�Historians have testified to your strong commitment to
one Nigeria as well as your spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. So,
the continued survival of Nigeria as a single, one indivisible entity is one
of your legacies in government.
�Under your leadership, the civil war ended on a note of
�No victor, No vanquished� and both our brothers and sisters in the South
East as well as external observers have confirmed that the policy was not an
empty slogan. The cause of reconciliation was pursued with the same vigour
as victory on the battlefield.
�I believe that there are many lessons from your life.
Not too many people could have left, after nine years, all the trappings of
power and headed straight for the lowly and bare life of a student. I salute
your humility and courage.
Since returning to the country after your studies which
culminated in the attainment of a doctorate degree in political science, you
have played the role of the quintessential statesman by placing your
experience, knowledge and time at the service of the nation. Again you have
taught us that one does not have to be in public office to be able to
contribute to the development of the country.
I would like to, therefore, commend you in particular for
leading the campaign for the eradication of guinea worms in the country.
Through your efforts, the problem has been brought to the front burner of
health challenges in the country.
�I also know that you have devoted a great deal of your time to the
search for solutions to our problems through prayers. I have heard that many
troubled souls have found succour through your spiritual endeavours,� the
vice president stated.
