Former Nigerian military head of state, Yakubu Gowon, has said military rule is not an option for Nigeria.
Gowon, who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, said this while he described the Biafra civil war as the “most painful episode in Nigeria’s history.”
He, however, insisted that the military preserved Nigeria’s unity during the three-year civil war.
The former military ruler warned that military rule stifled democratic development and civil liberties in Nigeria.
“On one hand, the military preserved national unity during the civil war,” he stated.
“We built infrastructure, created states to bring the government closer to the people, and at times restored order when civilian structures faltered.
“On the other hand, I must acknowledge that military rule stifled democratic development, sometimes violated civil liberties, and created structures that enabled corruption.”
Despite these shortcomings, Gowon expressed hope that the Nigerian military will forge a better democratic future.
Gowon also noted that a technologically-sophisticated and intelligence-driven military would effectively tackle insecurity.
