One-time Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Engr. Muhammed Abba-Gana, has hailed former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), as a patriotic and exemplary leader who has contributed immensely to the unity and development of Nigeria.

He showered the praises in a letter to Gowon dated 19th October, 2019 in which he congratulated the former Nigerian leader on his 85th birthday.

The former minister told Gowon in the letter: “Your good intentions, good and patriotic actions/deeds and humane/kind character are the hallmark of your Godly personality. You left behind an unequalled and lasting legacy of a united Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“After Lord Lugard’s amalgamation of 1914, we are lucky and grateful that God used

you to strengthen and keep Nigeria one and united, like in a referendum, in the form of

Biafran war.

“At the end of the unfortunate Biafran war of Nigerian unity, your famous declaration

of ‘no victor no vanquished’ provided the national and political framework for the reintegration of the large and enterprising Igbo ethnic group from the Biafran side into the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Your reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation program integrated the Igbo ethnic group back to their former status in the Nigerian political economy.

“Following your patriotic/nationalistic footsteps, just 9 years after the end of the unfortunate Biafran war, an Igbo man, Dr. Alex Ekweme, became the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And soon after, the Biafran leader, Ojukwu, was pardoned by the then President Shehu Shagari; thus concluding the reconciliation/reintegration of the Igbo ethnic group politically, economically & socially.

“All this was made possible by the excellent and states manly framework and roadmap

you provided after the surrender of Biafran soldiers.

“This is the reason why the Good Lord has kept you all along for us. At the age of 85 years you look like 50 years old. Your good counsel and worthy examples are still needed. Therefore we pray to God our Creator and Sustainer, to give you many more years in good health. Amin.”