• Our disunity in Plateau opened gates for attacks –Mutfwang
From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has expressed regret that the unity he fought for during the civil war is gradually eluding Nigeria.
He, however, said that with the continued prayers of men of goodwill, the country will soon witness peace and tranquility.
Gowon spoke in Jos on Friday during the Plateau State Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, held at the 10 Commandments Centre, Doi, Jos South.
The retired general described as very disturbing the crises bedeviling the country and asked perpetrators of the crises to allow peace to reign
He said, “The crises Nigeria faces today are deeply disturbing. After the civil war, I prayed to God that we would never again experience the kind of suffering we endured during that period.
“Yet, here we are with unrest in various forms. I urge young people, particularly those who may have contributed to the challenges, to turn their hearts to God. May He reform them and make them contributors to peace and unity in Nigeria.
“This is something only God could have achieved—through prayers, sincerity, and faith. I thank God that, in the end, what happened brought us to where we are today.
“I want to ensure peace in Plateau. All of you—Nigerians and the people of Plateau—whether you are Christian or Muslim, should understand this. I recall with pain that peace has often been disrupted, and it pains me so much that we’ve endured cycles of unfortunate incidents, killing one another regardless of our faiths. This must stop.”
While praising the efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to restore peace to the state, Gowon described the Christmas season as a time for unity and reflection, and urged citizens to carry the message of peace and faith to their homes, throughout Plateau State, and beyond.
While speaking, Mutfwang admonished Plateau people, saying that their lack of unity opened floodgates of attacks from many adversaries.
The governor, however, said that the time had come for Plateau people to close ranks and work as a united entity.
He described the concert as the first step in the journey towards reclaiming Plateau’s destiny, honour and respect among the comity of states
Mutfwang said: “By the grace of God, we are on a journey to fulfilling the prophetic destiny of Plateau’s faith. For far too long, we have fought many battles, waging war against ourselves and opening the floodgates for others to attack us.
“But the time has come, and the time is now, for us to unite as a people—united in purpose, determined to harness the God-given grace bestowed upon our land.
“This is a land of blessing, a land ordained by God to be a blessing to other nations. God has not only enriched Plateau with mineral deposits but has also blessed its soil with fertility. Therefore, it ought not to be said that Plateau is among the poorest in Nigeria. By divine destiny, Plateau stands as a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.
“Through God’s grace, we will reach that promised land. Though giants may rise to hinder us, God will take us there. Amen.
“If we are to unite Plateau, there is no better starting point than within the household of faith. Together, we must come under one banner, one God, one church, and one faith. This gathering lays the foundation for a greater vision of ourselves, urging us to stop seeing ourselves as grasshoppers but instead as God sees us—a people of promise, greatness, and purpose.”
The concert had in attendance former head of state, Olusegun Obasanjo, former governors of the state, former serving ministers from the state, the clergy and traditional rulers.