Nigeria must never experience another civil war, Obasanjo warns

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stark warning against the possibility of another civil war in Nigeria, asserting that the nation must never endure such a conflict again. Obasanjo highlighted that many of the underlying issues that fueled the 1967-1970 civil war remain present within the country's institutions and among its populace.

“

Nigeria must never experience another civil war

His remarks came as he received a historical documentation on the Asaba Massacre at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. The work, a compilation of eyewitness accounts, interviews, archival materials, and research, aims to preserve Nigeria's history and prevent the recurrence of similar tragedies.

“

Many of the factors that led to the 1967–1970 conflict still exist within the country’s institutions and among its people.

Obasanjo, who served as a military commander during the Nigerian Civil War, admitted his reluctance to discuss the Asaba Massacre in detail, as the area fell under the command of the late General Murtala Muhammed. However, he commended the effort to document these events, stressing the importance of capturing the past to inform the future.

“

We pride ourselves that we preserve the past, we capture the present and we inspire the future. We capture the past, and this is the past; we want to capture it, we want to know about it.

Reflecting on the nation's current state, Obasanjo expressed concern that unresolved grievances continue to simmer. He recalled a statement by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who reportedly said Nigeria might not survive a second civil war. "God forbid," Obasanjo stated, emphasizing his commitment to doing everything possible to ensure such a catastrophe is averted. He urged for a collective vow of "Never again" by learning from past tragedies and actively working to prevent their repetition.

“

I must confess, and you know that I was involved in the civil war. When people talk about the Asaba Massacre, I always confess that I cannot give details of it.