Pages: (38-46 )
Abstract
This paper is set to debunk the assertion of the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, “No Victor No Vanquished,” at the end of the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-1970. The paper argues that the assertion that there was “No Victor No Vanquished” of General Gowon was a mere paperwork, targeted at gaining international recognition, that is, it was a political statement to cover up the victor’s (Government of Nigeria) hidden agenda for the Igbo people. This position is consequent on certain evidence-based occurrences as discussed in this paper. Primary and secondary sources were used; primary source features oral interviews, while secondary sources include book chapters, books and journal articles. The study adopted the qualitative historical method. The major finding of this paper is that the Igbo have suffered political marginalization since 1970. The paper recommends the inclusion of the Igbo in the overall governance of the nation for rapid development to be achieved in Nigeria. Except this is done, the “No Victor No Vanquished” declaration of the Gowon regime would remain a propaganda.
Keywords: Victor, Vanquished, Igbo, Marginalization, Nigeria,