Gowon's Optimistic View

On the sweltering tarmac of Lagos' Ikeja Airport last week, ground crewmen unloaded relief materials from the 13 nations cooperating in the effort to help save 1,000,000 or more I bo tribesmen who are in peril of starvation. Despite occasionally grudging cooperation from the Nigerian government (relief planes, for instance, were charged landing fees of up to $450), the effort was achieving some success. As work progressed, General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria's military leader, answered questions from TIME Correspondent James Wilde. In his first individual interview since the end of the civil war, Gowon maintains a determinedly optimistic and perhaps unrealistic view of Nigeria's chances of restoring unity. He also displays a prickly sensitivity about intervention by outsiders, even when their chief concern seems to be helping his country toward recovery. Excerpts:

ON RECONSTRUCTION. The levelheaded economic policies which stood us well for the war also offer a good ground for optimism as we harness them to the task of reconstruction. Reconstruction is not simply replacing damaged houses, roads and bridges, or doing the same old things in the same old way. Our objective is the rapid establishment of a virile, prosperous and progressive African society that is able to stand on its own feet.

THE WAR'S LESSON. The war has revealed in Nigerians a new political and economic self-reliance. Given the tenacity, resourcefulness and determination behind both sides, there is really no reason why our people should remain in poverty much longer. By the grace of God we shall succeed on our own steam without being involved in cold-war politics and free from neocolonial domination. Nigeria's success in subduing secession has ensured that secession cannot be tolerated. There are excellent lessons in our national conflict which other African nations could well examine to advantage.

ON RECONCILIATION. Reintegration has gone much faster than even the most incurable optimists expected, including myself. There are no mass reprisals, no animosity, no vindictive measures. Left to ourselves, without any outside interference, our problems will be soon and well settled in our own uniquely African manner. Our experience has a lot in common with the American Civil War. The contrasts are, however, more striking. The old divisions in America are still there--between Yankee and Rebel, Northerner and Southerner, industrialist and planter, white and black. We do not have such sharp divisions. Nobody can suggest that by this time next century we shall still be struggling with the aftermath of this civil war.

ON FOREIGN POLICY. We will continue friendly associations with Britain, and France if she chooses to be friendly. The role of the former colonial powers should be socioeconomic in character so that they can assist their former territories to stabilize political freedom with economic sufficiency and wholesome social development. As for the U.S. and the Soviet Union, it is essential for them to participate, but any deliberate attempt to establish areas of influence will negate the prime objective. Nigeria has no bitterness toward Tanzania, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Zambia and other countries that supported the rebellion. It is only regrettable that these nations could not see the continental and international damage that their misguided action could have caused if the secessionists had been successful. However, if even now these countries come forward and offer their right hand of friendship, Nigeria will be prepared to forgive and forget.

ON THE POLITICAL FUTURE. When the army took over from the civilian government, it was made clear that they would return to barracks as soon as the situation in the country became stable. The immediate attention of the federal government is now directed toward relief. We will hold elections before the return of civilian government. The people themselves will be the final arbiters. A constituent assembly will determine the nature and content of the constitution. As soon as possible, the question of creating more states or adjusting present state boundaries will be dealt with. What is really important is that Nigeria will not be returned to civilian rule in chaotic conditions.

ON HIS POLITICAL FUTURE. I do not intend to enter politics.

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