STATEMENT MADE BY DR. AZIKIWE TO THE PRESS IN ENGLAND,
16 JANUARY 1966
Violence has never been an instrument used by us, as founding fathers
of the Nigerian Republic, to solve political problems. In the British
tradition, we talked the Colonial Office into accepting our challenges
for a tête-À-tête, the demerits and merits of our case for
self-government.
After six constitutional conferences in 1953, 1954, 1957, 1958, 1959,
and 1960, Great Britain conceded to us the right to assert our
political independence as from October 1, 1960. None of the Nigerian
political parties ever adopted violent means to gain our political
freedom and we are happy to claim that not a drop of British or
Nigerian blood was shed in course of our national struggle for the
place in the sun. This historical fact enabled me to state publicly
in Nigeria that Her Majesty's Government has presented
self-government to us on a platter of gold. Of course, my
contemporaries scorned at me, but the facts of history are
irrefutable. I consider it most unfortunate that our 'Young Turks'
decided to introduce the element of violent revolution into Nigerian
politics. No matter how they and our general public might have been
provoked by obstinate and perhaps grasping politicians, it is an
unwise policy. I have contacted General Aguiyi-Ironsi, General
Officer Commanding the Nigerian Armed Forces, who I understand, has
now assumed the reins of the Federal Government. I offered my
services for any peace overtures to stop further bloodshed, to
placate the mutinous officers, and to restore law and order. As soon
as I hear from him, I shall make arrangements to return home. As far
as I am concerned, I regard the killings of our political and
military leaders as a national calamity.
compiled by Nowa Omoigui, MD
