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I Never Planned To Become Nigeria President — It Just Happened, Says Gowon
A former military ruler, Yakubu Gowon, says he never envisaged becoming Nigeria’s head of state until the event that threw up as one happened.
Gowon assumed office in 1966 at the age of 32 and ruled for nine years before he was ousted in 1975 by a military junta of Murtala Muhammad and Olusegun Obasanjo.
He became head of state following a bloody coup that led to the death of many soldiers, especially those from eastern region.
He ruled the country during a civil war that lasted for more than two years and which led to the death of millions of people.
According to The PUNCH, Gowon spoke on ‘How I Became Head of State at 32’ at an event organised by ANISZA Foundation and Gallery.
The event was a virtual reality history competition with the theme ‘Sustaining Peace Together’.
Gowon said he was terrified when he became head of state as he didn’t plan to become one.
“I felt petrified when I took over as Head of State. I never planned to be the President, it just happened,” Gowon was quoted as saying.
A statement by the foundation also quoted the former head of state as asking participants of the event to remain committed to a united country.
“The octogenarian who relived some of his life experiences and counselled young Nigerians on the right attitudes and values further engaged the participants at the virtual event on national issues, especially the role youths can play in national development,” it read.
“Among the participants were also select school children who are members of the ANISZA School Club, some of whom sat around Isioro during the conversation with the former head of state.
“General Gowon also interacted with the participants on issues ranging from their identities, views on ‘one Nigeria’ and their personal commitments to ensure the nation remains united.
“With a lot of wits and humour, he also admonished young people, traditional and religious institutions to take up the responsibility of securing the national identity, saying everyone has major roles to play in harnessing national values that will spur growth and development across all sectors of the Nigerian life.”
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