- the former military leader expressed concern over the inability of political actors to conduct transparent elections
- He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, insisting that despite its numerous challenges
- Gowon also criticised what he described as the tendency to complicate simple national issues with difficult
Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon has called on Nigeria’s political leaders to curb the growing desperation in the country’s political space, warning against the culture of “do-or-die” politics and persistent electoral irregularities.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Gowon made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during the unveiling of his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, a comprehensive 859-page account of his life and public service.
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The memoir traces his journey from his childhood in Plateau State through his military training at Sandhurst, his years as Nigeria’s leader, the civil war period, exile in the United Kingdom and his eventual return to the country.
Speaking at the event, the former military leader expressed concern over the inability of political actors to conduct transparent elections, including internal party contests.
He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, insisting that despite its numerous challenges, Nigeria would remain united and overcome its difficulties.
According to him, his experience during the civil war strengthened his belief in the country’s resilience and potential to emerge stronger.
Gowon also criticised what he described as the tendency to complicate simple national issues with difficult and often divisive solutions that create unnecessary tensions.
The former Head of State led Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, overseeing the civil war from 1967 to 1970 and the country’s post-war reconstruction efforts before he was removed from office in 1975.
At the launch, former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma praised Gowon’s post-war reconciliation efforts, particularly his “No Victor, No Vanquished” declaration after the civil war.
Jonathan described the autobiography as a valuable historical account that offers insights into leadership, national unity and peace-building.
He noted that Gowon’s reconciliation approach after the war helped lay the groundwork for healing and reintegration across the country.
The former president also commended Gowon for introducing the National Youth Service Corps, describing it as one of the country’s enduring policies for national integration.
Jonathan recalled how corps members posted to his secondary school contributed significantly to his education by teaching key science subjects.
Representing Danjuma at the event, former Chief of Defence Staff Martin Luther Agwai said Gowon’s post-war policies helped Nigeria recover quickly from the scars of the conflict and preserved national unity.
The ceremony drew several dignitaries, including Ibrahim Babangida, represented by his daughter Aisha Babangida, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Ireti Kingibe, and the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
At the event, Danjuma donated N3bn and sponsored copies of the book for distribution to universities that had honoured Gowon, while Aliko Dangote contributed N500m toward the project.
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