Nigeria’s Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has advised President Bola Tinubu not to be concerned about the criticisms from Nigerians regarding his performance since he assumed office in May 2023. Mr. Gowon shared this perspective while addressing newsmen after visiting President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday. It’s a reminder that criticism is a common experience, even for those who have held significant positions of power.
He also begged Nigerians to give President Tinubu more time to solve the socioeconomic problems in the country.
Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s third Head of State, played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War, which took place between July 6, 1967, and January 15, 1970. The war was a contentious and bloody conflict that arose due to political tensions and ethnic divisions in Nigeria.
Gowon’s leadership during this period was crucial. In an effort to foster healing and reconciliation, he presided over the war and gave the popular “no victor, no conquered” speech at its end. This speech emphasized the need for unity and forgiveness, acknowledging that both sides had suffered losses and that there should be no winner or loser in the conflict.
The Nigerian Civil War was triggered by several factors, including the refusal of Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, the serving Governor of Eastern Nigeria, to recognize Gowon as the new Military Head of State. Ojukwu believed that Gowon, as a junior officer in the Army, was not the right person to lead and that he could not take orders from him.
Ultimately, with support from countries like the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, Gowon’s administration diplomatically isolated Biafra (the breakaway region led by Ojukwu) and physically isolated it through military actions by the Nigerian Army and Navy.
The Nigerian Civil War remains a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history, with lasting effects on its political landscape and national identity.
