Sanni Marvelous
Nigeria’s political leaders, traditional rulers and religious figures on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), celebrating his contributions to national unity, reconciliation and peacebuilding at the public presentation of his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, in Abuja.
The event, held at the Kashim Shettima Hall of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, brought together an array of dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima; former President Goodluck Jonathan; governors; lawmakers; senior clerics and prominent traditional rulers from across the country.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, remains one of the country’s most consequential leaders, having presided over Nigeria during the civil war between 1967 and 1970. Widely remembered for his post-war declaration of “no victor, no vanquished,” the former military leader has over the decades built a reputation as a statesman committed to peace, interfaith harmony and national reconciliation.
Born in Plateau State, Gowon became Nigeria’s youngest Head of State at the age of 31 following the counter-coup of July 1966. His administration oversaw the creation of states, reconstruction efforts after the civil war and the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps, among other policies aimed at fostering national integration.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu described Gowon’s life of service and leadership as an enduring source of inspiration for those currently entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country.
Tinubu said Gowon remained “a beacon of hope and a dependable national counselor,” whose contributions to national unity continued to resonate long after leaving office.
“The service and leadership of General Yakubu Gowon remain a constant inspiration to those currently in government and working to move Nigeria forward,” the president stated.
He praised Gowon’s patriotism and his continued interventions for peace, especially through the “Nigeria Prays” initiative.
Tinubu also noted that the autobiography was not an attempt to reopen old wounds from the civil war era but rather a contribution to historical documentation and leadership lessons for future generations.
Vice-President Shettima, while reflecting on the importance of trust and unity in leadership, narrated how some unnamed individuals allegedly attempted to create suspicion between him and Tinubu shortly after they assumed office.
According to him, some persons from Borno State told the president he was plotting to assassinate him and seize power.
“Three months into our swearing in, some people told Tinubu I was planning to kill him to take over power,” Shettima said.
“The President had called me and said, ‘Sit down! Your people came to me and said stop wearing those Shettima’s clothes.’”
He stated that Tinubu dismissed the allegation after finding inconsistencies in the claims.
“But the president said their story did not add up. He said when you gave me those clothes, I was an aspirant. I would not have been the candidate, neither were you going to be Vice presidential candidate.
“Some people told him after election that I was planning to use the clothes to kill him and take over. However, Tinubu wore the clothes after that because he is not fetish,” Shettima added.
The vice-president urged Nigerians to embrace unity and reject divisive tendencies.
Former President Jonathan also extolled Gowon’s leadership during and after the civil war, particularly his commitment to reconciliation through the famous declaration of “no victor, no vanquished.”
Jonathan described the autobiography as more than a personal memoir, saying it represented a reflection of Nigeria’s political history and the burden of leadership during difficult times.
“Today’s event is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the presentation of a living testimony. It is a reflection of a leader who stood at the centre of some of the defining moments in our national journey,” Jonathan said.
He described the civil war years as among the most painful periods in Nigeria’s history but praised Gowon’s reconciliatory posture after the conflict.
“The years of the civil war from 1967 to 1970 remain among the most painful chapters of our national experience.
“Yet, this historical record is committed to the realisation of national unity and perhaps more importantly, the unanimity at the end of this conflict embodied in the enduring declaration of ‘no victor, no vanquished’.
“The declaration laid the foundation for healing, reconstruction and reintegration at a time when victims and witnesses would have been in pain,” he said.
Jonathan further commended Gowon for establishing the National Youth Service Corps, describing it as one of the enduring legacies of his administration.
“In Nigeria, the establishment of the NYSC was one key policy that today remains in place,” Jonathan stated.
Recalling his personal experience, the former president said corps members posted to his school in 1973 contributed immensely to his education.
“I remember in 1973, I was in class three in secondary school when the third batch of the NYSC came.
“In those days, it was so difficult to get graduate teachers to teach in secondary schools, especially schools that were not in the cities. So the vision of the NYSC is great and will continue to be great,” he said.
Jonathan added that Gowon had remained steadfast in promoting peace and interfaith harmony long after leaving power.
“General Gowon has continued to distinguish himself through decades of public service and advocacy for peace.
“His commitment to national unity, interfaith harmony, and youth development has remained steadfast long after leaving office,” he added.
Religious and traditional leaders at the event also praised Gowon’s humility, forgiveness and commitment to national cohesion.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, described Gowon as a leader who embraced reconciliation despite the painful experiences associated with the civil war.
“This is not an honour I take for granted. I feel very honoured when you think of a man who have gone through such pain, bitterness, humiliation, you would have expected that if given the opportunity he would take his pound of flesh,” Kukah said.
He noted that Gowon’s decision to tell his story without bitterness reflected uncommon statesmanship.
“From the beginning of the book, he said, ‘I want to emphasise that I am telling the story without access to crucial past records,’” Kukah added.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, described Gowon as an example of religious tolerance and responsible leadership.
“Thank you for being a father and an example of what a true Christian and Muslim leader ought to be,” the monarch said.
Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, described Gowon as a respected member of the national family.
“Gen. Gowon is not just a common person to us, he is a member of the family,” the Sultan stated.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State announced that the state government would purchase copies of the autobiography worth N200m in honour of the former Head of State.
“On behalf of the government and people of Plateau State, we will purchase copies of the book worth N200m,” Mutfwang said.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ireti Kingibe conveyed the goodwill of the National Assembly to Gowon.
“I extend to your excellency warm felicitations from my family and the entire 10th Senate,” she said.
The autobiography, spanning 859 pages and 36 chapters, chronicles Gowon’s childhood in Plateau State, his military career, the civil war years, his overthrow in 1975 and his decades of public service and advocacy for peace after leaving office.
The memoir also contains revelations about the civil war, including how the refusal of Britain and the United States to supply arms to Nigeria pushed his administration towards the Soviet Union and alternative sources of military support.
