Gowon: I Wasn’t Ready to Lead Nigeria, But My Upbringing and Training Helped
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| Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retired) |
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retired), has admitted he wasn’t prepared to govern the country when he became military ruler at 31. He made this known in an interview with Arise TV.
Gowon explained that although he was unprepared for leadership, his strict religious upbringing, education, and military training gave him the strength to face national challenges. “I wasn’t ready to rule, but I had the foundation to serve faithfully,” he said.
Addressing the historic decision to break Nigeria into 12 states from four regions, Gowon said it was a response to demands from various communities after the political unrest of January 1966.
Reflecting on the assassination of General Aguiyi-Ironsi, Gowon recalled being informed early in the morning of his death. Though he had tried to ensure Ironsi’s safety, he said it was too late by the time he reached the government house.
Gowon also discussed the attacks on the Igbo in the North, describing them as civilian uprisings driven by fear of domination under the centralised government structure introduced by Ironsi. “It was my duty to keep Nigeria united,” he stated.
On the Aburi Accord, Gowon clarified that it wasn’t a binding agreement. He said he was unwell during the time and that what Ojukwu later presented didn’t reflect their understanding at the meeting. Other governors also disagreed with Ojukwu’s version.
On Nigeria’s progress 55 years after the civil war, Gowon expressed optimism: “We’ve come a long way. My vision was always to rebuild, and the country is still on that journey.”
When asked about his reluctance to hand over power in 1975, Gowon cited internal political strife and major economic projects as his reasons. He wasn’t shocked by his eventual overthrow and only later learned the full details through Ibrahim Babangida’s book.
On whether he ever considered returning to power, he said he never intended to. “Option A4 during Babangida’s time nearly pushed me into it, but my wife was against it. I only wanted to help Nigeria develop,” he said.
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