Former Head of State and elder statesman, Gen. (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon (rtd), turns 80 today. The retired four-star General came into national consciousness when he became Nigeria’s second military ruler at the age of 31, following the death of Maj.Gen. Johnson Aguiyi- Ironsi, Nigeria’s first military Head of State, in a bloody coup d’etat on July 29, 1966. But, his assumption of power as the nation’s new leader did not go unchallenged.
The first military governor of former Eastern Region and later leader of the defunct secessionist Biafra, Lt.Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, vehemently opposed Gowon’s emergence as the head of state on the grounds that it broke army protocol and ethics on seniority.
The inability of these young Nigerian military leaders to broker peace at conference tables within and outside the country, and other irreconcilable differences between them, eventually led to the unfortunate and brutal Nigerian Civil War of 1966-1970.
Gowon led the country at its most trying periods, including the time of the 30 months Nigeria/Biafra War that witnessed the destruction of so many lives and property. An estimated three million people lost their lives to the war from both sides of the conflict. At the end of the war in 1970, a victorious Gowon declared that there was “no victor no vanquished”, and, in the spirit of brotherliness, announced the implementation of the popular post-war 3Rs programme – Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of the ravaged zones.
Even though Gowon’s 3Rs did not achieve much for war-torn Biafra, it paved way for the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians after the fratricidal war. His post-war reign witnessed a great boom in oil revenue that he used to transform the nation’s then capital city, Lagos and the building of expressways in some parts of the country.
His regime witnessed improved standard of living of most Nigerians and the development of more universities and other tertiary institutions. The quintessential leader ruled the country for nine years before he was overthrown in a bloodless military coup in 1975 by Gen. Murtala Mohammed, who was also killed in a coup led by Lt.Col. Buka Suka Dimka in 1976.
Following his overthrow, Gowon went to University of Warwick in the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1984, and obtained a doctoral degree in Political Science. After an unsuccessful attempt at politics after his return from the UK, the elder statesman decided to lead a quiet private life. He became a moderating voice on most burning national issues, including the current raging insurgency.
He also devoted himself to prayers. His prayer programme, “Nigeria Prays”, holds in different parts of the country. It is devoted to public prayers for progress and peaceful co-existence in our highly heterogeneous country.
Born on October 19, 1934 in Lur, Pankshin, Plateau State, Gowon had his early education at St. Bartholomew’s School, Wusasa, Zaria (1939-49) and Government College, Zaria (1950-53). He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in May 1954 and was sent to the Officer Cadet Training School, Teshie, Ghana, 1954; Eaton Hall, Chester, England, 1955; Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, England, 1955-56; Young Officers’ College, Hythe Warminster, England, 1957; Staff College, Camberly, England, 1962; Joint Services College, Latimer, England, 1965. Gowon was adjutant, 4th Battalion, 1960-61 with UN Peace Keeping Force Congo (Zaire), 1960-61. He was promoted to Chief of Staff, Nigerian Army, 1966, and subsequently, Head of the Federal Military Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Since retirement from public office, Gowon has remained a true statesman and carried himself respectably. He has, unarguably, maintained the dignity befitting of a former holder of the high office of Head of State of Nigeria.
This exemplary leader has largely avoided controversy and undue publicity. He leads a modest life, and has been a moderating, non-partisan voice on vexatious national issues.
Gowon is loved by many Nigerians for his humility, and his fight for the peace and unity of the country. Unfortunately, the country he fought to keep together is largely not at peace right now. The greatest tribute Nigerians can pay this outstanding leader is to emulate his deep commitment to the peace and unity of the country. We commend the exemplary conduct of this great Nigerian leader and devoted family man to all Nigerians.
We give Gen. Gowon a loving and unreserved salute and wish him many happy years ahead.
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