Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has warned that Nigeria must never be allowed to collapse, insisting that his commitment to the unity and long-term survival of the country remains unwavering.
This came as President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan and other national leaders paid glowing tributes to Gowon at the public presentation of his autobiography, ‘My Life of Duty and Allegiance’, in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event attracted an array of dignitaries, including former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who was represented by his daughter, Aisha; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; diplomats, traditional rulers, military officers, scholars and business leaders.
Addressing the nation’s present political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections, Gowon warned politicians against desperation and “do-or-die” politics.
He criticised the inability of political actors to conduct transparent elections, even within their own political parties, saying such practices continue to weaken democratic development.
“We must not give room to the naysayers who see no good in our nation and would rather label it a failed state,” he warned.
Reflecting on his years in office, Gowon maintained that Nigeria survived enormous trials during his administration and expressed confidence that the country would overcome its present challenges.
“On my watch as Head of State, the country did not fall, and I am confident that despite all its challenges, Nigeria still will not fall,” he declared.
He also expressed concern that Nigerians often complicate simple national issues with divisive and ambiguous solutions that generate unnecessary tensions across the country.
According to him, public service should never be seen as a pursuit of personal glory, but as a sacred responsibility demanding conscience, conviction and commitment to national interest.
Speaking at the launch, Gowon reflected on Nigeria’s turbulent political history and the difficult years leading to the Civil War, stressing that despite enormous challenges, the country survived and must continue to endure.
According to him, 2026 represents a symbolic year in Nigeria’s history as it marks 60 years since the military intervened in governance and since he assumed leadership under difficult national circumstances.
“Nigeria stood at the brink of disintegration in 1966, but we remained determined to preserve the unity of the country,” Gowon said.
The elder statesman explained that the publication of his autobiography was not intended to glorify his person, but to preserve historical truth and correct what he described as misinformation and disinformation surrounding his role in national affairs.
“I only needed to tell my truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what may be considered right or wrong,” he stated.
Gowon said he had initially chosen silence after leaving office, but later realised the need to document his experiences in order to preserve institutional memory and prevent distorted narratives capable of reopening old national wounds.
Declaring his enduring faith in Nigeria, he said: “I cannot say it loudly enough that my belief in the long-term survival of Nigeria is total, because my love for the country and its people is beyond question.”
The former Head of State paid tribute to members of the armed forces, traditional rulers, civil servants and ordinary Nigerians who supported efforts to keep the country united during the Civil War years.
He particularly acknowledged the role played by the late Sultan of Sokoto and other traditional leaders who worked behind the scenes to promote peace and stability during one of Nigeria’s most difficult periods.
Recalling a memorable newspaper interpretation of his name as “Go On With One Nigeria,” Gowon said the phrase strengthened his determination to preserve national unity.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Vice President Shettima described Gowon as a symbol of reconciliation, unity and statesmanship whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.
He praised Gowon for steering Nigeria through one of its darkest periods and for laying the foundation for post-war healing through the famous declaration of “no victor, no vanquished.”
“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection,” Shettima said while emphasizing the importance of preserving history and learning from past national experiences.
He also commended Gowon for establishing the National Youth Service Corps and for co-founding the Economic Community of West African States, saying both initiatives strengthened national cohesion and regional integration.
“She understood that unity cannot be sustained by speeches alone. Unity must be given institutions, roads, schools and shared experiences,” Shettima said while referring to the contributions of Gowon and his wife, Victoria Gowon.
The Vice President also appealed for peace and unity in Plateau State, warning that division and mistrust remain threats to national progress.
“There can never be development without peace, and there can never be peace without development,” he added.
Shettima further disclosed that Tinubu resisted attempts by some individuals to sow division during the 2023 election campaign, insisting that the President remains committed to inclusiveness and national unity.
Former President Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, also praised Gowon for laying the foundation for national healing after the Civil War through the “no victor, no vanquished” declaration.
Jonathan described the autobiography as a living testimony of leadership during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent eras and said younger Nigerians now have an opportunity to better understand the difficult decisions made during the war years.
“Today’s event is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the presentation of a living testimony. It reflects a leader who stood at the centre of some of the defining moments in our national journey,” Jonathan said.
He equally commended Gowon for introducing the NYSC scheme, noting that it helped bridge ethnic divisions and encouraged peaceful coexistence among young Nigerians.
Recalling his personal experience, Jonathan said NYSC teachers posted to his secondary school in 1973 significantly contributed to his education at a time many rural schools lacked graduate teachers.
“The vision of the NYSC was great and it will continue to remain great. The youth corps scheme was meant to unite our nation and help us live as one Nigeria,” he stated.
Jonathan also urged Nigerian leaders to document their experiences for the sake of preserving history for future generations.
In their goodwill messages, former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, all paid glowing tribute Gowon for his values and symbol of national unity.
The highlight of the event was the extensive review of Gowon’s autobiography by Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, who described the former Head of State as a man who endured betrayal, humiliation, political intrigue and suffering without bitterness.
Kukah said the 800-page memoir provided rare insight into the coups of 1966 and 1975, the Civil War, the Aburi Accord, and Gowon’s years in exile after he was overthrown while attending an African summit in Kampala, Uganda.
According to Kukah, Gowon returned from office with virtually nothing despite presiding over Africa’s largest country during the oil boom era.
The cleric narrated how Gowon struggled financially in exile, survived on support from friends and diplomats, and relied heavily on the sacrifices of his wife, Victoria, while studying at Warwick University in the United Kingdom.
Kukah said the book also revealed how Gowon lost properties, had his military benefits withdrawn, and faced political persecution after the 1975 coup.
Despite the hardships, Kukah noted that Gowon remained committed to peace, reconciliation and national unity.
“To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done,” Kukah said in conclusion, echoing one of the enduring themes of the autobiography.
- Media Report