Yakubu Gowon explains why he has refused to align with any political party and stay out of partisan politics.
A former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has articulated his reasons for not aligning with any political party in Nigeria.
During a meeting in Abuja with the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State governor Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, the 90-year-old elder statesman emphasized his unwavering loyalty to Nigeria, shaped by his military background, which instilled in him a commitment to serve the nation above all else.
He urged others to transcend regional interests and prioritize national unity, acknowledging that while differing opinions are natural, they should not hinder collaborative efforts to address the country’s challenges.
Gowon expressed his belief in integrating various ideologies for the common good and highlighted that during his tenure, decisions were made with the people’s welfare in mind.
He cautioned against reverting to a mindset where regional interests overshadow national concerns, advocating for a focus on unity and the necessity of sacrifices from the north to alleviate fears of regional domination, a perspective developed through extensive dialogue with various stakeholders.
At that time, he noted significant apprehension in the southern regions regarding the northern influence, which nearly prompted secessionist sentiments across all areas, including the west, east, and even the north itself.
He clarified that his push for the establishment of new states was motivated by a wish to avert the disintegration of the nation. Gowon remarked that had such fragmentation occurred, the identity of the country would have been lost, potentially resulting in the formation of separate nations based on ethnic lines, such as Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa.
He expressed reluctance to elaborate further to avoid causing offense. He emphasized that Nigeria’s population and diversity are assets, asserting that unity among citizens, despite their differences, is essential for realizing a shared vision for the nation.
Gowon expressed his sorrow over the current difficulties facing the north, particularly the rise of groups like the Lukurawa from Mali, which he believes exacerbate the region’s challenges. General Gowon served as Nigeria’s military leader for nine years, from 1966 until his removal by a military junta in 1975.
Peoplesmind
