I want to be remembered for my love for Nigeria – Gowon

At 90, General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, says his greatest wish is to be remembered as a leader who truly loved Nigeria and its people.

In a reflective interview with Arise Television, Gowon who ruled Nigeria as a military leader from 1966 to 1975 spoke candidly about the country’s turbulent history, especially the events leading up to the Nigerian Civil War.

One of the most striking moments in the interview was his recollection of the Aburi Peace Accord meeting held in January 1967 in Ghana. Gowon revealed that the decisions made during that meeting could have spared Nigeria from descending into war, emphasizing how close the country came to a peaceful resolution.

However, he noted that an unresolved disagreement with the Eastern Region’s leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, ultimately triggered the war, which endured for 30 months.

According to him, Ojukwu pushed for a form of regional autonomy that the federal side could not accept.

Asked how he wants to be remembered, Gowon said he wishes to be remembered as a Nigerian who loves his country and prays for it.

“I want to be remembered as someone who loves his country, Nigeria, who loves Nigerians, who prays, at least if I cannot fight, I pray for Nigeria to continue to be a country that all of us love. I know it is impossible for any country to be absolutely perfect,” he said.