As “Danjuma Donates N3 Billion, Dangote N500 Million, BUA’s Rabiu N25 Million” — As Tinubu, Jonathan, Shettima, Kukah, Sultan Of Sokoto, Sanusi And Others Pay Glowing Tributes To Gowon At Autobiography Launch
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on Tuesday declared that Nigeria must never be allowed to collapse, insisting that his commitment to the unity and long-term survival of the country remains unwavering, as he warned politicians against desperation and “do-or-die” politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gowon spoke at the public presentation of his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, in Abuja, where President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and a host of other national leaders paid glowing tributes to him.
The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, attracted an array of dignitaries, including former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar; former military president Ibrahim Babangida, who was represented by his daughter, Aisha; diplomats, traditional rulers, military officers, scholars and business leaders.
“Nigeria Will Not Fall”
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 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.
He also expressed concern that Nigerians often complicate simple national issues with divisive and ambiguous solutions that generate unnecessary tensions across the country, adding that 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.
“We all must rise to contain the desperation frequently exhibited by the political class who engage in what they love to call ‘do or die’ politicking,” he said.
A Symbolic Year
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.”
“Go On With One Nigeria”
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.
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.
“If The Devil’s Ready To Help” — How US And Britain’s Refusal Drove Nigeria To Soviet Union And A Lebanese Black-Marketeer
One of the most striking revelations from the autobiography came from Chapter Fifteen, titled “If The Devil’s Ready To Help,” in which Gowon chronicles his desperate search for weapons as Nigeria’s ammunition stockpile collapsed to half a million rounds for the entire Army by late 1968.
He said the stockpile was insufficient to sustain operations, while traditional Western allies remained aloof.
He wrote: “As the weeks of fighting wore on, our stock of ammunition was steadily depleted by these wastes, and we could not replenish them because international sales restrictions prevented suppliers from selling military hardware to Nigeria.
“Left with no choice, I ordered the Federal troops to hold their position after the capture of Enugu up to Okigwe and Umuahia because I could not, in clear conscience, commit them to further advance knowing that the ammunition to sustain the effort was in short supply.”
Gowon said he was particularly stung by the contrast between the inaction of the Western allies in Nigeria and their aggressive military posture in Vietnam and Cambodia, where American air power was being deployed at scale. He sought out the British and American ambassadors in a meeting he described as one of the most consequential of the war.
About the meeting, he said: “If I say I’m not disappointed, it will be an understatement.
“I, however, left them in no doubt that I had a duty and responsibility to keep Nigeria united and safe for all Nigerians and other nationals resident in Nigeria.
