General Gowon Set To Reveal Details Of 1966 Coup

Emmanuel AmudaOctober 26, 2019

0 1 minute read

The former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has promised to give insights into some of the activities that led to the Nigeria civil war.

Gowon made the pledge while receiving an award from a coalition of civil society youth groups.

The groups had awarded Gowon the honour as the Global Peace Initiatives lifetime patron.

The groups also asked the former military president to take out time for his busy schedule to address the issues that prompted the war under a programme to be called: ‘A Day with Gowon.’

Speaking on behalf of the groups, the executive director Global Peace Initiatives Nigeria, Ambassador Badamasi Sadiq Ibrahim informed General Gowon that the younger generation would love to hear from him.

He also stated that it would be an honour for the youths to hear what prompted Gowon’s genuine commitment to a peaceful and united Nigeria, stressing that it is a legacy worthy of emulation especially to young Nigerians.

Reacting to the request, Gowon promised to be available in February 2020 for the event due to his other engagements before then.

He also mentioned that he is been asked to slow down on his activities by his doctors.

He narrated how he was confronted with a silly question when he was coming back to Nigeria whether a coup is possible in Nigeria.

He appealed to youths in the country and civil society groups to love Nigeria and do anything to make it better.

Meanwhile, Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has described Gowon as a great patriot, selfless and courageous leader committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

Governor Bello stated this while felicitating with the retired general on the occasion of his 85th birthday, stressing that Gowon is a huge asset to Nigeria.