Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has shared the reasons behind his decision to stay away from partisan politics and refrain from aligning with any political party.
During a meeting with the League of Northern Democrats (LND) in Abuja on Wednesday, led by former Kano State Governor Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, the 90-year-old elder statesman explained that his primary allegiance lies with Nigeria as a whole. He emphasized that his military background has influenced his unwavering commitment to the nation, prioritizing its interests over regional or political affiliations.
Gowon stated, “My focus has always been on serving the country, above any party politics or regional interests. I encourage others to think beyond their ethnic or regional concerns and focus on the unity and progress of Nigeria.” He added that while differing opinions are natural, they should not prevent Nigerians from coming together to address national challenges.
The former leader highlighted his belief in drawing from various ideologies—whether socialism, capitalism, or others—to benefit the country. “During my time in government, we valued diverse perspectives. However, decisions were always made with the nation’s welfare in mind,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical challenges, Gowon expressed his hope that the country would avoid falling back into regional divisions. He emphasized that, from his perspective, the northern region’s actions should always serve the broader interests of Nigeria. He also recalled his support for the creation of more states to maintain balance and prevent any one region from dominating the others, thereby safeguarding national unity.
Gowon explained that his advocacy for state creation was born from concerns over potential fragmentation. “Had we allowed regional dominance to take hold, we might have ended up with separate nations today,” he remarked, warning against allowing divisions to tear the country apart.
Addressing current issues, the elder statesman expressed his sadness over the challenges facing the northern region, particularly the rise of groups such as the Lukurawa from Mali, whose activities have further complicated the situation.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its diverse and complex identity, Gowon called on citizens to unite in their efforts to build a stronger, more cohesive nation, despite their differences.
