Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, says his greatest wish is to be remembered as a leader who deeply loved Nigeria and its people.
In a reflective interview with Arise Television, the 90-year-old elder statesman spoke candidly about his years in power (1966–1975), his role in the Nigerian Civil War, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Gowon traced the roots of the conflict to the January 1967 peace summit in Aburi, Ghana, where he and then Eastern Region leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, failed to reconcile their political visions for the country.
According to him, the disagreement over the structure of the Nigerian federation was a critical turning point.
Gowon said Ojukwu demanded a level of regional autonomy the federal side found unacceptable, which ultimately led to the outbreak of the war in July 1967—a conflict that would last 30 months and cost millions of lives.
Reflecting on his legacy, Gowon said, “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.”
The former leader has remained an active voice for peace and national unity decades after leaving office, often urging prayer, dialogue, and patriotism as Nigeria navigates its challenges.
