•General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), now and then
A former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, today reaffirmed his unwavering belief in Nigeria’s unity, declaring that his faith in the survival and future of the country remained absolute despite its mounting political, economic and security challenges.
Gowon spoke in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography, “My Life of Duty & Allegiance,” held today at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, reports The PUNCH.
The elder statesman said his conviction in the Nigerian project had remained strong decades after leading the country through one of its most turbulent periods — the Nigerian Civil War.
“I cannot say it loudly enough that my belief in the long-term survival of Nigeria is total because my love for the country is beyond question,” Gowon declared.
The former military ruler, who became Head of State in 1966 following a period of political instability and military intervention, said the autobiography was written partly to preserve history and counter misinformation surrounding his role in Nigeria’s evolution.
According to him, he chose to tell his story not to attack individuals or revisit old divisions, but to contribute to national memory and strengthen understanding of Nigeria’s journey.
“I only needed to tell my truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what might be considered right or wrong,” he said.
“Speaking out also became necessary because my story and that of Nigeria were too intertwined.”
Gowon warned against divisive politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging political actors to avoid desperation and actions capable of threatening national cohesion.
“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.
“We must not give room to naysayers who see no good in our nation and would rather label it a ‘failed state.’”
The former Head of State expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current difficulties, insisting that the country’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
“On my watch as Head of State, the country did not fall, and I am confident that the nation, despite all its challenges, still will not fall,” he stated.
Gowon also described public service as a call to responsibility and sacrifice rather than personal glory, noting that leadership must be guided by “conscience and conviction.”
Also speaking at the launch, the publisher of the autobiography and Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Akogun Lanre Adesuyi, noted that the autobiography, My Life of Duty & Allegiance, documents Gowon’s personal journey, his years in military service, the events leading to the civil war, post-war reconciliation efforts and his reflections on nation-building.
Gowon remains one of the most significant figures in Nigeria’s political history. He ruled the country from 1966 to 1975 and led Nigeria during the Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970 after the attempted secession of the former Eastern Region as Biafra.
Following the war, Gowon became widely known for promoting reconciliation through his “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy, which aimed to rebuild national unity and reintegrate affected communities.
Over the decades, he has consistently advocated peace, national integration and interfaith harmony through platforms such as the Nigeria Prays movement.
His renewed call for unity comes at a time when Nigeria faces heightened economic hardship, insecurity, regional tensions and increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
He described the autobiography as more than a personal memoir, saying it represented an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical documentation.
“Today, pages will be turned, memories will speak, and history will find its authentic voice,” Adesuyi said.
“This is no ordinary book presentation. Rather, we are here to share the author’s story of an era and the enduring power of character. I repeat: character, character, character. This country needs character.”
Adesuyi said Gowon deliberately chose to recount his experiences without bitterness or judgment.
“General Yakubu Gowon has chosen to address history without judgment,” he said.
“As he repeatedly told us while working on this book, it is all about telling his truth. And as we all know, truth is always a defence.”
He stressed the importance of preserving historical records, warning that failure to document events allows distorted narratives to thrive.
