“I Wasn’t Prepared to Rule Nigeria at 31” – Former Head of State Gowon Reflects on Leadership Journey

Speaking in an exclusive interview on a national news network monitored by Apples Bite Magazine, the 90-year-old former military leader reflected on the circumstances that thrust him into leadership following the July 1966 counter-coup that claimed the life of his predecessor, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

Unprepared but Well-Grounded

“I was not prepared to rule Nigeria, but I was a loyal soldier trained to serve my country,” Gowon stated with characteristic humility. Despite his lack of preparation for such a high office, the former leader credited his foundational upbringing for enabling him to navigate the complex challenges that defined his nine-year tenure from 1966 to 1975.

“I had a good upbringing from home, school, and various military trainings. And I was brought up in a strict religious background. I fell back on all of these,” he explained, highlighting how his early formation became the bedrock of his leadership philosophy during Nigeria’s most challenging era.

The Creation of States: Responding to Popular Demand

One of Gowon’s most significant administrative decisions was the restructuring of Nigeria from four regions to 12 states in 1967. Addressing this historic change, he emphasised that it was not an arbitrary decision but a response to widespread agitation from various communities across the federation.

“The creation of 12 states from the four regions was a demand by various communities. We did that to satisfy them, following the events of January 1966,” Gowon explained, referencing the first military coup that had destabilised the country’s political structure.

This decision, made on the eve of the Nigerian Civil War, was crucial in maintaining the loyalty of minority groups within the former Eastern Region, effectively isolating the secessionist Biafran movement led by Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

The Tragic End of General Ironsi

Gowon provided a firsthand account of the events leading to General Ironsi’s assassination in July 1966, describing how he was awakened to news of the crisis. “I was woken up to the news that something had happened. I knew Ironsi was in Ibadan for a meeting with traditional rulers,” he recalled.

Despite attempts to ensure Ironsi’s safety, Gowon’s efforts proved futile. “By the time I got to the government house, it was too late. I instructed that he should be taken somewhere safe, but unfortunately, he was assassinated,” he said, revealing the helplessness he felt during those critical hours.

Understanding the Northern Uprising

The former Head of State offered his perspective on the violent reactions that erupted in Northern Nigeria following Ironsi’s unitary decree, which many northerners perceived as an attempt at Igbo domination.

“There were reactions in the North and West against the unitary system formed by Ironsi, as they feared being overwhelmed by people from the East. It was a reaction to what happened in January. Not a military reaction but a populace uprising,” Gowon explained, emphasizing that his primary duty was to “keep Nigeria united.”

The Controversial Aburi Accord

Regarding the much-debated Aburi Accord of 1967—a meeting in Ghana between Nigerian leaders aimed at preventing civil war—Gowon maintained his long-held position that it was not a binding agreement.

“The accord was not an agreement. I wasn’t feeling well, and Ojukwu made a statement about Aburi in the early hours. When informed, I asked other governors for their opinions, and they said it wasn’t what we agreed on,” he stated, addressing one of the most contentious issues that precipitated the civil war.

Post-War Reconciliation and National Healing

Fifty-five years after the end of the Nigerian Civil War, Gowon expressed satisfaction with the country’s progress toward healing and unity. “We’ve survived 55 years since the war. My idea was that we’d rebuild the country after the war. We’ve come a long way and are still improving,” he reflected.

His post-war policy of “No Victor, No Vanquished” and the “3 Rs” (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration) remain central to discussions about post-conflict reconciliation in Nigeria.

The 1975 Transition Controversy

Addressing criticism about his reluctance to hand over power in 1975, Gowon cited internal political challenges and ongoing economic initiatives as factors that delayed the transition. He revealed that political infighting among commissioners and a major economic plan were underway when he was eventually overthrown.

Regarding his overthrow, Gowon disclosed that he had been warned about the impending coup but chose not to investigate further. “I was told it would happen but didn’t bother to find out who was behind it until Babangida’s book revealed the details,” he said.

No Political Comeback Ambitions

When questioned about any aspirations to return to political leadership, Gowon firmly denied having such intentions. He referenced former President Ibrahim Babangida’s “Option A4” political arrangement, which nearly drew him back into active politics.

“I never had [aspirations to rule again]. Babangida’s option A4 almost forced me into it, but my wife didn’t want it, and I was only interested in contributing to Nigeria’s development,” he concluded, emphasizing his continued commitment to national development through other means.

Legacy of Service

General Gowon’s interview provides rare insights into the mind of a leader who, despite being unprepared for the highest office, successfully navigated Nigeria through its civil war and laid foundations for national reconciliation. His reflections offer valuable lessons on leadership, humility, and the importance of strong foundational values in governance.

At 90, the former Head of State continues to be actively involved in peace-building initiatives across Africa through the Yakubu Gowon Centre, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the unity and development of Nigeria and the broader African continent.

This interview represents one of the most comprehensive reflections by General Gowon on his tenure and the critical decisions that shaped modern Nigeria.