I want to be remembered as a patriotic leader who loved Nigeria — Gowon

Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon has said he wishes to be remembered as a patriotic leader who deeply loved Nigeria and consistently prayed for its unity and progress.

Speaking in an interview with Arise Television , the 90-year-old elder statesman reflected on his years in office from 1966 to 1975, particularly addressing the causes of the Nigerian Civil War, which broke out in July 1967 and lasted for 30 months.

Gowon revealed that efforts to prevent the conflict failed largely due to irreconcilable differences that surfaced during the January 1967 Aburi summit held in Ghana.

He noted that Eastern Region leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, demanded a form of autonomy that the federal government could not agree to.

“The Aburi meeting in Ghana could have prevented the war,” Gowon said. “But there was a fundamental disagreement between Ojukwu and the federal side. He wanted a type of regional autonomy that we just couldn’t accept.”

When asked how he would like history to remember him, the former leader responded: “As a patriot who loved Nigeria and always prayed for its peace, unity, and progress.”

“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,” he said. “I know it is impossible for any country to be absolutely perfect.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).