Why I Don’t Have Interest In Partisan Politics — Gowon
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Former Nigeria’s Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) says his decision to avoid partisan politics and watch from the sideline is based on owing allegiance only to Nigeria.
According to him, refusing to align with any of the nation’s political parties or join partisan politics in the country is because “My profession (military) shaped my belief in serving the country above all else”
The nonagenarian, who offered the explanation on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit on him by the League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor and Sardaunan Kano, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, said; “I am not affiliated with any political party. My only allegiance is to Nigeria. My profession (military) shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics.”
Unlike some of Nigeria’s military leaders who have been visible and active in politics, Gowon has continued to distance himself from the nation’s multi-party democracy, and he informed his audience thus; “I encourage others to think beyond regional interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.
“I’ve always believed in taking the best from all ideologies, be it socialism, capitalism, or others, and applying them for the greater good. During my time in government, we valued diverse perspectives, but decisions were always made in the interest of the people and the nation”.
While hoping that the LND’s mission Is not about returning to the old thinking where the North prioritises the North, the West prioritises the West, and the East prioritises the East until the Mid-West emerged to think for itself, The elder statesman further said; “My position has always been that whatever the North does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria.
“From your speech, I understand that this is your intention, to ensure the North, in its current state, focuses on national unity. It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity.
“This perspective was born out of extensive discussions with political leaders, chiefs, and various groups. The North had to make sacrifices to address fears of domination by one region, especially given the size and population of the North.
“At that time, there was considerable anxiety from the South about the North’s dominance, which nearly led to calls for secession from all regions, the West, the East, and even the North. This deeply worried me. I was born in Nigeria, raised in Nigeria, and served a profession that represented the country’s collective interest.
“My decision to advocate for state creation stemmed from a desire to prevent the fragmentation of our nation. Even now, I recall that at one point, people believed the North wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the East and the West. This fear of disintegration weighed heavily on me.
“If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up with separate nations, whether Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise. I hesitate to say more, as I might risk offending someone here”.
The Plateau state-born retired Army General also said Nigeria’s population and diversity remain its strengths, adding that if the citizens can unite despite their differences, they can build the Nigeria they all envision.
“The north is incredibly diverse, encompassing various tribes, such as the Igbo-speaking communities in Benue and the Yoruba presence there as well. These differences enrich our region and should encourage unity rather than division.
“The northern identity, however, is often associated with the Hausa-Fulani. Even within that label, there is significant diversity. For instance, among the Angas people, we have distinct names like “Ngas,” and they call us “Ngali.” The cultural nuances are fascinating and a testament to our rich heritage.”
“Unfortunately, I feel saddened by the challenges currently facing the north, such as the emergence of groups like the Lukurawa from Mali. Their activities have only created more problems for us. Nonetheless, I’m honoured and delighted by your visit. Your introductions touched me deeply. Many of you are descendants of respected leaders such as Tafawa Balewa and Shagari. I see this gathering as a continuation of their legacy” the respected former Leader said.
Born on 19th October 1934, Gowon, who is now 90 years old, served for the longest continuous period as Nigeria’s Head of State, ruling for almost nine years before being ousted in the 1975 coup d’état led by the then Brigadier Murtala Mohammed and he is remembered for delivering the famous “no victor, no vanquished” speech at the war’s end to promote healing and reconciliation
It is documented in history the that Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, lasted for a total of two years, six months, one week, and two days, from 6th July 1967 to 15th January 1970.
He is of the minority Ngas (Angas) ethnic group and hails from Lur, a small village in the present Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State
