Former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was in the spotlight on Wednesday as he visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja for discussions with President Bola Tinubu. The focal points of their meeting included the ongoing economic challenges facing Nigeria and the political crisis within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, which are now under military rule.
Addressing journalists after the private visit, General Gowon remarked that criticisms directed at President Tinubu’s administration were not unusual for any Nigerian leader. He urged citizens to allow the President sufficient time to address the challenging issues facing the country.
Gowon highlighted that part of his discussion with President Tinubu centered on the ECOWAS crisis, given his role as the surviving leader and founding father of the regional bloc. He shared valuable insights on how to address the pressing issues within ECOWAS effectively.
The former military ruler stated, “I think we had to discuss some of his plans in order to see what can be done to bring the matter under control.” He also clarified that recent reports suggesting he refused to attend the ECOWAS conference were due to miscommunication, and the matter was resolved during their meeting.
During the press interaction, General Gowon emphasized the need for patience and understanding, stating, “Nigerians, we’ve got to give the president time to get things really done. And it is too early to sort of say absolute result, perfect result will be achieved now.”
Reflecting on his own experiences during the Nigerian Civil War, Gowon shared that even he faced criticisms and doubts about the country’s prospects. However, he stressed the importance of perseverance and patience in addressing complex challenges.
The meeting between General Gowon and President Tinubu signifies a collaborative effort to navigate the multifaceted issues confronting Nigeria, with a focus on both domestic economic concerns and broader regional challenges within ECOWAS.