Nigeria Could Have Thrived Further If Yar’adua Completed His Tenure, Says Gowon

Yakubu Gowon

Speaking during the inaugural President Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Leadership Conference and Awards organized by the Global Initiative for Leadership Success in Abuja, Gowon reflected on Yar’adua's impact.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), expressed the view that Nigeria would have experienced greater progress if President Umaru Musa Yar’adua had completed his term in office.

Speaking during the inaugural President Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Leadership Conference and Awards organized by the Global Initiative for Leadership Success in Abuja, Gowon reflected on Yar’adua's impact.

Yar’adua assumed the presidency in 2007, but his tenure was cut short by his passing in 2010 due to illness. Despite the brevity of his time in office, Yar’adua achieved significant milestones. Notably, he granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants, a move aimed at restoring the country's economy.

Gowon praised Yar’adua's integrity, emphasizing that he openly acknowledged flaws in the process that brought him to power. Yar’adua established the Justice Muhammed Uwais Committee for electoral reforms, but subsequent administrations failed to build upon this initiative.

Reflecting on what might have been, Gowon stated, “Had he been allowed to complete his years of service, Nigeria would likely have seen improvements. His commitment to the country was evident, and his amnesty program for the Niger Delta played a crucial role in safeguarding our economy.”

Gowon also expressed concern about the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria. He urged the government and security agencies to apprehend those responsible for violent acts, including killings, abductions of schoolchildren in the North, and ransom kidnappings across the nation.

In his welcome address, General A.B. Mamman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Global Initiative for Leadership Success, highlighted the need to address governance challenges. He lamented the failure to fully implement the Uwais Committee report, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership recruitment and accountability.

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