Gowon: Nigeria is Moving Forward Under Tinubu’s Watch
By: Abudu Olalekan
Now speaking up, former leader Yakubu Gowon shares a view many may react to – Nigeria moves forward under current rule, he claims, given how hard Bola Tinubu tries. Though some might pause at that take, it stands clear where Gowon places his trust.
After stopping by to see Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Gowon shared some thoughts. Not once did he push for favors or personal gains. His reason? To thank the President plainly, nothing more. With his own voice, he added that support was part of why he showed up.
“I came to see him and to thank him for all the good works that he’s doing for the country,” the elder statesman told journalists. “We had to look at all the good work that the President is doing and the progress that Nigeria is making economically and otherwise.”
A figure like that carries weight, especially after living through Nigeria’s toughest times. From 1966 to 1975, his time in charge included war, then rebuilding afterward. Words from someone who led during such years make others pay attention. Agreement though? That doesn’t always follow.
Things seem to be moving right, he claimed. Pressing further, reporters asked about spots needing improvement under Tinubu – Gowon dodged that completely. Not one field got mentioned by him. His reply? A question tossed straight at the media.
“Isn’t he doing the best he can all round?” he asked. Then added: “So there is no particular place, every other area; political, economic, social, etc.”
One person could see it as careful wording. Another might say he was avoiding the question. Yet Gowon appeared truly at ease.
One point he did admit was safety. Tough to overlook. Robberies, attacks, violence between groups. Wounds keep opening across the land, never healing right. Still, according to Gowon, the head of state knows what’s happening.
“The major problem that we have today, the security area, he’s doing everything to deal with those for the good of all Nigeria,” he said.
Now imagine holding together a nation pulled in ten directions at once. Crises stack up, demands multiply, silence grows heavy. Not exactly an easy thing to carry. What he said next cut through the usual noise – running Nigeria weighs on anyone who tries.
“He’s got to look after the interests of Nigeria in all areas, and I’m happy about that,” Gowon said.
Faced with a wider concern about advice for everyday citizens struggling through tough times, Gowon softened nothing completely, yet still held firm in backing the government’s direction.
“If I say that the problem that is happening today, it is only the government today – that’s Mr. President – that can really deal with it, and he is dealing with it the best he can without creating any problem for Nigerians and for the country,” he said.
Hope was his closing thought. Not the hollow version politicians hand out. Closer to what you feel when years have taught you – countries make it through wreckage, somehow.
“The government is handling it the best it can to ensure that Nigeria, in the end, achieves the peace that it deserves, that it requires and it deserves,” Gowon said.
Still, most regular people in Nigeria might not feel so hopeful. Not every single one would agree. High fuel costs keep hurting, daily expenses stay steep, safety worries linger across many regions. Yet the appearance of Gowon carries weight on its own. This meeting fits into a pattern – older leaders talking behind the scenes while Tinubu’s government moves forward.
Out there, talks between the President and key leaders go on, touching rule, safety, and progress. Still unclear if any of it shifts things where people live – this silence hangs heavy across Nigeria.
