Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has expressed support for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the president is doing his best to address the country’s many challenges.
Gowon made the remarks on Saturday after a meeting with the president at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. The former military leader said he visited the president mainly to appreciate the work his administration is doing for Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Gowon said he was satisfied with the efforts of the current administration in managing the affairs of the country. According to him, the president is working across different sectors to improve the situation of the nation.
“As far as it goes, isn’t he doing the best he can all round?” Gowon said. “Every other area—political, economic, social, and of course the major problem that we have today, security—he’s doing everything to deal with those for the good of Nigeria.”
The former Head of State noted that the challenges facing Nigeria are many and complex. However, he said he believes the current government is making efforts to address them.
Gowon added that his visit to the Presidential Villa was not to raise complaints but to encourage the president and recognise the progress made so far.
“I came to see him and to thank him for all the good work that he’s doing for the country,” he said. “We had to look at all the good work that the president is doing and the progress that Nigeria is making economically and otherwise.”
When asked by reporters to mention specific areas where the president should improve, Gowon said he did not have any particular criticism. Instead, he stressed that the president must continue to work in the interest of the entire country.
“There is no particular place. He’s got to look after the interests of Nigeria in all areas,” the elder statesman said.
Yakubu Gowon served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1966 to 1975. During his time in office, he led the country through the difficult period of the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970. After leaving power, Gowon remained active in national affairs and is widely regarded as one of the elder statesmen who regularly comment on national issues.
Over the years, Gowon has also been involved in peace-building initiatives and national unity campaigns. Through organisations such as the Nigeria Prays initiative, he has called for unity, peace, and cooperation among Nigerians.
His comments about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come at a time when the country continues to face several economic and security challenges.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu’s administration has introduced a number of policies aimed at reforming the economy and improving governance. One of the earliest decisions taken by the administration was the removal of fuel subsidy, a policy that had existed for many years in Nigeria.
While the government said the move was necessary to save public funds and invest in national development, the policy led to a sharp rise in fuel prices and transportation costs across the country. This has affected the cost of living for many Nigerians.
In response to these concerns, the federal government has introduced some measures aimed at reducing the hardship faced by citizens. These include social support programmes, efforts to improve public transportation, and initiatives to boost food production.
Security also remains a major concern in several parts of the country. Nigeria has continued to face threats from armed bandits, kidnappers and insurgent groups in different regions.
The Tinubu administration has promised to strengthen the capacity of the country’s security agencies and improve coordination among them. Military and security operations have continued in different parts of the country as authorities attempt to restore peace and stability.
Gowon’s visit to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa is seen by observers as part of the ongoing consultations between the presidency and elder statesmen on the direction of the country.
Such meetings often provide opportunities for leaders to exchange views on national issues and discuss possible solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
For many Nigerians, the comments by Gowon reflect the importance of cooperation between past and present leaders in addressing national problems.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic reforms, political developments, and security concerns, the government is under pressure to deliver improvements that will positively affect the lives of citizens.
While opinions about the administration remain divided among Nigerians, the remarks by the former Head of State suggest that some senior national figures believe the current government is making efforts to move the country forward.
