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| General Yakubu Gowon as a student in the canteen of the University of Warwick |
It
is unusual for a deposed Head of State to give a vote of thanks after being
removed from office. Gen. Yakubu Gowon, (PhD Warwick) is arguably the only Nigerian Head of
State to give a formal ‘Acceptance Speech’ after being overthrown.
According
to the New York Times of July 30,
1975: “In Kampala, General Gowon smiled on being told of the coup
and some diplomatic sources said that he had suspected that some military men
were plotting against him and that he had taken the precaution of moving his
family to London before leaving Lagos. He was said to be trying to determine
whether he still had any support at home.”
Today,
Onigegewura brings you Gen. Gowon’s Acceptance Speech delivered after Colonel Joe
Nanven Garba announced his overthrow whilst he was attending Organisation of African
Unity summit in Kampala:
From all indications a new government had
been established in Nigeria. I wish to state that I, on my part, have also
accepted the change and pledged my full loyalty to my nation, my country and
the new government.
Therefore, in the overall interest of the
nation and our beloved country, I appeal to all concerned to cooperate fully
with the new government and ensure the preservation of peace, unity and
stability of our dear motherland.
As a Nigerian, I am prepared to serve my
country in any capacity, which my country may consider appropriate. I am a
professional soldier and I can do any duty that I am called upon to do.
May I take this opportunity to thank all the
people of Nigeria and friends of Nigeria for the support and cooperation that
you all gave me during my tenure of office and call upon all of you to give the
new government of our nation the same support and cooperation in the interest
of our beloved country.
Long live one united, happy and prosperous
Nigeria. Long live the Organisation of African Unity.
After
the coup, General Yakubu Gowon enrolled as a student at the University of
Warwick, United Kingdom. His Ph.D Thesis focused on The Economic Community of West African States: A study in political and
economic integration.
-Onigegewura
It was when Oju siwa lorukun ni Nigeria. Then, there was still enthusiasm to serve. Selfish interests will not allow anyone to concede an election victory even when it is glaring that he won't win an election in his ward. There is no longer service to the nation but service to the pocket!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe this,you keep unearthing many Nigerian treasures. I think Gen Gowon deserves another national award for this. Our Politicians and so called elders of today need to visit this blog to learn about our yesterday in order to prepare a better tomorrow for future generations
ReplyDeleteHe knew what's at stake
ReplyDeleteGen. Gowon is an exquisite gentleman.
ReplyDeleteI WISH OUR PRESENT STATE MEN CAN LEARN FROM THIS AND STOP SEEING POLITICS AS A DO-OR-DIE AFFAIR.
ReplyDeleteLittle wonder he's still around and relevant in the scheme of things!
ReplyDeleteHe simply knew when to wait, walk or when to run. Wisdom to the rescue
Lesson learnt:Knowing when to wait, react and even walk away. Wisdom is the principal thing. @Adeowo I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteIt is very rare indeed, no sign of bitterness from the speech. I am amazed by such sense of patriotism. Where are the patriots'. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is another one.
ReplyDeleteTime and events is what shape history. Just like the quality of wine increases with age.