Former Military leader, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) on Thursday said that military coups after his were not for the defence and unity of Nigeria, but for other selfish reasons.
Speaking in Abuja during the launch of a book, ‘Vindication of a General’ written by former Chief of Army staff, Lt General Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd), Gowon said Military participation in politics did more harm to the
institution than good.
institution than good.
According to Gowon, after waging a civil war for the country’s unity, subsequent coups did havoc on the military profession. He said someone like General Bamaiyi, due to his candour and professionalism, represents the best the military profession has ever produced.
“I commend the candour and integrity of General Bamaiyi and his resilience of standing up and expressing his views to his superiors even when he knew they were not the same with those of his superiors” Gowon said.
He urged Nigerians to find time to document their
odyssey in the public life, so as to give younger generation an opportunity to study what transpired in the past.
odyssey in the public life, so as to give younger generation an opportunity to study what transpired in the past.
