Photo: Gowon and Tinubu during their meeting
By: Mandy Park
Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Saturday met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saying his visit was primarily to commend the President for what he described as ongoing efforts to improve the country.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Gowon said he came to express appreciation for the work the Tinubu administration is doing across various sectors of national life.
According to the former military leader, Nigeria is making progress economically and the President deserves recognition for his efforts.
“I came to see him and to thank him for all the good work that he’s doing for the country,” Gowon said.
He noted that the administration is working across political, economic and social sectors to address national challenges.
“We had to look at all the good work that the President is doing and the progress that Nigeria is making economically and otherwise,” he added.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, said he believes the current administration is making its best efforts to move the country forward, stressing that governance requires addressing multiple issues simultaneously.
“Isn’t he doing the best he can all round? There is no particular area. Politically, economically and socially, he is doing well,” he said.
However, the former Head of State acknowledged that insecurity remains a major challenge confronting the country, noting that the Federal Government is working to tackle the problem.
“Of course, the major problem that we have today is security, and he is doing everything to deal with those challenges for the good of all Nigerians,” Gowon said.
He further expressed optimism that the government’s ongoing efforts would eventually restore peace and stability across the country.
“If I say that the problem that is happening today, it is only the government — that’s Mr. President — that can really deal with it, and he’s dealing with it the best he can without creating any problem for Nigeria and for the country,” he said.
“So, I can assure you the government is handling it the best way it can to ensure that Nigeria, in the end, can achieve the peace that it requires and deserves.”
Gowon’s visit comes amid ongoing economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange policy adjustments aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s economy and attracting investment.
The meeting also reflects continued consultations between the President and elder statesmen on key national issues, particularly security and economic recovery.
