Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has said Nigeria is making progress under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President is doing his best to address the country’s challenges.
Gowon spoke with journalists after paying a courtesy visit to the President at the State House Abuja, where he said he came mainly to appreciate the efforts of the administration and to encourage the President in his leadership.
“I came to see him and to thank him for all the good works that he’s doing for the country. We had to look at all the good work that the President is doing and the progress that Nigeria is making economically and otherwise”, the elder statesman said.
The former military leader, who governed Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, said he was satisfied with the direction the country is taking under Tinubu’s leadership.
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When asked by journalists what areas the President should improve upon as his administration progresses, Gowon declined to single out any particular sector, saying the President appears to be working across different areas of governance.
“Isn’t he doing the best he can all round?” he asked rhetorically, adding “so there is no particular place, every other area; political, economic, social, etc.”
Gowon also acknowledged the security challenges facing the country but said the President is taking steps to deal with the situation.
“And, of course, 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.
According to him, leadership requires attention to several issues at the same time, and the President must continue to protect the country’s interests.
“He’s got to look after the interests of Nigeria in all areas, and I’m happy about that,” Gowon added.
The former Head of State was also asked about the message he would give Nigerians in view of the challenges facing the country.
Responding, Gowon said the responsibility for addressing such issues rests with the government, expressing confidence that the administration is handling the situation.
“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.
He expressed hope that the efforts of the government would lead to peace and stability in the country.
“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.
The visit comes as President Tinubu continues consultations with national leaders on governance, security and development.