Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd) has encouraged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu time to resolve the current situation in the country.
Gowon told journalists after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday that the government is doing everything it can to make life simpler for its citizens.
He noted that no leader in the country is immune to criticism, but those in authority are well aware of the situation.
Gowon gave an example of his experience in authority, specifically during the Civil War, noting that he was chastised for being too slow, but at the end of the day, they completed the task.
The former military leader stated that he was in Aso Rock to discuss the difficulties that have plagued the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and that the issue surrounding the regional body must be handled.
He said: “I made a number of efforts but unfortunately I think because of his busy programme it was not possible for me to see him. But luckily enough, this time he was able to give me the opportunity to see him and to discuss various matters especially the issue of the ECOWAS problem at the moment which I think needs to be resolved. And being the surviving leader, or founding fathers of the ECOWAS I think we had to discuss some of his plans in order to see what can be done to bring the matter under control.
“So, this is what has brought me here and we had a very interesting meeting and I’m sure some of you have read report that I refused to attend ECOWAS conference. Trying to give the impression that it was me who was probably trying to sort of sabotage ECOWAS. No, that is not the case. I think there was a miscommunication but then it gave the opportunity for Mr President to call me so that we can discuss what I was to do.
“So that ECOWAS meeting was part of the discussion we had today. So that has been done and solved.”
Speaking on the prevailing situation in the country, he said “I was telling him (Tinubu) that no Nigerian leader that can get there and will not have all the report of what is being said about him. I think the government is trying their best to deal with the various problems of the country. Don’t you worry you will get criticised but people who get there know better than you know.
“I think all what one can say is that Nigerians, we’ve got to give the president time to get things really done. And it is too early to sort of see absolute result. That is my opinion. I know and if I can remember, when I was fighting the war I was told I was too slow and that probably Nigeria cannot make it and that we should now seek for discussion. Well, did we do it or not? They probably do not know the problem underground so that is where we are.”