Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has asked Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu time to resolve the prevailing situation plaguing the country.
Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Gowon said government is trying its best to make life bearable for its citizens.
He said there was no leader in the country that would not be criticised, but the fact remains those at the helm of affairs know what is happening.
Gowon gave an example about his experience in power especially during the Civil War, explaining that he was criticized then as being too slow, but added that at the end of the day, they got the job done.
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The former military leader said he was in Aso Rock to discuss the challenges that had dogged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), saying that the issue surrounding the regional body needs to be resolved.
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.”
