How African Heads Of State Provided Financial Aid To Gen. Gowon Following His Ouster — Col. Dangiwa Umar

How African Heads Of State Provided Financial Aid To Gen. Gowon Following His Ouster — Col. Dangiwa UmarColonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), a former military governor of old Kaduna State, recently shared insights into General Yakubu Gowon’s reaction after his overthrow by General Murtala Muhammed. In a social media post, Dangiwa highlighted Gowon’s selflessness and humility during this challenging period.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Dangiwa recounted that Gowon’s nine-year rule ended on July 29, 1975, while he was attending an Organisation of African Unity (OAU) meeting in Kampala, Uganda. Following his ouster, Gowon held a press conference where he graciously accepted his removal and wished General Muhammed success. He later reached out to Nigeria’s High Commissioner in the UK, Alhaji Sule Kolo, with a poignant request.

Gowon’s wife, Victoria, was in London shopping during the summer sales, and it was suggested that Gowon had her out of the country to protect her amid rising tensions. His Chief of Staff, General David Ejoor, had left for vacation after unsuccessfully urging Gowon to take preventive action against the coup.

Gowon asked the High Commissioner to help settle his wife’s hotel bills, which surprised Kolo. He quickly contacted Dodan Barracks, and upon informing General Muhammed, the new head of state ordered that all hotel expenses for Mrs. Gowon be covered.

Gowon also requested commercial flight arrangements back to the UK. Upon hearing about his situation, several heads of state attending the OAU meeting offered their support, lending him a presidential plane and providing monetary contributions to help him start anew in the UK, recognizing that he could not even afford his wife’s hotel bills.

A few months later, Gowon drew attention when he was spotted in a queue at a cafeteria at Warwick University, attempting to buy food. General Muhammed, surprised by this sight, sent a delegation to persuade Gowon to return to Nigeria with assurances of proper benefits. However, Gowon declined, explaining that he had enrolled in undergraduate studies and preferred to continue his education. He also noted he had no home to return to, having visited his childhood family house in Wusasa, Zaria, in 1987.

Dangiwa described the modest living conditions of Gowon’s family, where he observed simple furniture and the warmth of familial hospitality, emphasizing Gowon’s leadership and self-abnegation. “This is who we are,” Dangiwa concluded, reflecting on Gowon’s character during his time of adversity.

For more information on this article and other related posts from Bushradiogist, please join our WhatsApp channel by clicking this link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaUumOODTkK7AZL1Fw3o. For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 090 1907 0863 on WhatsApp.