Against the backdrop of rising public indignation at former leaders who retire to a life of stupendous affluence, General Yakubu Gowon says he values a good name than silver and gold.
Of the six living former heads of states and presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida are perceived to be the wealthiest.
Speaking exclusively with Sunday Sun in Lagos last week, Gowon, who disclosed that he was forced to rule Nigeria as a military head of state against his wish, said accumulation of wealth while in public office is sinful.


Billionaire ex-presidents/ Daily Sun news online Sunday 9/9/2007  By Emeka Enyinnaya

Against this backdrop, many have naively said, "If we can prove they stole any money, probe them.
What an ingeneous comment to hide stolen loot andabsolve those we know to be the biggetsthieves on the face of the earth.

For how else could IBB, Abdulsalami, Obasanjo and other military Heads of State have amassed such stupendous wealth reputed to be in the billions of dollars, pounds or other! How on earth can one amass such wealth on a soldiers income, without an industries or other companies of record??

Going a step further, how could a police officer, custom officer or any other military and paramilitary officer amass any large amount of money running into millions of dollars? This brings to mind,  Atiku, Balogun, current comptroller general of the custom and many police officers in the higher echelon!

Only in Nigeria do you have people in the services (includes civilians in ministries) become so tremendously rich, while earning salaries!  Instead of people askiing relevant questions as to sources of these riches, they are worshipped, protected and such inane postulations as "probe if you can prove it" offered.

How do you prove a crime, unless you probe and investigate the matter?
We have outsmarted ourselves in our quests to always put the cart before the horse!
Nigerians, stop being smart by half!!!!!!!!!