HEVP, Sen. Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM arrives at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, for the Public Presentation of the Autobiography of General (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, GCFR.
Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM , today at the launch of elder statesman Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography, spoke on the need for unity, trust, and peaceful coexistence among the leadership and followership in the country, as… pic.twitter.com/eAs2NAeMoX
President Tinubu To Gen. Gowon: Your Memoir Is A Compass For Nigeria’s Future
Says ex-head of state’s life stands as rebuke to those trying to reduce nation’s diversity to regional, religious stereotypes
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT has described the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, as an important national document that offers guidance for Nigeria’s future, regional cooperation and the preservation of national unity.
The Nigerian leader particularly called for wide circulation of the memoir across the country, noting that it is a civic inheritance for all Nigerians.
Speaking on Tuesday during the public presentation of the memoir at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM , said the reflections of leaders who witnessed defining moments in the nation’s history remain essential to strengthening democratic stability and national cohesion.
President Tinubu said Nigeria must preserve its historical memory to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, stressing that societies that fail to learn from their history risk drifting into division and uncertainty.
“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” he said.
President Tinubu observed that the former Head of State’s account was arriving at a time when Nigeria and the wider West African region continue to grapple with insecurity, economic pressures and social fragmentation, making the lessons of reconciliation and statesmanship even more relevant.
The Nigerian leader praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation efforts, particularly the declaration of “No victor, no vanquished,” describing it as one of the defining principles that helped preserve Nigeria’s unity after the civil war.
He said peace and national healing require deliberate policies built on trust, inclusion and shared citizenship.
“The decisions of that period cannot be understood by those who examine them with the arrogance of comfort. Every generation that inherits peace must learn to speak gently about the choices made in the season of peril,” he said.
The President added that national unity must be sustained through institutions and policies that encourage interaction, fairness and mutual understanding among citizens.
He highlighted the role of the National Youth Service Corps as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s administration, saying the programme has helped bridge ethnic, cultural and religious divides across generations.
According to him, shared national experiences remain vital to building a stronger federation and deepening trust among Nigerians.
President Tinubu also said Gowon’s life stands as a rebuke to divisive narratives that attempt to reduce Nigeria’s diversity into rigid regional or religious stereotypes.
“His story teaches us that the Nigerian project becomes stronger when a citizen refuses to become a weapon in the hands of sectarian entrepreneurs,” the President said.
On regional affairs, the President commended General Gowon’s role in the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States, describing the regional body as one of the continent’s most important platforms for economic cooperation and collective security.
He said the founding vision behind ECOWAS remains critical as West Africa confronts terrorism, political instability and economic disruption.
“We need cooperation against insecurity. We need trade that empowers our young people. We need diplomacy that prevents conflict from becoming contagion,” he said.
The President maintained that Nigeria’s prosperity and security are closely tied to the stability and development of neighbouring countries.
President Tinubu said General Gowon’s influence extends beyond his years in office, describing him as a statesman whose commitment to peace, unity and national service has endured across generations.
Earlier, Gen. Gowon said he only needed to tell his truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what is right or wrong.
He said speaking out became necessary because his “story and that of Nigeria became intertwined,” adding that the book reflects his modest attempt to document the opportunity he had to serve Nigeria.
Ahead of the 2027 election, he advised Nigerians against listening to “naysayers,” maintaining that the nation, which did not fail under his watch, will never fail despite the country’s challenges.
On his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan who was chairman of the ocassion, described the book is a fitting presentation of the living testimony and reflection of a leader during the era of Nigeria’s turbulent history.
He said the former leader deserved commendation for his farsightedness and vision for a united and prosperous nation, which according to him is manifested in the many legacies of General Gowon.
Jonathan observed that memoirs such as "My life of duty and allegiance" will help preserve institutional memory and deepen public understanding of critical phases and decisions in Nigeria’s history.
In his review of the book, the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, His Lordship, Matthew Kukah, noted that the book is a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history through a civil war, and General Gowon's personal travails and life's journey, which is important as the nation continues to navigate through similar challenges.
He added that different sections of the book provide valuable insights to events during the General's reign as head of state, noting however that no autobiography summaries history in totality as each account presents a particular point of view.
While praying for Nigeria's continued unity and progress, Bishop Kukah assured the gathering of God's continuous favours and blessings for the country, noting that "God will continue to do great things for Nigeria".
In his welcome address, the CEO of Havilah Group, Akogun Lanre Adesuyi, emphasised the significance of publishing biographies and autobiographies as a civic duty that goes beyond keeping records to the preservation of history and promotion of thought leadership as critical tools for national development.
He said the publication of the Gowon Autobiography was a befitting icing on his career as a publisher and preservation of Nigeria’s cherished history, describing the book as a quintessential history to be read by students and enthusiast of Nigeria’s historical development.
Also present at the event were former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar; representative of the first lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; former first lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang; Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Arts Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III; CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; serving and retired senior military officers as well as traditional and religious leaders, amongst others.
Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) 19th May, 2026
They said President Jonathan bought their Jiji PDP Nomination Form for President. They said President Jonathan will submit the form yesterday. They said President Jonathan will come for screening today.
We no see any form. We no see Jonathan to submit any form yesterday. We no see Jonathan for screening today.
Seyi Makinde, Turaki and dem Gbajue (419) Jiji PDP announced that President Jonathan is now their Presidential Candidate. They said they gave him WAIVER not to personally submit his forms and come for screening.
Abeg, dem dey contest Presidential election on behalf of someone?
I Didn’t Mastermind Obasa’s Impeachment — Desmond Elliot
The Surulere lawmaker also expressed surprise over Femi Gbajabiamila’s public comments linking him to the saga.
By Donatus Anichukwueze Updated May 19, 2026
The lawmaker representing Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has denied allegations that he played a leading role in the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in 2025.
Elliot’s reaction followed claims by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who recently suggested that the actor-turned-politician was among those behind the controversial move against the Speaker.
Gbajabiamila made the remark during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos last Thursday, where he said Elliot’s involvement in the crisis nearly cost him his position.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Elliot dismissed the allegation, insisting that he neither initiated nor masterminded the impeachment process.
According to him, he was outside Nigeria when Obasa was removed as Speaker and only signed the impeachment document after returning and discovering that the majority of lawmakers had already endorsed it.
“It was a topic that was already dead and buried. It was sorted out and the House is already moving on. Right Honourable Mudashiru Obasa continued as the Speaker of the House,” Elliot said.
“I did not mastermind anything. I had nothing at all. The only thing I did was to append my signature when I came back and I saw a bunch of us, if not all of us, had already appended a signature to say, ‘Oh, it was the party who wanted it.’ “But eventually, the number one Asiwaju called and said, ‘I didn’t order that, I didn’t know anything about it,’” he added.
Elliot further explained that he initially believed the directive to remove Obasa had come from the Presidency, which informed his decision to support the move.
He said President Tinubu later clarified that he neither approved nor directed the impeachment, after which lawmakers restored Obasa to office.
‘Gbaja’s comments shocking’
The Surulere lawmaker also expressed surprise over Gbajabiamila’s public comments linking him to the saga.
“So, my leader coming to say this — that he almost lost his job — one I have served and who has always been there for me for this long, to have said that, came to me as a shock,” he said.
Elliot, who is seeking a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, also addressed reports that the APC leadership is backing Barakat Odunuga-Bakare to replace him.
Despite the speculation, he said no party leader, including Gbajabiamila, had asked him to step down from the race ahead of the party primaries.
“Because I was not asked by him, my leader (Gbajabiamila), never,” Elliot said. “Even the day I declared, I flew to Abuja to see him again to tell him, ‘Oga’, which is how I call him, ‘Oga, I am here again.’
“But at the end of the day, I am here to also serve the people. I do have the leadership, I do have the people. So, the president has said let the people decide. If they want you to continue, you continue.”
He also alleged that members of his political camp in Surulere were facing intimidation and called on the party leadership to intervene.
“We are being intimidated in Surulere. If you know you are popular on ground, do not intimidate the people,” he said.
Obasa impeachment saga
Obasa was impeached early last year following allegations of abuse of office and gross misconduct levelled against him by lawmakers in the Lagos Assembly.
Following his removal, then-Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda emerged as Speaker, becoming the first woman to occupy the position in Lagos State.
However, Obasa rejected the impeachment upon his return to Nigeria and challenged the decision in court. Weeks later, Meranda stepped down and Obasa was reinstated as Speaker following the intervention of President Tinubu.
A court subsequently nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the Assembly that led to Obasa’s impeachment.
“I always seek his (Gbajabiamila) opinion. He’s my leader. I can't speak about my leader, I’m trained not to.”
— Desmond Elliot, lawmaker, speaking on his relationship with Femi Gbajabiamila and his role during the Assembly leadership crisis involving Mudashiru Obasa… pic.twitter.com/drUdo8uI9E
Lawmaker Desmond Elliot reacts to comments made by Femi Gbajabiamila regarding the Mudashiru Obasa leadership crisis, admitting he was stunned to hear his 'leader' almost lost his position.#SunriseDailypic.twitter.com/Dehx3K4pSW
"I was in South Africa for a wedding when the impeachment of Obasa commenced. I was confused when I returned. I saw my colleagues signing and I signed too thinking the order was from the presidency until the president called us to return the speaker which we did." — Desmond Elliot
"I was in South Africa for a wedding when the impeachment of Obasa commenced. I was confused when I returned. I saw my colleagues signing and I signed too thinking the order was from the presidency until the president called us to return the speaker which we did." — Desmond… pic.twitter.com/cmnY8rzWVp
Femi Ayinde Marshal is the son of King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal. He currently serves as the Special Assistant on Entrepreneurial and Skills Development to the Speaker of the Nigeria House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. He previously served as an aide to the chief of staff to President Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
@femimarshall
I was the one asked to lead all the aspirants into a room. Gbaja asked them to speak with one another and decide on the way forward, while still appealing to them to support Desmond. He wasn’t such a terrible person then, right?
Hon Laguda Hon Barakat Leye Bukky Hon Desmond
I personally took Desmond around in 2022 when nobody wanted him. I begged people for him, and they supported him. Only for him to see me in Abuja and refer to me as “my enemy” today is Monday, Wednesday is next tomorrow.
In this picture, he was thanking her for how she carried his election on her head. She was asked to step down, but she didn’t go home to sleep! she worked tirelessly for him.
This is not hearsay. Na me wear white. I handled the situation room for his election.
ALLEGED BREACHES OF CYBERCRIMES ACT: COURT GRANTS ELRUFAI 100 MILLION BAIL
A Federal High Court has granted former Governor of Kaduna state Nasir El Rufai N100m bail with one surety in like sum in the DSS charges of alleged National Security Breach.
ALLEGED BREACHES OF CYBERCRIMES ACT: COURT GRANTS ELRUFAI 100 MILLION BAIL
A Federal High Court has granted former Governor of Kaduna state Nasir El Rufai N100m bail with one surety in like sum in the DSS charges of alleged National Security Breach.
Politics › Re: President Tinubu To Gen. Gowon: Your Memoir Is A Compass For Nigeria’s Future by naptu2(op): 8:11pm On May 19
