Obi, Olaopa celebrate Gowon at 90

Labour Party’s (LP) candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed his admiration for General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) on his 90th birthday.

In a message on his X-handle, Obi highlighted the ex-Head of State’s commitment to love, peace, and unity in Nigeria, especially during turbulent times.

Obi reflected on Gowon’s life of service, calling it one of sacrifice and leadership that has left a lasting impact on the nation. He acknowledged the elder state’s role in preserving the country’s peace and sovereignty during a critical period in its history.

As the nonagenarian celebrated the significant milestone, Obi prayed for his continued health and wisdom, emphasising the importance of his legacy in guiding future generations towards a more united and prosperous Nigeria.

The message reads in part: “I am privileged to join other Nigerians of goodwill to celebrate a highly respected leader and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday anniversary.

“In a time of hate, you stood for love. At a time of strife, you stood for peace. At a time of division, you stood for unity.

“Your life of service to our great nation, Nigeria, stands as one of sacrifice, leadership, and unity.

“Your steadfast commitment to preserving the peace and sovereignty of Nigeria during a challenging period in our history will forever be remembered and revered.”

SIMILARLY, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof Tunji Olaopa, at the weekend, described the celebrant as a “personification of the Nigerian essence, the Nigerian spirit.”

Olaopa, in his congratulatory message, said he strongly believed that “providence specifically inscribedGowon’s life with a unique purpose that intersected that of Nigeria.”

Noting that he did not make that claim flippantly, Olaopa explained: “To be born before the founding of such a combustible nation as ours, and to have matured to receive a calling to fight a war to elevate an artificial creation of the British colonialist – a mere geographical expression – to quote Chief Obafemi Awolowo – to the status of a state worth preserving, is nothing less than a defining trajectory.”

The FCSC boss added: “When as a nation we were confronted with a ‘to be or not to be’ dilemma in our evolution, General Gowon chose Nigeria. With that choice, General Gowon brought a significant dimension to the importance of the minority ethnic groups in crystallising the Nigeria Project. That being a clarion call to the majority ethnic groups that Nigeria did not only belong to all of us, it is God’s divine programme.”