The Nigeria war time Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon has confessed that participation of military in government had done more harm to the country than good.
He described army officers who staged various coups to oust civilian governments as self-serving rather than out of patriotism.
General Gowon, who spoke today at the launching of a book: ‘Vindication of a General,’ written by former Chief of Army staff, retired Lt. General Ishaya Rizi Bamaiyi, emphasized that military participation in politics did more harm to the institution than good.
According to Gowon, after waging a civil war for the country’s unity, subsequent coups did havoc on the military profession.
He said that someone like General Bamaiyi, due to his candour and professionalism, represents the best the military profession has ever produced.
“I commend the candour and integrity of General Bamaiyi and his resilience of standing up and expressing his views to his superiors even when he knew they were not the same with those of his superiors.”
The war-time leader called on Nigerians to find time to document their odyssey in the public life so as to give younger generation an opportunity to study what transpired in the past.
The book presenter, Professor Sam Egwu, described the book as a moving narration that is hinged on humility and forgiveness.
He said that the 252-page book is laced with accounts of betrayals and personal deprivations of someone who rose from a corporal to become the Chief of Army Staff.
The book, according to Egwu, is divided into four sections, with 16 chapters.
Beyond being a moving narration by an army general on the various betrayals and the power games that trailed military politics in Nigeria, the book reviewer said ‘Vindication of a General’ is a book that unveils certain issues of the past.
Distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life attended the event, among them are Minister of Defence, retired General Dan Manir Ali, former Secretary to the government of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Yayale, Ambassador Shehui Malami, Senators Saminu Turaki, Adamu Aleiro, Shehu Sani, former Chief Security Officer to General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Kola Abiola, son to late MKO Abiola and retired military generals. [myad]
