Safeguard Nigeria’s interests, across all sectors – Gowon urges Tinubu 

Former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Saturday, commended efforts by  President Bola Tinubu, to tackle economic challenges and insecurity, but said the President must continue to safeguard Nigeria’s interests across all sectors.

The elder Statesman gave the charge on Saturday, while speaking with State House Journalists, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential Villa, Abuja.

He emphasised that leadership requires balancing multiple priorities simultaneously, adding that “the President must continue to safeguard Nigeria’s interests across all sectors.

“He’s got to look after the interests of Nigeria in all areas, and I’m happy about that,” Gowon added.

According to him” the ultimate responsibility for addressing current challenges confronting the country ultimately lies with the government.”

Gowon who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, commended President Tinubu for his efforts to advance reforms and drive progress across critical sectors.

He explained that his visit was primarily to express appreciation for the administration’s efforts and to encourage the President in his continued leadership of the country.

“I came to see him and to thank him for all the good works that he’s doing for the country. We had to look at all the good work that the President is doing and the progress that Nigeria is making economically and otherwise”, the elder statesman said.

He noted that the President  is tackling the nation’s challenges comprehensively across key areas of governance.

“Isn’t he doing the best he can all round?” he asked rhetorically, adding “so there is no particular place that has been left out. He is working to address every area; including political, economic, social, areas.

He further observed that the country is making steady progress under the leadership of President Tinubu and expressed satisfaction with the overall direction of governance.

Gowon also acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges but maintained that the President is taking the necessary measures to address the situation in the interest of national stability and progress.

“And, of course, the major problem that we have today, the security area, he’s doing everything to deal with those for the good of all Nigeria,” he said.

The elder state man expressed confidence that the administration of President  Tinubu is doing its best to manage the situation.

“If I say that the problem that is happening today, it is only the government today, that’s Mr. President, that can really deal with it, and he is dealing with it the best he can without creating any problem for Nigerians and for the country,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the efforts of the government would eventually yield the peace and stability the nation seeks.

“The government is handling it the best it can to ensure that Nigeria, in the end, achieves the peace that it deserves, that it requires and it deserves,” Gowon said.