Former Nigerian head of state Yakubu Gowon has disclosed why he decided to publish his autobiography to explain the decisions taken during his years in office, including those made during the Nigerian Civil War.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the memoir in Abuja, Mr Gowon said he wrote the book to give his account of events that have been discussed by historians, political figures and former military officers over the years.
“By choosing to write, I took a conscious decision not to reopen old wounds but to clarify my thinking on policies and plans at a period often narrated by others,” he said.
“My story is one of conviction evaluated by circumstances at the crossroads of expectations and reality.”
The autobiography will be presented on May 19 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
President Bola Tinubu is expected at the event as special guest of honour, while former defence minister Theophilus Danjuma will unveil the book.
The 881-page memoir, published by Havilah Group, traces Gowon’s childhood, military career and emergence as Nigeria’s leader on August 1, 1966.
A major part of the book focuses on the Nigerian Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970.
Group chief executive officer of Havilah Group Lanre Adesuyi said the publication was part of efforts to preserve Nigeria’s history and contribute to national discussions.
Born in 1934, Yakubu Gowon ruled Nigeria for nine years before he was removed from office in 1975.
After leaving office, he obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984.
He later focused on peacebuilding and health advocacy through the Yakubu Gowon Centre and the Nigeria Prays movement.
