By Alphapressmedia
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), has dismissed claims that the late President Muhammadu Buhari governed Nigeria with a regional bias, insisting that the former leader served the entire country fairly throughout his eight years in office.
Speaking at Buhari’s first-year remembrance ceremony held in Abuja on Monday, Gowon said Buhari remained committed to the welfare of all Nigerians, regardless of region or ethnicity.
“He takes care of all people in the country. His time in office was to take care of all Nigerians, not only the North,” Gowon said.
Addressing the widespread perception that Buhari favoured Northern Nigeria, Gowon rejected the claim, stressing that the former president ensured every part of the country received equitable treatment.
“Some think he was only president for the North. No, he made sure all states, all parts were treated equally and fairly. This is credit to him,” he added.
The elder statesman also commended Nigerians for honouring Buhari’s legacy and reflected on the tense atmosphere surrounding the 2015 presidential election.
According to Gowon, he was attending an African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when concerns mounted among delegates over the possibility of post-election violence in Nigeria.
He recalled that the situation was defused after then-President Goodluck Jonathan accepted the election outcome even before the final announcement of the results, a move Gowon described as a remarkable act of statesmanship that helped preserve peace and democratic stability in the country.
The remembrance ceremony brought together political leaders, government officials, diplomats, military officers and other dignitaries to celebrate the life and contributions of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
