Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has called for patience and support for President Bola Tinubu as he navigates the myriad of challenges confronting the country.
Gowon made this appeal to the nation following a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House on Wednesday.
Gowon, addressing the press, emphasized that it is unrealistic to expect the president to deliver “absolute results” just eight months into his tenure.
Reflecting on the criticisms and expectations that come with leadership, Gowon shared insights from his own experience during his time in office, particularly during the war, where he faced similar pressures and doubts about his leadership and the country’s prospects.
The former leader pointed out that the complexities of governing a nation are often not fully appreciated by the public.
“People who get there know better than you know,” Gowon remarked, suggesting that the president is more aware of the challenges and the measures needed to address them than the general public might realize.
Gowon also highlighted that his discussions with President Tinubu included the recent issues surrounding the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), underscoring the importance of resolving the regional bloc’s current dilemmas.
As one of the surviving founding fathers of ECOWAS, Gowon expressed his willingness to offer insights and support to help navigate the organization’s challenges.
In his call for patience, Gowon urged Nigerians to give the president time to implement his policies and work towards resolving the country’s problems.
He underscored the need for constructive dialogue and support for the government’s efforts, rather than premature judgments or criticisms.