ONLY weeks after slamming renowned writer Chinua Achebe over what he saw as the latter’s inaccurate account of the Nigerian Civil War events, former war-era military leader of Nigeria and president and founder of the Nigeria Prays Initiative, retired General Yakubu Gowon has fired verbal shot at former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Obasanjo is highly irresponsible to have made such comments about the present government, said a usually measured Gowon at a book launch in Lagos .
“Many people have condemned what he (Obasanjo) did in Odi and Zaki Biam. So, it was irresponsible for him to defend it or accuse the present administration,” Mr. Gowon said.
The former military leader appealed to Nigerians to support President Jonathan’s effort at entrenching a safe environment for Nigerians, irrespective of their locations in the country.
According to Gowon, who didn’t hide his support for the efforts of the current government in combating security challenges in the country, acknowledged that he was not unaware of the security challenges facing the country, but that he was confident that the Jonathan government was doing what was necessary to keep the country safe.
“I know people are concerned about the security situation in the country, but I can assure you that the government is doing everything possible to tackle the situation.
“I remember during my time as Head of State, when we also had grave challenges. Some people said it was impossible to unite Nigeria and that we could not achieve it. Some also said we could not move the state capital from Lagos to another city.
“But, eventually, we were able to subdue the security challenges. I can tell you, we would not have been able to do it, if we did not enjoy the support of Nigerians.
“I urge our people to love and defend the unity of this country at all times. The government should be given the needed support so that it will be able to function.
“I am not saying government should not be criticised when it is doing wrong, but we should not say or do things that will cause more tension and confusion in our land.”
Former President Obasanjo had last week in Warri, during the 40th Anniversary and birthday celebration of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor described president Jonathan’s response to Boko Haram’s insurgency as tepid.
“My fear is that when you have a sore and you don’t attend to it early enough, it festers and becomes very bad. Don’t leave a problem that can be bad unattended,” Obasanjo said.