Gowon: Edwin Clark’s book chronicles major events under my administration

Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former head of state, says “Brutally Frank” — a book by Edwin Clark, the convener of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), — chronicles events that happened under his administration. 

The former head of state spoke in Abuja on Thursday during the launch of the book, which is an autobiography of Clark.

The occasion, which was chaired by Gowon, had President Bola Tinubu; Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP); Maryam Abacha, wife of the late former head of state; Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; Ado Bayero, Emir of Kano, Theophilus Danjuma, former Nigeria’s chief of army staff; among personalities in attendance.

Gowon said Clark, who served as the federal commissioner for information and foreign affairs during his administration, had worked in explaining government policies and enhancing national unity during his time as a public officer.

He praised the elder statesman for his strong character and respectful expression of his views.

“I can assure you, I’ve never had any difficulty or argument with him. It was most amicable and respectfully given,” Gowon said of his relationship with Clark.

“However, considering a strong personality, there were of course times that he would vehemently disagree with his colleagues, commissioners and military officers and worked hard to convince them of why his own position is better than theirs.

“He was helpful not only in explaining government policies and programmes in the efforts to rebuild our unity in the country. I also find him useful in our vision of building a common identity within the West African sub-region.

“I, therefore, found his personality and partnership skills assets in visiting various West African countries to canvass the need for us to have a common regional body which today is known as ECOWAS.

“So this book, “Brutally Frank”, therefore, is a very useful chronicle of what transpired in Nigeria during his lifetime of service.

“I am hopeful that the younger generations would be better informed on the experiences, which have brought the country to what it is today on which our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who would have been here with us but represents the centre of our common aspirations of peace, unity and progress.”