Following Nigeria’s first military takeover on January 15, 1966, former military head of state General Yakubu Gowon has discussed the role played by the late Sultan Siddiq Abubakar, father of the late Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, in maintaining peace.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Gowon stated in a Symfoni TV broadcast that Sultan Siddiq was called to Lagos by Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who assumed power as Head of State following the coup, in order to defuse tensions.
According to him, the Sultan’s power and deeds at that time were crucial in averting any significant response that may have resulted in further bloodshed or possibly the nation’s total collapse.
Siddiq Abubakar III
According to Yakubu Gowon; “Your Royal Highness Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar the Third,” I know the first, and he is the third. Siddiq Abubakar, the first, was a unique man who made sure that we had to have peace. He arrived after this nation’s first uprising and begged for peace to prevent a backlash. If only things had turned out differently for that man, I wonder what would have happened.”
Speaking Further, he stated; “When General Ironsi invited him to come to Lagos after what happened on January 15th, 1966 and what he did certainly saved the country from totally breaking up at that time. So I give him that respect”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
