Former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Wednesday disclosed that he was never prepared to rule Nigeria.
Gowon ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, during which he led Nigeria through its civil war, the Biafra civil war.
He became Nigeria’s ruler at the young age of 31 years old after the assassination of Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.
On July 29, 1975, Gowon was overthrown in a bloodless coup while he was attending an OAU summit in Kampala, Uganda.
He was immediately replaced by Murtala Mohammed.
However, in an interview with Arise Television, Gowon disclosed that he had a strict upbringing and religious background.
He said: “It was 31 going to 32, and I had a good upbringing from home, school, and military training. I was brought up in a very strict religious environment, so I feel back because I was not prepared to rule Nigeria.
“But I was loyal to my country and Head of State. I was not trained to rule, but my upbringing helped me to learn how to deal with situations the best way you can.
“But of course, you can’t do it alone. You have other people around you.”
