Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has cautioned against premature criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa, Gowon urged Nigerians to grant President Tinubu more time to deliver on his campaign pledges. He highlighted that his visit to Tinubu, the first since his inauguration, centered on discussions regarding peace and security in the West African sub-region. When asked about his advice to the President concerning prevailing national challenges, Gowon acknowledged the difficulties but stressed the need to be patient as it is too early to expect perfection.

“I was telling him that there’s no Nigerian leader that can get there, that will not get all of these, all that is being said about him. But certainly, there is no doubt about all that one has heard and seen from various media. I think the government is trying its best to deal with the various problems of the country,” Gowon said. “But with Nigerians, don’t worry, you will get criticised but people who get there know better than you know. I think all one can say to Nigerians is that they have to give the President time to get things done and it is too early to sort of say a perfect result will be achieved. That is my opinion.

“At least, if I remembered, I was told that I was too slow, fighting the war and that probably Nigeria would not make it and we should seek for discussion. Well, did

we do it or not? They probably did not know the problem there on the ground there,” he added.