Eminent lawyer and politician, Oba Mekunu Owolabi Salis, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside influential public institutions and individuals globally, to advocate for the Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
In a recent tribute marking Gowon’s 90th birthday, Salis praised the former leader as one of Africa’s most effective and admired statesmen.
Salis lauded Gowon’s handling of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, commending his emphasis on national unity and reconciliation. Gowon’s “no victor, no vanquished” policy, paired with his well-known strategy of “Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Re-integration,” famously referred to as the “Three Rs,” played a crucial role in reintegrating the Igbos into Nigerian society after the war.
According to Salis, this forward-thinking approach positions Gowon as a deserving candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.
“It is for this remarkable display of leadership that General Gowon stands out as a prime candidate for this prestigious award,” said Salis.
The lawyer-politician, who made history as the first Black African to visit both the North and South Poles, emphasized Gowon’s unmatched dedication to national unity.
Salis further highlighted Gowon’s adept leadership in assembling a team of notable figures such as Tony Enahoro, Obafemi Awolowo, and Aminu Kano, known for their patriotic commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
According to Salis, this strong team underpinned Gowon’s administration and solidified his status as one of Nigeria’s most effective post-independence leaders.
Reflecting on historical events, Salis noted that Gowon’s decision to release Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison and appoint him as Vice-Chairman of the Federal Executive Council was pivotal. This act not only eased the tension among the Yoruba people, who felt marginalized following Awolowo’s conviction, but also solidified a sense of national unity.
Salis argued that this move helped Gowon to effectively engage the Yoruba political elite in the pursuit of Nigeria’s unity.
He also stressed that this opportunity given to Awolowo, who never became an elected president despite his immense contributions, served as a fitting acknowledgment of his service to Nigeria.
Awolowo’s role in Gowon’s administration, particularly his management of the wartime economy without resorting to external loans, demonstrated his exemplary leadership, according to Salis.
Salis recounted Gowon’s reconciliation efforts with prominent figures, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. He recalled how Gowon surprised the nation by publicly apologizing to Soyinka for his detention during the civil war—a move that showcased his humility and willingness to make amends.
Salis also praised Gowon’s resilience during personal and political challenges, such as the military coup that overthrew him while he was attending an OAU summit in Uganda. Salis admired Gowon’s transition from military ruler to student life at the University of Warwick, noting how he handled the transition with grace, despite facing public scrutiny and allegations of complicity in the Dimka coup.
Salis concluded by emphasizing Gowon’s legacy of moral courage and faith in justice, asserting that his journey symbolizes the triumph of truth over falsehood. “Gowon’s enduring commitment to national unity and reconciliation is an inspiring testament to his statesmanship and a clear indicator of his deserving candidacy for the Nobel Peace Prize,” Salis declared.
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