I was born and raised here. I had my early elementary education and secondary education before proceeding to the prestigious northern premier second generation university, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. When you know so much truth but choose to keep quiet or lie, one day, your tongue will spill out the truth as it can no longer suppress and contain the pains of its twists.
Our Elder Statesmen and Senior Citizens
1. Gen. Yakubu Gowon
Former Military Head of State, 1966 to 1975. Led Nigeria through the Civil War and championed post war reconciliation with the policy of “No victor, no vanquished”.
2. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo
Former Military Head of State, 1976 to 1979, and Former President, 1999 to 2007. Oversaw the transition to the Second Republic and later returned as a civilian president.
3. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida
Former Military President, 1985 to 1993. Instituted economic reforms and created two new states. His regime conducted the annulled June 12, 1993 election.
4. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar
Former Military Head of State, 1998 to 1999. Transitioned Nigeria to the Fourth Republic within 11 months and handed over to an elected government.
5. Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe
Former Chief of General Staff and de facto Vice President of Nigeria under General Ibrahim Babangida from 1985 to 1986.
6. Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma
Served as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003. He retired as a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army. He was Chief of Army Staff from 1975 to 1979.
7. Chief Emeka Anyaoku
A Nigerian diplomat who served as the 3rd Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations from 1990 to 2000. He was also a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and has held various leadership roles, including Chairman of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and Chancellor of the University of Calabar. Anyaoku was the first African to hold the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General.
8. Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu
A Nigerian politician and diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs twice, 1987 to 1989 and 1990 to 1991, under military ruler Ibrahim Babangida. He also held other key roles, including Military Governor of Imo State, 1984 to 1985, and Ambassador.
9. Prof. Ango Abdullahi
A Nigerian academic and politician. He served as Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, 1979 to 1986, and was Special Adviser on Food Security to President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is a former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum. Note: He did not serve as OPEC Secretary General. That position was held by Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, 1995 to 2000.
10. Prof. Ibrahim Gambari
A Nigerian diplomat and academic who served as Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs from 1984 to 1985 under General Muhammadu Buhari. He served as Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, 2020 to 2023, and as UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, 2005 to 2007. Note: He was not Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2007. That role was held by Olu Adeniji, 2003 to 2006, and Joy Ogwu, 2006 to 2007.
11. Navy Capt. Alfred Diete-Spiff
A Nigerian military officer who served as the first Military Governor of Rivers State from 1967 to 1975. He was later a civilian member of the Rivers State government. Note: He was not Governor from 1979 to 1983. That was Chief Melford Okilo under the NPN.
12. Maj. Gen. Zamani Lekwot
A retired Nigerian Army Major General and politician. He served as Military Governor of Rivers State, 1975 to 1978, and later Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was also involved in efforts to manage conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
To mention just a few. As it is my sincere hope they’re all alive to see how Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been plagued by insecurity, corruption, persistent killing, kidnapping, and terrorist attacks even getting worse.
