Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that he rejected an offer from former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin to help him reclaim power after the 1975 coup that overthrew him. The revelation is contained in his newly released memoir, 'My Life of Duty and Allegiance', which was unveiled in Abuja last week.
The Overthrow at the OAU Summit
Gowon was removed from power on July 29, 1975, in a bloodless coup led by Brigadier Murtala Muhammed, while he was attending the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Summit in Kampala, Uganda. In his memoir, Gowon recounts that on the second day of the summit, he noticed a visibly agitated Idi Amin, who was furiously beckoning him to approach the high table. Amin handed him a Reuters news dispatch announcing that he had been overthrown in Nigeria.
Idi Amin's Offer
According to Gowon, Amin later visited him in his hotel suite and volunteered to put the firepower of the Ugandan Air Force at his disposal so he could fight the coup makers and regain his seat. However, Gowon declined the offer, stating that he did not want further bloodshed or instability in Nigeria. He said, "I quickly asked myself if it was the proper thing to do... I chose to do right."
Gowon's Reaction
Gowon noted that he felt a sense of relief upon reading the news of his overthrow, as he realized the worst possible outcome had already occurred. He added that the Nigerian High Commission had not informed him of the development, which he found surprising. The coup ended the Kampala Summit prematurely, as many heads of state hurriedly left Uganda to safeguard their positions at home.
Historical Context
The mid-1970s were a turbulent period in post-independence Africa, with numerous coups and military takeovers amid Cold War rivalries, economic downturns, and internal political tensions. Gowon's account provides fresh insight into the international dimensions of the 1975 coup and his decision to prioritize national stability over personal ambition.
