General Yakubu Gowon Fight Tears As He Narrates Muritala Mohammed’s Coup That Took Him Out Of Power by Citynobs May 16, 2025, 1:09 am According to a recent video by ESET TV, Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), was visibly emotional as he recounted the 1975 coup that removed him from power during the launch of The Military Factor in Nigeria’s Contemporary History. Serving as chairman of the occasion, Gowon reflected on the military’s deep imprint on Nigeria’s history, including the burden of leadership during the civil war and his eventual ouster by General Murtala Mohammed. Gowon recalled his shock upon returning from a training in the UK, only to be caught in the chaos of Nigeria’s first coup within 36 hours. “I was meant to be on leave, but duty called,” he said, his voice breaking at points. Speaking to a hall of military veterans and historians, Gowon emphasized that while military rule came at a democratic cost, it also helped prevent national collapse. He urged Nigeria’s youth to learn from history, not to imitate it, but to build a better future. “Let this be the beginning of deeper engagement with our past,” he concluded.
