General Ishola Williams (retired) has alleged that Yakubu Gowon, during his tenure as Head of State, once confessed he had an excess of funds and was uncertain about their use.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources programme, Williams, a seasoned military officer, expressed astonishment at this revelation, given Gowon’s strategic training.
He pointed out that it seemed particularly incongruous for someone who had received comprehensive training in military strategy and governance.
He further reflected on what he considers a significant oversight during Gowon’s administration.
According to Williams, Gowon’s restructuring of Nigeria into 12 states in 1967 was a pivotal moment. However, Gowon failed to decentralise the powers of the federal government to these newly created states, which Williams views as a critical error.
He argued that this lack of devolution of power prevented the states from exercising more control and improving local governance.
Williams elaborated that Gowon’s decision was a lost opportunity to enhance the administrative capabilities of the states.
By retaining centralised control, the federal government missed the chance to delegate powers and responsibilities that could have led to more efficient and effective governance. This, Williams suggested, could have paved the way for a more balanced and decentralised system of administration, ultimately benefiting the country as a whole.
Ishola Williams said, “Gowon, at his young age, said he had plenty of money and didn’t know what to do with it, and I was surprised that he, as a military officer who is supposed to be trained in strategy, would make such a statement.
“But the one mistake he made is this. Yes, he divided Nigeria into 12 states at that time, but he did not devolve the powers of the Federation because there is one word that is very important in the Federation: subsidiarity. That is what Europeans call it. It is very important.”..……See More
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