Bishop Kukah recounts how El-Rufai revoked Gowon’s Abuja land
Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has shared details about how Nasir El-Rufai revoked a plot of land in Abuja that belonged to former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. Speaking at a review of Gowon’s autobiography, Kukah highlighted the challenges Gowon faced after leaving office, including years in exile and loss of property. Kukah also discussed the support Gowon received from senior military figures and the crucial role played by his wife, Victoria Gowon, during difficult times. The memoir, according to Kukah, offers deep insights into Nigeria’s political history and Gowon’s personal struggles.
What we know
- Matthew Hassan Kukah revealed that Nasir El-Rufai, as FCT minister, revoked a plot of land allocated to Yakubu Gowon in Abuja.
- Gowon initially had no property in Abuja and only received land after intervention by senior military officials, including General Babangida.
- The property was later restored to Gowon after the intervention of Theophilus Danjuma and others.
- Kukah’s review of Gowon’s autobiography highlighted the hardships faced by the Gowon family in exile, with Victoria Gowon supporting the family through various means.
- The memoir also details Gowon’s relationships with key figures like Olusegun Obasanjo and the challenges he faced returning to Nigeria after exile.
