29 Sep 2016

 Former President of Nigeria, General Dr Yakubu Gowon has commended President Lt Gen.  Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for his “great leadership” saying he was following the footsteps of Botswana’s great leaders who came before him.

Speaking in an interview shortly after his arrival in Botswana on September 29 for the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations, Dr Gowon expressed gratitude to President Khama’s invitation to attend Botswana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.  Gen. Gowon led Africa’s most populous nation between 1966 and 1975.“I am very delighted to be here to rejoice with Batswana for their 50th anniversary at the invitation of the son of my very good old friend, his father, Sir Seretse Khama and Lady Ruth Khama,” he said.

Dr Gowon said he was grateful to be back in Botswana after a very long time to attend the country’s Golden Jubilee.Commenting about Botswana’s independence celebrations, the former president said the event was yet another opportunity to solidify “the excellent relations” that existed between Botswana and Nigeria over many years.

“And of course, especially starting with the period of Sir Seretse Khama in the early 70s, we’ve really been very good friends. And for his son to remember those days and call us to come rejoice with you, people of Botswana, on your 50th anniversary is a great thing and I am delighted to be here.
One of the great lessons that Botswana and its leadership has shown as an example to Africa is that “Sir Seretse Khama, as a traditional ruler of this country, if he had wanted he would have wanted his son to take over when he passed away.”

“But he did not do that. What he did was to allow other national prominent people in Botswana to take over the leadership until that time when his son was mature enough to be able to take the mantle of leadership,” he added.
Second President of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire and third President of Botswana, Mr Festus Mogae, Dr Gowon said were also great leaders “who have shown how leaders could lead a country and ensure its development progress and development and they’ve led with absolute integrity, which is really an example to all African countries.” END