Gowon joins Obasanjo, IBB others in boycotting Buhari’s June 12 Democracy Day

Unlike the May 29 inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, former head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, was absent at the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary held in Abuja at the instance of President Buhari. Gowon had, perhaps, joined other former presidents and heads of state of the Nigerian government in boycotting national activities organized by the President Buhari. By protocol, all former presidents and heads of state should get official invitation to such national event from the presidency, which National Daily learned was sent out.

Rt. General Gbadamosi Babangida

Apparently, the former presidents and heads of state who include Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo, retired General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, retired General Abdusalami Abubakar, including the head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, were all absent at the Wednesday June 12 anniver4sary at eth Eagles Square, Abuja.

Ex President Goodlock Jonathan

The major difference this time was the presence of leaders of some African countries who include President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania; President Paul Kagame of Rwanda; President George Weah of Liberia; President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo; and President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana.

General Yakubu Gowon

Others include President Macky Sall of Senegal; President Adama Barrow of Gambia; President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic; President José Mário Gómes Vaz of Guinea-Bissau and President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic.