This book is
marvellously well researched and written, focusing on a former leader of
Nigeria who was in power during the civil war (Yakubu Gowon). The author
(biographer) has a lot of respect for Gowon's wife, Victoria, as he commends
her character, and her support for her husband (now for like 5 decades in
marriage!). He sums her up: " Generally she is a straightforward and frank
lady". Yet one would have appreciated it more if the author had managed to
write more about how the couple met, their feelings whilst young... although
hopefully, the lady herself can tell the "juicy" story in a book too
(eg there is a famous book written about Obasanjo, former Nigerian President,
by his first wife, Oluremi) But of course the main focus of this particular
book is General Gowon himself.
- Madolyn Chukwu
The protagonist is now recognised as a great African statesman, and nation-builder - and his much cherished wife is still right beside him!
ReplyDeleteI like Gen Gowon. He always comes across as a good, jovial man; a pacifist.
ReplyDeleteIncredible that the Great Man (Gowon) was so young when he became the number One man in a country as diverse and Nigeria. Nowadays we call people in their 40s in politics "young"; so what do we call Jack Gowon!!!!!
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