Gowon said this on Monday while
speaking at the meeting of the 8th Commonwealth regional conference for heads
of anti-corruption agencies in Africa.
The meeting which has as its
focal point assets recovery and return, is ongoing in Abuja.
The former head of state said
though some of his ministers then were accused of corruption, his government
worked to curb it so it did not go into the public service.
“During our time, we did not know
anything like corruption. Some of my ministers were accused of corruption but
we did not allow it go into the public service,” he said.
“After I left office, apart from
my salary, it was the staff that worked with me that contributed their estacode
so that i have something to live on. During our time, we did not know that
thing. We were afraid of being exposed.”
Gowon said it is sad to see
reports or articles that portray all former heads of states as “thieves.”
“It is sad to read reports that
all former heads of state are thieves,” he said.
“I will like to ask you (heads of
anti-corruption agencies) to find a way of making those in leadership not to be
tempted – let them be honest.”
The former head of state hoped
that whatever recovered asset is brought back to the country would be good be
used for the good of Nigerians.
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Hello Mr Gowon. Corruption started during your time in office. Dead soldiers names kept appearing on payroll years after the war. Some of your officers were collecting the money into their pockets. Vehicles and other properties of your government were brazenly appropriated. Equipment were sold. And many many more. Accountability in your administration was nil. Your government planted corruption in Nigeria. Your narrative sums it up that you didn't know what you were doing.
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