Gowon: Officer, gentleman and …lover boy

It is the sort of public show of affection common among youngsters. At over 80, ex-Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon seems to be saying he is young at heart.

At a service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, to mark the 80th birthday of former Head of Interim National Government (ING) Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Gowon and his wife Victoria, the former First Lady, who was admired for her beauty and poise in those days when “money was not our problem…”, showed that there is no age limit to exhibiting love for one’s partner.

Gen. Gowon, the Civil War hero, showed his soft side as he helped madam to remove her necklace – it was not really clear whether it was a set of common beads or something of a luxury, such as diamonds that dangle on the necks of the rich – when she was to receive the Holy Communion. This provided the architect of “no victor, no vanquished” the opportunity to play the “lover boy”.

Without minding the crowd of congregants around, Gen. Gowon dutifully helped madam to fix the necklace back after she had received the communion.

But the “stubborn” necklace was difficult to fix. Seeing that Gen. Gowon’s face was beaded with perspiration, a woman offered to help, but the General won’t give in. The service was soon over and Gen. Gowon completed the task.

He carried out the assignment with the clinical concentration of a surgeon at work.

When it was all over, the General’s face showed his sense of accomplishment. Madam’s face was wreathed in smiles – to the admiration of the congregants who saw the fascinating scene.

Good job, the women among them must have been saying.