“Please Sir, You Cannot Succeed Yourself” — Jerry Gana Recalls Bold Letter to General Abacha
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Prof. Jerry Gana, has opened up about a daring political stand that could have cost him and others their lives — confronting late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, over his plan to remain in power.
In a TVC News interview, Gana described how the turning point came after the late Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, challenged Northern political leaders to tell Abacha to his face that he could not transition from military ruler to civilian president.
The Secret Kaduna Meeting That Changed History
Following Ekwueme’s challenge, a high-level meeting was convened at the Kaduna residence of elder statesman Alhaji Adamu Ciroma. There, about 18 influential Northern leaders gathered and openly discussed the dangerous issue.
In an act of remarkable courage, they collectively signed a letter to Abacha, stating in clear terms:
“Please, you cannot succeed yourself.”
At the time, opposing the military regime was a direct invitation to political persecution — or worse. But these leaders chose principle over personal safety.
How This Quiet Resistance Paved the Way for Democracy
Gana explained that the Ciroma meeting became a pivotal moment of unity against authoritarian rule. It was one of several underground efforts that kept Nigeria on the path toward democracy, culminating in the 1999 transition to civilian government.
He urged today’s leaders to remember that defending national interest often requires unpopular — but necessary — decisions.
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