'Criticize Buhari positively' - Fmr. Head of State urges Nigerians

Former military Head of State, Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on Thursday, called for support for President Muhammadu Buhari-led-government, saying administering political leadership was not an easy task.

Gowon made the call while speaking to reporters during his condolence visit to the Obafemi Awolowo family over HID Awolowo's death at the family's country home in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun.

The former military leader urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the present administration, adding that he had utmost confidence in the leadership qualities of Buhari to increase the country's fortunes.

He said Nigerians should always make their demands to government known through appropriate channels, noting that positive criticism was good toward improving the nation's socio-economic challenges.

"Whenever any government comes in, it is highly important to give it time to be able to really put things right. Nigeria is not an easy place to govern.

"I can assure you that there are as many problems as there are Nigerians in the world and everybody wants to do things in a particular way, in his own way and probably for his own interest.

"When you think of that as a leader, you ponder how you are going to get all the ideas together and do things right.

"When you have problems in a nation, it is not easy to get rid of them overnight.

"I think we have got to be patient with our president and then we have to cooperate with government to get things in order.’’

Gowon further appealed to Nigerians to always seek peace to fast-track national development and support Nigeria's fight against insurgency by being vigilant at all times.

He said "peace in the country will lead to prosperity. We must work together for peace and a unified Nigeria, there is no two ways about it.’’