Memoirs: How I Confronted Joe Garba On His Plot To Overthrow Me — Gowon

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has recounted how fear, suspicion, and growing distrust marked the final days of his government before the July 29, 1975 coup, offering a detailed reflection in his autobiography, My Life of Duty & Allegiance.

Gowon said intelligence reports in early 1975 warned of a plot by some military officers, including Col. Joseph Nanven Garba and Col. Anthony Ochefu, to remove him from office while he was attending the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Kampala, Uganda.

He explained that although initial reports were treated as routine military rumours, the information later became too persistent to ignore.

“Early 1975, I received clear warnings from several sources that ‘our boys’ were up to something,” he wrote.

Gowon said he eventually summoned Garba for questioning before his trip, confronting him directly over the alleged coup plot.

“I looked Garba in the eye… and confronted him with news of his alleged involvement in the conspiracy against me,” he recalled, adding that he warned the officers that they could proceed if they intended a takeover while he was away.

According to him, Ochefu failed to appear when summoned, while Garba denied any involvement.

The former leader said he proceeded to Kampala despite the tension, stressing that Nigeria’s diplomatic commitments in Africa were more important than the rumours of an imminent coup.

However, while he was attending the summit, his government was overthrown on July 29, 1975 by military officers led by Garba, ending his nearly nine-year rule.

Gowon also reflected on the emotional toll of leadership, warning that fear and suspicion can trap leaders in cycles of manipulation and paranoia.

“Any leader who lives in fear and acts on every rumour of plots… can hardly accomplish anything,” he wrote.

He further described the moment he learnt of his removal, recalling the shock of suddenly facing life outside power.

“The reality that I was out of office dawned on me… in my hotel room in Kampala,” he wrote, adding that his thoughts quickly shifted to his family and uncertain future.

Gowon said the experience underscored the dangers of distrust in governance and the personal cost of political upheaval.