Former Military Head of State and elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), has suspended a planned reception to honour some public office holders in the country.
The banquet of honour, initially scheduled for Sunday, 19th November 2023, was intended to recognize the contributions of key figures such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, state governors, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Gowon, in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Mr Adakole Ijogi on behalf of the Planning Committee, stated that the decision to postpone the event until early next year was influenced by the prolonged legal matters arising from pending election litigations at the Court of Appeal.
The statement expressed regret for the development and assured that a new date would be confirmed shortly.
The statement reads, “On behalf of the Banquet of Honor Planning Committee wishes to most dutifully inform all invited dignitaries and guests of a shift in the date of the banquet to another day early next year.
“This is unfortunately due to the prolonged legal matters arising from the elections yet to be resolved.
“Please accept our most profound apologies for the date change, as we shall soon confirm a new date and shall delightfully renew our invitation to all dignitaries and guests.”
Election litigations: Gowon suspends reception in honour of Wike, Akume, others