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FOREWORD

Phillip Asiodu: A Legacy of Dedication and Service

The mid-1960s to the mid-1970s was a time of contrasts for Nigeria. The turbulence of the Civil War, where the nation fought for its unity was followed by a period of prosperity when we were able to plan for peace and progress. Managing such dynamic change required efficient leadership and a dedicated Civil Service. The Civil Service of this time was the ‘engine room of government’, staffed by individuals of the highest integrity, whose loyalty was central to the survival of Nigeria and the unity of her people. Phillip Asiodu was one of these officials.

Our paths first crossed in October 1963 during the early planning phase for celebrations marking Nigeria’s Independence. Both Phillip and I were on the planning committee; I was there as the Army representative and tasked with the responsibility of planning ceremonial activities for the celebrations and Phillip was a senior Civil Servant.

Phillip’s painstaking attention to detail was apparent from the start. As with all representatives on the Committee, Phillip assiduously studied my presentation, not in an overly antagonistic manner, but in the tradition of the quality colonial Civil Service. After one of our genially stormy meetings, I was compelled to ask: ‘Who is that cantankerous young man?’ (Note: we were just about a year apart in age). Far from being difficult, Phillip Asiodu was driven by the wish to seek the best for the event.

I particularly remember ‘the rising grass episode’, where, at the height of tensions brought about by the July 29, 1966 coup, Phillip and some of his fellow Permanent Secretaries risked life and limb to see me at the Army Barracks in Ikeja. On arrival at the barracks they plead that I do everything within my power to prevent the purported breakup of Nigeria. This was hours before I assumed office as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

In the years after I became the Head of State, Phillip and I would work together more closely. Phillip continued to grow in stature and became one of a number of senior Civil Servants that Nigerians often refer to as ‘Super Perm Secs’ – Abdul Aziz Attah, Allison Ayida, Phillip Asiodu and Ahmed Joda. Whilst all Permanent Secretaries served Nigeria to the best of their abilities, the pseudonym ‘Super Perm Sec’ is reserved for the specific group of dedicated Permanent Secretaries who made an immense contribution to shaping the policies of my administration.

From before the outbreak of hostilities until my overthrow from government on July 29, 1975, Phillip Asiodu’s loyalty did not waver despite him losing a relation in what was dubbed the ‘Asaba Massacre’.

In the years since his retirement from the Civil Service, Phillip has continued to do his best for Nigeria. He is one of the men that providence has used to help define the course of Nigeria’s history. I am confident that history will be kind to him and to all the Commissioners/Ministers and other civil servants of my time.

Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR
Former Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria.