Gowon had planned the banquet to honour the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Minster of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, state governors and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

A statement signed by Mr Adakole Ijogi on behalf of the Planning Committee said that the epoch-making event was originally slated for Sunday, November 19.

According to Ijogi, Gowon chose to hold the planned banquet at a later date in 2024, to enable those having pending election litigations at the Court of Appeal to concentrate.

“On behalf of the Banquet of Honour Planning Committee, we wish to inform all invited dignitaries and guests of a shift in the date of the banquet to another day, early next year.

“This is unfortunate 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.”