By Abiola Olawale
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has opened up about the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), describing it as the most challenging period of his life.
Gowon emphasized that it was never his desire to lead the nation into conflict.
Speaking at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese on Saturday, where he received a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award, Gowon shared heartfelt reflections on the war, maintaining that his actions were driven by a commitment to national unity, not hatred.
He said: “I always remember the Civil War. It was the most difficult period of my life.
“It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did to keep this country together.
“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”
The New Diplomat reports that the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafra War, raged from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, pitting the federal government, led by Gowon, against the Biafra, led by Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The war resulted in millions of deaths and widespread suffering, leaving deep scars on Nigeria’s collective memory.
Speaking further, Gowon stressed that his decisions during the war were motivated by a necessity to preserve Nigeria’s unity, a theme he reiterated while calling for forgiveness and reconciliation across ethnic and religious divides.
He added: “As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do is through prayer.
“I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.
“That is why, in the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished.”
