Former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has stated that the Biafran civil war was never his choice, describing it as the most difficult period of his life.
Gowon, who led Nigeria during the war from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, made these remarks after receiving a Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award at the fifth convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese, on Saturday.
He clarified that his decision to prosecute the civil war was not driven by hatred, but by the urgent need to preserve national unity.
The former Nigerian leader called for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity among all faiths and ethnicities.
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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 in order to keep this country together.
“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”
Reflecting on his life after that period, the former Head of State emphasized that his decisions were consistently guided by prayers and a commitment to acting with integrity and compassion.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.
“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 at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added
