Gowon: Nigeria’s civil war not my choice… it was most difficult period of my life

Yakubu Gowon, the former military head of state, says the duration of the Nigerian civil war was the most difficult period of his life.

Gowon was head of state during the civil war which lasted from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970.

Speaking on Saturday at a convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese, Gowon said the decisions he took during the civil war were not driven by hatred but the interest of the country.

The ex-military leader urged Nigerians to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities.

“I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life,” NAN quoted Gowon as saying.

“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 hatred against any people, I can assure you.”

Reflecting on his post-war lifestyle, he said his life has been anchored on prayers to God, love and respect for everyone.

“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers,” Gowon said.

“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 that Nigeria has made significant progress after the civil war.

Gowon was honoured with the lifetime integrity and achievement award at the convention.