GOWON REFLECTS ON NIGERIA’S CIVIL WAR, CALLS FOR FORGIVENESS AND UNITY

Former Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon described the country’s civil war as the most challenging period of his life, saying it was “not my choice” but a necessary measure to preserve national unity. Speaking at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship in Abuja, Gowon emphasized that his decisions during the conflict, which lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, were driven by the country’s interests, not hatred.

“It was the most difficult period of my life,” Gowon said. “I had to be there and do what I did to keep this country together. It was never hatred against any people, I can assure you.”

Gowon, who led Nigeria during the civil war, urged Nigerians to foster forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities. He highlighted that his life after the war has been guided by prayer, love, and respect for everyone. “As far as this heart is concerned, everything I do is through prayers,” he said. “I ask God to help me do the right thing with love and respect for all people.”

The former head of state also acknowledged Nigeria’s significant progress since the civil war, quoting the famous phrase “no victor, no vanquished” to emphasize the need for mutual understanding. Gowon was honored with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the convention ¹ ².