Former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has described the Nigerian Civil War as "the most difficult period" of his life, emphasizing that the conflict was never his personal choice but a necessary action to preserve national unity.

Speaking after receiving a Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men's Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese on Saturday, Gowon clarified that his decision to prosecute the war was not motivated by ethnic animosity.

"I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life," Gowon said. "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."

Leadership During Crisis

Gowon, who presided over Nigeria during the civil war from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, reflected on how his decisions throughout that challenging period were guided by prayer and a commitment to integrity.

"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," the former Head of State explained.

He emphasized the importance of his post-war reconciliation policy, adding, "That is why at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished."

Call for National Healing

The 90-year-old statesman used the occasion to call for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across Nigeria's diverse faiths and ethnicities. His remarks come at a time when ethnic tensions continue to challenge Nigeria's national cohesion.

The Biafra Civil War, which lasted for 30 months, resulted in the loss of an estimated one to three million lives, primarily from starvation and disease. The conflict began after the eastern region of Nigeria, led by Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared independence as the Republic of Biafra following ethnic tensions and violence.

Gowon's "no victor, no vanquished" policy after the war and the subsequent reconciliation efforts have been credited with helping to rebuild the nation, though debates about the war's legacy continue to this day.

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