Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has said his decision to prosecute the Biafra civil war was never driven by hatred, but by the urgent need to preserve Nigeria’s unity
Gowon, who led the country during the conflict from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970, made the statement in Abuja on Saturday while receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese.
“The civil war was the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there and do what I did in order to keep this country together,” he said. “It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”
Gowon stressed that his actions were motivated by the need to hold the country together, not by malice or hostility toward any group.
He urged Nigerians to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across ethnic and religious lines.
“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,” he added.
“That is why at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished.”
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