Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has shared his reflections on the Nigerian Civil War, describing it as the most difficult period of his life.
Gowon spoke Saturday in Abuja after he was honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Anglican Diocese of Abuja.
Speaking on the 30-month war that lasted from 1967 to 1970, Gowon emphasised that his actions during the conflict were driven by a desire to keep Nigeria united, rather than hatred for any particular group, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
“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.” Gowon said, “It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”
Gowon explained that his decision-making is guided by prayer and a desire to do what is right.
“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 said.
Reflecting on the war’s outcome, Gowon noted, “That is why at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished.”
Gowon’s statement echoes his long-held stance on the war, which he fought to preserve Nigeria’s unity. In a 2015 convocation lecture at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Gowon reiterated his commitment to a united Nigeria, emphasising that “no single identity group, society or community has all the answers or resources to solve its immediate and even long-term needs”.
Gowon’s reflections on the war highlight his emphasis on reconciliation and unity, as encapsulated in his famous phrase, “no victor, no vanquished.”
This approach guided his actions during and after the conflict, shaping Nigeria’s post-war reconstruction efforts
