Nearly 55 years after the Nigerian Civil War concluded on January 15, 1970, General Yakubu Gowon (retired), who served as the Head of State during that period, recently reflected on the conflict (July 6, 1967 – January 15, 1970), describing it as the most challenging period of his life.
Gowon clarified that the decision of the military government to declare war on Biafra was not motivated by hatred, but by the difficult necessity of preserving Nigeria’s national unity.
He made this known on Saturday in Abuja, where he received a Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese.
The convention’s theme was “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit.”
The conflict tragically resulted in the deaths of millions of Nigerians and Biafrans.
He urged everyone to always uphold the truth and emphasized the critical need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity among all faiths and ethnic groups in 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. It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” he said.
Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.
“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.
“That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he said.
Gowon also lauded the progress Nigeria has made since the civil war and called on all citizens to support government’s efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, congratulated the honourees for their consistency in living with integrity.
Gowon was represented by Mr.John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission.
He said:“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
Quoting Psalm 25:14, he called on men to live right and stand for integrity, regardless of the situation.
Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), who led the convention, lauded the honorees and implored Christians to champion truth, integrity, and courage.
He emphasized the theme’s relevance, stressing the importance of Christians upholding their faith starting within their own homes.
The Archbishop further encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in society, their workplaces, and their businesses.
He said Nigeria desperately needs men and women of honour and integrity, leaders who are dedicated to serving the people rather than accumulating ill-gotten wealth.
“This is because when the home is strong, the church will be, and the society also. So we want to encourage people to be unashamedly Christians.
“They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing; many good people are not taking their stand, and that is why evil men thrive.
“They should stand unashamedly for the right, for the truth and also fight for that which is good and I believe that with time, the light will shine brighter and brighter,”he said.
Quoting Psalm 15: 1-5, he stressed that God was still in search of men and women of honour and integrity, who are defined by what he described as the “four Hs”.
He listed the four attributes to include the heart, head, habit, and humility.
Two other nonagenarians were also honoured in recognition of their exemplary service to the church, the nation, and humanity.
They are Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, a former Minister of Establishment and Chairman, Guaranty Trust Bank.
Persecondnews recalls that Gowon’s post-war efforts to rebuild and reunite the country was encapsulated in 3Rs – Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.
He also introduced the National Youth Service Corps in May 1973.
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