Civil War Was Never Hatred Against Any Tribe, It Was The Most Difficult Period of My Life – Gowon
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), while reflecting on the civil war that lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, described the Nigerian Civil War as the most challenging and painful period of his life, noting that his actions during the conflict were guided by a sense of duty and not hatred.
OTN News further reports that the retired general, who led the country during the war, made this remark late this week in Abuja while receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese.
According to him, 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 hatred against any people, I can assure you. I asked God to help me do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done with love and respect for all the people.”
He further noted that, since the end of the war, his leadership and personal choices have always been influenced by prayer and a commitment to integrity.
OTN News observes that while he was echoing his famous post-war declaration, he added, “As they say: no victor, no vanquished.”
He, however, called on Nigerians to embrace truth, forgiveness, and reconciliation, saying, these are necessary for the country’s continued peace and development.
Also speaking at the event, was the former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John-Kennedy Opara, praised the honourees for living with integrity and touching lives through service.
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.”
In his words, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, called on Christians to uphold values of truth, integrity, and courage.
He stated that, Nigeria needs men and women of honour who are committed to serving the people, not enriching themselves.
OTN News, however, observes that, the event, attended by prominent clerics and Christian leaders, served as a platform to calls for national unity and the revival of moral leadership across the country.
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