Former Nigeria military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has stated that he was left with no choice than to enter the Nigeria-Biafra war of 1967 to 1970 to keep Nigeria united.
The former military leader stated this on Saturday in Abuja, during the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Diocese of Abuja, held at St. Matthew Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.
According to him, the Civil War was never driven by hatred, but by a difficult necessity to preserve national unity.
Gowon, therefore, emphasized the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities.
He said, “I remember the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there. And I had to do what I had to—to keep this country together.”
The former Head of State made this disclosure after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award by CMF.
Speaking on the execution of the war, he said, “It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you. Apart from that, there is love and respect between us.”
The former military leader, now 91 years, recalled personal losses during the war. These he said included the death of his friend, Major Arthur Unegbe, for whom he served as ‘best man’.
Reflecting on life after that era, the former leader stated that his decisions have been guided by prayer and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.
He said, “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 the love and respect from all the people.
“That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” Gowon added.
Appraising Nigeria ‘s development since after the war, Gowon praised the progress the nation has made since the civil war. This is as he called on all citizens to support the government’s efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect.
He said, “This is my prayer. And I ask your prayers for Nigeria so that we can continue to unite and live together as one people. Irrespective of our faith, whether Christian, Muslim, or unbelievers.”
Alongside General Gowon, the Christian Men’s Fellowship also honoured two other distinguished Nigerians; Dr. Christopher Kolade and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu.
Dr. Christopher Kolade, 93, is a respected diplomat, corporate executive, broadcaster, and academia. While Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, CON, 95, is a renowned former Federal Permanent Secretary often described as a “Super Permanent Secretary” for his pioneering work in Nigeria’s civil service.
The awards were presented in recognition of their exemplary services to the Church, the nation, and humanity.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, urged Christian men to uphold truth, integrity, and courage.
He said, “The Lord is still in search of men of honour and integrity.”
The Primate also referenced the “four Hs” that define godly men – heart, head, habit, and humility.
In her speech, the wife of the Primate, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, who is also the President of the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, commended the honourees. She described them as “men of courage” who have lived honourably in an age of moral decline.
She said, “Despite their age, they have stood strong for the Lord and His Church.”
In a tribute delivered on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, praised the honourees for their consistency in living with integrity.
He said, “These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation.”
Quoting Psalm 25:14, he added: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
Former Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, described Gowon as “a son of a clergy who inherited integrity and forgiveness.”
He noted that despite presiding over Nigeria during the height of its oil boom, he refused to enrich himself.
“He uncharacteristically left office without even building a personal house,” Bogoro remarked.