Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has described the Nigerian Civil War as a “difficult necessity” driven by the urgent need to preserve national unity—not by hatred or personal ambition. Speaking during the Annual Conference of the Anglican Men’s Christian Fellowship at Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja, Gowon reflected deeply on the 1967–1970 conflict, which he said remains the most difficult period of his life.
“It was not my choice,” Gowon stated. “But I had to be there and do what I did to keep this country together. It was never about hatred. There is love and respect between us.”
At 91, Gowon recounted the emotional toll of the war, including the loss of his close friend, Major Arthur Unegbe. He emphasized that his leadership during the war was guided by prayer, integrity, and a commitment to doing what he believed was right. “Everything I do is through prayer,” he said. “I ask God to help me act with love and respect for all people.”
Gowon made these remarks shortly after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the event, which was attended by top religious and political figures, including the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba. The Primate used the occasion to call on national leaders to govern with the fear of God, citing corruption, nepotism, and greed as persistent challenges facing the country. He also urged President Bola Tinubu to hold his appointees accountable.
Echoing his long-standing message of reconciliation, Gowon reiterated the principle of “no victor, no vanquished,” which he championed after the war to promote healing and reintegration. He appealed to Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to embrace forgiveness and unity, noting, “This is my prayer—and I ask your prayers for Nigeria so that we can continue to live together as one people, whether Christian, Muslim, or unbeliever.”
Also honored at the event were former High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Christopher Kolade, and Owelle Gilbert Chikellu. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, praised the awardees for their contributions to nation-building, describing them as men of steadfast moral character who have positively impacted lives across Nigeria.
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