Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), has said the Nigerian Civil War was not an act of ethnic hatred but a painful necessity borne out of the duty to preserve national unity.

Gowon, 91, made this statement on Saturday at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) of the Diocese of Abuja, which was hosted at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) also presented him with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award.

“I remember the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there—and had to do what I had to—to keep this country together,” Gowon said.

“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you. Apart from that, there is love and respect between us.”

Gowon said he had no ill will towards any group, even though the civil war had been brutal. Instead, he said, his administration’s post-war approach was shaped by a deep commitment to reconciliation.

He noted that his leadership decisions were guided by prayer 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 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 also praised the progress Nigeria has made since the war and offered a prayer for continued unity and peace, saying, “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 unbeliever.”