Isaac Samuel
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has declared that his actions during the Nigerian Civil War were never motivated by ethnic hatred, particularly against the Igbo people, stressing that his decisions at the time were based solely on the necessity to preserve the unity of the country.
Gowon stated this yesterday in Abuja while receiving the Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese of the Anglican Church.
Gowon, who led Nigeria through the 1967–1970 conflict as military Head of State, said his leadership decisions were guided by prayer and a commitment to fairness, compassion, and national unity.
He said: “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.”
Gowon, who was Nigeria’s military head of state during the war, said his decisions then and since have always been guided by prayer and a desire to act with compassion and fairness.
“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 called on Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and promote values that foster peace, truth, and integrity.
He also noted that Nigeria has made progress since the end of the war, and called on citizens to support efforts to build peace and uphold values that promote mutual respect.
The event was chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John-Kennedy Opara.
In his remarks, Opara commended the awardees for their service and integrity.
“These are men who have touched lives,” he said. God has used them in different ways to shape this nation.”
Quoting Psalm 25:14, he added, “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, praised the recipients for exemplifying truth, courage, and integrity, and charged Christian men to reflect those values at home, in the workplace, and in the wider society.
